Bring crosses to worship this Sunday

The historian Eusebius, in his Life of Constantine, tells how this Roman emperor ordered the erection of a complex of buildings in Jerusalem "on a scale of imperial magnificence," to set forth as "an object of attraction and veneration to all, the blessed place of our Savior's resurrection." The overall supervision of the work-on the site where the Church of the Holy Sepulchre now stands-was entrusted to Constantine's mother, the empress Helena.

In Jesus' time, the hill of Calvary had stood outside the city; but when the Roman city which succeeded Jerusalem, Aelia Capitolina, was built, the hill was buried under tons of fill. It was during the excavations directed by Helena that a relic, believed to be that of the true cross, was discovered.

Constantine's shrine included two principal buildings: a large basilica, used for the Liturgy of the Word, and a circular church, known as "The Resurrection"-its Altar placed on the site of Jesus' tomb-which was used for the Liturgy of the Table, and for the singing of the Daily Office.

Towards one side of the courtyard which separated the two buildings, and through which the faithful had to pass on their way from Word to Sacrament, the exposed top of Calvary's hill was visible. It was there that the solemn veneration of the cross took place on Good Friday; and it was there that the congregation gathered daily for a final prayer and dismissal after Vespers.

The dedication of the buildings was completed on September 14, 335, the seventh month of the Roman calendar, a date suggested by the account of the dedication of Solomon's temple in the same city, in the seventh month of the Jewish Calendar, hundreds of years before (2 Chronicles 7:8-10).

Holy Cross Day provides Christians an opportunity to view our Lord's sacrifice of himself outside of the penitential nature of Good Friday.  On Holy Cross Day, we glory in the cross because it is the throne from which Jesus continues to reign as King over all.  We glory in the cross because it gives us a clear vision about what kind of followers and church we are called to be.  Since this Sunday is September 14 and we will be celebrating Holy Cross Day, please bring crosses of all types to be blessed during worship.

Last Chance to Register for Girl's Night Out

Come to Girl's Night Out tomorrow evening, September 12, at 6:30pm.  A fabulous salad bar will be served in Chisholm Hall with DVD entertainment by Christian comedian Anita Renfroe.  Reservations are necessary; cost and fun is provided by St. John's Women's Group (AWE). 

Make your reservation today using this link or by signing up on the list in Chisholm Hall.

Upcoming Acolyte Training

Every person at St. John's has a ministry -- no matter how old, no matter how young. All baptized persons at St. John's are invited and welcomed to explore ministry as an acolyte -- no matter how old, no matter how young... as long as you can carry the gospel book!  Acolyte gatherings for lunch and learning will be scheduled in the next two months.  Please contact Sister Heather Rollins or the parish administrator to learn more.

See the Presiding Bishop at the National Acolyte Festival

Every Sunday, we pray for Katharine, our Presiding Bishop.  Next month, you could have a chance to see her at the Washington National Cathedral and hear her preach! You are invited to join the St. John's acolytes at the National Acolyte Festival, to wear your vestments for the grand Festival Procession, to meet acolytes from all over the country, and to learn about streamers, liturgical dance, or the stone gargoyles in the Cathedral.  Will you join us?  The registration deadline is coming up quickly, so please contact Sister Heather Rollins or the parish administrator right away!

Position Open

With the departure of Stephanie Ryder and her family to South Carolina at the end of this month, St. John's is now taking applications for the 3-hour per week Publications position she is vacating.  Looking for good pay and flexible hours?  Have experience with Microsoft Word and Publisher?  Email your application today to this link!  

For the Church

Justin, Archbishop of Canterbury; Katherine, the Presiding Bishop; Holly, our bishop who is away on sabbatical; David, our visiting bishop; Derek, our priest; Heidi & Russ, our missionaries in Chile; our parish staff, wardens and vestry

For Justice and Peace  

For those in any Need or Trouble  

In our Parish: Bobby Barclay; Sophie Belouet; Donald Bowles;  Kevin Carrigan; Mary Colby; Jake Devers; Bill Edwards; Darryl Foytik; Ron Fritz;  Vivian Hillman; Mavia Hudgins; Dody Johnson; Clifford King Harbin; Dody Mason; Bob McBride; Arlene Peterson; Carol Phipps; Alice Robbins;  Betty Jo Ross; Sue Taylor; Jennie Todd; Sonny Wilkinson; Andre Williams; Mark Woodland

Thanksgivings