Failing Purlins Provide Shared Ministry Opportunity

Trinity Church, Portsmouth has discovered some significant structural issues with their roof which will require them to cease using  their historic worship space well into the new year.   Essentially a number of massive roof purlins are cracked and are in danger of no longer being able to support the load of the roof.  The people of Trinity will worship in their parish hall each Sunday while these costly and time-consuming repairs are being made.

Fr. Derek has offered St. John's worship space for Trinity's use.  They will need it particularly for any weddings and funerals they may have during this time.  These events will appear on our parish calendar as "Trinity Church @ St. John's."  A Trinity funeral is already scheduled in our worship space for October.  Please pray for our Trinity sisters and brothers that God will bless and sustain their ministry during this challenging time!

Pilgrims in Christ

Pilgrims in Christ, Journey #5 will begin in mid-October.  Interested in strengthening your spiritual journey?  Want to learn more about God and the History of Salvation?  Always wondered what "xyz" means?  Need to update your credentials to serve at St. John's (Diocesan Council, Vestry, Lay Eucharistic Minister, Lay Eucharistic Visitor, etc.)?  Enjoy meeting new people?  Want to learn more about how we worship in the Episcopal Church?  Just want a great free meal and fellowship on Thursday evenings?  Then Pilgrims in Christ is the process for you to experience. 

Begin praying for those God is bringing to this process.  Click here to send an email indicating your interest!  Please indicate if you will need provided childcare.

What's in a number?

Last Sunday, Senior Warden Nancy Johnson and Vestry Member Jeff Fremeau shared the following information with those attending each of our Sunday worship celebrations.

This is an incredible church.  We have so much to celebrate.  We are so excited about all the ministry opportunities we have, including the wonderful growing ministries for the children of our parish, work with the homeless,  small groups, and Pilgrims in Christ just to name a few.

Our historic building is a wonderful tool for ministry at St. John's.   In the past, we have only been able to make "band-aid" patches.  Thanks to the generosity of you--God's people in this place--we have begun to be able to make substantial improvements-permanent fixes-- for the long term: Memorial Garden, Tiffany altar window, Tower Bell Gabriel, Founder's Chapel wall and window, HVAC replacement and building repairs for Christian Formation, updated sound equipment, all the new Catechesis atria for children-over $100,000 to date this year.  Let's celebrate this wonderful blessing!

The generosity in giving to God through your gifts to St. John's has been incredible and the results are showing through the Holy Spirit bringing growth and excitement to this place.  Even so, I would ask that you look at the back of your bulletin-we are showing a

Remember, if you have pledged a certain amount per week, we are counting on that amount every week whether you are present in worship or not.  It might surprise you to know that this pledge deficit is largely due to folks not catching up on the weeks they are not in worship! 

God is moving in this church.  God is moving through you.  Thank you for the blessing you are as individuals and as a parish! 

Join a Small Group

Small groups at St. John's are called "Scott's Creek," in honor of the first such group that met in a home on the banks of Portsmouth's Scott's Creek.  Small groups are a great way to deepen your faith, build friendships, and become more connected to the St. John's community.

What began as one group has now multiplied to three!  Scott's Creek Small Groups continue to multiply and we invite you to become a part.  You are invited to become a part of Scott's Creek Group 3.  The group meets Sundays at 5:30pm (October 12 & 26; November 9 & 23).  Email Dick Devers or call him (757.630.6884) to get connected!

St. John's Community Oyster Roast

Celebrate fall as St. John's hosts an Oyster Roast for our wider community on Saturday, November 15.  Live music will be provided by the Olde James River Jazz Band.  Save the date, begin to invite your friends, and look for registration details in upcoming editions of St. John's eNews!

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; Charles Beard; 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; Cody Miller; Arlene Peterson; Carol Phipps; Alice Robbins;  Betty Jo Ross; Sue Taylor; Jennie Todd; Sonny Wilkinson; Andre Williams; Willy Wolter; Mark Woodland; Joy Young

Thanksgivings