www.stjohnsportsmouth.org30 October 2014

Root Beer saint

 


 

I tasted root beer for the first time at an A & W Drive-In.  In our white, 1961 Buick station wagon a "baby buger, fench fies, and a moot beer" (sic) became my standing order.  Though having the burger and fries was great, nothing could compare to that wonderful elixir served in a frosted mug.

Some twenty-five years later, Jack Tuton offered me Root Beer in a frosted mug.  A retired Episcopal priest, he had invited me to lunch just after my ordination.  That lunch began a soul friendship fostered by good food, deep sharing, and always a frosted mug.

Jack, though once a physically strong and dynamic rector of a major parish in Asheville, NC, was now suffering from a debilitating and painful disintegration of his spinal column.  He constantly wore a back brace to keep the weight of his upper body from crushing his vertebrae and spine.  He was forced to spend hours confined to a chair.

Instead of a curse, that chair became a holy place of blessing.  From that chair Jack prayed, provided spiritual direction, watched the beauty of God's creation, attended to the business of the day.  I often forget his physical limitations because his life was so vital.  He had once been an avid gardener, and insisted on moving his chair out on the porch or into the yard.  Roses, as long as they were red, were his favorite flower.

Jack always kissed me on the cheek upon arrival and departure.  He was real.

The sandwiches and soup served during those twice monthly lunches became holy food and the Root Beer, holy drink.  In that tidy house in north Asheville, the Kingdom of God came near to us.

For me his death was sudden and unexpected.  I took the overnight bus from Indianapolis to Asheville to be a pall bearer at the funeral.  I wept through the singing of "For all the Saints who from their labors rest."  As Jack's casket was being placed in the hearse so that his body could be taken to the crematorium, I had to touch it just once more.  Anguish poured forth as I fought this separation.  His widow, Ernestine, squeezed my shoulder.  I missed the kiss goodbye.

Whenever I drink Root Beer, I think of Jack.  I find myself praying for him, giving thanks to God that his quiet suffering has ended, that this faithful warrior has come to the calm of paradise the blest.  In my mind's eye I picture him joining with us in the heavenly chorus' song, "Holy, Holy, Holy," as the Holy Spirit makes real for us the feast of Christ's Body and Blood.

There are times when I sense that Jack is praying for me.  I am thankful for his intercessions.  I am keenly aware that in Christ, not even death can separate us.  Though I have a hunch that Root Beer isn't on the menu of God's heavenly banquet, I do know that there will come a day when Jack and I will once again feast face to face in God's presence.  The frosted mug won't matter.  But I do look forward to the kiss.

J. Derek Harbin, rector

 

This Sunday is All Saints' Sunday

 

Don't miss worship this week as we celebrate the Feast of All Saints, one of the Seven Principal Feast Days of the Christian year.  Scripture tells us that we are surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses who have gone before us and one day, God willing, we will join them! 

 

Bring in your photographs of the past saints who have made a difference in your life (framed or unframed) and help us surround our worship space with the earthly images of those who are now in the presence of Jesus.

 

Give thanks for the gift to our parish of a new cloth-of-gold cope (cloak) that will be worn by Fr. Derek for the first time during the Liturgy of the Word at all three Eucharists, given in loving memory of Ross Carter King (mother of Clifford King Harbin and grandmother of Miles, Mitchell, & Clare Harbin) by her husband and children.  Celebrate at the 11am Eucharist with the Ryder family as we baptize their daughter Katherine on behalf of their new church family, Church of the Holy Communion in Charleston, SC.  Support those who will be carrying banners to honor loved ones who have died in the last year.  Embrace your vocation as a saint of God!  

 

Make your Brunch Reservation for Consecration Sunday!

Sunday, November 9 is our congregation's Consecration Sunday.  Please plan now to attend two important events on that day: morning worship at 8, 9 or 11 and a brunch following each worship celebration (a catered meal, not a potluck.)  To plan for food preparation, we are asking those who have not already done so to make reservations by emailing or calling the parish office (399.4967).  Please indicate the number attending and the worship service you will attend on 11/9.    

 

Turkey Trot is coming!

 

Get ready to trot to your friends and neighbors to collect food items for Thanksgiving Baskets for those in need in the Portsmouth area.  Due to the timing of food distribution, collection cards will be distributed on Sunday, November 9.  Take these to your classmates, co-workers, neighbors, family and friends to collect items (or cash for Turkey & pies).  Pick these items back up from them and bring the food items to Chisholm Hall sometime between November 10 and 18. (Please do NOT bring earlier as there are significant events being held in Chisholm Hall and the space is needed for these groups).  Place the items under your household zip code.  Bragging rights from 2013 belong to "Greater Hampton Roads"....let's see who will win this year!!

 

St. John's Community Oyster Roast, 11/15

 

Celebrate fall as St. John's hosts an Oyster Roast for our wider community on Saturday, November 15 beginning at 2pm.  Oysters, Brunswick Stew, Hot Dogs, Beer, and more!  Live music will be provided by the Olde James River Jazz Band.   $25 for adults (12+), $5 for children (ages 6-11), and young children (ages 5 and under) are free.  Purchase your tickets online today!

 

Miscellany

 

Eastern Standard Time resumes for All Saints' Sunday.  Don't forget to turn your clocks back one hour on Saturday night.

 

Christian Formation for all ages continues on Sunday.


Pilgrims in Christ, Journey #5 has begun, but it is not too late for you to be a part!  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.  Click here for easy, online registration!


Race for Breath in memory of parishioner Suzanne Noles.  Suzanne's family and friends were blessed last year by St Johns' contributions and participation in the annual Race for Breath, a charity fundraiser for lung cancer research.  Suzanne's team raised $3400.  Due to popular demand, this race will be held again on Nov 1st @ 9:00 am at 24th Street Boardwalk, Virginia Beach, VA.  Suzanne's family would be honored by your continued support and God's blessing again this year.  Click on this link to race or donate to Suzanne's Sea Stars team.


An Introductory Centering Prayer Workshop will be held on Saturday, November 15 at Church of the Holy Family (1279 N Great Neck Road) in Virginia Beach from 9:30am-3pm.  This is a great way to prepare for Advent.  Come and learn this ancient prayer form of the desert Fathers and Mothers, the contemplative tradition of our Catholic heritage.  Participants will learn the essential conceptual framework to begin Centering Prayer as an individual practice.  The workshop includes four presentations, experiential practice, a delicious lunch, and ample time for questions.  The cost is $30 and includes lunch.  Tuition assistance is available.  Contact Nancy Hess (757.468.9256) for a registration form.  Recommended by Mother Julia Dorsey Loomis.

 

Take a Pilgrimage to Scotland and England.  Pilgrimage is truly praying with your eyes open.  Spirits are renewed, friendships are formed, and lives can be changed forever.  Just ask those who participated in the transformative Advent 2012 Holy Land pilgrimage sponsored by our parish!  St. John's Church is pleased to announce that our next pilgrimage opportunity will be September 12-25, 2015 as we explore the spread of Christianity from its roots in the Holy Land to England and Scotland.  In Exploring our Anglican Spirituality, pilgrims will walk in the footsteps of many early Celtic and Catholic saints who were central to forming the unique Anglican heritage we cherish in the Episcopal Church today.  Though sponsored by St. John's Church, this pilgrimage is open to anyone who desires to journey with us.  The pilgrimage is limited to a total group size of 30.  Brochures are available in Chisholm Hall or via this link.  Is God calling you to be a part?

 

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 (November 9 & 23).  Email Dick Devers or call him (757.630.6884) to get connected!

 

Content deadline for St. John's eNews is Tuesday before publication.

 

The Parishioner Corner of our Website has news you can use.  Here you can access the latest parish directory, parish handbook, access worship ministry schedules, and read approved minutes of vestry discussions and actions as well parish financial reports.  Need or don't remember the password?  Click here.  

 
Parish Calendar

Click here to access our Parish Calendar


In our Prayers this Week

If you would like to add a name to the prayer list, please contact the prayer chain.

 

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 Peace in the Middle East & Ukraine; for those African nations suffering with Ebola; for Barack, our president;  Terry, our governor, Ken, our mayor; for the city of Portsmouth; for Mac Baechtold; Erin Elliott; Carolyn Higgins; Trevor Jackson; Nate Kingsbury; George Lang; Nicholas Reyes; Dariana Torres; Bill Wolter who are serving our country overseas or away from home; for the Coast Guard Personnel on watch and on patrol from Coast Guard Base Portsmouth.

 

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; Dody Mason; Bob McBride; Arlene Peterson; Carol Phipps; Alice Robbins; Betty Jo Ross; Martha Rush; Al Taylor; Sue Taylor; Jennie Todd; Dave Walker; Millie Wilkerson; Sonny Wilkinson; Andre Williams; Mark Woodland; Joy Young

Related to our Parish: Ceci (mother of Chris Austin); Barbara (mother of Dody Johnson); Sue (wife of Tom Hanrahan); Dick (brother of Arlene Dragseth); Kaleb (grandson of Lena & Larry Simmons); The Downes Family (daughter of Jeff & Doreen Sheler); Joseph (friend of Franklin Marzullo); Kathy (friend of Andy Graham); Betty (mother of Linda Mathews); Hope (premature granddaughter of Dave Jacobsen [Mardi Gras & Oyster Roast band leader]); Skip (brother of Anne Davis); Lowry (friend of Anne Davis); Wally (boyfriend of Heather Gonzalez); Linda (aunt of Al Gregg); Patients at the Naval Hospital & EDMARC hospice for children. 
 

Thanksgivings  

For the saints in our lives who have showed us the loving face of God

 

Stewardship of God's Resources for the week of 10/26
 

Ministry/Worship Attendance: Sunday 8am (17), 9am (68), 11am (71); Wednesday (10)

 

Worship Offering:  $5,571

Income needed for ministry expenses each week: $6,678


 Pledges in arrears as of October 15: ($22,035) 

 

This Sunday in Worship
 

All Saints' Sunday, 11/2: Revelation 7:9-17 & Matthew 5:1-12

Want to give the gift of altar flowers?  Sign up in Chisholm Hall.
 
The Rt. Rev'd Herman Hollerith, IV, bishop
The Rev'd Dr. J. Derek Harbin, rector

Rick Bishop, kitchen manager
Keith Byers, bookkeeper
Philip Goodrich, sexton
Ellison Gregg, staff photographer & twitter
Clifford King Harbin, associate to the rector
Linda Mathews, receptionist & coordinator of office volunteers
Rebecca Mina, creation atrium coordinator
Sr. Heather Rollins, technology & facebook  
Scott Rollins, organist and choir director

Position open, publications

Welcome to our Sunday Worship Services
 Contemplative Eucharist, Rite I at 8:00am
 Contemporary Eucharist at 9:00am
 Traditional Eucharist, Rite II at 11:00am

Monday Contemplative Prayer, 6:30pm
Wednesday Healing Eucharist, 6:30pm

Holy Days as Announced

You'll find us at 424 Washington Street, Portsmouth, VA 23704 or by phone at 757.399.4967

Our office hours are 10:00am - 1:00pm M-F. We look forward to seeing you!
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