In the midst of the busy holiday season, renew your spirit at a candlelight harp and flute concert on December 13 at 5pm!  Virginia Symphony members Debra Wendells Cross on flute and Barbara Chapman on harp will perform an hour-long free concert of seasonal selections in the historic worship space of St. John's Church as part of Portsmouth's Annual Olde Towne Holiday Music Festival.  A festive cookie reception follows.

That's where we need your help!  Home baked cookies for the Harp and Flute Concert may be brought to the church the week before the concert.  This is a great way for our faith community to move into the neighborhood!

The 2014 Credentials Committee, mandated by parish by-laws to consist of vestry members whose terms end this year, has completed its work.  This year both members of the Credentials Committee, Jeff Fremeau and Nancy Johnson, are also eligible for re-election since they were filling the unexpired terms of other individuals.  Names and personal statements of the three candidates recommended by the committee appear below.  

Nominations may be received from the floor at the Annual Meeting on Sunday, December 14 @ 10am. Each nominee must be certified in advance as to eligibility, be willing to serve, and have answered the same questions in writing that appear in print below.  Parish by-laws direct that three persons are to be selected for a three-year term. 

Jeff Fremeau

1) How does your faith in Jesus Christ impact your everyday life?  I find myself asking the question, "What would Jesus want me to do in this situation?"  He gives me direction in every aspect of my life.

2)  At which service do you regularly worship and how long have you been a part of St. John's? I have been attending the 9am service for about a year. 

3)  In what specific ways have you worked toward the growth and nurture of the Body of Christ in this parish and/or elsewhere?  I have been attending church my whole life. I find reflection to be warming, and sermons have a way to tie into what is happening in my daily life which has always strengthens my beliefs. My current path I am on is to achieve financial peace, to handle money God's way. 

4)  What gifts would you bring to the leadership team of the vestry?  I am very detailed, analytical, and technical person and would like to bring my talents and gifts to other that could use them.  I have been in the leadership profession for 14 years and would like to help lead in any way I can.  

5)  What are your hopes for the future of St. John's Church?  I would like to our parish grow and to continue to help who we can.  One way I have been able to do this is to try to bring a program I have been through that has opened my eyes to the way God teaches us to handle money.

Nancy Johnson

1)  How does your faith in Jesus Christ impact your everyday life? Christ is the light and I'm the candle that can't shine without him! Christ is my joy, hope and sunshine!

2)  At which service do you regularly worship and how long have you been a part of St. John's?   We have been coming to the 9:00 service at St. John's for almost ten years.

3)  In what specific ways have you worked toward the growth and nurture of the Body of Christ in this parish and/or elsewhere?   I have always tried to show the light of Christ in me to everyone I come in contact with and to help them understand that we are all equal in Christ, each with their own special gifts. 

4)  What gifts would you bring to the vestry?   I promise to be honest, loyal, and faithful to our church, our priest, our community, and to help grow the outreach of St John's.

5)  What are your hopes for the future of St. John's Church?   I pray that we continue to grow, that we continue to open our hearts and pocket books to those in need, and we plan and provide for the future of St. John's for generations to come!

Click here to access our Parish Calendar