I am pleased to announce that 

Christopher Rusk has accepted the call to become St. John's Organist/ Choirmaster for our 11am Traditional Eucharist.  His first Sunday will be February 8.  In Christopher's words, "It is an absolute blessing and honor to accept such a call.  I'm honestly very excited to begin this journey with you and the parish."

Christopher studied organ and harpsichord performance as well as music theory for four years under Gavin Black at Westminster Choir College's Conservatory of Music in Princeton, New Jersey.  He also earned a Bachelor of Arts in Theology at Belmont Abbey College (Belmont, North Carolina) and a Master of Arts in Theology at the University of the South's School of Theology (Sewanee, Tennessee).

Something of a child prodigy--playing the organ for his first complete liturgy at the age of nine--Christopher served for a decade during his elementary and high school years as Assisting Organist at Trinity Episcopal Cathedral in Trenton, New Jersey followed by ministry in numerous Roman Catholic, Episcopal, United Methodist, and Lutheran Parishes.  While earning his master's degree, he also served as the Assisting Organist for the Episcopal School of Theology at the University of the South.  He recently completed a successful and rewarding sixteen-year career in public safety.  Christopher is married to Erin and he has a daughter named Gracie.

I am thankful to Linda Buchanan, Clifford King Harbin, Margaret Perkins, and Pat Pfeiffer who joined me in interviewing all the candidates for this position.  They unanimously concurred with the decision to call Christopher.  I also want to thank Russell Mathews and Claudia Tomlin who have faithfully served our parish during this interim period. 

You've got to hear this--February 8 will be a very special day!

J. Derek Harbin, rector

St. John's Episcopal Church is inviting you to join in the festivities at the 4th annual Community Mardi Gras Celebration! Mark your calendar for February 7th from 7pm to 11pm.

We will once again be entertained by the Olde James River Jazz Band so come prepared to have a great time! We will have New Orleans style food as well as beer and wine! Put on your best costumes & masks or evening attire as we will have a costume contest again as well as the crowning of the King & Queen! 

Tickets are $25 and are available for purchase online. This has become a very popular event so we urge you to get your tickets quickly so as not to miss out on the fun!

If you have any questions please call Megan Timm at 757-749-9677 or Katherine Gray at 757-465-0702.

LASSEZ LES BON TEMPO ROULEZ!!!