What's in a Name Badge?

Recently you may have noticed St. John's staff and Vestry members sporting beautiful new magnetic name badges. 

Why make such a big deal about wearing name badges in a church?  Chuck Lawless, Professor of Evangelism and Missions as well as Dean of Graduate Studies at Southeastern Seminary, gives five reasons for a start: 

1)  Few people know everybody in the church. Even in the smallest churches, it's sometimes difficult to remember everybody's name.  As the church grows, that task becomes even more difficult. Nametags allow us to admit that struggle while providing a way to overcome it.

2) Leaders need help with names. I want to know everybody's name in my church, but I'm not gifted with that kind of memory. I admit I need help if I want to be the best church leader I can be. I would much prefer calling people by name as I minister to them - and nametags allow me to do so.

3) Nametags invite conversation. Knowing another person's name breaks down one barrier to conversations that church folks ought to feel comfortable having. It's simply easier to talk with others when you are on a first-name basis.  

4) Nametags save embarrassment. We've probably all called someone by the wrong name, only to realize it later (or perhaps even within the same conversation). If "brother" or "sister" is a gentle way of saying, "I don't know your name," using the wrong name is an undeniable way of doing so. That's embarrassing for both parties.

5) Nametags are an inexpensive way to promote outward focus. The church that says, "We don't need nametags since we already know everyone anyway" is probably saying more than they care to admit. My guess is they see few guests at their church, and they probably aren't expecting any. On the other hand, using nametags is one way to say, "We expect God to send us guests, and we want to be ready for them."

For a church like St. John's that seeks to follow the Word made flesh and "move into the neighborhood," this outward focus is key.  We exist for those who are not yet here.  Like employees of a fantastic store, the name badge helps those who visit know who can assist them with the basic questions they have or take them to the person or persons who can provide the information they need.

Let's celebrate Spring together on Friday, May 1 at the annual St. Fiacre Garden Party and Silent Auction!  The evening begins at 7pm with our finest cuisine and spirits.  The Silent Auction includes several catered dinners, boating cruises, decorator items, plus so much more.  Tell your friends, neighbors, and co-workers.  Remember, your generosity benefits the mission of St. John's.  Purchase Garden Party tickets online for $30 each here.  Please print and bring the copy of your ticket confirmation for admission.

On Saturday and/or Sunday, fill your garden with flowing baskets, herbs, annuals, and perennials.  Bring your pet for a blessing on Saturday from 10-11am.    Shop vendors for gifts and garden ornaments.  Enjoy coffee, cupcakes, bagels, sandwiches, cold drinks, and frozen yogurt.   Garden projects for children on Saturday and face painting on Sunday.  In short, there is much to see and do.  Bring your friends, neighbors, and co-workers!

Want to help but think all the tasks are covered or don't have much time available? On Saturday and Sunday, the plant sale has two hour shifts to help sell plants and the food tent needs help at the beginning and end of the day with setup and clean up. Look for the sign-up sheets in Chisholm Hall and sign your name!

A Virginia Arts Festival Coffee Concert on Thursday, May 7 @ 10:30am

in St. John's worship space.  Tickets are $20.

Attacca Quartet emanates "absolute unanimity of phrasing and ensemble plus the perfectly blended and balanced sound created an effect not of four musicians but of a single breathing organism" (American Record Guide). One of America's premier young performing ensembles, the group joins Virginia Arts Festival as its 2015 quartet in residence. Hear Attacca perform a program by three of the "greats" in this lovely setting at St. John's Episcopal Church: 

Haydn's String Quartet No. 42 in C major, Op. 54 no. 2

Schubert's Quartettsatz in C minor, D.703

Dvorak's String Quartet No.12 in F major, Op.96 "American"

This program funded in part by the City of Portsmouth through the Portsmouth Museum and Fine Arts Commission.

Steeple to Steeple Tour, 5/9

Have you seen that which is in your "own backyard?"  Come see the architecture, stained glass, and memorabilia of eight houses of worship in Olde Towne Portsmouth.  Hear stories of the Yellow Fever Epidemic; the Jewish people here as early as 1916; the Underground Railroad; the Irish immigrants who built a masterpiece; and the Tories and Loyalists buried in Trinity Parish churchyard.  See great edifices unlike any other with stories of longevity and presence in a community dating back to 1762.  Bring your friends to the Jewel of Hampton Roads for a full Saturday (9am-2:30pm) of Art, Architecture, and Story.  All profits go to the HER Shelter for battered women.  To purchase $21 advance tickets, click here.

Miscellany

Stewardship of God's Resources for the week of 4/19

Ministry/Worship attendance: Sunday 8am (15), 9am (55), 11am (74), Wednesday 6:30pm (5)

Worship Offering: $6,208

Income needed for ministry expenses each week: $6,977 

Fourth Sunday of Easter, 4/19: 1 John 3:16-24 & John 10:11-18