www.stjohnsportsmouth.orgAscension Day, 14 May 2015

App Project Update

 

As part of our Mission Mark to Shine (inside and out, transforming lives as we make disciples and serve those in need), St. John's Church contributed $7,270 to the creators of the "Who are you, Jesus?" app through our 2014 Giving to Christ @ Christmas campaign.  Envisioned by catechists with decades of experience with children in the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd, and using the guidance of Nouma, a beautiful, yet playful and mysterious animated dove, the app will enable young children to engage directly with Jesus' words.  The child can use the functions of the app to listen to or read the scripture and wondering questions, then type on the keyboard, speak into the microphone, or draw a response on the iPad.  The responses will be saved by the app, resulting in a unique book created by the child. 

 

The app animations are now completed and beautiful!  Thanks to artist Rich Lo of ArtClicker, animator Joseph Pajak of Cup O'Joe Animation, and Evelyn Way who provides the voice of Nouma, some beautiful videos are ready to be integrated into the interactive components of the app by web designers Chris Mickens and Rami Atassi of Educo Web Design.  Click here to view the video introduction to the app.  Launch of the app is now scheduled for October.  

Come to tonight's Ascension Day Worship & Death by Chocolate Reception

 

Jesus Christ is the beginning of the New Creation; he is the first fruits of those who have fallen asleep (1 Corinthians 15) and the pioneer of our salvation (Hebrews 2:10ff).  On this Major Feast Day, as C.S. Lewis reminds us, "a new chapter in cosmic history has opened."  Christ closed the door to everlasting death by his own death and opened heaven for all as easily as he opened his own tomb.  The dragon is slain, the Lamb has conquered, and now the King ascends to his throne.   Ascension is a triumphal entry, not into Jerusalem to die, but into the Heavenly Jerusalem as King: palms are waved in exaltation, the vault of heaven resounds, "Worthy is the Lamb who was slain to receive honor and glory and blessing" (Revelation 5:12). 

 

Ascension Day Worship will be tonight, May 14 at 6:30pm followed by a "Death by Chocolate" reception.  We will be welcoming our Christian sisters and brothers from First Presbyterian, Trinity Episcopal, and Monumental United Methodist.  Are there other people you can invite?

 

Cantus to perform @ St John's on 5/20

 

Cantus will perform at St. John's Church on Wednesday, May 20 at 8pm.  This nine-member men's vocal ensemble is known worldwide for its trademark warmth and blend and its engaging performances of music ranging from the Renaissance to the 21st century.  The Washington Post has hailed the Cantus sound for its "expressive power" and "spontaneous grace." Tickets are $30 and can be purchased here.

 

The Rhondels to provide live music for 5/30 Pig Pickin'


Join us on Saturday, May 30th to kick off the start of summer with a southern pig pickin' for the neighborhood. The festivities begin at 5pm and goes until sunset in the St. John's parking lot.  Andy Perkins will once again lead the team preparing the pig.  Come out and partake in pulled pork sandwiches with all the fixin's (hotdogs for those who don't eat barbeque).   Beer and lemonade will also be served.

 

The Rhondels are a musical institution hailing from Virginia Beach.  Performing under this name since 1983 (formerly Bill Deal & the Rhondels from the late 70s), they are a favorite of live music fans everywhere!

 

Bring a lawn chair in which to sit and your dancing shoes.  Buy tickets online using Square Marketplace.  Adult tickets are $10; children (3-12) tickets are $5; and children under 3 tickets are free.  The online registration and payment deadline for participants at St. John's is Wednesday, May 27.  Purchase tickets here.

 

The event is designed to be a community neighborhood event, open to all "in our neighborhood."  Have you invited your neighbor to attend with you?

 

Miscellany

 

Christian Formation continues this Sunday for adults and children.

 

Want a St. John's name badge?  Are you ready to look outward and be welcoming, greeting those you do not know before you greet your friends and offering hospitality to those you meet?  If your answer is "yes," then complete a name badge request form found in the worship space and Chisholm Hall.  These badges have a magnetic back.

 

Want some summer beach books?  A used book sale will be held in Chisholm Hall on Saturday, May 30.  If there is enough interest, there will be a parking lot sale for other items too.  If you would like to rent a space, email Clifford here.   

 

The Parishioner Corner of our Website has news you can use.  Here you can access the March 2015 Parish Directory, parish handbook, worship ministry schedules, and read approved minutes of vestry discussions and actions as well parish financial reports.  Need or don't remember the password?  Contact the parish office. 

 
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 & the election of the next Presiding bishop at the General Convention in June; Holly, our bishop; Derek, our priest; Heidi, Russ, & Amanda, our missionaries; Amy, our newest sister in Christ; and our parish staff, wardens and vestry

 

For Justice and Peace  

Peace in the Middle East and healing of racial divides in this nation; for Barack, our president; Terry, our governor; Ken, our mayor; for the city of Portsmouth; for Clint Carlson; Erin Elliott; Carolyn Higgins; Marcus Hyde; Nate Kingsbury; George Lang; Tom Oast; Will Oast; Nicholas Reyes; Jessi Staley; Dariana Torres; and 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: Jenanne Alexander; Bobby Barclay; Sophie Belouet; Donald Bowles; Mary Colby; Pete Colon; Bill Edwards; Dana Ellis; Gina Fremeau; Ron Fritz; Vivian Hillman; Mavia Hudgins; Mick Kauffman; Dody Mason; Arlene Peterson; Carol Phipps; Barbara Stearns; Sue Taylor; Ruth Waldo; Sonny Wilkinson

 

Related to our Parish: Lowell (friend of Andrea Graham); Steven (friend of the Gregg family); Linda (aunt of Al Gregg); Everett (friend of Franklin Marzullo); Ellen (friend of this parish); Alan (friend of Sherry Clem); Johnny (husband of Crystal Gower); Janet & Todd (friends of Bob & Cassie McBride); Patients at the Naval Hospital & EDMARC hospice for children

Thanksgivings  

For Julie & Justin Young, Daniel & Natalie (Wiley) Rowland, Matthew & Krissie Wiggins, Matthew & Juliann Krogh who are each expecting a child

 

Departed

For those who died in the Philadelphia Amtrak Train Crash 

 

Stewardship of God's Resources for the week of 5/10

 

Ministry/Worship attendance: Sunday 8am (11), 9am (63), 11am (108), Wednesday 6:30pm (6)

Worship Offering: $5,512

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

 

This Sunday in Worship
 

Seventh Sunday of Easter, 5/17: Acts 1:15-17,21-26 & John 17:6-19

 

The Rt. Rev'd Herman Hollerith, IV, bishop 

The Rev'd Dr. J. Derek Harbin, rector

Keith Byers, bookkeeper

Taraleigh Casteen, bandleader

Philip Goodrich, sexton

Ellison Gregg, staff photographer 

Clifford King Harbin, associate to the rector

Rebecca Mina, creation atrium coordinator

Heather Rollins, technology 

Christopher Rusk, organist/choirmaster

Justin Young, publications

Claudia Tomlin, organist emerita

 

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

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 10am - 1pm M-F. We look forward to seeing you!
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