www.stjohnsportsmouth.org29 October 2015
For all the saints

All Saints' Day is my favorite feast of the Church Year!  Usually there are baptisms, glorious music, and the time to remember those who have died and are now resting in the arms of Jesus.  I always appreciate the link between those who are now baptized as "Christ's own forever" and those who carry banners remembering their loved ones that remind us that they are still "Christ's own forever."  For many of our faith community who don't have the ability to take time off from work, it is a perfect time to have a "mini funeral" and honor those who have died in the last year from St. John's.
 
This year we have had the most deaths since Fr. Derek and I arrived at St. John's.  Most of them were members who were special to our community:  Bobby Barclay, our oldest baptized member (baptized in this building in 1922) and a descendant of one of our founders; Vivian Hillman, our oldest member who turned 100 in April and died in June; Norma Barclay, who lived next door to our worship space and faithfully walked each Sunday morning (wearing her hat) to the 8am Contemplative Eucharist; Alice Robbins, who attended the 9am Contemporary Eucharist with her daughter-in-law and two granddaughters until the recurring cancer left her homebound; Jennie Todd, who raised her children in this parish and died this January, just short of her September 100th birthday; and Jim Todd, her son, who died of cancer much too young and is mourned by all of Olde Towne where he was a figure around town.  All of them saints who now live in heaven but who lived as followers of Jesus here on earth, letting their light shine to all they encountered.
 
I recently saw on facebook a question posed by a college student: "If the promise of heaven was removed from the teachings of the Christian Faith, would people still remain Christian?"  It was a fascinating question and the responses that followed were equally interesting.  If I had been allowed to answer the question, this would be my response:  I choose to follow Jesus even without the hope of eternal life.  Jesus, the Good Shepherd, calls me by name to follow him daily.  When I was fifteen, I consciously accepted Jesus as my Lord and Savior and when I was twenty-nine, I actively chose to surrender my will to follow the plan he had for my life.  Because I died in the waters of Baptism, I no longer have any fear....no fear of death (the worst thing about which to fear) but no fear of living either. 
 
Each day I ask the Holy Spirit, "What do you have for me today?  Who needs to hear about the love offered by Jesus?  How can I share the fullness of life by giving to my neighbor?  Who needs reminding that God created the world for us and has prepared all things for us to fully live?"  I am a participant in the Kingdom of God here on earth.  Eternal life is simply the bonus, the icing on the cake. 
 
All Saints' Day is the day to eat cake, celebrate the newest baptized member of the Christian Family, and share our light to a broken world.  One day when Jesus returns, there will be one Shepherd, One Flock and each of us will have done our part to usher in that glorious day. 
 
Clifford King Harbin, associate to the rector

Sunday is All Saints' Day
 
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.
 
Support those who will be carrying banners at all three Eucharists to honor loved ones who have died in the last year.  Celebrate at the 11am Eucharist with the Young family as we baptize their son, Carter.  Embrace your vocation as a saint of God!  
It's time for Turkey Trot
 
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 this Sunday (All Saints' Day).   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 2 & 8.  Place the items under your household zip code.  Bragging rights from 2014 belong to Olde Towne, Parkview, West Parkview, Port Norfolk (23704) who stole the victory from the 2013 winners (Greater Hampton Roads).  Let's see who will win this year!

Parents on Board @ Scott's Creek
 
A new small group is forming for adults with the youngest children!  Come join us on Friday, 11/6 @ 6pm in St. John's Chisholm Hall to see what Parents on Board @ Scott's Creek is all about.   This is a group for prayer, learning, encouragement, guidance, and to have fun while talking a little break from the kids.  We will provide supper for the family then the kids (ages kindergarten & below) will go to learn and play while the parents spend time in fellowship.
 
Be part of the group's formation and give us your input.  Many good things happen when people gather to talk about our Savior.  Families grow stronger and happier with God's help.  This group is created for parents will small kids (ages kindergarten & below) so we can still have our time with the Lord and our family in Christ.  Questions?  Contact Evelyn Stallings or Barrie Harper 

Make your Brunch Reservation for Consecration Sunday!
 
Sunday, November 15 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 folks to complete a reservation card in worship .  Alternatively, you may email or call the parish office (399.4967).  Please indicate the number attending on 11/15 with your reservation.    

Cookies needed for 11/20 Organ Concert Reception

Jeremy Filsell, internationally acclaimed organist and artist-in-residence at Washington National Cathedral, will be giving the opening concert on our amazing new instrument at St. John's Church on Friday, November 20 at 7pm.  Seating is limited so arrive early!  The organ will be blessed during worship on the Feast of St. John (Sunday, December 27).
 
Please sign up in Chisholm Hall for the number and type of home baked cookies you can provide for our guests on this very special night.  Contact Carla Davis for more information.

Alcohol monitors needed for St. John's Community Oyster Roast
 
New alcohol use guidelines were adopted by the Episcopal Church this summer and will be used at all St. John's events beginning with this year's Community Oyster Roast on Saturday, November 21.  We will need continuous adult monitors for the beer keg (who will not consume alcohol before or during this event).  We will also need adult monitors (who may consume alcohol) at both entrances to our parking lot venue for the entire duration of this event (you may take a shift with others who volunteer).
 
Can you help?  Please contact the parish office to volunteer.  Once these monitors are secured, we can begin to sell tickets to what has become a very popular event for the wider Portsmouth community!

Miscellany
 
Eastern Standard Time resumes for All Saints' Day.  Don't forget to turn your clocks back one hour on All Hallow's Eve (Hallowe'en) night.

Christian Formation for adults and children continues this Sunday.
 
Chisholm Hall is a Sunday quiet zone.  The vestry has authorized ET Gresham to repair the Parish House roof and HVAC ductwork to eliminate the second floor water intrusion in our Christian Formation rooms.  Weather permitting, this work will be completed by Christmas.  In the meantime, the Good Shepherd Atrium (ages 3-6) will be meeting in their relocated atrium in Chisholm Hall.  Chisholm Hall will be closed to adults from 10:10-11:30am each Sunday.  We ask that those arriving for 11am worship walk around the building from the parking lot and enter the worship space through the Washington Street doors.  Disabled adults are asked to pass quickly and quietly through Chisholm Hall during this time.  Thanks so much in advance for your cooperation and assistance!
 
It's not too late to join Pilgrims in Christ!  Pilgrims in Christ is a seven-month process that prepares adults (16 and older) to deepen their faith through baptism, confirmation, or reaffirmation of their baptismal vows.  Every Tuesday meeting begins at 5:30pm with a small evening prayer service, followed by a short teaching, a free hot meal prepared by Pilgrims alumni and other members of the congregation, in-depth teaching and conversation about Christianity, and small-group Bible study.   Each session ends at 8pm.  In the words of a past participant, "Pilgrims in Christ is amazing because it's learning and relearning aspects of our faith and church, but it is also an opportunity to forge bonds and friendships within the parish and community."   Contact Clifford King Harbin if you have any questions!

Pilgrims in Christ Meal Sign-up is now posted in Chisholm Hall.  Please consider providing a simple soup and bread meal for those strengthening their spiritual journey with Christ.  This can be part of your pledge to "support these persons in their life in Christ" as we vowed in our baptismal liturgy.  Team up with a friend, submit your receipts, if necessary, contact Bob McBride, this year's Meal Coordinator if you have any questions.

Race for Breath in memory of parishioner Suzanne Noles.  November is Lung Cancer Awareness month.  Family and friends of one of St John's saints, Suzanne Noles, are raising awareness by funding lung cancer research and double lung cancer survival by 2022.  St John's members have raced, walked and donated in the past to this noble cause.  Please consider joining Suzanne's Sea Stars on Saturday, 11/7 at the Virginia Beach Oceanfront.  The registration starts at 7am, rally at 8:30am and 5K race/walk at 9am at the Oceanfront 24th Street Entrance to Boardwalk.    Suzanne has been honored in the Virginia Beach Buff's Garden, a memorial garden for cancer victims on the beach crossover at 47th Street and Oceanfront Avenue.

Centennial and Bicentennial Celebration  From October 2015 to September 2016, St. John's Church is celebrating the bicentennial of our first rector's birth, the centennial of the construction of Chisholm Hall, and the enduring legacy of this saint's life and witness as a hero of the 1855 Yellow Fever epidemic. 

Fall is the time for visitors to worship. Traditionally, the fall months are when St. John's has the largest number of visitors in worship seeking a new faith community.  Please be especially aware and greet those you do not recognize both during worship and in Chisholm Hall before you greet your friends!
 
St. John's has a blog!  Think of a blog as an online magazine where we will share church events, personal stories, and highlight wonderful things happening behind the scenes  at St. Johns.  Visit the site here and sign up to follow St. John's new blog!  Thanks to Fallon and Matt Graham for their work in bringing this vision to reality!  

Calling all men.  You are invited!  The men will gather again on Tuesday, 11/10 @ 6:30pm in Chisholm Hall.  The first four gatherings of this new group have been energizing.  We hope you can join us!
 
The Magnificent Obsession is the title of the 10am Thursday morning women's Bible study that begins this week.  With video messages by Anne Graham Lotz, this study explores the life of Abraham as a model for embracing a God-filled life.   Remining dates for the study will be 11/5, 11/19, & 12/5.  For more information contact Patti Devers.   

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.  Multiple groups with diverse interests and age groupings are available and we invite you to be a part!  Email the Parish Office to get connected!
 
Wednesday Eucharist is not just for summer!  This worship was especially created for those who were traveling during the weekend so that all could still receive Christ's Body and Blood as strength for the journey.  This 30-minute Eucharist begins at 6:30pm and includes hymns, a brief homily, and healing prayers. Miss on Sunday?  Come on Wednesday.

Have someone to honor, remember, or celebrate?  Flowers offered to the Glory of God
and for your special intention are needed on almost all Sunday mornings of the fall.  The sign-up sheet hangs on the bulletin board in Chisholm Hall closest to the London St. Parking Lot entrance.  The cost is $75 per Sunday (and can always be shared with someone else) and is due in the Parish Office two weeks before your requested Sunday.
 
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. (which should be kept away from medical devices and credit/debit cards).
 
The Parishioner Corner of our Website has news you can use.  Here you can access the November 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. 

Content deadline for St. John's eNews is Wednesday at noon before publication.
 
In our Prayers this Week

For the Church
Justin, Archbishop of Canterbury; Katherine, the Presiding Bishop; Michael, the Presiding Bishop-elect; for Holly, our bishop; Derek, our rector; Heidi, Russ, & Amanda, our missionaries; and our parish staff, wardens and vestry
 
For Justice and Peace    
Peace in the Middle East; 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,  George Lang, Will Oast, Jessi Staley,Dariana Torres, Shaun Tuttle, 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: Barbara Bowles; Donald Bowles; Mary Colby; Bill Edwards; Ron Fritz; Al Gregg; Mavia Hudgins; Dody Mason; Arlene Peterson; Carol Phipps; Anne Barbour Schwab; Barbara Stearns; Al Taylor; Sue Taylor;  Peggy Tuthill; Ruth Waldo; Dave Walker; Brenda Wolter; Lauren Weaver; Sonny Wilkinson;  Joy Young.  

We ask God's Holy Spirit to surround, protect, and move to successful completion the renovation of the second floor Christian Formation rooms and the installation of the new organ.
 
Related to our Parish: Chris (brother-in-law of Marti Austin); Mrs. Dr. Kersey (friend of Ava Park); Chad, Thea, Rusty, & Mandy (friends of Erin Burke); Mike & Betty (friends of Niki Park); David (Janice Cuneo's husband); Cameron (Nancy Johnson's granddaughter); Nancy (Andy Gray's mother); Cameron (Taraleigh Casteen's godson); Linda (Al Gregg's aunt); Steven (friend of the Gregg Family); Scott (Franklin Marzullo's son); Maddie (friend of Doreen Sheler);  Patsy (friend of Andrea Graham); Robbie (friend of the congregation); 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; for the parish house roof and ductwork repairs which will begin in the next couple of weeks

Departed
Ken (father of David Stevenson and grandfather of Meghann Stevenson); Cameron (local child who drowned in a nearby marsh)
Stewardship of God's Resources for the week of 10/25  

Ministry/Worship Attendance: Sunday 8am (20), 9am (72), 11am (91); 
St. Simon & St. Jude, Wednesday 6:30pm (12)

Worship Offering:  $4,920
 
Income needed for ministry expenses each week: $6,977

This Sunday in Worship
 
All Saints' Day, 11/01: Wisdom 3:1-9 & John 11:32-44
The flowers at the Altar and Founders' Chapel are given to the glory of God and 
in loving memory of loved ones by Don and Colleen Hicks.

Herman Hollerith, IV, bishop 

J. Derek Harbin, rector

Keith Byers, bookkeeper

Taraleigh Casteen, bandleader

Courtney Devers, staff chef

Bob Gilman, assisting priest

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

Claudia Tomlin, organist emerita

Justin Young, publications

 

Welcome to our Sunday Worship Services

 Contemplative Eucharist, Rite I at 8:00am
 Contemporary Eucharist at 9:00am
 Classic 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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