www.stjohnsportsmouth.org17 December 2015


Hanging of the Greens is Sunday

We all are experts on decorating our homes; now it is time to decorate God's house!  The Flower Guild has a plan for decorating St. John's worship space and a strategy to help us quickly complete the work.  But we need more than plans to prepare our worship space for Christmas - we need YOU!
 
Everyone (young and old) is needed and welcomed to help decorate inside and out after the 11am Eucharist this Sunday, 12/20.
 
We have a number of tasks to accomplish.  Each group of tasks will be headed by one or more Flower Guild members; instructions and all materials will be provided - all that's needed is your willing hands.  See you Sunday.  It will be a festive time for all!  
Greens for the Greening

It is a tradition at St. John's that members of the congregation bring greens from their home gardens to be used for decorating the church for Christmas. We mostly need anything with berries but any other evergreen you have that you think is wonderful would be appreciated, even if you only have a few branches to share.
 
Bring the greens to the church's garden gate entrance on Washington Street between 10:00 and 1:00 on Saturday, 12/19. We'll have people that can help you.  Thanks so much!

Want to donate Christmastide flowers or greens?

Want to donate Christmas flowers or garland in memory or thanksgiving?  Completed form and money are due this Sunday.

Bring a Nativity to display in Chisholm Hall 12/27 - 1/3
 
Whether you call it a nativity, crčche, or manger scene, we envision Chisholm Hall filled with all sorts and sizes of nativities from the United States and around the world for all to enjoy this Christmastide!
 
Please contact the Parish Office to let us know details of your nativity and how much table space you will need for your display so that we can be prepared for your nativity's arrival.    Set up will occur at 3pm on 12/27 in advance of our afternoon celebration of music at 4pm.  Displays can be removed any time after noon on January 3.  

Free promo codes for the "Who are you, Jesus?" app
 
St. John's has received our first twenty free promo codes for the "Who are you, Jesus?" app.  They are available first come, first served via email request here before 12/23.   

Christmastide at St. John's 

The Parish Office will close at noon on Wednesday, 12/23 and remain closed through the New Year.  Please note that all 2015 contributions must be received in the Parish Office by Sunday, 12/27 to receive tax and pledge credit for the 2015 tax year.
 
No Wednesday healing Eucharist on 12/23.
 
The Feast of the Nativity of Jesus Christ: Candlelight Christmas Eve
The Christ Mass, Thursday, 12/24 @ 5pm:  Christmas carols are accompanied by vocalists, guitar, bass, & drums.  A cider and cookie reception follows worship.
The Christ Mass, Thursday, 12/24 @ 11pm:  Christmas carols are accompanied by the Exsúltet organ, violin, cello, flute, & choir.  Special music precedes worship and a cider and cookie reception follows worship.
 
The Third Day of Christmas (The Feast of St. John)
Sunday, 12/27 @ 3pm: Nativity setup in Chisholm Hall
Sunday, 12/27 @ 4pm only (no morning worship today):  On this 3rd Day of Christmas, which is also the Feast of St. John, you are invited to a festive celebration of Christmas carols and organ performance by Christopher J. Rusk as we give thanks for and ask God's blessing on the new Exsúltet Organ.  A festive reception follows.  Admission is free.  St. John's Concert Series in our historic worship space is one of the many ways we follow the example of Jesus by moving into our neighborhood to bless our community.
 
The Sixth Day of Christmas
Wednesday, 12/30 @ 6:30pm: Christmas is only half over--there are six more days to go in the wonderful feast!  On this 6th Day of Christmas we remember the day Jesus was presented In the Temple and received his name. Bring your calendar or agenda to be blessed as we continue our Christmas celebrations into the New Year with this simple healing Eucharist and carols.
 
The Seventh Day of Christmas
Thursday, 12/31 @ 3:30pm:  St. John's Church opens it doors once again from 3:30pm-4:30pm as a warm gathering space before the annual Olde Towne Scottish Walk begins.  The Scottish Walk is modeled after Scotland's Hogmanay Festival, a day when townspeople honor their community and merchants, wishing God's blessing and prosperity in the coming year.  A procession of local family, friends, and visitors will be led by bagpipe and drum.  The walk steps off at 4:30pm diagonally across from St. John's Church.
 
The Ninth Day of Christmas
Saturday, 1/2 @ 3-6pm:  The Harbin family invites children and adults to the annual Open House at their home in Olde Towne Portsmouth.  
 
The Tenth Day of Christmas
Sunday, 1/3 @ 8, 9, and 11am: Christmas worship continues!  Last chance for your favorite Christmas carols as we remember the Holy Innocents of Bethlehem and innocent victims of violence around the world today.
Sunday, 1/3 @ 10:10am: Epiphany Pageant rehearsal with sound checks
 
The Feast of the Epiphany
Wednesday, 1/6 @ 6:30pm: Eucharist and the Epiphany Pageant.
 
Giving to Christ at Christmas 

Christmas will be here in two weeks.  As we prepare for the upcoming Christmas season, our parish is offering each of us the opportunity to do the single-most important act of the holidays: give a gift to Jesus Christ.  Giving to Christ at Christmas is based on a simple idea.  It's Jesus' birthday.  That's why we give gifts to each other.  Let's have our gift giving begin with a gift to him.
 
Each year we invite followers of Jesus associated with St. John's Church to give the most generous, one-time cash gift we can-above and beyond our normal giving, as we would any Christmas gift-to fund the twin heartbeats of our Lord: evangelistic witness and relief of human suffering, locally, nationally and internationally.
 
This year's focus is relieving human suffering on an international level.  By an overwhelming parish vote, we will support the construction of a School for those orphaned by ISIS.  The school, located in northern Iraq, will provide housing, food, medical care, education and vocational training for these children whose families have been destroyed.  Voice of the Martyrs will use 100% of contributions given by us to establish the school.
 
So what's involved?  It's simple.  On December 24, bring your offering marked Giving to Christ at Christmas to services on Christmas Eve and give it as part of our parish Christmas festivities.  If you can't be with us that night, simply place your gift in the offering basket at any Christmas worship event through Epiphany (January 6) or mail it to the Parish Office (424 Washington St., Portsmouth, VA 23704).  Please note on the memo line: Giving to Christ at Christmas.  
 
The Epiphany Pageant is Coming! 

St. John's Church invites adults and children to participate in this year's Epiphany Pageant to be held on Wednesday evening, 1/6/2016, at 6:30pm.  Sign up this Sunday in Chisholm Hall or email Clifford King Harbin to be in the cast.  Please note if you would like a speaking role.  Costume selection will be December 10 or 27.  We will rehearse with sound checks on January 3 at 10am. 
 
Miscellany
 
Christian Formation for adults and children continues this Sunday.   
 
Altar Guild Members will be polishing silver and brass on Saturday, 12/19 @ 9am.  Come join in the fun!

2015 Staying in the Black.  As of 12/16/2015, pledges to the ministry budget of St. John's Church were $29,672 in arrears.   Please note that our new Exsúltet Organ was gifted entirely by donors; no 2015 program budget funds have been used to purchase this amazing instrument.  We need your help!  The Vestry asks for the abundant financial generosity of all at St. John's in these final six weeks of 2015 so that we can continue our historic practice of ending program budgets each year in the black!  Thanks in advance for your passion and commitment to this wonderful parish and its ministry. 
 
Have you submitted your 2016 pledge?  As of today, St. John's Church has received 75 pledges totaling $305,150 to fund our 2016 mission and ministry budget.  Of this amount, twenty of these pledges are new with a commitment of $40,604.   Twenty seven of these pledges "stepped up" and were increases from 2015 giving.  This is all very good news!  However, in spite of this good news we still have a large number
of Estimate of Giving cards which have not been returned.  The absence of these commitments, along with $37,213 of pledge income lost to death and moves has made it very difficult for your vestry to plan for the upcoming year.  If God is leading you to make a financial commitment to the ministries of St. John's Church, please return your Estimate of Giving Card as soon as possible.  With the commitments in hand, the vestry approved a "bare-bones" budget with which to begin 2016.  We are grateful to announce that all staff positions have been preserved.  However, most program, ministry, and maintenance funds have had their funding slashed or have been completely eliminated.  Any new pledges received through the end of the year will allow the vestry to approve an amended budget in January to restore funding to these areas. 
 
Hoodies for Shelter Week.  St. John's annual homeless shelter week (1/24-31) is fast approaching and our parish will be providing hoodies to be used by our guests as a layer against the cold and wet.  The greatest need will be men's and women's sizes large and extra large (2x and 3x have been donated).  Please buy them now while you are shopping for Christmas.

Looking for that special gift for your mate, your friend, or yourself?  St. John's AWE Women's Retreat is the weekend of February 19-21, 2016.  Give a gift of relaxing and refreshing in the presence of God's love at the wonderful Founders Inn and Spa.   Arrive Friday evening simply to enjoy the spa and have dinner with your friends.  Our guest speaker, Kirstin McGrath, will speak Saturday morning, Saturday afternoon, and Sunday morning.  Stay two nights or choose one night that works best with your schedule.  Double room rates are $95 and include breakfast and lunch.
Annual Women's Retreat is February 20.
Calling all men.  You are invited!  The men will gather again on Monday, 1/11 @ 6:30pm in Chisholm Hall.  We hope you can join us!

David: seeking a heart like his is the title of the new 10am Thursday morning women's Bible Study to begin on January 7 at 10am.  We will meet together in Chisholm Hall every first and third Thursday from January through May.  If you would like to attend, please contact Patti Devers (757-615-3227) to reserve a Study Guide.  You do not want to miss out on this special study!
 
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!
 
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 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; Michael, the Presiding Bishop; 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, Christopher O'Meara, 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: Elaine Baker; Barbara Bowles; Mary Colby; Bill Edwards; Ron Fritz; Al Gregg; Mavia Hudgins; Dody Johnson; Reese Johnson; Dody Mason; Martha Ann Oast; Arlene Peterson; Carol Phipps; Emily Schultz; Anne Barbour Schwab; Barbara Stearns; Al Taylor; Sue Taylor;  Peggy Tuthill; Patricia Viera; Ruth Waldo; Dave Walker; Sonny Wilkinson;  Janet Willey; Joy Young.  

We ask God's Holy Spirit to surround, protect, and move to successful completion the Parish House roof repairs and the renovation of the second floor Christian Formation rooms.
 
Related to our Parish: Margaret (friend of Derek & Clifford King Harbin); Danny & Scott (sons of Franklin Marzullo); Suzanne (community friend of St. John's); Justin (friend of Sister Heather); Ruth(friend of Barrie Harper); Thomas (father of Dody Johnson); 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); Nancy (Andy Gray's mother); Cameron (Taraleigh Casteen's godson); Steven (friend of the Gregg Family); 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 completed construction on the parish house roof and for the blessings of watching and waiting in this season of preparation

Departed
Donald Bowles
Stewardship of God's Resources 
Week of 12/13 

Ministry/Worship Attendance: Sunday 8am (10), 9am (68), 11am (108); Wednesday 6:30pm (12)
Worship Offering:  $10,269
 
Income needed for ministry expenses each week: $6,977

2015 Pledges in arrears as of 12/16/2015: ($29,672)

This Sunday in Worship
 
Fourth Sunday of Advent, 12/20: Micah 5:2-5a & Luke 1:39-45
Advent greens are given to the glory of God and in thanksgiving for Ellie Lynn Hicks 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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