www.stjohnsportsmouth.org
15 September 2016
The Feast of James Chisholm is Sunday

James Chisholm was the first rector of St. John's Church, Portsmouth.
 
In 1855, an aggressive yellow fever epidemic swept through tidewater Virginia. Many of the regions wealthy citizens were able to escape the area to avoid exposure and contamination. In most cases the physicians and clergy who served them departed as well. This left the area's poor bereft of doctors, caregivers and, in some cases, the basic provisions of food and water to sustain life.
 
James Chisholm sent members of his family away to safety, staying behind to provide whatever care for the sick he could. Chisholm provided food, amateur medical assistance, and pastoral care. He was even known to have dug graves for those who had died.
 
As the ravages of the plague were beginning to subside, Chisholm, weary to the point of exhaustion from his faithful priestly service, contracted the yellow fever and died in the Portsmouth Naval Hospital on September 15.
 
In September of 2013, the city of Portsmouth issued a proclamation honoring Chisholm and joined St. John's Church in dedicating a plaque at his Cedar Grove Cemetery grave which gave thanks for this Saint of the Episcopal Church's service to the citizens of Portsmouth.
 
Not many congregations have their own Saint commemorated by the entire Episcopal Church!  Be a part of the annual celebration of Chisholm's life and witness this Sunday at 8, 9, and 11am.
Historic stone to be laid on Sunday

Did you know that the buildings of St. John's Church are located on Sussex Square?  Aaron Kelley wants his hometown to know more about its history.  Through his Portsmouth Heritage Initiative, he's leading an effort to place granite markers in Olde Towne to mark historical squares, as they were designated hundreds of years ago.  With the help of an 1851 partial map of Portsmouth, historical writings and Kelley's research, the original square names were identified.
 
Savannah, Georgia, was laid out in a similar fashion. Kelley saw that city's success in marking each of its squares since the city's inception in 1733, and sees no reason why Portsmouth can't do the same.  "In Portsmouth, we have the charming historical port city that's almost untouched," Kelley said.  "If we could accentuate that and set ourselves apart, as tourism comes through...it allows other historians, when they're doing tours and things like that, to kind of draw more attention to the square names."
 
Stones have been placed on all High Street squares this summer.  St. John's Church will lay the first square marker in the Olde Towne Historic District on Sunday, September 18 at 10am.
  
Come join in the celebration at the corner of Washington and London Streets!
Sunday Christian Formation for all ages begins this week

Because St. John's Church believes in a life-long journey of faith, Christian Formation is one of the four vital components of our Mission: "We journey forward and deeper, seeking to be renewed by the riches of the Spirit."
 
Birth through age 15
 
We believe that God and the child have a unique relationship with one another (particularly before the age of six) and that the growth of this relationship should be assisted by the adult, but is directed by the Spirit of God within the child. Children need to be presented with the greatest truths of our faith as well as their own place to foster the growth of that relationship.   We call each of these sacred spaces an Atrium, a term borrowed from the early church denoting the quiet, set-aside location where converts to the faith were prepared to become Christians.  Each Atrium is open from 10-11:30am on Sundays when Christian Formation is in session.
 
The Creation Atrium (birth through toilet training) provides the youngest children an opportunity to "work" with hands-on materials that help this age child focus and prepare for mediation and prayer.  Once children are toilet trained, they move upstairs to the Good Shepherd Atrium.  Miss Elise, Miss Regina, and Miss Ashlee are the catechists in this Atrium.  
 
The Good Shepherd Atrium (toilet trained to reading well) provides young children an opportunity to focus on hearing the voice of Jesus, the Good Shepherd who calls us each by name.  The hands-on "work" of this atrium centers around practical life, liturgy, geography and the basic stories of Jesus' birth, death, and resurrection, as well as parables of the Kingdom of God.  Miss Marti (Austin) & Miss Clare (Harbin) are the catechists in this Atrium. 
 
The True Vine Atrium (readers to age 9) provides older children an opportunity to focus on what is means to be a branch of Jesus, the True Vine.  The hands-on "work" of this atrium centers around synthesizing the stories of Jesus' life, his moral teaching, and the great events of the Plan of God: creation, redemption, and parousia.  Miss Beth (Meighan) & Miss Margaret (Perkins) are the catechists in this Atrium.
 
The Covenant & Light Atria are now open after two years of preparation!  In the Covenant Atrium, youth age 9-12 focus on the connection between Jesus and the Hebrew scriptures (what Christians call the Old Testament) which underpins our faith and worship.  In the Atrium of the Light, youth ages 12-15 explore Christianity's place in the wider world and what it means for each of us to be salt and light.  Miss Clifford (King Harbin) is the catechist in this Atrium.  
  
Adult Forum (age 16+)
 
Adults meet with Fr. Derek in Chisholm Hall from 10:10-10:45 each Sunday that Christian Formation is in session.  In the Footsteps of Paul and John is the theme of this year's adult Bible Study as we discover how these early missionaries have much to say about our life of faith today! 
Pilgrims in Christ begins 10/9

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.  This year's Pilgrims will meet on Sundays from 12:30 to no later than 3pm.
 
Every meeting begins with a short teaching and free hot lunch prepared by folks from St. John's Church, in-depth teaching and conversation about Christianity, small-group Bible study, and ends with an evening prayer service.  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."
 
Pilgrims in Christ (Journey #7) begins Sunday, 10/9 at 12:30pm.  Blue sign up cards will be in Chisholm Hall.  Contact Clifford King Harbin if you have any questions!
Miscellany
 
Please initial your Parish Directory Listing in Chisholm Hall this Sunday so that we have your most current information.  Please note the name of your neighborhood if you live in Portsmouth; if you live in Chesapeake, please note your area (Greenbrier, Western Branch, etc.).
 
Pilgrims in Christ Meal Sign-up is now posted on the "Journey" Mission Bulletin Board in the first floor Parish House Hallway.  Please consider providing a simple Sunday lunch 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 Heather Gonzalez, this year's Meal Coordinator, if you have any questions.

The Feast of St. Matthew will be celebrated on Wednesday, 9/21 @ 6:30pm.
 
A Concert on St. John's Exsúltet Organ will be held on Sunday, September 25 at 4pm.  Come enjoy this free concert featuring multiple area musicians (including our own Christopher Rusk) who are members of the local chapter of the American Guild of Organists.  Look for more details in next week's eNews!    
 
The Feast of the Archangel Michael and All Angels will be celebrated on Wednesday, 9/28 @ 6:30pm.
  
New Women's Bible Study begins 9/21.  Do you ever wonder what heaven will be like?  Join the AWE (Anglican Women Empowered) Women's Bible Study group as we explore the book of Revelation, our beloved patron St. John's eyewitness account of God's plan for our future.  "The Vision of his Glory" DVD Study, taught by Anne Graham Lotz, will begin on Wednesday, 9/21 @ 10am at St. John's Church and will meet on the first and third Wednesdays of each month through December.  In order to insure that you have a study guide (cost of $10 due on 9/21), please contact Patti Devers.  We are looking forward to you being part of this informative and uplifting new study!

ZUMBAŽ @ St. John's!  Do you like to dance?  Would you like to have fun and get in shape, all at the same time?  Then join the ladies of AWE (Anglican Women Empowered) for ZUMBAŽ.  This Latin-inspired dance fitness class slowly introduces you to easy dance steps accompanied by Latin music and songs currently played on the radio.  By the time you have shimmied and laughed your way through an hour, you will have worked every muscle in your body!  Courtney Devers will lead classes in Chisholm Hall on Thursday evenings from 6 - 7 p.m., beginning September 22nd.  The weekly class fee is $5.00.  Be sure to bring a pair of socks.  Everyone is welcome to join us!  Any questions, call Della Stearns @ 757.309.7586. 

Want to give the gift of flowers at the altar and chapel on an upcoming Sunday?   Sign up on the "Feast" Mission Bulletin Board in the first floor Parish House hallway.
 
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).  There is a metal board on which to store your name badge if you desire in the first floor hallway of the Parish House.
 
The Parishioner Corner of our Website has news you can use.  Here you can access the latest Parish Directory, parish handbook, worship ministry schedules, and read approved minutes of vestry discussions and actions as well as 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.
  
Access our Parish Calendar with this link.
In our Prayers this Week

For the Church
Justin, Archbishop of Canterbury; Michael, the Presiding Bishop; Holly, our Bishop; Derek, our rector; Heidi, Russ, & Amanda, our missionaries; and our parish staff, wardens and vestry
 
For Justice and Peace    
Peace and Justice in the Middle East and in Turkey; that gospel love may conquer the growing worldwide fear, prejudice, and violence against those who are different; for Barack, our president; Terry, our governor; Ken, our mayor; for the city of Portsmouth; for wisdom as citizens of this nation prepare to vote in November;  for Clint Carlson; Kevin Carrigan; Erin Elliott, Greg Hicks; Carolyn Higgins, Charles Jackson; George Lang, Dakota Neel; Will Oast; Thomas Smetanka; Jessi Staley, Dariana Torres, Shaun Tuttle and Rasheem 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: Lorraine Barclay; Annie Bremer; Sharon Buell; Mary Colby; Virginia Cooke; Carla Davis; Bill Edwards; Al Gregg; Mitchell Harbin; Mavia Hudgins; Dody Mason; Martha Ann Oast; Carol Phipps; Barbara Stearns; Sue Taylor; Peggy Tuthill; Bobby Wilkerson; Sonny Wilkinson; Joy Young  
 
Related to our Parish: Jerry (uncle of Jeff Fremeau); Trinity Church, Portsmouth, as they begin the search for a new priest; Jim (family member of Amy Rose); Shanah & Eric (relatives of JoAnna Rigdon); Jeff & Jack (friends of Johnny Noles); Fallon Graham's parents who lost their house in a fire; Peter (brother of Franklin Marzullo); Katie (friend of Hannah Austin); Kenny (friend of Sherry Clem); Susan (community friend from Ogg Stone Works); Marylee & Amy (friends of Gina Fremeau); Victoria (granddaughter of Sherry Clem); Bill (brother of Arlene Dragseth); Wilbur (friend of Donna Vick); Helenor (mother of Pete Ross, grandmother of Megan Timm, and great-grandmother of Cailey & Maddison Timm); Karen (cousin of Cassie McBride); Mary (sister of Dody Mason); the Hobden family (as they grieve the death of Jonathan);  Verlene (sister of Carolyn Colon); Patients at the Naval Hospital & EDMARC hospice for children
 
Thanksgivings
For our catechists who have trained so diligently to lead Christian Formation opportunities for the children of our parish this academic year  
Stewardship of God's Resources 
for the week of 8/28

Ministry/Worship Attendance:  Sunday 8am (19), 9am (79), 11am (100); 
Holy Cross Day 6:30pm (17)

Worship Offering:  $7,508
 
Income needed for ministry expenses each week: $6,778
This Sunday in Worship

Feast of James Chisholm (9/18): 2 Corinthians 1:3-11 & Matthew 24:1-8
 
Merciful God, you called your priest James Chisholm to sacrifice his life in working to relieve his parishioners and the people of this city during a yellow fever epidemic: Help us remember that in giving up our lives to your service, we win the eternal crown that never fades away in that heavenly kingdom where, with Jesus Christ our Savior and the Holy Spirit, you reign, one God, in glory everlasting.  Amen.

Herman Hollerith, IV, bishop
J. Derek Harbin, rector

Keith Byers, bookkeeper
Taraleigh Casteen, bandleader
Courtney Devers, staff chef
Philip Goodrich, sexton
Clifford King Harbin, associate to the rector
Christopher Rusk, organist/choirmaster
Claudia Tomlin, organist emerita
Justin Young, publications

Welcome to our Sunday Worship Services
Contemplative Eucharist (Rite I) at 8am
Contemporary Eucharist (Rite II) at 9am
Classic Eucharist (Rite II) at 11am

Wednesday Healing Eucharist (Rite II) at 6:30pm
 
Holy Days as Announced

You'll find us on historic Sussex Square in Olde Towne Portsmouth
424 Washington Street, Portsmouth, VA 23704
757-399-4967
 
Our office hours are 10am - 1pm, Monday - Friday.  We look forward to seeing you!