The View
For the Twenty-Fifth Sunday after Pentecost - November 11, 2018
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Elect To Love Your Neighbor
I want to start with something very controversial on this Election Day----Auburn Tiger fans, I apologize in advance. Last Thursday night the highest paid State of Alabama employee, Nicholas Lou Saban Jr. was asked a question about the coin toss in his football team's upcoming showdown with the Louisiana State University Bayou Bengals. A caller on Coach Saban's weekly radio show asked, "If you win the toss what will you elect to do [kick or receive]?" The Crimson Tide's leader pondered for a moment before saying, "Well, to be honest with you, you know, I hope we elect to kick [butt] is what I hope we do." (https://bit.ly/2DivGg9) Of course, he did not say butt, but this is a church newsletter for crying out loud! As I have already offended at least half of you, let me see if I might dig my hole a little deeper, and use this coach's response as an example.
Regardless of whether you love or hate Coach Saban, what "St. Nick" said gives everyone----whether your blood is crimson or orange or some other color----an example of seeing the world differently. So often our worldview gets narrowed, especially on important days in our communal civic life like today. We even begin to see the world in an either/or sort of way. It is black or white, yes or no, male or female, gay or straight, old or young, Alabama or Auburn, Democrat or Republican. But, that's not how it has to be, that's not how we have to see.
When given a heads or tails type of question, the head football coach at the University of Alabama chose a third way. Not kick or receive, but kick something else. The example set here is seeking a third way. For us as children of God, we might phrase it this way: "Not my way or your way, but God's way." Of course, God's way is not about kicking someone's butt----sorry, Alabama fans. See, I knew I could offend everyone! In truth, seeking the third way, the way of God can aid the way that we make decisions on Election Day and every day. So how do we do this? How do we seek not my or your way, but God's? How do we go from either/or to both/and? We must do this by seeing ourselves not as opposing individuals, but as parts of a larger collective body.
As I stood in line at the polls this morning, I felt a deep sense of gratitude for the opportunity to be part of a body politic with the right and responsibility to vote. Even deeper within me though I found myself connecting to the truth that I am part of another body---- the Body of Christ. Saint Paul beautifully wrote to the Church in Corinth about our membership in Christ's Body.
At the time the Corinthians were struggling. They were at odds with one another. They saw the world through dichotomies, binaries, and polar opposites. Sound familiar? As a result, they were not continuing in "the apostle's teaching and fellowship," "persevering in resisting evil," "proclaiming by word and example the Good News of God in Christ," "seek[ing] and serv[ing] Christ in all persons," nor were they "striv[ing] for justice and peace among all people, and respect[ing] the dignity of every human being" to borrow words from The Baptismal Covenant (Book of Common Prayer, 304-305). Paul, though saw a third way. He adeptly used the analogy of a human body to knit this divided group of early Christians together. In the Apostle's own words:
For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ. For in the one Spirit we were all baptized into one body----Jews or Greeks, slaves or free----and we were all made to drink of one Spirit.
Indeed, the body does not consist of one member but of many. If the foot would say, "Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body," that would not make it any less a part of the body. And if the ear would say, "Because I am not an eye, I do not belong to the body," that would not make it any less a part of the body. If the whole body were an eye, where would the hearing be? If the whole body were hearing, where would the sense of smell be? But as it is, God arranged the members in the body, each one of them, as he chose. If all were a single member, where would the body be? As it is, there are many members, yet one body. The eye cannot say to the hand, "I have no need of you," nor again the head to the feet, "I have no need of you." On the contrary, the members of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable, and those members of the body that we think less honorable we clothe with greater honor, and our less respectable members are treated with greater respect; whereas our more respectable members do not need this. But God has so arranged the body, giving the greater honor to the inferior member, that there may be no dissension within the body, but the members may have the same care for one another. If one member suffers, all suffer together with it; if one member is honored, all rejoice together with it. (1 Corinthians 12:12-26)
Much like in Corinth long ago, we in the United States of America today cannot discard or disregard one another. God calls us to honor one another, and to especially revere the weakest among us. We need one another. We are not just individual members, we are a corporate body. To borrow the profound statement from Ubuntu Theology: "I am because we are." This way of seeing both the diversity and unity of the world informs us that life is not black or white, it's colorful. And, whether we consider ourselves Democrat, Republican, Independent, or something else we are called by Christ through the words of Paul to see our need for one another.
As we move through this Election Day and beyond, may we hear God's call to be part of the body, may we come together with our neighbors as one body, and may we love all members of Christ's Body, regardless of their political affiliation or any other criteria. As our Presiding Bishop, the Rt. Rev. Michael Curry put it, "The principle on which Christians must vote is the principle: Does this look like love of neighbor?" (https://www.episcopalchurch.org/library/video/jesus-movement)
May you elect to love your neighbor!
Your neighbor,
Seth+
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Nominations for Vestry are Open
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Nominations are now open and will remain open until they are closed by motion at the Annual Meeting on Sunday, January 27, 2019, in the church. Five new members of the Vestry will be elected to a three-year term and one new member of the Vestry will be elected to a one-year term at the parish's Annual Meeting. Any confirmed adult communicant in good standing (i.e., comes to church and makes a pledge) is eligible for election. Prayerfully consider whether you or someone you know would make a good member of the Vestry.
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Nomination forms are available in the church office as well on our website or
you may view and print a form from here.
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Rector Search Process Update
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Members of St. John's Parish will have their first opportunity to play a role in the search for a new Rector this weekend when the 2018 St. John's Parish Survey is distributed. The survey has been crafted by members of the Self-Study Sub-Committee of the Search Committee using Survey Monkey, a popular online survey tool. However, paper copies will also be available. Completing the survey should take ten minutes or less, but the results will play an important role in the Rector search.
The survey will help identify the priorities of the parish as well as the qualities we will seek in a new Rector. The results of the survey will be used in crafting the Parish Profile, the primary recruitment tool used in the search. The Profile will give prospective candidates for the post a feel for the kind of parish St. John's is, and will help them determine whether they feel they would be a good fit.
All members of the parish who are age 16 and older are encouraged to complete the survey. The online survey will be distributed Sunday morning via email to those who are on the parish email list, but it will also be available through a link on the parish web site next week. Papers copies will be available in the Narthex and in the parish office. Members will have until November 30 to complete the survey. I encourage members to complete the survey as soon as possible.
Thanks,
Luke Slaton
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The following people have accepted the call and are serving:
Self-Study/Parish Profile Committee: Dodie Hall, June Hall, Anne Ledbetter, Harry Moore, Julie Sneed, Blake Stewart, Bobby Straub, and Grant Thompson.
Discernment Committee: Bunny Edwards, Alana Haughaboo, Ed Land, Danny Morgan, Sue Powell, Lori Pressnell, Steve Sandlin, Glynn Tubb, Betty Weaver, Jack Williamson, and Hagler Wiley.
Be patient as the process unfolds. Respect the privacy of this search work. And, most of all, pray for the committee members, for the work that lies ahead of them, and for whomever will be called to be the next Rector of St. John's. Meanwhile, we are in good hands with our Interim Rector and our Associate Rector. The work of the parish continues to move forward as we continue this search process.
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Yours faithfully,
Pat Price
David Rahm
Luke Slaton
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Prayer for our Parish and Rector Search
Almighty and everliving God, ruler of all things in heaven and earth, hear our prayers for St. John's parish family. Strengthen the faithful, arouse the careless, and restore the penitent. Grant us all things necessary for our common life, and bring us all to be of one heart and mind within your holy Church; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Almighty God, giver of every good gift: Look graciously on your Church, and so guide the minds of those who shall choose a rector for St. John's parish, that we may receive a faithful pastor, who will care for your people and equip us for our ministries; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
The Book of Common Prayer
Page 817-818
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Simply Divine Holiday Bake Sale
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CALLING ALL
BAKERS & VOLUNTEERS
- cook up a storm with a team of friends---- casseroles, soups, sweets, breads...
- help with set up and clean up...
- organize the freezers before and/or during the bake sale...
- during the bake sale---- greeters, runners, cashiers...
- Many opportunities...
Thank You!
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Pick up a yard sign from the church!
From our kitchens to yours,
Courtney Tomberlin, Lori Pressnell, Sarah Beth Greenbaum, and Callie Tubb
Bake Sale Co-Chairs
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Simply Divine KIDS Corner
during the Simply Divine Bake Sale
on November 17
St. John's Parish Hall
St. John's children will be selling cookies and hot chocolate during the bake sale. We have special aprons for the children that volunteer and help out! Please sign up here to serve cookies and cocoa.
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Kids! Come bake cookies for the Simply Divine Bake Sale on Wednesday, November 14.
We will have dinner together at 5:30pm and the baking begins at 6:00pm.
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2019 Pledge Cards
Please remember the importance of returning your pledge card promptly. The Vestry needs your pledge in order to make a budget for 2019. If you have not received a pledge card, please contact the church office or download and print a pledge card here (PDF). You may access additional information when considering a 2019 pledge from our church website at https://stjohnsdecatur.dioala.org/2019-annual-giving.html.
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During the church office hours, to be more hospitable and to welcome who is coming into the building, we will have limited entrances open, please use the Gordon Drive side to enter. Thank you!
Church Office Hours
Monday-Thursday 9:00am-5:00pm
(Closed for lunch from Noon-1:00pm)
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St. John's Chili Cook-Off!
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Dust off your crock pot and put on your chef's hat. We're having a chili cook-off on Wednesday, November 7, beginning at 5:30pm in the Parish Hall.
How it works:
1. Bring your best crock-pot of chili (any style you want) & BYOL (bring your own ladle!)
2. Everyone will gather to taste, enjoy, and vote. Each entry is given a number for people's choice voting.
3. Best Overall Chili wins an awesome prize (plus bragging rights). The 2017 winner was Dodie Hall.
4. Provided by us: tasting cups, bowls, eating utensils, drinks, condiments
You don't want to miss this cool weather festivity!
Organized by Amy Calame, St. John's Family Life Committee Representative
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Try 'em all at the Chili Cook-Off
Wednesday, November 7
5:30pm
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Sing-A-Long on Friday, November 9
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Sing-A-Long with us at Riverside Assisted Living (1009 Line Street) on FRIDAY, November 9 at 10:00am, for a special Veterans Day celebration!
Greg and Lisa Pace will be joining us and sharing their extensive collection of World War Two memorabilia and information. The Paces are the chairpersons of Wings Over Courtland. The Courtland Army Airfield was activated in December 1942. Although the exact number of pilots who trained in Courtland is not know, it is estimated that over 100,000 Army personnel worked on the base between 1942 and 1946. We'll also have someone who will play "Taps" on the trumpet. And of course, we'll sing lots of patriotic songs to celebrate this event. Please invite others; all are welcome to join us! Janet Varner ([email protected])
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Volunteers for Banks-Caddell PTO Supper
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St. John's is partnering with Banks-Caddell's PTO each month!
St. John's Representative is Lori Pressnell.
Volunteers Needed For November
- Sunday, November 11: Seeking two (2) volunteers to assist in the St. John's kitchen on Sunday afternoon to prepare spaghetti
- Tuesday, November 13: Seeking three (3) volunteers to help set up and serve at Banks-Caddell
Call Lori Pressnell, 256-303-8591, for details and to volunteer!
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Many hands made for light work on this past Saturday's Parish Work Day! Thank you to all who worked hard to take care of God's church.
Our next Parish Work Day is on Saturday, April 13, 2019, from 8:00am to Noon.
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Dinner and Advent Wreath Workshop: November 28
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Family Life Presents a Parish-Wide
Dinner and Advent Wreath Workshop
Wednesday, November 28
Dinner at 5:30pm ~ Workshop at 6:00pm
$15 per kit includes: base, candles, Advent wreath prayer booklet and Advent calendar. Please bring hand clippers and greenery. We will have some greenery available. Payment can be made at the event. Menu: Santa Fe Soup with Vegetarian Option (Suggested donation $6/Adult; $4/Child; $24/Family max)
Contact the church office to reserve an Advent Wreath Kit (limited supplies) at [email protected] or 256-353-9615.
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St. Nicholas Shoes for Boys & Girls Clubs Members
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We're excited to partner again with the Boys and Girls Clubs for this year's St. Nicholas Shoe Tree!
Beginning Sunday, November 11, the shoe tree will be up in the Parish Hall. Please take a shoe tag (or more!) from the tree, purchase a new pair of casual shoes based on the tag's instructions, and bring the wrapped gift to our Wednesday-night Dinner and Program on December 5. Please include a gift receipt and place the green shoe tag on the outside of your wrapped gift.
We will gladly take monetary donations to purchase shoes for you. Make checks payable to St. John's and note "St. Nicholas Shoes Ministry" on the memo line. Any questions, please contact the church office at 256-353-9615.
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Historic Decatur Christmas Tour Stop: St. John's Episcopal Church
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St. John's will be on this year's Historic Decatur Christmas Tour on Saturday, December 8, from 3:00pm to 8:00pm.
We are seeking volunteers to be stationed in the church and Parish Hall entrances of St. John's to greet and welcome people as they tour our beautiful spaces. Please consider volunteering for a one-hour time slot.
If you would like to be a part of this welcoming group, please use this online sign up to volunteer!
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Roadrunners (55+) Outings
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NOVEMBER
Shrine of the Most Blessed Sacrament in Hanceville
Friday, November 30
The church bus will leave at 9:00am from the church to tour the Shrine of the Most Blessed Sacrament in Hanceville. The guided tour will last about one hour. There will be some walking at a leisurely pace. For walking between the buildings, the Shrine will provide rides in a golf cart as needed.
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There is no entry charge at the Shrine, but donations are appreciated. On the return trip to Decatur, we will stop at The All Steak in Cullman for a Dutch-treat lunch. We should be back to the church by 2:30pm. Each person will be asked to give $4 for gas. Call the office to reserve your seat on the church bus! Roadrunner Organizer, Bunny Edwards
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JANUARY
Huntsville Symphony Orchestra
Sunday, January 27 (Annual Meeting Sunday)
The church bus will leave at 2:30pm from the church to travel to Lowe Mill. We should return to the church by 5:30pm. Tickets are $20 plus $2 for gas. Please pay the $20 to the church office when reserving your seat on the church bus.
Roadrunner Organizer, Bill Briscoe
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Rehearsals for Lessons & Carols
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If you've ever thought about joining choir or just love to sing, come sing with us for Lessons & Carols!
Lessons & Carols Rehearsals
Wednesday, November 7: 6:45pm-7:30pm
Sunday, November 11: 2:00pm-4:00pm
Wednesday, November 14: 6:45pm-7:30pm
Sunday, November 18: 2:00pm-4:00pm
Wednesday, November 21: 6:45pm-7:30pm
Wednesday, November 28: 6:45pm-7:30pm
Sunday, December 2: 2:00-4:00pm and the Service is at 5:00pm with a reception to follow
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Dear St. John's friends,
I appreciate the opportunity to walk with you through your stewardship season this year. I had a great time on Sunday, October 28, and I hope that the folks at St. John's are pleased at the great number of people and the enthusiasm swirling about your parish. Thank you for asking me to join you.
Blessings to you and the good work you do to glorify God's name,
Katherine+
Curate
St. Thomas Episcopal Church, Huntsville
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Daily Morning Prayer Monday Through Friday at 8:30am
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Monday-Friday at 8:30am in the Chapel
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We are offering the Daily Office of Morning Prayer each morning Monday through Friday at 8:30am in the Chapel with the Rev. Tom Crittenden. This brief service is rooted in the monastic tradition and is the perfect way to begin your day. We recite psalms, read Scripture, and have time for private intercessions offered either silently or aloud. The Daily Office is the Church's gift to us, allowing us to sanctify time and to consecrate each day.
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The Associate Rector's Bible Study
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The Associate Rector's Bible Study
10:00am, Library, with the Rev. J. Seth Olson
(No class on November 12)
Throughout the semester we will explore the Pastoral Epistles (1 Timothy, 2 Timothy, and Titus). Join us and bring a friend.
View the class schedule
here (PDF)
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The Men's Tuesday Breakfast & Bible Study
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The Men's Breakfast & Bible Study
7:00am in the Parish Hall
with the Rev. Tom Crittenden
(
No class on Nov. 13)
Each week men from several different churches meet for breakfast ($4), fellowship, prayer, and study in the Parish Hall. During this semester, the Bible study will give us a head start on the Gospel of Luke, the featured Sunday Gospel in the upcoming Church year beginning in Advent.
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Tuesdays at 7:00am in the Parish Hall
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Wednesday-Afternoon Eucharist
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Our 12:10pm Wednesday-afternoon service of Holy Eucharist with Prayers for Healing is held in St. Mary's Chapel.
This service includes readings, prayers, a homily, litany for healing and the Holy Eucharist. Parishioners and non-parishioners attend this lovely and intimate service. The Healing Eucharist is not long; we usually leave by 12:45pm. Please know all are invited to reflect, pray, and participate in the Eucharist in our beautiful chapel.
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On the first Wednesday of each month, we continue our fellowship over lunch (Dutch treat) at a neighboring restaurant. Come, taste and see that God is good.
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Sunday School Opportunities
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Sunday School Opportunities
November 11
9:30am
Following Continental Breakfast in the Parish Hall
ADULTS & YOUTH
Lay-Led Class with Erika Huber: Our Stained-Glass Windows (Church)
Ever wonder who created the stained glass in our Sanctuary? What stories the windows tell? What the symbols & icons in the Sanctuary mean? This class will explore these questions and more. We will complete this series in the church at 9:30am on November 11, with Erika Huber, as we bring the windows to life in this journey to learn a bit about our past.
CHILDREN
The children will gather downstairs.
Come join us on a journey into the Old Testament where we will explore God's unending love each Sunday morning. Students will first travel back to Creation and the Great Flood. The journey continues with Moses, Ruth and Daniel. Each week holds a different adventure. Where will the students be? Maybe in Music/Drama, Arts/Crafts, Lego, Games, Science, Digging up the Past or Food Fun. Each week will be different. Make plans to join us as we travel in love with God.
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Kids! Come bake cookies for the Simply Divine Bake Sale on Wednesday, November 14. We will have dinner together at 5:30pm and the baking begins at 6:00pm.
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Sunday, November 11
Grades 3K through 5th grade
Children's Choir Rehearsal with Lauren
Resumes Sunday, November 18, at 9:15am in the downstairs choir room
Sunday School will be held in one classroom downstairs. We will gather for a story and activity at 9:30am.
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Sally Marsh, Director of Children's Ministries
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ACOLYTE SCHEDULE
November 11
8:00am Server/Crucifer: Cricket Powell;
10:30am Epistle Server/Torchbearer: Nathan Stewart; Gospel Server: Eppes Rogers; Crucifer: Seeking a Sub;
Torchbearer: Kenzie McKimmon
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Dust off your crock pot and put on your chef's hat!
We're having a
chili cook-off
on
Wednesday, November 7, beginning at 5:30pm
in the Parish Hall
Amy Calame, Family Life Representative
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| EYC on Sunday night consisted of All Saints' BINGO and designing rocks with how we stand firm in our faith like former and current Saints! |
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Tim Callahan, Director of Youth Ministries
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Cursillo is Active in the Diocese of Alabama
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Cursillo is a four-day weekend at Camp McDowell, beginning on a Thursday and concluding on a Sunday. The weekend is an opportunity to build a closer relationship with God through talks by lay and clergy people, group discussion, lots of music, fellowship, incredible fun, and wonderful surprises.
Every participant has a sponsor, someone from St. John's who has attended a Cursillo weekend. This sponsor will assist you in preparation for the weekend and, more importantly, assist you after the weekend. The sponsor also drives you to and from Camp McDowell!
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The 2019 Cursillo Weekend dates are:
#216 February 28 - March 3; #217 April 25 - 28;
#218 June 13 - 16; #219 September 12 - 15; and #220 October 24 - 27
If you know someone in our parish who has attended a Cursillo weekend, ask them to tell you more and how to get started, or share your interest with St. John's parish lay rector, Betty Weaver, or with clergy.
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November 11, 2018
For the Twenty-Fifth Sunday after Pentecost
Nursery provided from 9:15am through the 10:30am service
8:00am
Holy Eucharist (Rite I)
8:45am Continental Breakfast, Parish Hall
9:30am Lay-Led Class: Stained-Glass Windows Class led by Erika Huber in the Church
9:30am Sunday School Class for Children, Downstairs
10:30am
Holy Eucharist (Rite II)
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Vestry Representative: Pam Howell
LEM: 8:00am Sue Powell
10:30am Tony Bolan, Huey Hall
Lector
: 8:00am Toni Roberts
10:30am Nikki Kincaid
Altar Guild
: Team 4
Bread Guild
: Amy Girffith
Acolytes
: 8:00am Server/Crucifer: Cricket Powell
10:30am Epistle Server/Torchbearer: Nathan Stewart; Gospel Server: Eppes Rogers; Crucifer: Seeking a Sub; Torchbearer: Kenzie McKimmon
Ushers
: 8:00am Jesse Sawyer
10:30am Andy Kelly, John Howell
Childcare
: Haley Melson, Ella McAnear
Flower ReArranger
: Sandra Pippen
Flower Deliverers
: Marcie Ann Kennedy, Linda Miller, David Metcalf
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Altar Flowers Contributions
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Altar Flowers
Contributions are given to the glory of God in memory of loved ones, or in thanksgiving for particular people, or in celebration of special occasions such as a birthday or wedding anniversary. A donation of $60 will sponsor the flower arrangements arranged by the Flower Guild. We accept only one dedication per Sunday. If you would like to make such a gift, please complete the Contribution Form and return form and contribution to the church office.
Available Dates: Nov. 21.
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A Communion Wine Contribution is another way to honor a special person or event. Please call the church office, 256-353-9615. Wine dedications are $10 each.
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Our Prayers and Thanksgivings
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Our Prayers and Thanksgivings
We pray for family and friends who are ill or distressed, especially
Eric Armstrong, Grace Arnold, Squee Bailey, Charles Baumgardener, Gayle Baumgardener, J.W. Beasley, Wilson Bell, John Bergman, Danny Berry, Noelle Bonjour, Ken Bonner, Laura Bracey, Cole Burton, Pattie Burwick, Gere Carnathan, Nell Clem, Jenny Codding, Lawson Craig, Catherine DeBardeleben, Laura Doherty, Charles Doty, Marty Doty and his family, Will Doty, Anne Draper, Ruth Dreisacker, Debbie Dumas, Lee Edwards, Anne Eich, Sammy Eich, Linda Engelman, Anne Eyster, David Farmer, John Farmer, Todd Gabotte, Chuck George, Lilly Graham, Lori Grasz, Sally Jo Green, Nancy Hagood, Michelle Hall, Tania Harris, George Harvey, Jo Ann Harvey, Anne Haynes, Mildred Head, Sherry Holland, Laurine Hughes, Katie Hughey, Peter Jenke, Will Johnson, Katy Kavanagh, Carol Kerbel, John David King, Nancy Kitchener, Ray Landis, Dena Lewis, Carey Link, Elaine Lively, Mike Lothspeich, David Lyons, Donna Martinez, Henry McCrary, George Mills, Tim Moore, John Murphy, Leah Norman, Kathryn O'Connell, Nancy O'Flinn, Bill Oliver, Libby Sims Patrick, Laura Phillips, Sam Piper, Sam Prickhart, Bethany Pridmore, Scott Richards, Braelyn Richardson, Bridget Ros, David Sandlin, Janice Sandlin, David Schacht, Cindy Schoeneck, JoAnne Schooley, Marianne Schram, Kristin Sherman, Reece Seal, Sloan Smith, Carolyn Smothers, Polly Stone, Emma Strane, Bob Straub, Ed Taylor, Mauda Terry, Michael Terry, Margie Thompson, Florence Turpin, Robby Tweedy, Laura Vos, Bill Waldo, Brett Weaver, Betty Weeks, Nancy Turner Wilson, Sammy Woody.
We pray for those who serve in and with the Armed Forces, especially
Michael Blair, Steven Blair, Brandon Blevins, Jonathan Easter, Jesse Garcia, and Christopher Harwell.
W
e pray for the departed, especially Joyce Ceci; Lois Adams, sister of Marty Doty; Victoria Bidwell, grandmother of Vicky Nelson.
We pray for
persecuted Christians and refugees around the world; for an end to poverty, addiction, and violence of all kinds, especially gun violence; for the students, families, teachers, and administrators of Banks-Caddell Elementary School; for our companion diocese of the Virgin Islands and its bishop, Ambrose; for the Commission on Spirituality; for the Daughters of the King; for
Episcopal Place, Birmingham; for St. Martin's in the Pines, Birmingham; and for Happening #73 taking place at St. Luke's Birmingham.
If you are hospitalized or in need of a clergy visit, please notify the Church Office (256-353-9615). Please remember that area hospitals do not notify us about admissions.
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Monthly Stewardship Focus: Stewardship of Gratitude
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"O give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; for his steadfast love endures forever" (1 Chronicles 16:34, New Revised Standard Version). This is one of a multitude of calls in Holy Scripture for us to give thanks to God. And, many Sundays throughout the year we pray the following words of gratitude in Eucharistic Prayer B: "We give thanks to you, O God, for the goodness and love which you have made known to us in creation; in the calling of Israel to be your people; in your Word spoken through the prophets; and above all in the Word made flesh, Jesus, your Son" (Book of Common Prayer, 368). We are made to give thanks, we are made to be grateful, especially for Christ Jesus. This month in particular we hold up the stewardship of gratitude. Not just on Thanksgiving, but every day we are called to use our time, talent, and treasure to give our praise and appreciation to God for all God has done, does, and will do for us. How will you practice gratitude?
Practices for expanding your stewardship of gratitude:
- Take part in the "Month of Gratitude" challenge by thinking of and posting on Social Media about something for which you are grateful. Don't forget to tag St. John's Episcopal Church in your posts.
- On Sundays or Wednesdays, before coming to St. John's for the Holy Eucharist, otherwise known as the GREAT THANKSGIVING, think of a way God blessed you during the week for which you are particularly thankful.
- Start a new practice of gratitude! Have you ever kept a gratitude journal? It is a practice of writing down all the things, people, blessings, and challenges for which you are thankful. What about starting each day by thinking of all the things for which you are grateful? In this practice, acknowledging blessings and moving to even the challenges of life can transform how we view God's presence in our lives.
- Come to our Thanksgiving Eve Holy Eucharist service on Wednesday, November 21st at 5:30 PM.
- Use the General Thanksgiving (page 101), a General Thanksgiving (page 836), or a Litany of Thanksgiving (page 836) in the Book of Common Prayer as part of your morning or evening devotion time.
- Pass along your own gratitude: share what you are thankful for with others, place your loose change in a United Thank Offering (UTO) box, or use the UTO box during a blessing before meals by stating those things for which you are grateful.
This month we have the invitation to practice gratitude. For what are you appreciative? How will you give thanks to God? "O give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; for his steadfast love endures forever!"
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Giving statements for the 3rd quarter have been mailed. Please review and compare your statement with your records. If you have questions about your stewardship pledge or capital campaign pledge, please contact Vickie.
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Visit our online giving page to make a secure one-time payment or set up recurring payments.
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Upcoming Birthdays & Anniversaries
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Sarah Beth Dye 11/2
Eppes Rogers 11/4
William Shelton 11/4
Hudson Shelton 11/4
Menine Rice 11/6
Connor Pheny 11/7
Robby Tweedy 11/7
Rachel Wiley 11/7
Will Dinsmore 11/8
Lauren Salerno 11/8
Henry Thornton 11/8
Leslie Hofammann 11/11
Suzanne Thompson 11/11
Ann Stewart 11/12
Margaret-Anne Crumlish 11/13
Carol Puckett 11/13
Sarah Beth Greenbaum 11/15
Lucy Key 11/15
Betty Weaver 11/15
Edison Garner 11/16
Jo Ann Harvey 11/16
Denise Kelly 11/17
John Peterson 11/18
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Ken Schuppert 11/19
Diane Wray 11/20
Doris Downing 11/21
Larry Freeman 11/21
Sam Clay 11/21
Braxton Higdon 11/22
Gayle Metcalf 11/22
Dare Smith 11/22
Clement Howton 11/23
Sally Marsh 11/23
Susan Neil 11/23
Mary-Sidney Ritch 11/23
Sofia Thomas 11/23
Carol O'Neill 11/24
Lane Price 11/24
Mike Salerno 11/24
Lee McCain 11/25
Jan Poole 11/25
Moses Pressnell 11/25
Jim MacIlveen 11/26
Sally Bibb 11/27
Anne Fletcher 11/27
Phil Thomas 11/27
Emily Barr 11/30
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Happy Anniversary!
Carol and Steve Sandlin 11/04
Beth and Joel Weinbaum 11/4
Rachel and Hagler Wiley 11/4
May and Paul Thomas 11/17
Cassandra and Harry Moore 11/22
Sherri and David Rahm 11/22
Dyanne and Bill Moore 11/23
Nora and Huey Hall 11/27
If your celebration is not listed, please forgive us. Call or email the church office with any updates.
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Sunday
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Monday
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Tuesday
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Wednesday
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Thursday
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Friday
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Saturday
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31
8:30am Yoga-1
8:30am Morning Prayer, Chapel
12:10pm Healing Eucharist, Chapel
6:45pm Choir Rehearsal, Choir Room
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1 Nominations to Vestry are Open
8:30am Morning Prayer, Chapel
9:00am Centering Prayer & Lectio Divina, Chapel
5:15pm Theology on Tap, The Brick
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2
7:00am Men's Reunion Group, Library
8-9:30am Yoga-2
8:30am Morning Prayer, Chapel
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3
8:00am-Noon Parish Work Day
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4 All Saints' Sunday
Daylight Saving Time Ends
8:00am Holy Eucharist I
9:00am Breakfast, Parish Hall
9:15am Childcare through the 10:30am service, Downstairs
9:30am Clergy-Led Class
9:30am Children & Youth Classes, Downstairs
10:30am Holy Eucharist II
5:30pm EYC (6th-12th)
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5
8:30am Morning Prayer, Chapel
10:00am
Associate Rector's Bible Study
1:30pm Senior Bridge, Parish Hall
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6
7:00am Men's Breakfast & Bible Study
8-9:30am Yoga-2
8:30am Morning Prayer, Chapel
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7
8:30am Yoga-1
8:30am Morning Prayer, Chapel
12:10pm Healing Eucharist, Chapel--followed by Dutch-treat lunch
5:30pm Chili Cook-Off, Parish Hall
6:45pm Lessons & Carols Rehearsal, Choir Room
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8
8:30am Morning Prayer, Chapel
9:00am Centering Prayer & Lectio Divina, Chapel
5:15pm Theology on Tap, The Brick
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9
7:00am Men's Reunion Group, Library
8-9:30am Yoga-2
8:30am Morning Prayer, Chapel
10:00am Sing-A-Long at Riverside
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10
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11
8:00am Holy Eucharist I
9:00am Continental Breakfast, Parish Hall
9:15am Childcare through the 10:30am service, Downstairs
9:30am Lay-Led Class, Church
10:30am Holy Eucharist II
2:00pm-4:00pm Lessons and Carols Rehearsal, Choir Room
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12
8:30am Morning Prayer, Chapel
No
Associate Rector's Bible Study
1:30pm Senior Bridge, Pairsh Hall
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13
No Men's Breakfast & Bible Study
8-9:30am Yoga-2
8:30am Morning Prayer, Chapel
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14
8:30am Yoga-1
8:30am Morning Prayer, Chapel
12:10pm Healing Eucharist, Chapel
5:30pm Kid's Dinner and Baking Cookies
6:45pm Lessons & Carols Rehearsal, Choir Room
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15
8:30am Morning Prayer, Chapel
9:00am Centering Prayer
& Lectio Divina, Chapel
5:15pm Theology on Tap, The Brick
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16
7:00am Men's Reunion Group, Library
8-9:30am Yoga-2
8:30am Morning Prayer, Chapel
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17
8:00am Simply Divine Holiday Bake Sale, Parish Hall
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18
8:00am Holy Eucharist I
8:45am Breakfast, Parish Hall
9:15am Childcare through the 10:30am service, Downstairs
9:30am Clergy-Led Class, Parish Hall
9:30am Children & Youth Classes, Downstairs
10:30am Holy Eucharist II
2:00pm-4:00pm Lessons and Carols Rehearsal, Choir Room
5:30pm EYC (6th-12th)
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19
8:30am Morning Prayer, Chapel
10:00am
Associate Rector's Bible Study, Library
1:30pm Senior Bridge, Parish Hall
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20
7:00am Men's Breakfast & Bible Study, Parish Hall
8-9:30am Yoga-2
8:30am Morning Prayer, Chapel
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21
8:30am Yoga-1
8:30am Morning Prayer, Chapel
5:30pm Thanksgiving Eve Holy Eucharist, Church
6:45pm Lessons & Carols Rehearsal, Choir Room
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23
7:00am Men's Reunion Group, Library
8-9:30am Yoga-2
8:30am Morning Prayer, Chapel
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24
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25
8:00am Holy Eucharist I
9:00am Breakfast, Parish Hall
9:15am Childcare through the 10:30am service, Downstairs
9:30am Clergy-Led Class
9:30am Lay-Led Class, Library
9:30am Children & Youth Classes, Downstairs
10:30am Holy Eucharist II
5:30pm EYC (6th-12th)
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26
8:30am Morning
Prayer, Chapel
10:00am Associate Rector's Bible Study, Library
1:30pm Senior Bridge, Parish Hall
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27
7:00am Men's Breakfast & Bible Study, Parish Hall
8-9:30am Yoga-2
8:30am Morning Prayer, Chapel
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28
8:30am Yoga-1
8:30am Morning Prayer, Chapel
12:10pm Healing Eucharist, Chapel
5:30pm Dinner & Advent Wreath Workshop, Parish Hall
6:45pm Lessons & Carols Rehearsal, Choir Room
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29
8:30am Morning Prayer, Chapel
9:00am Centering Prayer
& Lectio Divina, Chapel
9:30am-11:00am Beans & Rice Ministry, Parking Lot
5:15pm Theology on Tap, The Brick
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30
7:00am Men's Reunion Group, Library
8-9:30am Yoga-2
8:30am Morning Prayer, Chapel
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St. John's Parish Staff & Vestry
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The Parish Staff
St. John's Episcopal Church
202 Gordon Drive SE
Decatur, AL 35601
Office 256-353-9615 | Fax 256-350-0514
Monday -Thursday 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Closed for Lunch 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.
The Rev. Tom Crittenden, Interim Rector, ext. 102; [email protected]
The Rev. J. Seth Olson, Associate Rector, ext. 103; [email protected]
Vickie Reed, Financial Administrator, ext. 101; [email protected]
Sally Marsh, Director of Children's Ministries, ext. 111; [email protected]
Tim Callahan, Director of Youth Ministries, ext. 110; [email protected]
Ann Stewart, Director of Communications, ext. 105; [email protected]
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Lauren Salerno,
Choirmaster
Ella McAnear, Nursery
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Ken Schuppert, Chancellor
Bobby Straub, Treasurer
Stand Evans & D. Hall, Assistant Treasurers
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The Vestry
Class of 2018: Alana Haughaboo; Mary McKimmon; Billy Middleton; Pat Price (Senior Warden); Karen Smith
Class of 2019:
Dana Baggette; Pam Howell; Harvey Pride; David Rahm (Junior Warden)
Class of 2020: Tony Bolan; Bill Briscoe; Nora Hall; Sue Hennessy; Brian White
Clerk: Kathy Stoner
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