ST
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J
OHN'
s E
PISCOPAL
C
HURCH
202 Gordon Drive SE, Decatur, AL (256) 353-9615
For the Twelfth Sunday after Pentecost - Sunday, August 16, 2015
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Learning to Step Aside
Last night, I had a completely vivid, completely eviscerating dream. Another congregation was preparing for a big service
----the kind that requires lots of people and careful coordination
----and I knew that they would need some help. I showed up, vestments in tow, ready to offer my services. Despite having organized that same complicated service several times before, I, for the most part, hung back and let others take the lead. Instead of offering suggestions, I merely asked questions to highlight the critical issues that would come up during the service. (How noble of me!) A few minutes before the service was scheduled to begin, I stepped into the room where the clergy were to vest. As I began to get dressed, more and more clergy came in. People I did not recognize were already vested and ready to participate in the service. Suddenly I realized that every necessary role had already been filled. The whole time I was worried that they would need my help, and I was ashamed to discover that in actuality I was the only one who was not needed.
Surprisingly enough, I woke up remarkably refreshed. Although it can be difficult to learn that I am not needed, I find a genuine peace when I am reminded that I am not responsible for solving the world's problems. In fact, the less and less important I become the easier and easier it is handle whatever challenges life presents. As I become smaller, more room opens up for God to do his work. How remarkable that my own dreams could remind me of something I still need to learn!
In a world in which kindness is usually measured by the frequency and quality of thoughtful words and deeds, it can be difficult to remember that, more often than not, the most loving thing we can do for someone else is get out of the way. Whether we are dropping our infant off at the nursery or sending our child off to kindergarten or saying goodbye to our new college freshman, we must learn to let go. When our neighbor confides in us that her marriage is falling apart, she is not asking us to fix it. If our spouse blows the big deal at work, it is not our job to pick up the pieces. When the pastor's phone rings at 8:30 p.m. on a Friday, usually the best thing for everyone is let it go to voicemail.
A common theme throughout the gospel is humanity's resistance to our Lord's call to selfless service. All three synoptic accounts recall the moment when two or more of the disciples discussed among themselves who would be the regarded as the greatest. Typically, I see that discussion as an exercise in vanity, but I wonder whether the disciples' intentions might have been pure. Perhaps they were debating not who was the holiest among them but who had done the most to help others or who had given up the most to follow Jesus or who was prepared to risk the most in defense of his master. If so, their error was not one of self-aggrandizement but of misdirected zeal. Perhaps the gentleness with which Jesus rebuked them should inform our impression of the scene: "The kings of the Gentiles exercise lordship over them, and those in authority over them are called benefactors. But not so with you. Rather, let the greatest among you become as the youngest, and the leader as one who serves" (Luke 22:25-26).
As I learned waiting tables during my time in college, the best servers are the ones who are only around when needed. Although always available, they seem to disappear until they are called upon. They know that their reward, expressed as a gratuity, will not reflect their ability to invent reasons to help their customers but their availability to address the needs that present themselves. When Jesus likened the greatest among them to one who serves, he was not encouraging them to put on a superhero's outfit and fly around saving the day. He was inviting them to hang back, to practice the art of availability, and to acknowledge that truly selfless service begins only when one discards his or her own need to serve others.
Sometimes people come to me with their own problems, but most of the time people approach me because they are worried about someone else. "What can I do about this person I love?" I am often asked. "They need some help, but I don't know what to do." My response? "Exactly-do nothing; just pray." As last night's dream reveals, they are words I must speak as much to myself as to anyone else. We want to fix the world. We want to help other people. We need to be helpful. When someone we love appears to be in trouble, it is far easier for us to do something than to do nothing. But whose needs are we really addressing when we rush in to help?
The greatest among us will become like the youngest and the leader as one who serves. Take a step back from your own need to help others. Pray that God would give you the wisdom to recognize the line between your needs and theirs. Look for ways to be available to those you love, but resist the temptation to jump in. Remember that God is calling you to a life of selfless service and that a life of selfless service begins when we let go of ourselves.
Yours faithfully,
Evan D. Garner
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News to Share: Hiring Nursery Staff
We are in need of help in our Nursery. Must be available Sunday mornings. Other work opportunities will be available on some Wednesday nights and during other special events. Starting wage will be $12/hr. New hires must be 18 years old, able to pass a criminal background check and have reliable transportation. No walk-ins. Access the following link for an application or contact the church office at 256-353-9615 to have an application mailed to you.
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50th Anniversary: Jonathan Daniels Pilgrimage
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Jonathan Daniels Pilgrimage Saturday, August 15
beginning at 11:00am in the Lowndes Co. Courthouse Square in Hayneville. Holy Eucharist will be celebrated from the judge's bench-turned altar. The Presiding Bishop-elect, the Rt. Rev. Michael Curry, will participate.
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Rally Day Ministry Fair & Lunch
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|  Rally Day Ministry Fair & Lunch
Sunday, August 16 following the 10:30 service The ministries of the church will be showcased, in a fun carnival-style fashion, our fall curriculum for Christian education will be presented and there will be opportunities for you to sign up and participate. There are a number of ways to connect in the parish - a variety of ministries to choose from. Come on out, enjoy the food and fellowship, and learn in an enjoyable way about who we are as a parish! Sunday School Kick-Off! August 23 Parish-Wide Sunday School Offerings for All Ages beginning at 9:30 am.
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3rd Thursday: Beans & Rice, August 20
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Bags of beans and rice are handed out on the 3
rd Thursday of each month from 9:30am to 11:00am in the St. John's parking lot.
Recipients don't even have to get out of their car! Share the news about this outreach ministry supported by the children of St. John's. If you would like to help with this ministry, please contact Sally Marsh at 256-353-9615.
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Bake Sale Planning Meeting
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|  Bake Sale Planning Meeting Thursday August 20 at Noon. Bring a sack lunch and ideas to this bake sale planning meeting in the Parish Hall at 12:00pm. Save the Date for the Simply Divine Bake Sale, Saturday, November14 |
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Family Life Presents: Parish-Wide Canoe Outing
Saturday, August 22
Meet in the church parking lot by 9:00am for carpools and caravans to Elk River Canoe Rental, just east of Fayetteville, TN, about an hour drive. It's about a 4-hour canoe ride down an easy flowing river. Cost estimate is $20/adult; $5/child under 100 lbs. riding as 3rd or 4th person. Cost includes paddle, life jacket, and transportation to and from river.
Pack a lunch and drinks in cooler. Bring a change of clothes for ride home.
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|  Committee on Church Cooperation 119 First Avenue NE
Thursday, August 27, is our next opportunity to partner with the CCC and provide lunch for the Soup Kitchen.
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Children's Ministry (PreK-5th Grade)
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Sunday, August 16
Rally Day Ministry Fair & BBQ Lunch following the 10:30am service!
- Continental Breakfast from 8:45am - 9:30am
- Childcare available from 9:00am through the 10:30am service
- Holy Eucharist services, 8:00am, 10:30am, and 5:00pm
Summer Christian Formation - 9:30am combi
ned classroom downstairs with Sally while the adults and youth participate in the newspaper class in the Parish Hall.
 Back to School Swim Party
Sunday, August 16 from 3:00pm until ?? at the Burningtree Country Club (2521 Burningtree Drive Decatur) All children 5th grade and younger are invited to attend. We will provide a meal from the snack stand and also a celebration cake. It is important to let us know if you will be joining us. Please call Sally at 256-353-9615 ext. 104.
Fall Sunday School classes begin Sunday, August 23 at 9:30am!
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EYC (6th - 12th Grades)
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 The Jonathan Daniels Pilgrimage is this Saturday, August 15, 11:00am in Hayneville, AL. This is the 50th anniversary of the death of Daniels, an Episcopal seminarian who died while working to help register African Americans to vote. In his memory, we walk from the Courthouse Square to the jail where Daniels was held to the store where he was killed. After the pilgrimage, there will be a special service with our new Presiding Bishop-elect preaching. Let us know if you'd like to come!
Sunday, August 16: Rally Day:
- Holy Eucharist services, 8:00 & 10:30am and 5:00pm
- Lunch & ministry fair after the 10:30 service
- Acolyte Training for all acolytes following lunch (about noon to 1 or 1:30pm)
LOOKING AHEAD
Work Week Banquet, August 19
Parish Canoe Trip, August 22
Sunday school & EYC Kick-off
, August 23
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Sunday Schedule
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For the 12th Sunday after Pentecost August 16
8:00am Holy Eucharist, Rite I
8:45am Continental Breakfast, Parish Hall
9:00am Childcare through 10:30am service
9:30am Christian Formation for All Ages
10:30am Holy Eucharist, Rite II
Followed by Rally Day Ministry Fair & BBQ Lunch, Parish Hall
5:00pm Evening Eucharist, Chapel
Vestry Representative:
Julia Roth
LEM:
8:00am Lou Greene, D. Hall; 10:30am M.M. Tweedy, Huey Hall; 5:00pm Suzanne Thompson
Bread Baker:
Suzanne Thompson
Altar Guild:
Team 4
Lectors
: 8:00am Julie Sneed; 10:30am Pamela Payne
Acolytes: 8:00am Sam Clay S; Davis Wenzler C; 10:30am
McCauley Smith ES; Will Rogers, Jr. GS; Eppes Rogers C; Henry McFarland, Tripper Martin TB
Ushers:
8:00am Jud Pheny; 10:30am Don Kincaid, Aaron Lang, Jeff Leavitt, Jim Mitchell
Childcare
(9:00am through 10:30am service):
Joanne Peterson, Haley Melson
Continental Breakfast:
Office Staff
Flower ReArranger:
Dashiell McKay
Flower Delivery:
Pat Price, Lucy Key
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For the 13th Sunday after Pentecost August 23
8:00am Holy Eucharist, Rite I
8:45am Breakfast, Parish Hall
9:00am Childcare through 10:30am service
9:30am Christian Formation for All Ages
10:30am Holy Eucharist, Rite II
5:00pm Evening Eucharist, Chapel
6:00pm EYC Kick-Off
Vestry Representative:
Jack Thomas
LEM:
8:00am Harry Moore, David Rice; 10:30am Kristin Hanson, Luke Slaton; 5:00pm Squee Bailey
Bread Baker:
Larkin Martin
Altar Guild:
Team 1
Lectors
: 8:00am Karen Smith; 10:30am Chuck Puckett
Acolytes: 8:00am Blaine Irwin S; John Davis IV C; 10:30am
Mary V Holman ES; Sophie Leavitt GS; Ethan Thomas C; Natalie Huber, Hilton Wiley TB
Ushers:
8:00am Mike Adams; 10:30am Harry Moore, Carolyn Price, Frank Price, Steve Price
Childcare
(9:00am through 10:30am service):
Joanne Peterson, Haley Melson
Breakfast:
Jim Smith
Flower ReArranger:
Dashiell McKay
Flower Delivery:
Janet and Danny Morgan; Eileen and Joe Sunstrom
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St. John's Supper Clubs
2015-2016 School Year
Want to enjoy time with your St. John's friends? Want to get to know your parish family a little better? Want to deepen your relationship with God and the Christian community? Sign up for a Supper Club.
We invite individuals, couples, and families to sign up for a supper club for this school year. You may indicate your preferences in the online sign up (link below), and we will match you with other people of similar preferences. Each month, your group is invited to meet in a different person's home until the school year is over. Next year, we can try again!
If you have any questions, please call the Church Office (256-353-9615). Please respond by August 31.
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 Our first
New Parent Reception, hosted by
the Guild of the Christ Child, was held Sunday in the library following the 10:30am service. This "Sip and See" reception was a wonderful opportunity to meet the newest and youngest members of St. John's and parents and siblings. Thank you to Tia Martin and Amy Calame for organizing and to everyone who offered refreshments for the celebration!
Callie and Stuart Parker  Suzanne and Grant Sara Reed, Anne Hatcher  Elizabeth and Evan Emily, Frances, Sam, Edison |
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Our Prayers and Thanksgivings
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We pray for family and friends who are ill or distressed:
Susan Adams, Maggie Hennessy Bates, Karen Cunningham-Becker, Danny Berry, Mary Bingham, Dorothy Bollinger, Julia Bounds, Frances Bradley, Kenny Burnett, Jack Caddell, Ava Campbell, Gere Carnathan, Aaron Castell, Walt Chenault, Bill Clem, Nell Clem, Fionn Crimmins, Mary Daniels, Anne Draper, Debbie Dumas, Marlene Eads, Anne Eich, Linda Engelman, Jeannette Evans, Wally Evans, Eddie Finn, Chuck George, Richard George, Lori Grasz, Sally Jo Green, Avis Gunter, Stratton Hall, Jamie Harold, David Harris, Gwen Harris, Tania Harris, Jane Anna Hawkins, Randy Haynes, Marty Heaner, Harold Henneman, Helen Holland, Sherry Holland, Scott Howard, Duffie Hughes, Valerie Hunter, Barbara Johnson, Bailey Jones, Denise Jones, Katy Kavanagh, Karla Kohl, Roy Landers, Jane Hollon Lee, Dena Lewis, Carey Link, Don Logan, Mary McDaniels, Erin Merker, Tommy Meuth, Nancy O'Flinn, Bill Oliver, Will Parish, Joanne Peterson, Mary Ford Pheny, Bethany Pridmore, Melvin Pridmore, Muse Reed, Scott Richards, Braelyn Richardson, Fr. Joe Sanderson, David Schacht, Reece Seal, Paul Simpson, Cynthia Small, Austin Smith, Dwight Smith, Jeannie Smith, Nathan Smith, Scott Snider, Steve Sprague, Angie Steeno, Emma Strane, Hiram Sweat, Michael Terry, Kenneth Thomas, Paula Thomas, Suzanne Thompson, Sydnor Thompson, Stacy Singley Townsend, Geraldine Tubb, Bill Waldo, Chuck Weaver, Carolyn Webb, Judy West, Danny Williams, Nancy Turner Wilson, and Will Wright.
We pray for those who serve in and with the Armed Forces, especially:
Michael Blair, Steven Blair, Lindsey Cantrell, Trey Colantonio, Chad Harper, Christopher Harwell, Gray Keenum, Mark Nelson, and Virginia Schaefer.
We pray for:
Pamela Payne, our seminarian; for a
ll persecuted Christians around the world;
for St. Dunstan's, Auburn; for our companion diocese of Haiti and its bishops, Zaché and Oge; for the Cursillo Secretariat and the Cursillo community in Alabama.
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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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. One dedication per Sunday.
Download and print a Flower Dedication Form. Please return form and contribution to the church office. Available Sunday Dates: September 20, October 4 & 18, November 1, 15 & 26, December 6, 20, and 27.
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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Planned Giving
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Planned Giving: Give a Bequest in a Will
Wills account for 80% of planned gifts according to the Episcopal Church Foundation. The bequests can be as a specific amount, as a percentage or remainder, or as a contingent bequest. The bequest can be for a specific piece of property or asset. The bequest designations can by restricted or unrestricted.
St. John's has a planned giving committee whose mission is to help any person who is interested in making a planned gift to St. John's accomplish that goal. You may read brief descriptions about types of planned giving from our website page http://stjohnsdecatur.dioala.org/planned-giving.html.
If you are interested in learning more about planned giving, please contact the church office, and either Evan or one of the committee members will contact you. Your gifts are confidential.
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United Thank Offering In-Gathering
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United Thank Offering In-Gathering
Sunday, October 11 During Each Service
Pick-up Your Blue Box and add your pocket change daily in thanksgiving for your many blessings. We will collect these on October 11 during each service. United Thank Offering (UTO) is a ministry of the Episcopal Church for the mission of the whole church. UTO monies support mission and ministry throughout the Episcopal Church. Learn more>>http://www.episcopalchurch.org/page/united-thank-offering
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St. John's Faithfulness
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St. John's Faithfulness
For the 31st week ending August 6, 2015
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Required Weekly
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Received this Week
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Required YTD
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Received YTD
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$7,057
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$13,085
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$
456,998
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$476,485
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These figures reflect the 2015 budget for operating expenses, which includes pledges and other gifts received in the offering plates. They do not include gifts designated for specific purposes, which are not a part of the operating budget. A copy of the parish's full financial reports is available in the church office. If you have any questions, please contact the Treasurer, D. Hall
Stewardship at St. John's: St. John's holds tithing-the giving of the first 10% of our financial resources to God's work in the world-as the expected practice for Christians. We believe that proportional, sacrificial giving is integral to spiritual growth. We invite all households in the parish to join us in faithful stewardship by calculating what percentage of their resources they give to God and by developing a plan to become tithers.
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Upcoming Birthdays & Anniversaries
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08/01 Dell Felts
08/01 Lance Wenzler 08/02 Woody Peebles 08/03 Tammy Snider 08/03 Kim Nickels 08/04 Anne Haynes 08/07 Dana Baggette 08/09 Pat Owens 08/12 Cookie Stoner 08/14 Melinda Dunn 08/15 June Hall 08/15 Lucy Haughaboo 08/17 Marilyn Volonino |
08/17 Renee Wenzler 08/21 Melissa Christopher 08/24 Helen Holland 08/25 Tony Shubert 08/25 Frances Bibb 08/26 Huey Hall 08/26 William Hollon 08/27 Robert Bell 08/27 Welman Gebhart 08/28 Carolyn Jenke 08/29 Allen Stoner 08/29 Ashley Bolton 08/29 Cricket Powell 08/30 Bobbie Gordon
08/31 Ben Martin
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Happy Anniversary! 08/14 Cathy & Glynn Tubb 08/14 Melanie & Henry McCrary 08/15 Lyla & Woody Peebles 08/17 Bunny & Bingham Edwards 08/17 Lisa & Andy Dye, II 08/18 Barbara & Earl Pettey 08/26 Lou & Bobby Greene 08/27 Larkin & John Thornton 08/28 Erika & Guenther Huber
If your celebration is not listed, please forgive us. Call or email the church office with any updates. 256-(256) 353-9615
or
churchoffice@stjohnsdecatur.org
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Calendar
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August
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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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8
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Blessing of the Backpacks
8:00am Holy Eucharist I 8:45am Continental Breakfast 9:00am Childcare through the 10:30 service 9:30 Christian Formation 10:30am Holy Eucharist II Followed by a New Parent Reception, Library 5:00pm Evening Eucharist |
10 10:00am Rector's Bible Study 6-8:00pm EfM Info Meeting, Library |
11 8-9:30am Yoga-2 9:15am -2pm Long-Range Planning Staff meeting |
12 8:30am Men's Reunion 8:30am Yoga-1 12:10pm Healing Eucharist |
13 9:00amCentering Prayer 5:15pm Theology on Tap, The Brick |
14 7:00am Men's Reunion Group 8-9:30am Yoga-2 |
15 7:30am Carpool from church parking lot for the Jonathan Daniels Pilgrimage in Hayneville |
| 16 Rally Day Ministry Fair 8:00am Holy Eucharist I 8:45am Continental Breakfast 9:00am Childcare through 10:30service 9:30 Christian Formation 10:30am Holy Eucharist II Followed by Lunch & Acolyte Training 5:00pm Evening Eucharist |
17 10:00am Rector's Bible Study 5:15pm Vestry Meeting |
18 8-9:30am Yoga-2 9:15am Staff meeting |
19 8:30am Men's Reunion 8:30am Yoga-1 12:10pm Healing Eucharist |
20 No Centering Prayer 9:30am-11am Beans & Rice 12:00pm Bake Sale Planning 5:15pm Theology on Tap, The Brick |
21 7:00am Men's Reunion Group 8-9:30am Yoga-2 |
22 9:00am Carpool
from church parking lot for the Parish-Wide Canoe Outing |
| 23 Sunday School Kick-Off 8:00am Holy Eucharist I 8:45am Breakfast 9:00am Childcare through the 10:30 service 9:30 Christian Formation 10:30am Holy Eucharist II 5:00pm Evening Eucharist 6:00pm EYC |
24
10:00am Rector's Bible Study
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25 8-9:30am Yoga-2 9:15am Staff meeting |
26 8:30am Men's Reunion 8:30am Yoga-1 12:10pm Healing Eucharist |
27 8:30am-11am CCC Lunch Prep 9:00am Centering Prayer 5:15pm Theology on Tap, The Brick |
28 7:00am Men's Reunion Group 8-9:30am Yoga-2 |
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| 30 8:00am Holy Eucharist I 8:45am Breakfast 9:00am Childcare through the 10:30 service 9:30 Christian Formation 10:30am Holy Eucharist II 5:00pm Evening Eucharist 6:00pm EYC |
31 10:00am Rector's Bible Study |
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St. John's Parish Staff & Vestry
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THE PARISH STAFF Mon.-Thurs. 9:00 a.m.-Noon; 1:00 p.m.-4:30 p.m.
Office 256-353-9615 | Fax 256-350-0514
The Rev. Evan D. Garner, Rector, ext. 102; evan@stjohnsdecatur.org
The Rev. J. Seth Olson, Curate, ext. 103; seth@stjohnsdecatur.org
Vickie Reed, Financial Administrator, ext. 101; vickie@stjohnsdecatur.org
Sally Marsh, Director of Children's Ministries, ext. 104; sally@stjohnsdecatur.org
Kristin Hanson, Director of Youth Ministries, ext. 104; kristin@stjohnsdecatur.org
Ann Stewart, Director of Communications, ext. 105; ann@stjohnsdecatur.org
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Pamela Payne
, Choirmaster
Foster Bailey,
Organist
Joanne Peterson,
Nursery
Haley Melson,
Nursery
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Ken Schuppert, Chancellor
D. Hall, Treasurer
Stan Evans, Assistant Treasurer
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THE VESTRY
Class of 2015 Dodie Hall, Senior Warden; Janet Morgan; Karen Sawyer; Bobby Straub; Jack Thomas, Jr.
Class of 2016 Joe Propst; Julia Roth; Carol Sartain, Junior Warden ; Julie Sneed; Grant Thompson
Class of 2017 Squee Bailey; Harry Moore; David Rice, Steve Sandlin; Kathy Slaton
Martha Freeman, Clerk of the Vestry
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St. John's Episcopal Church
202 Gordon Drive SE
Decatur, AL 35601
(256) 353-9615
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