The Humanitarian Disaster that has been left in the wake of Hurricane Harvey in Texas and Louisiana coast is massive. According to the New York Times, a rain gauge "
at Cedar Bayou, about 40 miles east of Houston, had registered 51.9 inches of rain through late Tuesday afternoon. This total exceeds the previous record of 48 inches set during tropical cyclone Amelia in Medina, Texas in 1978".
Water has a terrible beauty about it. It is a symbol of cleaning and new birth, as in Baptism. In the photo, I am standing at the Jordan River in Israel, as pilgrims are submerging in the water as a sign of the renewal of their baptismal vows, to honor the Christ who saved and redeemed them. The Bible has wonderful poetic references to water, quenching thirst, cooling the body. Without water, we would die. As Psalm 42 says,
1 As a deer longs for flowing streams,
so my soul longs for you, O God.
2
My soul thirsts for God,
for the living God.
But we only have to remember the Noah's Ark story to know that water, as a storming flood, is a terrible danger as well. We had a small boiler room flood here at Saint John's this Summer, while digging a trench to install a water line from the Parish Hall to the Rectory. That was followed by two broken water lines and two burst pipes in the Rectory. But that was nothing compared to the devastation from Hurricane Harvey. The stories of people helping people, providing Ark's for each other, is a reminder of the best of humanity and of God's presence in a broken world.
Fr. John
A Message about Hurricane Disaster Relief
From the Director of Episcopal Relief and Development
Robert Radke is the Director of Episcopal Relief
Starting on Sunday, as the scope and devastation of Hurricane Harvey became apparent, my email box began to fill with some version of: "What can I do to help?" I praise God for these emails.
When we see images of people suffering, we want to do something. That's understandable. As Christians, we are called to seek and serve Christ in all people . . .
For those of us observing and praying from afar, it's important to remember that this is a marathon and not a sprint. . . . Understanding the phases of a disaster can be useful in determining how you can help.
Most disasters have three distinct, if sometimes overlapping phases: Rescue, Relief and Recovery.
10:00 a.m. - Holy Eucharist Rite II (with music and Children's Chapel)
No - Sunday School / Youth / Adult Education
11:00 a.m. - Tea on the Terrace
Collect for Labor Day
Almighty God, you have so linked our lives one with another that all we do affects, for good or ill, all other lives: So guide us in the work we do, that we may do it not for self alone, but for the common good; and, as we seek a proper return for our own labor, make us mindful of the rightful aspirations of other workers, and arouse our concern for those who are out of work; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
You can find the Sunday Bible readings used in worship at our congregation, and most other Episcopal churches at this link:
www.lectionarypage.net. Sometimes there is a slight difference, expecially since there is a choice of two "Tracks" of Old Testament readings. We are using "Track 1".
This Weekend is the Last Sunday of our Summer Worship Schedule
with Eucharist at 8 and 10 a.m.
Our Program Year Schedule, with Worship at 8, 9:15 and 11 am,
Begins on September 10.
Contribute to Help Hurricane Harvey Victims
Here's a link to contribute to Episcopal Relief and Development to benefit Hurricane Harvey Victims: Episcopal Relief
Wednesday Eucharist and Bible Study
Our Wednesday Eucharist (11:00 a.m.) is a wonderful way to have a spiritual refresher during the week, especially if you've missed the Sunday liturgy. We offer Holy Eucharist, a reflection of the Saint of the Day, and optional prayers for healing with anointing of oil. This Wednesday service will run continuously from now through Christmas without interruption, except for the Advent Clergy Retreat on November 29.
Bible Study is also offered following the Wednesday liturgy at Noon. We currently study the lessons for the upcoming Sunday, with ideas for what the rector might preach about that Sunday. The Bible Study is not offered on the 3rd Wednesday because that is a Deanery Clergy Lunch, so only the Eucharist is offered on the 3rd Wednesday.
Lunch by Karen is offered the 1st Wednesday of each month, at Noon. This follows the 11am Eucharist. The usual date is the First Wednesday, and in September lunch is on September 6; in October, we meet October 4. Occasionally, the luncheon is moved to the 2nd Wednesday. Check our google calendar at www.saintjohnsconcord.com.
Introducing our New Organist
Brothers and Sisters:
Most of you who have attended worship during the Summer have met our new Saint John's Organist, Gregory Rettew. Greg was for 25 years Music Director at Daylesford Abbey, and more recently served at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Wallingford. Greg is a graduate of Lehigh University, where he earned degrees in engineering and music. Greg is an I.T. Architect at Airgas in Radnor. Greg is a RC Plane hobbyist, meaning he flies Radio Controlled planes for fun!
Greg has his own pipe organ which he built at his Exton home. He and his wife Margot have four children. Margot is a French teacher in the Lower Marion School District, which is where our Music Director, Jessica Villante is also employed!
Jessica and I are very pleased that Greg has joined our music staff. He had been substituting at Saint John's since May, and officially
joined the Saint John's staff on August 6! He and Jessica have already had the opportunity to play together this Summer, and we look forward to more wonderful music in the coming years!
Fr. John
Youth Group
Kick-off Youth Event a Blast!
On Friday, August 25th eleven youth participated in our Kick-Off youth event: a Water War! Rev. Jill planned about six events that three teams competed in with the winning team taking home king-sized candy. Few people (including Rev. Jill) remained dry during this Water War that had folks sitting on water balloons, pouring water from one cup to another, and using super soakers to blast a large beach ball across the finish line. The Water War ended in an epic water balloon battle (of course)!
When the War was over, youth headed into the field to warm up around the fire pit and roast marshmallows. Once they were a bit drier, the kids spent the rest of the evening playing manhunt on our large property.
To see more pictures of the youth event, visit our Facebook page.
The Parish Hall Capital Campaign:
Phase I Renovations Complete: Open House September 24!
The construction team is tidying up the last details of the renovation of the Parish Hall Education Wing.
Click here for your latest Capital Campaign Update letter.
2017 Offering Envelopes are on the table in the Parish Hall. Please pick yours up.
General Announcements
Altar Flowers:
Anyone interested in having flowers placed on the altar "in memory of, in thanksgiving for, or in honor of" for any Sunday may do so by contacting Barbara Stipa at 302-738-7446. There are always openings, and this is a nice way to remember others.
Support St. John's by on-line shopping:
Due to formatting issues with the links involved in this article, please
click here.
Reminder
EFT Giving Cards are in the pews. This is for those of you who make online donations or mailed in donations, and wish to put something into the collection plate.
Bell Ringers
WANTED ... NEEDED - Bell Ringers for 8, 9:15 and 11 a.m. Services - No experience needed, on job training. Ring it once, and you're a professional bell ringer! Youth are especially encouraged for this ministry. Contact Ted Stipa at 1-302-738-7446 to arrange your place on the schedule.
Join the Altar Guild, TODAY!!!!
Friends and Family of St. John's....WE NEED YOU!!!! Man, woman....makes no difference....Join the Altar Guild, TODAY!!!! Training is free, and we schedule monthly teams to work together so that you are paired with others who care as much as you do about our church... Don't do laundry??? NO worries...Like to do laundry?? We have a "Fair Linen" for you! We work behind the scenes to make sure our parishioners' weekly worship experience is the most it can be...Let's talk...
Do continue to support this food collection effort. There's a collection bin in the church entryway, and during the offertory, items are brought to the altar as our offering to God.
Please double bag your donations.
Contact John Keenan if you wish to join the delivery group, on the 1st or 3rd Thursday of any month.
Pastoral Care
Pastoral Care
This Committee ministers to our families here at Saint John's. Click here to learn more.
"
After finding herself exhausted, isolated, and sick, authorShauna Niequistcame to a point where she knew her life had to change. She was tired, burnt out, and felt unconnected to the people she loved." R
The Men's Breakfast Fellowship starts up again on September 9, from 8:30 to 9:30. All Men are welcome to the Parish Hall for food, fellowship and a study on the saint of the day.
Women's Fellowship Dinner
Join us on Thursday, September 21st for dinner (bring a dish or beverage to share; store bought or homemade, both are welcome!) and Bible Study at 6:30pm. We meet every third Thursday evening during the program year.
Name Tags
Many of our members have and wear name tags. Everyone is welcome to display their name in a similar fashion. It is useful in promoting conversation with other members of the congregation and visitors; and has the objective of promoting a friendly and warm religious environment. If you would like name tags for members of your family advise Bill Angus, 610-399-0515 or e-mail at [email protected]. The cost of a badge is $9.50 plus tax and shipping. Please request either a pin or magnetic attaching device.
Publications
The Church Mouse
The Church Mouse, Saint John's traditional print news
is occasionally published at Saint John's. Most of our communications now take place through several channels, this e-newsletter, our "Saint John's Glen Mills" facebook page, the church website, and occasional paper newsletters. Click Here for the PDF version of the latest paper Newsletter.
