St. John's Church
the wedding feast at cana, veronese
Laundry Love this Saturday

Your assistance would be a big help at this Saturday’s Laundry Love.

Show up at Richmond Coin Laundry this Saturday, January 19, between 11:45 a.m. and 2:15 p.m. to help us distribute coins and laundry supplies, run machines, provide hospitality, and lead children’s activities. 

You’ll be glad you did, and we’ll be grateful. Contact David Curtis for more information.   

Saturday, January 29
11:45 a.m.-2:15 p.m.
Richmond Coin Laundry
 This Sunday, January 20, 2019
The Second Sunday after the Epiphany
                             
                               10:00 a.m.            Holy Eucharist
                                                               Children’s Chapel, Keeper’s Cottage
                              11:15 a.m.           Annual Meeting & Potluck Brunch, Parish Hall
  Nursery is available in the Parish Hall from 9:45 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.



Please note that this email might be clipped in some browsers; be sure to click "view entire message," if necessary, to view the entire message.
From Amelie with Love

 Dear Friends:

As I prepare for our upcoming Annual Meeting, I have reflected with much gratitude on the rich diversity of our congregation and the energy and new life that continues to fill our church, week after week. I am grateful for the love that is given and received with each child that is baptized, every couple who is married, and all new comers who discover a ministry that engages them and utilizes their talents and skills. I am grateful, too, for the members who have been with us a long while, who offer us wisdom and history and stability. I am grateful for the “Spirit” of St. John’s that guides, challenges, encourages, and unifies us. And I am grateful for wide array of gifts that are inspired and nurtured, recognized and released as we work together to serve in our surrounding community.

In this week's lectionary for Sunday, we hear from St. Paul’s letter to the Corinthians these well-known words:
 
Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of services, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who activates all of them in everyone. To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good.

The timing of these words for this moment in the life of St. John’s could not be better. Thank you for allowing me to be one among you in the Spirit that unifies us all, and for the awesome gifts, services, and activities that each of you provide for our "common good.” It is very good.
 
In Christ,
 
Amelie+
Annual Congregational Meeting 
and Pot-luck Brunch This Sunday

This Sunday, January 20, we have a single service at 10:00 a.m. , followed by a Pot Luck Brunch and St. John's Church's Annual Congregational Meeting in the Parish Hall.

We will review the 2019 budget draft and the accomplishments of our ministries over the past year. If you are a member of St. John's Church, you will vote to elect new vestry members. If you're not a member, contact the Parish Office to learn how to transfer in.

Sunday, January 20, 2019
10:00 a.m. Holy Eucharist
Immediately followed by Annual Meeting & Brunch (Parish Hall)
Child care will be available during the meeting.

Meet Your Vestry Candidates
Paul Broughton
Paul has been an active member of St. John’s since the   mid-1980s and has previously been on the vestry serving as both junior and senior warden. He is currently a Lay Eucharistic Minister, crucifer, acolyte and reader during worship services and also serves on the Endowment Fund. He was part of the search committee that brought Amelie to St. John’s.
 
After 45 years with the Commonwealth of Virginia, Paul retired from the Department of Corrections in 2015, serving as the Human Resources Director the last 25 years. He is a graduate of the College of William and Mary.
 
Paul and his wife, Martha, have lived on Church Hill since 1972 and have one daughter, Rebecca.
 
What he likes most about St. John’s: It is a big tent where everyone is welcomed, and there are numerous and varied ways to learn and practice our faith.

Rita Driscoll
After working in Chesterfield County schools,   Rita retired and moved with her husband, Mark, to the Fan where they have enjoyed renovating their home and getting to know the new neighborhood. With two of their five grandchildren living nearby, they stay busy.

Rita worked part-time with VCU, supervising student teachers, and has enjoyed time in our local high schools. Also, being part of a working art studio has given her so many challenges and such joy, and she is a believer that it's never too late to find new directions.  
 
Rita serves on the Altar Guild and is part of the Pastoral Care team. Rebuilding Richmond Together is one of her favorite outreach events, and she has been a team leader with the St. John’s group for the past three years. Because she has never served a full term on the vestry, she is ready to begin that commitment now.
Marshall Schutt
Marshall was raised in the Presbyterian Church, and his parents are both examples of Christian service and steadfastness. His father, Ed, is a career church organist and choirmaster and currently serves at Westover Episcopal Church in Charles City. His mother, Sue, has always been an example of a faithful steward of her time and resources to the church.

Marshall and his wife, Katherine, sought a church community after their first child was born. They visited St. John’s one morning just hoping their infant wouldn’t cause too much of a stir during the service. This church’s warm reception that day made it easy for them to return. Marshall was confirmed in the Episcopal Church in 2013 and has previously led St. John’s Stewardship Committee and served as an Endowment Trustee. Today St. John’s is an important part of his family’s life, and it continues to help him along in his own spiritual journey.
 
Marshall founded an investment management business, Schutt Capital Management, nearly 10 years ago, and previously worked at an investment banking firm. He and Katherine have two daughters, Evie (6) and Sawyer (3), and they live in Church Hill. He enjoys spending time with these three, exercising outdoors, and reading.
Seeing God in a New Light
Continues at Adult Forum with
“The Significance of Science”

Adult Forum will not meet this Sunday, due to our Annual meeting. The following Sunday, January 27, our very own Rev. Lindon Eaves will present “The Significance of Science.”

Sunday, January 27
9:15 a.m.
The Parish Hall
Nursery is available.
Wednesday Evenings in Epiphany:
The Only Necessary Thing

On Wednesday evenings during the Epiphany, which extends through February 27, we will discuss The Only Necessary Thing: Living a Prayerful life, a collection of writings by Henri Nouwen. In this anthology, the editor has compiled some of Nouwen’s best reflections on topics such as: desire, solitude, prayer, listening, community, and forgiveness. 

These short essays are easily read aloud and do not require advance preparation, so you are welcome to join in as you wish throughout the season.

 Next week we will discuss Chapter 2, “Prayer.” The book can be purchased online, and copies of the upcoming chapters will be available in the Parish Hall on Sundays.

Our evenings begin at 6:00 p.m. with Centering Prayer in the Parish Hall , followed by a simple supper at 6:30 p.m. and our discussion at 7:00 p.m. Please note the change in location.  You are welcome to attend any one or all of these offerings, and our evening will end promptly at 8:15 p.m.

Wednesdays, January 20-February 27
6:00 p.m. Centering Prayer
6:30 p.m. Dinner
7:00 p.m. Study and Discussion
The Parish Hall (note the change in location)

Centering Prayer Continues
Wednesdays in the Parish Hall, 6:00 p.m.

In response to the positive feedback received from parishioners during our Advent formation series, we will continue to offer Centering Prayer in the Parish Hall nursery on Wednesday evenings. Please consider this gentle practice as a way to create space in your busy lives and receive the light of Christ in the season of Epiphany. 
Fellowship-Hospitality Meeting

Everyone who has been involved in fellowship and everyone who is interested in becoming involved in this fun and important ministry that provides refreshments and food for our Sunday coffee hours and special events is invited to attend a planning meeting in the Parish Hall Sunday, February 3, at 12:30 p.m. 

For more information, contact Susan White .

Sunday, February 3
12:30 p.m.
The Parish Hall
Stewardship Update

We are grateful for the 71 pledges totaling $156,675 that we have received so far, bringing us to 84% of our goal of $186,325. 

We look forward to receiving the additional $29,650 in pledges that we need to fund our ministries during 2019. 

As you discern your pledge for 2019, consider the details of St. John’s ministries and budget provided in the pledge packet you received in the mail ( also available online ), and the role you feel called to serve with your time, your talent, and your treasure.

Please submit your pledge card via the offering plate or online . Additional cards are available in the back of the church.
RE:Work RICHMOND
Kick-off Reception

Episcopal Community Services (ECS) is ready to launch its program and announce its new name: RE:Work, RICHMOND. 

All are invited to a wine and cheese reception to kick-off their opening Monday, February 4, from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, 1719 N. 22nd Street. Tours begin at 5:30 p.m., with brief remarks at 6:15 p.m.

RE:Work RICHMOND is an employment initiative partnership of St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, the City of Richmond Office of Community Wealth-Building, and Challenge Discovery Projects. St. John's will be participating as a neighbor congregation.  We encourage members of St. John’s to attend in support of our commitment to this collaborative project serving our neighbors in the East End of Richmond.

Monday, February 4
5:30 -7:00 p.m.
Second Saturday
Contemplative Services
Return

St. John's will offer Saturday evening services the second Saturday of each month at 5:30 p.m. Each service will include Holy Eucharist, contemplative music, a quiet, candlelit atmosphere, and the rite of healing. We hope that you will find this to be a relaxing supplement to your Sunday morning worship. Please consider inviting friends who prefer a more contemplative form of worship in the early evening. 

Also, please consider serving at this service when you sign up for your service slots each month.

  Beginning Saturday, February 9
5:30 p.m.
Who Will Win this Year’s Chili Cook-off?

Will Andy Pillsbury remain the King of St. John’s Chili, or is a new ruler of cumin and beans waiting in the wings? Could the new champion be you? Bring your own secret concoction to vie for this prestigious title, or just show up to test and weigh-in on the decision. The challenge is on during coffee hour (11:45 a.m.) Sunday, February 10, in the Parish Hall.

Sunday, February 10
11:30 a.m.
Parish Hall
Young Adults Super Bowl Party

We don’t know who’s playing yet, but we do know that the St. John's Young Adults invite you to join them at a Potluck Super Bowl Party February 3, beginning at 6:00 p.m.

 We are still looking for a host for the event, and if you are able to host, please contact Amelie. 

All young and “youngish” (20s and 30s-ish) adults are welcome.

Sunday, February 3
6:00 p.m.
Location TBD
Spotlight on Outreach

St. John's is committed to living our Baptismal Covenant
to seek and serve Christ in all persons,
loving our neighbor as ourselves
and respecting the dignity of every human being.
 

Ongoing Opportunities

 Join the $5 Club : Pledge to spend at least $5 a month on non-perishable foods to feed others. Bring your donations on the first Sunday of each month, or deposit them in the basket at the rear of the church at any time.
 
First Fruits Sundays : First Sunday of every month. Bring non-perishable food items to church for donation to the Christ Ascension Food Pantry. This month, you donated 265 pounds of food toward this year’s goal of 3,000 pounds of food. Christ Ascension Food Pantry currently needs canned fruit, and rice. They always need cereal, canned pasta, tuna, and peanut butter. Next First Fruits Sunday— February 3

Laundry Love : This ministry takes place the third Saturday of every month from 11:45 a.m.-2:15 p.m., at Richmond Coin Laundry, 25 th & Nine Mile, and defrays our neighbors’ cost of doing laundry so that they can direct their income to other necessities. We would love your help dispensing coins and laundry supplies, helping to run the machines, entertaining children, and being a friendly presence.   Please contact David Curtis for more information. Next Laundry Love Day— This Saturday, January 19

Laundry Love Activity Table : The Outreach Team needs new or gently used donations for the kids' activity table at Laundry Love, a place for safe play and learning while parents are busy with clothes. Possible donations include:
  • addition/subtraction flashcards
  • Play-doh
  • simple puzzles
  • picture books, coloring books
  • markers, crayons
  • small Lego sets
  • simple craft supplies (pipe cleaners, popsicle sticks, glue, etc.). 

A box for your donations is in the Parish Hall. This is an ongoing collection. If you have any questions, please contact Liz Broda.
We Need Creative People
for Special Events

As our church and our neighborhood continue to grow, we are seeking new opportunities to engage our community in events that will inspire, educate, and build fellowship while raising awareness for our ministries and hopefully some funds to support them, as well. 

Plans are already underway to participate more fully in the Irish Festival in March. If you are interested in helping out, please contact our Junior Warden , Horace Dowdy .
Diocesan Intercultural Summit

The Diocese of Virginia will host an Intercultural Summit Saturday, January 26, 2019, between 9:00 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. at Church of the Epiphany, Herndon. This year's topics include immigration, climate justice, race, and more. If you are interested in attending, please contact The Rev. Deacon David Curtis at 804 339 2252 or at dcurtis@saintjohnsrichmond.org.
Altar Flower Remembrances

We encourage everyone to remember or honor loved ones and special anniversaries and events by sponsoring the flowers at the altar for a specific Sunday. 

The cost is $35. You may pay via cash or check in the offering plate or in the church office, or through Paypal.  Sign up for the Sunday when you want to sponsor flowers on the sign-up sheet in the Parish Hall foyer, and notify Patty Duffy in the parish office .  
Diocesan Listening Sessions
Invite Us to Recall and Reconnect

The Rt. Rev. Susan E. Goff will host five Community Listening Sessions around the Diocese during Epiphany. Each session will include a time for you and your Bishops to share your dreams for our Diocese. Learn more here. Please plan to attend a session in your area:

Next Vestry Meeting,
Tuesday, February 12,
at 5:30 p.m.
in the Parish Hall

All members of St. John’s Church are welcome to attend vestry meetings as observers. Minutes of recent meetings are posted on the bulletin board in the Parish Hall foyer. Please share your ideas or questions about the life of our parish with a vestry member.
Prayer Group & Sunday Prayers
 
Bring your prayers to the Wednesday morning prayer group. Pray with us silently or aloud as the Spirit leads you, and let us surround you with love and prayers. Find sacred silence and hear the still, small voice of God. Simply stop by the Keeper's Cottage any Wednesday at 10:00.

Prayer ministers also offer individual prayers Sundays during communion at the 10:30 a.m. service.

Wednesdays
10:00 a.m.
Keeper's Cottage (to the left of the church)
To learn more,   contact Carolyn Dallas
In the event of Inclement Weather

So that all our members will know what to expect during inclement weather, here are ways we will notify you of changes in the parish calendar:

  • We will send an email to you by the Saturday afternoon preceding Sunday services. For other changes, we will attempt to notify you at least 3-4 hours ahead of time.
  • We will post a message on our website’s home page
  • We will leave a message on the office voice mail: 804-649-7938.
  • We will announce our change in plans on the NBC closings scroll.

If you do not have access to internet and want to arrange for another way for us to contact you, please contact Patty Duffy at the church office at 804-649-7938.

Please note that, regardless of whether or not we decide to proceed with plans during severe weather, your safety is important, and we understand if you decide to stay home.

St. John's Church
2401 East Broad Street







Office: 2319 E. Broad Street RVA 23223
804-649-7938

The deadline for submitting copy for the weekly bulletin insert and parish-wide email is Wednesday morning , but earlier is always appreciated. Please send your content to  Patty Duffy . Please note that content may be edited to accommodate space limitations and style guidelines.