St. John's Church
long walk to the fire , ten brink
Saturday is a Laundry Love Day

Help us eliminate neighbors’ laundry expenses so they can direct their income to other necessities. 

We would love your help this Saturday dispensing coins and laundry supplies, running the machines, entertaining children, and being a friendly presence. For more information, please contact David Curtis .

Saturday, August 17
11:45 a.m.-2:15 p.m.
Richmond Coin Laundry at 25 th & Nine Mile
 St. John’s to Host a Service
of Lament, Reconciliation, and Commitment
This Saturday Evening

This Saturday, St. John’s will host a Service of Lament, Reconciliation, and Commitment in observance of the 400 th anniversary of the arrival of the first enslaved Africans at Jamestown and the lasting impact that slavery, Jim Crow, segregation, and white supremacy have had on our nation.

This service is sponsored by the Central Richmond Region of the Diocese of Virginia, of which St. John’s is a member. Bishop Susan Goff will preside, and our own Rev. Dr. Dorothy White will preach. 

We encourage your attendance and hope you will extend an invitation to your family, friends, and neighbors. All are welcome; no exceptions.

For any questions, please contact David Curtis or Amelie Wilmer.  

Saturday, August 17
5:00 p.m.
Reception immediately following in the Parish Hall
Nursery available
This Sunday, August 18, 2019
The Tenth Sunday after Pentecost

                                                  10:00 a.m.          Holy Eucharist
                                                                              Children’s Chapel, Keeper’s Cottage
                                                11:15 a.m.           Coffee Hour, Parish Hall
                                     Nursery is available in the Parish Hall from 9:45 a.m. to 11:15 a.m.




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From Amelie with Love

Dear Friends:

As I write, preparations are busily underway for the Service of Lament, Reconciliation and Commitment that will be held at St. John’s this coming Saturday. I have been deeply moved by the outpouring of support from our bishop; members of our congregation and the Central Region of the diocese who have offered their time, imagination, and skill; and especially our deacon, David Curtis, who led the way in initiating and organizing this meaningful worship service. There will be time for prayers and songs of repentance and forgiveness; space to receive the laying on of hands in healing; room for sharing the Eucharistic meal; and periods for silence, reflection, and dedication to the reconciliation and wholeness for which we pray. Mindful of the pain, perseverance, and faith of those who have gone before us and walk alongside us, we will renew our baptismal commitment to respect the dignity of every human being and strive for justice and peace for all people.

In this Sunday’s Epistle reading from the letter to the Hebrews, the writer reminds a struggling congregation that they, too walk alongside a community of faithful - a great cloud of witnesses who have gone before them. He encourages the people to lay aside their burdens the way their forebears did – people like Gideon, David, and Jephtah, …and run “with perseverance to the end.”

What does it mean for us now to “run with perseverance” toward the end we seek – toward the healing and reconciliation of a world that has been broken by centuries of injustice and oppression? Do we really have what it takes?

Perhaps it is helpful to consider the characters of the “clouds of witnesses” the writer of the Hebrews offers – Gideon, who struggled with confidence, David, who committed adultery, Jephthah, who traded his daughter for a military victory. None of these “heroes” were perfect; some of them stumbled and fell in some remarkable ways as they “ran the race of faith.” And maybe that is the point….not one us is perfect, but regardless of our weaknesses, strengths, successes and failures, all of us our called to simply ‘get in’ the race, and persevere, trusting that God will take care of what it means to reach the end.

And yet, I am also aware how, in a world as full of challenges as the one you and I inhabit, it might be tempting to simply turn in our 'running shoes' and head for home.  It’s easy to get overwhelmed in the face of all that causes suffering and pain, all that God’s people are called to address, all that we will be praying for this coming Saturday. 

For me, it helps to remember that, along with the great cloud of witnesses who have gone before us, we are simply called to “run with perseverance.” No matter how fast or slow or steady or strong, we are simply called to run. And to keep our eyes on God as we do.

In Christ,

Amelie
The Next
Property Committee Meeting

The Property Committee meets again Monday, August 19, at 5:30 p.m. in the Parish Hall. If you are interested in being a part of this important ministry, please contact Jamie Isaacs at jisaacs1963@gmail.com .
Wednesday Evening Programming


Join us Wednesday evenings for a series on Barbara Brown Taylor’s Holy Envy: Finding God in the Faith of Others. The evening begins with Centering Prayer, followed by supper and our discussion. You are welcome to attend any or all these evening offerings, and if you join us for dinner, you are invited to bring a side dish to share.  

This coming week we will discuss chapter 7 of the book, which is available in in paper or electronic versions via amazon.com or other booksellers. If you need assistance with the purchase, please contact Amelie.

You are welcome to attend any or all of our Wednesday evening offerings, and if you join us for dinner, you are invited to bring a side dish to share.  

Wednesday Evenings
6:00 p.m. Centering Prayer
6:30 p.m. Supper
7:00 p.m. Discussion
The Parish Hall
Join Andrea Bleck-Smith for Gentle Yoga

Each Thursday, Andrea Bleck-Smith offers a yoga class meant for those who enjoy moving a little more slowly and who are looking to maintain or increase strength and flexibility. We focus on moving all joints and muscle groups, alignment, and breath awareness to maintain and restore balanced body function.

Students receive personal alignment suggestions and assistance as needed. Each class ends with a brief relaxation to balance the body.

$54 for a 6-week session or $10 drop-in per class.

Thursdays at 4:00 p.m.
The Parish Hall  
Our Dorothy White
on the Triangle of Hope

As you might know from some of the Rev. Dr. Dorothy White's recent sermons here at St. John's Church, earlier this summer she served as a team leader and chaperone for the Diocese of Virginia's Triangle of Hope pilgrimage to Ghana.

The Triangle of Hope is a partnership among the Diocese of Virginia; the Diocese of Liverpool, England; and the Diocese of Kamasi, Gahna; with each diocese representing a point in the Atlantic triangular slave trade that brought Africans to America as slaves. The partnership seeks to foster reconciliation and reparation for the despair and damage that are slavery's legacy.

The recent issue of Virginia Episcopalian features an article by Dorothy as well as her interview with Isiah Seabrook, the youngest member of the pilgrimage and a parishioner at St. Philip's, Richmond. Check them both out here. (Scroll down to page 5.)

And thank you, Dorothy, for being a gifted ambassador in this most important mission.
Autumn is Almost Here

That means the program year is just around the corner. Here are some dates to be aware of as the season changes:

Sunday, September 8     Homecoming Sunday —One service at 10:00 a.m. with Children’s Chapel followed by a potluck brunch and presentation of the St. John's ministries and activities for the 2019-2020 program year in the Parish Hall.

Also, it's Bring a Friend to Church Day . 'You know how you're always bragging to your friends about what a great place St. John's is? Here's your chance to invite them to find out for themselves.

Thursday, September 12   First Choir rehearsal of the season—7:00 p.m., Choir Room, Parish House. The choir rehearses each Thursday evening during the program year.

Sunday September 15    Return to Program year schedule
                                                8:15 a.m. Holy Eucharist, no music
                                                9:15 a.m. Adult Forum, Parish Hall
                                                10:30 a.m. Holy Eucharist & Children’s Chapel
                                                11:45 a.m. Coffee Hour, Parish Hall
                                                 Nursery Available from 8:00-11:45 a.m.
Inquirer's Class
 
Our formation series for those interested in learning more about the Episcopal Church or in becoming a member through Confirmation, Reception, or the Reaffirmation of Baptismal Vows concludes Sunday, September 8. This final session begins at 4:00 p. m. in the Parish Hall. We invite your prayers for the 11 participants as they prepare for a service held at the Bishop’s office in the fall.
St. John’s Episcopal Church’s
2019 Shrine Mont Retreat
Oct 18-20, 2019
  An Altar in the World:Spiritual Practices for Real People

Shrine Mont is the conference and retreat center for the Diocese of Virginia, located in Orkney Springs, in the mountains of western Shenandoah County.

You’ll have ample time for rest and relaxation, and opportunities for conversation, fun, and socializing with others. You can climb a mountain or rock in a porch chair, explore the local wineries and shops, or just pray, read and be. The buffet meals won’t leave you hungry!

We’ll gather for casual conversation about our theme, “Altars in the World” and celebrate Eucharist on Sunday in the outdoor cathedral, with Amelie as our presider.


Messages of Hope

Feeling weary and depleted by the perilous and polarizing state of the nation?

Here are some words of encouragement from national Church leaders.

Reclaiming Jesus presented by Sojourners


Have We No Decency? A Response to Donald Trump by the clergy of the National Cathedral

Next Evening Contemplative Service,
Saturday, September 14

St. John's offers a Saturday evening service the second Saturday of each month at 5:30 p.m. Each service includes Holy Eucharist, contemplative music, a quiet, candlelit atmosphere, and the rite of healing.

We hope you will find this service 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. 

Second Saturday of each month
5:30 p.m.


Children’s Chapel now has an Instagram account: @stjohnsrvacc . 
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.
 

Current Opportunity
Donate School Supplies-- Hebrew 13:16 says, “And do not forget to do good and to share with others.” Now is the perfect time to “do good” by purchasing back-to-school supplies for Bellevue Elementary School. 

We will be collecting them through August 25, and donations can be placed in the boxes at the back of the church. 

School supplies on Bellevue’s wish list include:
·        pens
·        pencils
·        scissors
·        crayons
·        composition notebooks
·        erasers
·        highlighters
·        glue sticks
·        index cards
·        resealable bags (small)
·        markers
·        colored pencils
·        tissues
·        paper towels
·        hand sanitizer

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. Christ Ascension Food Pantry currently needs canned fruit and rice.  The food pantry always needs cereal, canned tuna, pasta, and peanut butter. Next First Fruits Sunday—Sunday, September 1

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, August 17.

Laundry Love Activity Table : The Outreach Team thanks you for your donations for the kids' activity table at Laundry Love. Currently, we have enough supplies, including puzzles, books, Legos, and coloring supplies. We will let you know when we need supplies again, and until then, know that we are grateful.
Volunteer Opportunities

Thanks to all of you who have expressed an interest in offering your gifts, skills, and experience to support Re:Work Richmond , the new East End employment initiative that St. Peter's Episcopal Church launched this spring. 

New volunteer opportunities are continually being identified, and you are invited to complete one of the "Good Neighbor Network" cards now available in the Parish Hall. A basket for completed cards is in the Parish Hall, or you can send your card to the Parish Office at 2319 E. Broad St., Richmond, Virginia 23223.

To add your name to the Re:work email list or for any questions, please contact Diana Vasquez .
Let Us Give You a Hand
with Amazon Smile and Kroger Rewards

You can contribute money you're already spending to St. John's, through Kroger Community Rewards or Amazon Smile . If you need some assistance, we're here for you.

On Homecoming Sunday, September 8, someone will be available with a computer during coffee hour to help you set up your accounts. Bring your Kroger card and/or your Amazon login info.
Sign-up at Kroger
 for the Good of St. John’s

St. John's participates in Kroger's Community Rewards program, receiving funds based on a percentage of total purchases made with Kroger cards linked to St. John's. To link your card, sign up here.

Use account code 81386 and click "Search.” Funds received support St. John’s ministries, and we are grateful.
Strategic Plan Information Available

The Power Point presentation of this year’s Strategic Plan , including our goals and objectives and the tasks we have identified to accomplish them, is available here.

Hard copies are available in the Parish Hall.

We encourage you to view the slides and provide input as we work together to implement our shared vision for St. John’s in the year to come.
Sign-up to Sponsor Altar Flowers
While Slots Are Still Available

Only 3 Sundays remain available for altar flower sponsorship, thanks to our Senior Warden’s successful campaign to get us to sign up. 

If you would like to honor or remember someone with flowers at the altar, these dates remain: August 25, September 22, and November 3.

The cost is $35. Please send your payment and the name(s) of the person or people you are honoring or remembering to Patty Duffy in the church office. You can also send your payment through Paypal by clicking the button below.  
It is never too late for you to submit your pledge to support the ministries of St. John’s Church, either to the parish office, in the offering plate, or at our website .

Pledge cards are available in the back of the church.
Next Vestry Meeting,
Tuesday, September 10
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

Click here to read the 2018 St. John's Church Annual Report. You may pick up a hard copy of it in the back of the church or in the Parish Hall. If you have any questions about the report, please contact our Rector, Amelie Wilmer , or Senior Warden, Horace Dowdy.
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.