Vol. 79 Issue 8 | Week of February 22-28, 2021 |
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Lent: A Spiritual Journey
During this season of Lent, Dr. Foust encourages us to renew ourselves to our spiritual journey by tracing the pattern of Jesus’ spiritual life. As Lord of our commitment to God, Jesus invites us to ‘Come unto him,’ ‘to learn of him,’ and ‘to observe all those things he taught.’ So, we begin this Lenten journey of spiritual renewal by looking at Jesus’ Scripture-Informed Life. This week, Dr. Foust has posted two articles on the St. John’s Blog: How the Bible Came to Us and Listening to Life Through the Bible.
It is his hope that these two articles will help you in your use of The Bible. He also proposes you consider reading one book about The Bible during Lent or later this year. If you do not have a recently published book to help you think about The Bible in your life today, he recommends you consider one of the following:
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What Do We Do With The Bible, by Richard Rohr (published in 2018, 70 pages)
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How to Read The Bible for All Its Worth, by Gordon Fee & Douglas Stuart (republished in 2014, 245 pages)
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Inspired: Slaying Giants, Walking on Water and Loving the Bible Again, by Rachel Held Evans (published in 2018, 214 pages)
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The Bible Tells Me So: Why Defending Scripture Has Made Us Unable to Read It, by Peter Enns (published in 2014, 244 pages).
Worship on February 28th: Lent II
This coming Sunday morning we will worship together online to continue this season of Lent. We will focus on the theme of the Spirit-Empowered Life as a dimension of spiritual growth. The scripture passages are Mark 9:2-9, 1 Corinthians 12:4-7, and Romans 12:9-21. Dr. Foust will offer a message called, "Agents of Transfiguration."
Here are some questions to consider as you prepare your heart and mind for worship this week:
- How do you welcome the Holy Spirit into your life?
- How do you express the gifts of the Spirit?
- How do nurture the fruit of the Spirit?
- What fruit of the Spirit would you like to see increase in your life?
- What spiritual disciplines might be useful in increasing this fruit of the Spirit?
The worship video will be available at 8am via our YouTube channel and at our website under the Worship tab for you to view. You can also link to worship from the Realm Connect App Events list.
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A Pandemic Dialogue with the St. John’s Staff
Fellowship on Zoom Monday, March 1 at 6PM
This next Monday evening, from 6:00 to 7:00 pm, your church staff will be available on the church-wide FELLOWSHIP call. Each person will report on what they are doing and reply to your questions. (This also gives an opportunity to express appreciation.) Please make plans to join us for part or all of the FELLOWSHIP hour on the first Monday of each month.
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Volunteer with ourBridge for Kids!
Orientation Sessions Available March 11 or April 15
Our new mission partner, ourBridgefor Kids is offering virtual volunteer orientation sessions on March 11 or April 15, from 6:00pm-7:30pm This organization, located on the campus of Aldersgate, provides afterschool and summer educational and enrichment programs for children from immigrant and refugee families, Kindergarten-7th grades.
During the pandemic, ourBridge has refocused their programs to ensure that the families they serve have sufficient food as well as educational support during the times schools have operated on virtual learning. In-person volunteering has been limited, but they are preparing for the time when they return to their full-time focus on education and cultural orientation.
Anyone who is interested in finding out more about ourBridge for Kids, the services offered, and the roles volunteers might play is invited to sign up for either the March 11 or the April 15 virtual session. Volunteer opportunities range from regular small group reading help to classroom assistance to occasional help with special projects or events.
To sign up for one of the orientation sessions go to the link below:
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OPPORTUNITY TO HELP THOSE SUFFERING IN TEXAS
As you know, many people in Texas are suffering from the recent frigid temperatures. Bursting pipes, a lack of clean water, and frozen furnaces have made life especially difficult for those with few resources. We have established a way for you to give to help those suffering due to this tragedy in partnership with Broadway Baptist Church of Fort Worth, Texas. Broadway is our sister church through The Alliance of Baptists.
Any monies you give to St. John’s marked, ‘Texas Disaster Fund,’ will be sent on to Broadway for them to use for direct help of those impacted by these events. Our Church Administrator, Jacquelyn McAbee, has established an online giving option on Realm to give to this cause as well.
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OUTDOOR WORSHIP CELEBRATION ON EASTER SUNDAY, APRIL 4
We are making plans to gather outside on Easter Sunday for two services of worship.
(Of course, inclement weather may change our plans. But, this is our good weather plan.)
- Fellowship Time: 10:00 – 10:25
- Worship Celebration 1: 10:30 – 11:00
- Transition Time: 11:05 – 11:30
- Worship Celebration 2: 11:30 – 12:00
- Fellowship Time: 12:00 – 12:30
We will provide ways for you to register for one of the worship/fellowship hours in March.
As we prepare to proclaim God’s resurrection of Jesus, the Christ, mark your calendars – grab your face coverings – pack your lawn chairs – bring your flowers to place on the resurrection cross, and get ready to reserve your place for Easter morning. Each worship celebration will last for 30 minutes. We are enlisting musicians. Our Sierra Leonese and South Sudanese congregations will worship with us. We will gather in the Broach Hall parking lot in amphitheater-style seating. Parking will be in the Chapel and Main Entrance lots and in surrounding parking lots. Easter is a day of New Beginnings!
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Prayer Concerns, Thanks & Sympathy |
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Polly Hull, Gene & Carol Poole, Elma Thomas,
Alison Zieglmeier (daughter of Ken and Donna Scott),
Andrew Adair, Barbara Ledford, Tom Bryson,
Carol Hager (sister of Betty Harkey), Carole Ann Simpson,
Brad Sifford, Deacon Jones, Jean Thompson
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Financial Ministry Plan Report
Week of February 17-23: $6,252
Income through February 23: $155,007
Annual 2021 Ministry Plan Budget Goal: $1,175,000
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You can make contributions, view your giving history and pledge status, as well as update your pledge and giving information anytime by accessing your personal
Realm profile online or via the Connect App.
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Contact the Staff
To email a staff member, click on their name below
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