Jesus multiplies the loaves,
ronciere
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We offer our prayers
for social justice
Grant, O God, that your holy and life-giving Spirit may so move every human heart, that barriers which divide us may crumble, suspicions disappear, and hatreds cease; that our divisions being healed, we may live in justice and peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
--
The Book of Common Prayer,
p. 823
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Prayer and Meditation Along Monument Avenue
Clergy Action RVA, a new group of clergy working toward the racial healing of Richmond, invites everyone to join in contemplative prayer and meditation, according to their tradition, along the Monument Avenue median strips on Saturdays in August, to bring about both personal and collective healing in our city.
Join our deacon, David Curtis, near Davis and Monument beginning at 9:00 a.m. for 45 minutes to an hour of quiet meditation and prayer. People may also choose to pray and meditate at home during this time. Please
c
ontact David
with any questions.
Saturdays in August--August 1, 8, 15, 22, & 29
Beginning at 9:00 a.m.
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School Supply Drive
for Bellevue Elementary School
St. John's will collect school supplies for Bellevue Elementary School during our August First Fruits Drop Offs.
School supplies needed:
black and white composition books, loose leaf paper, #2 pencils, black pens, 16 pack crayons, erasers, glue sticks.
Drop off your donations Saturdays, August 1 and 15, from 10:00 a.m. to 12 noon.
And, remember: school supplies are tax free during August in Virginia!
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First Fruits Collections
This Saturday
During COVID-19 social-distancing, we're collecting food for the Christ Ascension Food Pantry the first and third Saturdays of each month on 24th Street next to the Parish House.
We'll also have a collection plate available for those who want to submit their pledge payments or other financial contributions.
Next collection--This Saturday, August 1, 10:00 a.m.- 12:00 noon.
The food bank currently needs green beans, canned chicken, and Vienna sausage.
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This Sunday, August 2, 2020
The Ninth Sunday after Pentecost
Online Worship at St. John’s Church
Liturgy of the Word
10:00 a.m.
You will receive an email with a service bulletin and instructions for logging on in advance of the service. The premiere has a chat feature, and we welcome your participation. Note: You can view the service any time after 10:00 a.m.
Virtual Coffee Hour and Conversation
11:00 a.m.
See below for instructions for logging in via Zoom.
Virtual Children's Chapel with the Rev. Anne Lane Witt
3:00 p.m.
See below for instructions for logging in via Zoom.
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From Amelie, with Love
Dear Friends:
In the gospel passage assigned for this Sunday, we will hear the familiar story of Jesus “feeding the 5,000” with five loaves of bread and two fish. Even if you’ve never cracked a Bible, you probably know the gist of this miracle story, and what someone means when he or she refers to “loaves and fishes.”
But what many of us don’t focus on in this story is how it begins. Jesus has just learned that his friend John the Baptist has been killed by King Herod, and is sad and tired. So, he decides to retreat to a remote place to grieve, to pray, and to rest. On the way, however, he is discovered by crowds of people whose needs are great, and he is moved by compassion to cure their sick. After an entire day of healing and teaching, Jesus’ disciples point out that the time has come to call it a day, for it is obvious that everyone is hungry and the people need to be sent off to the nearest village to buy food for themselves.
Instead of agreeing, the exhausted Jesus turns to his friends and says, “You give them something to eat.” Yes, you. And yes, I know you only have five loaves and two fishes and you are as tired as I am. But we’re going to make this work.
We all know the rest of the story. Jesus blesses the bread and the fish, and the disciples start distributing the morsels, which end up feeding everyone, with a few baskets to spare. In the face of lack, scarcity, hunger, and fatigue, grace happens and people are filled.
During our own time, when we, too, are exhausted, when the needs are so great, so seemingly impossible to meet or control or to satisfy, this story reminds us to be on the lookout for grace. And with that in mind, I offer you this poem that serendipitously crossed my inbox today:
It takes you by surprise
It comes in odd packages
It sometimes looks like loss
Or mistakes
It acts like rain
Or like a seed
It’s both reliable and unpredictable
It’s not what you were aiming at
Or what you thought you deserved
It supplies what you need
Not necessarily what you want
It grows you up
And lets you be a child
It reminds you you’re not in control
And that not being in control is a form of freedom.
–Marilyn Chandler McEntyre,
Weavings j
ournal, July/August 2002
In Christ,
Amelie+
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Coffee and Conversation Hour During Social-Distancing
Join us on Zoom at 11:00 a.m., right after our Sunday morning online service.
This summer, we have been setting up "virtual" coffee tables, which makes it easier to connect, support, and catch up with friends at St. John's, old and new. If you haven't attended yet, we welcome you.
Directions for online “Coffee Hour”
Meeting ID: 206 696 128
Password: 288060
Join meeting by telephone:
+1 253 215 8782 US
+1 301 715 8592 US
Meeting ID: 206 696 128
Password: 288060
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Virtual Children's Chapel
Our children's chaplain, the Rev. Anne Lane Witt, hosts online Children's Chapel at 3:00 p.m. this Sunday, April 2, for our youngsters. Simply log in using the following instructions:
Meeting ID: 298 725 169
Password: 288060
Join meeting by telephone:
+1 253 215 8782 US
+1 301 715 8592 US
Meeting ID: 298 725 169
Password: 288060
New Time Beginning August 9
Beginning Sunday, August 9, Children's Chapel will meet at 5:00 p.m each Sunday via Zoom.
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New Wednesday Evening Series Begins This Week
7:00 p.m. via Zoom
The American Church's Role
in Our Racial Story
Tisby's book explores the history of the American Church's role in perpetuating racism and inequality, including through its teachings on human dignity and equality and its failure to speak out against evil. Tisby takes a historical look at how many Christians, from the founding of the English colonies in America to today, have supported racial injustice through action and inaction. Tisby concludes with ideas for creating a more inclusive and just future Church.
in prayer. See details below.
Meeting ID: 298 725 169
Password: 288060
Join meeting by telephone:
+1 253 215 8782 US
+1 301 715 8592 US
Meeting ID: 298 725 169
Password: 288060
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Education for Ministry Returns
to St. John’s this Fall,
September 14
Broaden Your Understanding, Deepen Your Faith,
Discover Your Calling
Education for Ministry (EfM) is a 4-year program that uses theological education and reflection to deepen and broaden one’s faith and ministry. The first year is devoted to the Hebrew Scriptures, the second year to the New Testament, the third year to church history, and the fourth year to ethics.
The cost is $375 per year, and annual registration is required. Scholarships are available.
EfM meets via Zoom on Monday nights for 2 hours.
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Join Us Online
for Wednesday
Compline
at 8:00 p.m.
Each Wednesday evening after our Faith Formation program we gather online via zoom for the ancient and gentle liturgy of Compline. This very brief service for the end of day in the Christian tradition blends psalms, short passages of scripture, and prayers to bring peace as we retire for the night.
If you prefer a service to view at your own convenience, please visit our
YouTube
channel, where you will find our clergy and lay ministers leading prerecorded services. A new service will be posted on YouTube each Wednesday at 8:00 p.m. and can also be accessed through our website and Facebook page.
Meeting ID: 823 0797 3354
Password:404128
To dial by phone:
+1 646 558 8656 US (New York)
+1 301 715 8592 US (Germantown)
Meeting ID: 206 696 128
Password: 288060
You can find the service in the
Book of Common Prayer
on p. 127 or download it
here
.
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St. John's Church Foundation
Offers
Online Events and Shopping
Although tours and and reenactments at the church have been cancelled for the foreseeable future, St. John's Church Foundation is offering online shopping and learning opportunities in the meantime.
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Our Bishops' and Church's Responses to Recent Events
"
As followers of Jesus, we must act in hope and in love."
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Now is a Good Time to Start Following
The Way of Love
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Set out on an intentional path of following Jesus. It's a way of life.
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Inquirer's Class is Underway
The participants for the Inquirers' Class of 2020 have begun their journey together, and are meeting for six sessions through the end of the summer. We invite your prayers for the 13 participants as they prepare for our Bishop's visitation in the fall.
This formation series is for those who are interested in learning more about the Episcopal Church or in becoming a member of St. John's through Confirmation or Reception.
Please
email Amelie directly
with your interest or questions.
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Let us see your faces and hear your voices!
We Invite Your Participation in Online Worship.
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Thanks to all who have been joining us for our "virtual" worship over the past months. Many of you have shared how much you appreciate seeing the faces and hearing the voices of members of our congregation who are participating in the services.
We would like to offer that opportunity to you, too! If you would like to read a prayer or a lesson, please
email August Butler.
If you don't have the time or are nervous about reading, send us a quick greeting instead. Record yourself saying "And also with you" or "Thanks be to God!" and send the video to
v
ideosforstjohns@gmail.com
.
Your St. John's family would love to see you,
your kids, and your pets!
Helpful hints for all recordings are offered
here
.
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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.
First Fruits Collection
:
During COVID-19 social distancing, we will collect food every other Saturday. Bring non-perishable food items to the church for donation to the Christ Ascension Food Pantry. Please
contact David Curtis
i
f you prefer that someone drop by your home and deliver your donations for you. Be sure to include your street address in your message.
Next collection--Saturday, August 1, 10:00 a.m.- 12:00 noon.
Join the $5 Club
:
Pledge to spend at least $5 a month on non-perishable foods to feed others. Submit your donations at the next First Fruits collection point for the Christ Ascension Food Pantry
.
Laundry Love
:
Our monthly Laundry Loves are cancelled until further notice. Please
contact David Curtis
with any questions.
Next Laundry Love Day-- TBD
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You can pay your pledge or otherwise make a donation to St. John's Church online by clicking the button above and scrolling down to the "Donate" button.
You may also mail your pledge payments to: St. John’s Church, 2319 E. Broad St., Richmond, Va. 23223.
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COVID-19 Resources
Our staff is telecommuting from home so that they can remain healthy while maintaining our usual office hours and administrative functions.
Patty Duffy's and Amelie Wilmer's phone extensions are forwarded to their cell phones, so you can still reach them by calling the church office at 804-649-7938 and dialing their extensions as prompted.
This information clarifies our diocesan support and expectations as we proceed through the next months.
All churches in the Diocese of Virginia are directed to be closed for worship
until further notice due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
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A Note about Pastoral Appointments and Emergencies
To schedule an appointment with one of our clergy, please
contact Amelie
directly at her
email
or her voicemail at 649-7938; you will hear from her or another member of our clergy staff within 24 hours.
And if you learn of a pastoral issue concerning one of our parishioners, please reach out to Amelie as well.
If you have an emergency, please contact Patty Duffy at 649-7938, and she will ensure a more immediate response.
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The Market at 25th Street
Community Rewards Program
Please support the new Market at 25th Street, which provides a full array of nutritious foods and vital services to the East End neighborhood.
The market has recently initiated a rewards program for area churches, agreeing to contribute 3% of all purchases made by their members. Cards are available at the market’s service desk, or
enroll by clicking here
.
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Volunteer
New volunteer opportunities are continually being identified at Re:Work Richmond, the East End employment initiative that St. Peter's Episcopal Church has launched through a collaboration of churches and community organizations. You are invited to complete one of the "Good Neighbor Network" cards, available in the Parish Hall. Place your completed forms in the basket provided. For more information,
contact Diana Vasquez
.
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Sign-up at Kroger
for the Good of 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.
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Next Vestry Meeting,
Tuesday, August 11, at 5:30 p.m.
via Zoom
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.
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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.
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