St. John’s Episcopal Church E-Newsletter

9 January 2008
Called by God to be a Community that hears God’s word and does God’s work

 

TOPICS IN THIS ISSUE:

      Fr. Michael’s Message

      By-Law change

      Activities

            Men’s Ministry

            Epiphany Report

            Game Night Jan. 16

            Potluck Hosts/hostesses

            Youth Group Events

      Calendar

      Liturgy Ministries

     Contact Us

 

FR. MICHAEL’S MESSAGE

Below are some notes from Fr. Michael about upcoming Adult forums.

 

Please note that there is NO Adult Forum scheduled for 13 January. 

 

I would like to recommend that we have a “committee Sunday’ (as we have done before) on 20 January. 

The Worship Committee had some ideas about the need to talk things over with lectors.  Please promote the 9:30 time on Sunday, 20 January, as a “committee work time”. Lectors will meet in the library for an “in-service” training.  If other committee chairs will contact Betsy or Peg so they can post the location of any other “in-service” meetings.

 

27 January is Annual Meeting—that IS the Adult Forum.  (Topics: finances, Youth Discernment team, Outreach task force, by-law amendments, & elections)

 

3 February: thoughts on entering Lent.

 

Sunday mornings in Lent: the parables in the Gospel of Matthew.

 

The Lenten Soup Suppers will be Bible Study of the Gospel of Matthew. 

Soup at 6 p.m., program at 6:30,

Compline at 7:30—more or less. 

The elementary aged youth will also be talking about the Gospel of Matthew.

Jr. & Sr. Youth will be working on Stations.

 

Proposed By-Law Change to Article III, Section 2

The by-law change will be voted on at the Annual Meeting, January 27, 2008

 

Proposal

The Youth Ministry Discernment Team, in conjunction with our vision and recommendations for incorporating our young people into all aspects of church life, propose that the By-Laws of St. John’s Episcopal Church be changed to bring them into accord with the Canons of the Diocese of Minnesota and the Canons of the Episcopal Church.  Currently, Article III, Section 2 of our parish By-Laws reads:  “There shall be nine Vestry Members who shall be qualified voters of this parish and at least eighteen years of age…” 

 

We propose that the By-Laws be changed to read: “There shall be nine Vestry Members who shall be Adult Communicants in Good Standing in this parish in accordance with the Canons of the Church and the Diocese.” 

Or alternatively:  “There shall be nine Vestry Members who shall be qualified voters of this parish and at least sixteen (16) years of age.”

 

The rationale for this change is posted in the Parish Hall.

 

ACTIVITIES

Something New: The beginning of a Men's Ministry is in the works!  Our goal is to create an environment for Jesus that men wish to join.  What does that mean?  It's too early to tell, other than we're starting out with small group meetings.  We'll keep you posted on our activities and progress!  If you can't wait, feel free to ask any adult male....        Scott P.

 

EPIPHANY
Thank you to all of the children who helped tell the Gospel story on Epiphany through pantomime.  Since the pageant in December, we have been waiting for the wise men to arrive in Bethlehem.  On Sunday they made their way to honor baby Jesus!
Following the service an Epiphany lunch was served, games were played and the lintels of the doorways of the parish hall were marked.  Try to figure out the meaning of the code! The hi-light of the event was eating the cupcake-cake and finding the treasures hidden inside!  The cake was made by Maggie Powers. She hid five items that were found by:
Margaret M.      Crown      She will have recognition and success in 2008.
Jill F.                 Cup      Watch for a special blessing.
Peter S.             Coin     You may have a prosperous turn.
Rita B.               Ring     Look for a laving promise
Mary L.              Bean   Monarch of the Feast and the host of the Epiphany Party of 2009!!  Mary chose Ric S. as                                        her co-Monarch for the day.

GAME NIGHT
The next game night will be held on Wed. Jan. 16 from 6-7:30.  Come for pizza and fellowship!  Games are provided, but feel free to bring your own.  Please sign up in the parish hall.  ALL ages are welcome.  This is a wonderful way to spend time with family and friends.  See you there,           Nancy

 

WANTED!! Hosts/Hostesses needed for our monthly potlucks.  There is a sign up sheet in the Parish Hall.  Please consider being a part of this ministry at St. John's.  Questions?? Contact Dorothy P. or Brenda B.

 

YOUTH GROUP February events: Shrove Tuesday, Feb 5th, Pancake supper, starting at 5:30.

Ski trip to Duluth on Feb. 16th and 17th. More info to come!

 

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Jan 7 – 17         Fr. Michael on vacation

Thu      9          Department of Indian Works (Diocesan) Meeting 10 – 3

Fri & Sat, 11 & 12   Youth Retreat at House of Prayer

Sat       12         St. Cloud Suzuki Gathering 9 am – 11 am.

Sun      13         8:30 Morning Prayer  

                                    10:30 Hymn sing and Morning Prayer

Thu       17         Vestry Meeting, 6 pm

Sun      27         9:30 Eucharist

                                    Annual Meeting & potluck follows service

Mon – Fri, 28-Feb 1  Home Delivered Meals

 

 

Liturgy Ministers          13 Jan 8:30 AM    Morning Prayer       10:30 AM

Chalice Ministers           NA                                                        NA

Readers                        Mary B. & Kathy W.                               Mary M.        

Acolytes                      NA                                                         NA

Accompanist                                                                             Denise B.                      

 Altar Guild                                Kathy W. & Jack

Coffee                                       Phoebe & Louise

Communion Bread                     NA

Hospitality Ministers                   Marie & Phoebe

Offering Recorders                     Myra & Nancy

Ushers                                      Carrie & Susan

Cleaning Team                           Louise & Nancy                     

 

 

CONTACT US!

Sunday Services are at 8:30 and 10:30. 

Father Michael's office hours are Monday through Wednesday afternoons and other days and evenings by appointment.

Rector’s e-mail:  rector@stjohns-episcopalchurch.org 

The Secretary's office hours are usually Tuesday and Wednesday 9 to 3 and Friday 9 to noon.

Office e-mail:  office@stjohns-episcopalchurch.org

Web Address: www.stjohns-episcopalchurch.org