PRAYER CONCERNS FOR ST. JOHN’S
For the sick: Roberta, Roger Giacomini, Teresa Santiago, Bill Hinton, Irena, Geralynn Marchesi, Philip Wulfken, Christine Bushnell, Jean Giacomini, Cheryl Hairr, Anna Felter, Arthur Noble, Martha Kee, Marta Dovi, Mark Bellissimo, Brain A., Frank Elliot, Kathy, Tom, Gail Werner, Karin, Bill Wesp, Louise Spach, William Murphy, Chancy Dennis, Pat, Nancy Ohrtman, Clara Elliot, Fred Hansen, RJ Sumner, Milton Dove, Judith Johnson
To have someone entered onto our Prayer List for 4 weeks, please e-mail the church office with the person’s name as well as the requester’s name. The e-mail address is: .
Last Sunday attendance: 203
THE CHALICE
The weekly Sunday Bulletin of St. John’s Episcopal Church
December 28, 2014
FROM THE DEACON:
“Joy to the world! The Lord is come!”
The words of that familiar Christmas carol are heard throughout the Christmas season. In fact, it seems that I cannot just read those words or think of those words without the tune singing in my mind!
A thing of glory is something or some event marked by great beauty and splendor, or of resplendence; something worthy of worshipful praise, honor, and thanksgiving. An event of such glory evokes a personal and emotional response.
The birth of the Jesus is emotional and passionate and surrounded by glory. Joy is just one response. We hear in this Sunday’s Gospel reading from John that “the Word became flesh and lived among us, and we have seen his glory, the glory as of a father’s only son, full of grace and truth.” The Gospel according to Luke tells us of how an angel of the Lord came among shepherds in the fields to tell them that the Messiah, the Lord, has been born in the city of David. When the angel appeared, “the glory of the Lord shone around them.”
Here we have heard two descriptions of how the birth of Jesus is full of glory. God himself coming to dwell among us in this world is resplendent and worthy of worship, praise, and honor. There are scarcely words to describe all that the birth of Jesus means for us and no language sufficient to describe our response.
Matthew’s Gospel tells of how the magi, or wise men, saw the star that appeared in the sky. They followed that star and it led them to the place where the Christ child was. “When they saw that the star stopped, they were overwhelmed with joy.” The magi were not just happy or joyous but overwhelmed with joy. Although historically we know that the familiar tune of “Joy to the World” had not yet been composed, I cannot help but think that they broke out into singing – Joy to the world! The Lord is come!
The glory of the Lord outshines our personal circumstances. The joy of the Lord surpasses the changes and chances of life. We live in hope and faith because the God of the universe loves us so much the he came to live among us. The ultimate gift of love was born in a manger that Christmas Day. For that alone our souls and voices sing out – Joy to the World! The Lord is Come!
May the glory of the Lord shine anew in your life in these days of Christmas.
Deacon Anthony Jones
VISITORS AND NEWCOMERS WELCOME!
We welcome you to St. John’s Episcopal Church. Established in 1745, this historic church opens its doors to all who seek to deepen their faith and provides warm hospitality to all. We are blessed by your presence and invite you to fill out a Visitor’s Card on the back table of church. Visit the Greeters’ Kiosk in the rear of church, where Greeters are available to answer questions and provide you with a packet of additional information about church services and activities.
NEW YEAR’S DAY HOLY EUCHARIST & BRUNCH
Please join us on Thursday, January 1st at 10 AM for New Year’s Day Holy Eucharist and Brunch
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SHE/CAP CLASSES AT ST. JOHN’S
Deacon Jones will be leading SHE/CAP classes here at St. John’s on Saturday, January 10th: SHE class 9am-12 Noon, Lunch break, CAP class 12:30-3:30 pm.
These SAFE CHURCH classes required by the Diocese MUST be taken by: employees of St. John’s, Vestry members, Sunday School teachers and aides, anyone who works with children or young adults including Choir Leaders, Youth Leaders and MCs, any person who is a Ministry/Group leader here including all committee chairs and any person who is a key holder to the St. John’s building…who have not taken the SHE/CAP classes in person yet.
Please send an email to the Church Office at to register for classes.
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CONFIRMATION & FIRST HOLY COMMUNION CLASSES 2015
Registration Forms and Class Schedules for both Confirmation and First Holy Communion classes can be found on the back table and on the front page of our website. Confirmation classes start Sunday, January 11th from 5:30-6:30 pm. First Holy Communion classes start Monday, January 26th from 5:00-6:00 pm. Registration deadlines are as follows: Confirmation registration is due January 5, 2015; and First Holy Communion registration is due January 9, 2015 (as material needs to be ordered).
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FOOD COLLECTION FOR A LOCAL FOOD PANTRY
We will be accepting weekly food donations, in the baskets provided in the rear of church, to support a local food pantry Helping Hands Rescue Mission located in Huntington Station. The Rev. Kim Gambino was the guest speaker at this year’s ECW Dinner some of you may recall. Donations needed are unexpired, non-perishable products such as: Peanut butter & Jelly, Rice & Pasta Sides, Canned Vegetables, Canned Corn, Cereal, Instant Potatoes, Pancake Mixes & Syrup, Canned Soups, Canned Fruit & Juice. Fred Hansen will be delivering these collected items to their food pantry weekly. Thank you for your generosity.
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WALK FOR LOVE
On Saturday, January 24, 2015 at 11 am we will be meeting (rain, sleet, snow, or shine) at the municipal parking lot behind the Central Presbyterian Church (240 Main St.) in Huntington Village for The Walk for Love.
The Walk for Love's intent is to be an event for all people regardless of their faith or belief. It has no sponsor or agenda other than to encourage people to walk together for love. The hope is that by simply bringing people together for such a simple yet profound purpose it will become the catalyst for many good and healing acts.
Please LIKE “Walk for Love - Huntington LI NY” on FACEBOOK and promote this event actively to everyone you know. Thank you.
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PLEDGE ENVELOPES 2015
If you asked for 2015 Pledge Envelopes they are now available on the table in the back of church. Please note that some envelope numbers may have changed.
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STEWARDSHIP 2015 FOLLOW-UP
I`d like to thank the family of St. John`s for their support of the 2015 Stewardship campaign.
We have met our goal of $218,000 and have exceeded it by $4000 dollars. We will be accepting 2015 pledges until the end of the year. I am grateful and thankful for your faith and commitment.
God bless, Dave Lasek - Chairperson of the Stewardship committee.
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