THRIFT SHOP NEWS
Fall is around the corner and the Thrift Shop has started to prepare the clothing for their customers. We are asking the parish for HELP in two way: 1) Help marking the clothes, meeting at a designated time during the week at night. 2) Work at the Thrift Shop on a Saturday, once a month, for a 2 1/2 hour session. The Thrift Shop is a wonderful ministry that offers the community lovely clothing at a low price. If you can help, please contact Nancy Feustel at 631-721-6073 or . Many thanks!
______
HARVEST FAIR 2014
Save the date, Saturday November 8thfrom 10am to 4 pm. Please note the change from the usual first Saturday in November this year. More information will follow in the weeks ahead. As always, we will be asking for Volunteers to help make this another successful year!
______
SHE/CAP CLASSES
Sometime in early November, St. John’s will hold classes for SHE (Sexual Harassment & Exploitation) and CAP (Child Abuse Protection) that the Diocese requires under “Safe Church”. Keep looking for the class date and information in an upcoming Chalice.
______
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, David Faust, Cheryl Hairr, Arthur Noble, Martha Kee, Marta Notario, Rosa Dovi, Anna Felter, Mabel Buttress, Wallace Horne, Fred Hansen, Melanie Grynsztejn, Hannah Buttress, Betty, Joe R., Chip Spach, Lynn Hansen, Fern Peterson, Louise Webster, Eileen McWilliams, Jennifer, Amy, Elizabeth, Jessica, Karin, Bill Wesp, Andrew Buttress, Gail Martino, Mark Bellissimo, Frank Elliot, Kathy, Tom
The Altar Flowers are given this week In Loving Memory of Eleanor & Otto Albanese, the gift of the Hurd Family.
The Perpetual Light is given this week In Loving Memory of Eleanor & Otto Albanese, the gift of the Hurd Family.
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: 119
THE CHALICE
The weekly Sunday Bulletin of St. John’s Episcopal Church
September 14, 2014
FROM THE DEACON:
This past week was the annual remembrance of the September 11 attack and the destruction of the World Trade Center towers. Perhaps you remembered, either alone or with others, where you were and what you were doing on that day and at that time. It is a poignant moment in time etched in our individual and collective memories. We pause to remember all those affected by grief and loss on that day and we give thanks for all those whose mission it is to keep our nation safe in the days that follow.
I vividly remember where I was on September 11, 2001. I was commuting to work on the Long Island Rail Road when the first tower was struck. I made it to the office where I worked at Madison Avenue and 57th Street in Manhattan just as it was being understood that this was more than a minor accident or occurrence. By the time it was determined that we should all go home, there were no buses, subways, or trains in operation. I remember walking the 14 miles to my home in Bellerose.
It has been said many times since that this day changed America, changed our nation, and changed our city. In many ways it did. Police and security have become a normal and visible part of the city’s landscape. Recorded and printed announcements remind people of things like, “If you see something, say something.” It is true, events can change the way we live and what we think and do.
As a resurrection people of faith and prayer, we are not bound to be shaped by circumstances. There is a phrase that, when translated from Latin, means “praying shapes believing.” It’s a phrase that refers to the relationship between worship and belief. The way we worship and the way we pray have direct bearing on what we believe and the way we live. Praying in gratitude teaches us thankfulness; prayers of praise shape us to recognize God’s greatness.
There is a prayer that comes from The Daily Office of Morning Prayer. It is a favorite prayer of mine and I prayed it on the morning of September 11. It can be found in The Book of Common Prayer (page 100):
Lord God, almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought us in safety to this new day: Preserve us with your mighty power, that we may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all we do, direct us to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
In praying, I was reminded that our God is great. He is greater than all. He is greater than any circumstance of this life. He is worthy to be praised and adored. In the words of the psalmist, “Great is the Lord and greatly to be praised.” Praying shapes our believing.
Come, let us sing to the Lord; let us shout for joy to the Rock of our salvation.
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.
WELCOME THIS MORNING
Please join us in welcoming back the Rev.Peter Lai to St. John’s today. Rev Lai will be leading us in worship today. Next week our new Rector, the Rev. Duncan Burns, arrives!
______
SUNDAY SCHOOL 2014-2015
Sunday School classes begin on TODAY - Sunday, September 14
______
A NOTE FROM MOTHER ALE
Dear St. John’s, I want to thank you for your trust, generosity, support and above all, your love. I am writing as your late Priest-in-Residence and former member of your Pastoral Team. Memories of our last service have sustained me during this week of transition to my new curate. You will always have a special place in my heart.Luke and I are praying for your new journey with Fr. Duncan. Keep me in your prayers while I start my new ministry at Christ Church, Brentwood. Trust in God“...For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways.” (Psalm 91:11) The Spirit is moving. Mother Ale.
______
ATTENTION PARISHIONERS, IF YOU HAVE THE SKILLS NEEDED FOR A FEW OPEN POSITIONS, WE NEED YOU:
We are looking for your help to fill the three openings listed below. If you have the skills and can commit some time, please speak to one of the Wardens.
For the Treasurer position, an accounting or financial background would be desirable. Working with the Finance Committee, the St. John’s Treasurer is the custodian of the Church’s funds, keeping a full and accurate account of receipts and disbursements, depositing all money and other valuables in the name of the Church in banks designated by the Vestryand disbursing funds as authorized by the Vestry. He/she prepares financial reports and presents them to the Vestry at its monthly or special meetings, gives a financial report at the Annual Parish Meeting and assists in preparing the Annual Parish Report to the Diocese. Earl Matchett is currently serving as Acting Treasurer and can answer any questions you may have about the Treasurer position or assisting in some of the Treasurer’s functions.
The Clerk of the Vestry is similar to a corporate secretary and must be present at meetings of the Vestry to take the minutes and record all votes in the course of the meetings. Under our By-laws, he/she also has the responsibility of keeping our documents and records in a proper and safe manner, although our Parish Administrator is generally our custodian of books and records; and of giving notice of all annual elections and of special meetings, but either the Rector or Wardens handle that function. Janice Burnett, who had agreed to serve as Clerk for a short term, recently ended her tenure and will be missed sorely for the excellent job she did. If curious about the position and the time commitment, talk to her about her experience.
The needed last member of the Audit Committee should have basic financial knowledge but an auditing background is unnecessary since the Diocese provides a very specific audit program that the Committee must follow. Committee Chair, Laurie Wickey, estimates that the position requires a total commitment of about 30-40 hours of work that can be spread over a few weeks. The audit is done generally in early September to enable us to submit the report before the Diocesan Convention in November. This is a pre-requisite for St. John’s to be able to send delegates to Convention. Speak with Laurie if you have an interest in serving on this Committee, but please note that the audit function requires independence from any organization or ministry of the Church that is subject to audit.
______
ST. JOHN’S PARISH PICNIC
Mark down Sunday, September 21 for this year’s Parish Picnic – at Centerport Beach from to 12 Noon – 3pm. Our Parish Picnic will be the first Sunday our new Rector the Rev. Duncan Burns, and his wife Barbara will be at St. John’s. Let’s make this a memorable, welcoming, Parish Picnic. Please see the flyer on the back table and on our website for further information on what to bring!
______
CANTERBURY SHOP
HURRY IN--The Canterbury Shop is open this morning. To welcome everyone back the Shop is having a 25% offsale on all items. Come in and save!
______