july 2014 messenger
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July 2014 MessengerTRANSCRIPT
“What I don’t understand about myself is that I decided one way, but then I act another, doing things I absolutely despise. So if I can’t be
trusted to figure out what is best for myself and then do it, it becomes obvious that God’s command is necessary.” Romans 7:15, The Message
Friends: When she was a young teen, I recall introducing my daughter to an actress that has
become one of her favorites. The artist was Audrey Hepburn, and the movie was “Roman Holiday”. In the movie Ms. Hepburn plays a crown princess who becomes frustrated with her tightly scheduled life. I think that maybe this character’s response to the high degree of control her position in life demanded
inspired my daughter’s resistance to such controlling powers in her own life.
In this passage from the Apostle Paul’s letter to the church in Rome it is helpful to understand that there is a controlling energy not entirely his own in the decision making process Paul describes. The following
chapter defines it for us:
“With the arrival of Jesus, the Messiah, that fateful dilemma is resolved. Those who en-ter into Christ’s being-here-for-us no longer have to live under a continuous, low-lying black cloud. A new power is in operation. The Spirit of life in Christ, like a strong wind, has magnificently cleared the air, freeing you from a fated lifetime of brutal tyranny at
the hands of sin and death.” (Romans 8:1-2)
The language Paul uses in this segment of his letter sounds personal; I believe there is a personal nature to the message he wants to communicate and that we should give it careful, personal considera-tion. But let us remember that like most of his writings, this one is identified as a letter to the church. To me, this means that we must also consider how the decisions we have made together and agreed to are kept…or not. We must take into consideration our personal weaknesses and how these impact our corporate (read “church”) commitments and public statements. A little further on in this letter Paul
writes:
“Those who think they can do it on their own end up obsessed with measuring their own moral muscle but never get around to exercising it in real life. Those who trust God’s
action in them find that God’s Spirit is in them—living and breathing God!” (vs 5-6)
As a people of faith we are called to acknowledge that God’s command, that life on God’s terms, is what is required of us. Not much of a Roman holiday for us, eh? But wait! The teacher who inspired the apostle made a simple statement about how to live life
on God’s terms. Jesus said,
“I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love
one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” (John 13:34-35)
I hope that this appeals to you as the way to resist the powers that control and to live life on God’s terms. It does me. It feels liberat-ing to me! But I know that, like Paul, what I have decided about how I ought to live and how I actually behave is not always consistent. It is obvious to me that God’s command is necessary for my life. I need God in my life. I need to pay attention to Jesus. And I need the love of the church. This is my confession and my
testimony. My friends, can we say that this is a shared understanding and a shared value? Can we tell this to one another?
St. John’s church, the Jesus in me loves the Jesus in you!
Tom G
July 2014 Volume 28.7
St. John’s United Church of Christ
St. John’s is a community of faith centered in Jesus Christ, seeking
guidance and direction through the Holy Spirit, and demonstrating
God’s love to all people in words and deeds.
An Open and Affirming Congregation
503 Stuart Circle Richmond, Virginia 23220 Telephone: 804.358.9291
Email: [email protected]
Web Site: stjohnsrichmond.org
Published monthly © 2014 St John’s UCC
On God’s terms
living
...from the Council President
Happy summer to every one! The month of June brought our St John’s Youth Players production of “Alice in Wonderland” to the stage. Also during June, Rev. Tom attended the Central Atlantic Conference. Our thanks to Rev. Alexis Slonin who preached on Father’s Day in Rev. Tom ‘s absence. Our monthly church breakfast was well attended on that day, too! The 2014-2015 Church council had its first meeting on June 9th. The following are the officers for this council. President- Betsy Bighinatti Vice President- Desiree McNiece Secretary- Marjorie Barbour Treasurer - Fritz Will IV
Launch Sunday, September 7th Put it on your Calendar!
…let your light shine before others, so that they may see your
good works and give glory to God in heaven. Matthew 5:16
We will be sharing God’s light with others building furniture that will be donated to CARITAS –helping people move off the streets and into homes with furniture – and assembling baby care and hygiene kits for Church World Service to send overseas to people in need. During July and August we are asking you to purchase the following items and bring them to the church by the end of August, or donate funds that will help us purchase the needed items. (Make checks payable to St. John’s with Launch Sunday Missions on the memo line.) On September 7th, we will gather together to build the furniture and assemble the kits. All as a part of our “let your light shine” kick off to the program year.
Here are the items we need:
For the Baby Kits (must be just what is described below). Items must be new. Infants are 12 months and under in size.
Infant T-shirts (no onesies) Washcloths Infant gowns or sleepers Diaper pins Infant sweater or sweatshirt Receiving blankets Cloth diapers
2 The Messenger | JULY 2014
Members of Church Council Betsy Bighinatti, President
Desiree McNeice, Vice President Marjorie Barbour, Secretary
Fritz Will, Treasurer Bryan Anderegg Laura Totty Jeff Hetzer Ginna Minasian Dalton Vivian White Helena DeLigt Bill Watson Karen-Marie Yust
Hygiene Kits Hand towels (16 inches by 28 inches) Washcloths Wide tooth combs Nail clippers Bars of Soap (bath size - individually wrapped) Tooth brushes in original packaging Standard size Band-Aids One Gallon plastic bags with zipper closure
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...To Receive a Gift... And To Give a Gift
What did you receive when you GAVE a gift? How do you feel when you RECEIVE a gift? Have you ever thought of being involved with the work of St. John’s in that same way? Often when people decide to covenant with others they are encouraged to seek out a situation within the
life of the community or congregation that BRINGS THEM LIFE and then seek one out where they can be the LIFE-GIVER. Church Council is trying on a new way of thinking regarding the fulfillment of our minis-tries. We are inviting you to discern your own ministry based on where you can give and where you can receive. Below is a list of our ministry offerings. During July we ask you to prayerfully consider one of these ministries listed below to strengthen your life.
WHERE WILL YOU SHARE YOUR GIFT?
Speak with Rev. Tom, Julia or any member of the Church Council to learn more.
CARITAS William Byrd House Circle Center PoFEV ACTS Pride Fest Advocacy
Sunday Morning children/youth programing 9:45 am and 11:15 am
Sunday Morning Adult Programing 9:45 am and Adult Forums (third Sunday)
Small Group Bible Study (Faith Conversations) Centering Prayer Confirmation Seasonal Programing (Launch Sunday, Ad-
vent, Lent) Being a Teacher
Covenant Care Groups After Worship Fellowship Monthly Breakfast Special Fellowship Opportunities (Easter,
Thanksgiving, Summer events, etc.) German Fest The Fellowship St. John’s Players Weddings
Welcome Team Choir Liturgist/reader Sound System Altar Preparations Communion Service Tellers Acolytes Sunday morning Flower Dedications Special Services
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St. John’s Financial Picture YTD as of May 31, 2014
July 6
Fourth Sunday after Pentecost
Zechariah 9:9-12 Psalm 145:8-14
Romans 7:15-25a Matthew 11:16-19, 25-30
July 13
Fifth Sunday after Pentecost
Isaiah 55:10-13 Psalm 65:(1-8), 9-13
Romans 8:1-11 Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23
July 20
Sixth Sunday after Pentecost
Isaiah 44:6-8 Psalm 86:11-17
Romans 8:12-25 Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43
June 27
Seventh Sunday after Pentecost
1 Kings 3:5-12 Psalm 119:129-136
Romans 8:26-39 Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52
2014 Budget Budget YTD Actual YTD
Income
Pledge Payments* $127,000 $52,917 $53,140
Cash Offerings $22,000 $9,167 $4,156
Other Income (Endowment Contributions $122,850 $61,129 $64,429
Parking Lot Rental, Wedding Income, etc.)
Total Income $271,850 $123,213 $121,725
Expenses
Personnel 166,549 71,551 70,571
Committees 22,191 9,246 8,031
Operations/Maintenance 122,390 53,326 54,330
Local Benevolences 7,300 5,858 5,572
Other 9,600 2,625 2,625
Total Expenses 328,030 142,606 141,129
Income/Expenses Total (56,180) (19,393)
surplus (deficit)
NOTE:
1. Income includes a total of $85,000 annual contribution from Endowment Fund ($7083 monthly)
2. Annual Deficit to be covered by Endowment Fund and General Reserve Fund
3. 2014 Pledge Budget is $126,000. To date, 56 pledges for $118,000 have been received.
The Messenger | JULY 2014 5
Eagle Scout Project At St. John’s Hi! My name is James Cook and I am a member of troop 700 in Ashland, Virginia. I have been a member of scouts for approximately 10 years and I am now trying to obtain the rank of an Eagle Scout. As a member of the church (becoming a member with the last confirmation class), upon choosing an eagle project, I could think of no better institution to help than our church. The project I will be doing is to build a new sound table for the sound equipment being used during worship which is located on the balcony in order to improve the quality of worship. I am asking for monetary donations from the congregation for this use on this project and would be extremely appreciative of any received to help me obtain the goal of completion of my eagle scout project. Please contact me at 227 3466 or email me at [email protected]
Sincerely, James Cook
Summer in Faith Place Children’s Programming
We will offer programming during the 10 am worship service for children 8 and under in Faith Place during the summer months. Following the lectionary, we will be telling and retelling stories found in the Hebrew Scriptures (or Old Testament). We will explore each story further through art, drama, activities, and more!
See you in Faith Place on Sunday!
Faith Conversations Small Group for Adults
Come, join our small group conversation as we feed on God’s Word. In July, we will explore different ways to study and meditate on scripture. We will gather at 7 pm on July 21st at the home of June Smyth. If you are interested in attending, please contact Julia ([email protected], 804-358-9291) and she will send you materials to read and reflect on before the gathering. All are
welcome and encouraged to participate!
Confirmation
Our four confirmands – Ashley, Cammie, Bryan, and Josh – enjoyed an overnight retreat at the church on June 28th. The evening began at Jumpology where jumping is encouraged. Back at the church, they made plans for a summer mission project and shared stories of their experience of church. Please pray for our confirmation
class as they move towards affirming their faith in God.
Centering Prayer
Tom will be offering a time for centering prayer on Wednesday evenings starting at 6 pm. Everyone is welcome to come for quiet time to center your thoughts
and spend time in prayer with God.
William Byrd Community House Donations (WBCH)
Don’t forget that on the third Sunday of each month, we receive contributions of non-perishable food items for the William Byrd Food Bank. Ask for a shopping bag with a shop-ping list at-tached from a member of the Welcome Team when you come to worship, and
6 The Messenger | JULY 2014
Members of The New Pastor Search Team
Elisabeth Burnette (Co-chair)
Don Stiegler (Co-chair) Sam Dalton Lynn Snyder
Kristina Gilbert Jeff Jacobs
Justin Barbour Desiree McNeice
Rob Osborn
MAUDE GANZERT 2101 Lydell Drive
Henrico, VA 23228 804-716-4222
Congratulations St. John’s Summer Chil-dren’s Theatre Participants! Alice In Wonderland was GREAT! We thank all those members who at-tended, and everyone who invited family and friends along to our Sum-mer Children’s Theatre production of Alice In Wonderland. What a de-lightful performance! Our thanks to Anita Sharpenstein, the director, Tony Sharpenstein, the choreographer and Amber dePass the musical director for their dedication and love for the children and the theatre! We had over 500 children and adults in attendance over the 8 performances!
Rev. Tom Gerstenlauer - 358-9291 [email protected] Julia Eliades - 358-9291 [email protected] Church Council Chair: Betsy Bighinatti - 379-3572 [email protected] Facilities Chair: Richard Bighinatti - 379-3572 [email protected] Finance Chair: Jeff Hetzer - 550-3928 [email protected] Mission and Outreach Chair: Bill Watson - 873-2837 [email protected] Christian Formation Chair: Bryan Anderegg - 317-1941 [email protected] Worship and Music Chair: Ginna Dalton - 378-3386 [email protected] Congregational Life and Care Co-Chairs: Helena DeLigt - 795-2058 [email protected] Kim Vann - 323-9086 [email protected]
Congregational Breakfast July 20
Mark your calendar now and plan on attend-ing our monthly congregational breakfast on Sunday, July 20 at 9:00 am in the Fellowship Hall. We will enjoy the food and fellowship and update you on all the happenings at St.
John’s. Hope to see you there!
Please find a substitute if you are unable to perform your ministry and contact your team coordinator AND the office to let them know who will be
filling in for you. Thank you for making our church ministries run smoothly!
Welcome Team
Leader
Sound System
Acolytes Lay Readers
Fellowship
Hosts Nursery Helpers
Tellers Facilities
July 6
Justin Barbour
David Pittman
Josh Lyle
Sal Anselmo
Cheryl Goode
Helena DeLigt
Rob Osborn
Tony Sharpenstein
Justin Barbour
July 13
Lynn Snyder
Dreama Terrill
Hank Allen Cammie Allen
Eddie Allen
Bryan Etter Chris Etter
TBA
Abby Ward Chris Ward
Denise Martin Adrianne Dery
Joe McGregor
July 20
Lynn Snyder
Dreama Terrill
Hank Allen Cammie Allen
Eddie Allen
Chris Burnette
Elisabeth Burnette
Richard and
Betsy Bighinatti
Laura Totty
Denise Martin Adrianne Dery
Joe McGregor
July 27
Bill Watson
Mark Atkinson
Savannah and Ashley
Quick
Bud Higgins
TBA
Cheryl Goode
Marjorie
and Justin Barbour
Bud Higgins Jeff Michel
Bill Watson
July 6 July 13 July 20 July 27
Mark Souza
Elisabeth Burnette
To order fresh flowers to be placed on the altar in honor of a special occasion or person or in remembrance of someone, please sign-up on the flower chart on the bulletin board in
the hallway near the nursery or contact Sonny Darnell at 743-7528 or [email protected]
$45.00 for two beautiful bouquets.
Fellowship Coordinator: Sal Anselmo 358-1696 Tellers Coordinator: Bud Higgins 301-5059 Lay Readers Coordinator: Sal Anselmo 358-1696
2014 1
10 am Staff Mtg. 11:30 am NA Meeting
5:30 Search Com
2
5 pm Card Ministry
6:00 Centering Prayer
3
11:30 am NA Meeting
4
5
6
10 am Worship Communion
7
8
10 am Staff Mtg.
11:30 am NA Meeting
9
5 pm Card Ministry
6:00 Centering Prayer
10
11:30 am NA Meeting
5:30 Worship & Music
11
12
8:30 am India Orthodox Church
13
10 am Worship
14
7pm Church Council
15 10 am Staff Mtg.
11:30 am NA Meeting
5:30 Search Com
16
5 pm Card Ministry
6:00 Centering Prayer
17
11:30 am NA Meeting
NOON People of Faith For Equality Lunch
here
18
19
20 9 am Congregational
Breakfast
10 am Worship
WM BYRD HOUSE DONATIONS DUE
21
7 pm Faith Conversations
(at June Smyth’s house)
22
10 am Staff Mtg.
11:30 am NA Meeting
23
5 pm Card Ministry
6:00 Centering Prayer
24
11:30 am NA Meeting
25
26
27
10 am Worship
28
29 30
5 pm Card Ministry
6:00 Centering Prayer
31
Birthdays This Month 2 Richard Bighinati 2 Bill Watson 4 Tom Gerstenlauer 5 Ashur Caraher 6 Camie Allen 10 Sal Anselmo 10 Allen Caraher 10 Michael Yust
10 Laura Siff 20 Will Atkinson 21 Lynn Snyder 22 Hank Harman 22 Diane Semach 28 Jeanne Wigand 29 Kim Vann 30 Paul Jolles
Sumer worship time begins June 1
Office closed