Eighth Sunday After Pentecost

E-Postle

July 23, 2023

 

8:30am (in-person only) & 10:00am (in-person + Zoom) – Holy Eucharist

https://zoom.us/j/542312325?pwd=R3FKTnZ4WUU1YUFveCtzOUljM2FLZz09

Meeting ID: 542 312 325

Password: 010729

 

This Week’s Worship & Programs – https://www.stja.ca/2023/program-updates/ – current information on what’s going on at St. John’s, including Zoom links and bulletin and scripture readings for Sunday worship.

 

Click here for contact info for parish ministries

 

There will be Coffee hour following the 10am service.

 

CALENDAR HIGHLIGHTS: 

Sun – Jul 23                    (10am service) Cedella Alibaksh baptism + All-Ages Chat

Tues – Jul 25                  10:15am – Bible Study on Zoom (see link above) / 7pm – Prayer group on Zoom (see link above)

Tues – Jul 25                  Parish Council meeting

Wed – Aug 2                  10am – Coffee and Crafts

Thurs – Aug 10               1-3pm – “High Tea at St. John’s” Fundraiser

 

NEW THIS WEEK

Stewardship Reflection

Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43 – Prepared by the Ven. Dr. Michael Pollesel.
How do you help “good seed” to not only take root, but to grow, and keep on growing in your life? Jesus suggests that the faithful steward is the one who listens to his words and allows them to guide all of her or his life.

All-Ages Chat this Sunday (July 23)

Our July All-Ages Chat will be a little earlier this month, so that it can be the same Sunday as Cedella’s baptism. We look forward to seeing you and your families, whether in-person or on Zoom, at our 10am service this Sunday, July 23

Of course, everyone of all ages is always welcome at worship each week, but every month (often, but not always, the last Sunday), we have something devoted to nurturing the faith of our younger members. 

Helping Out with Children & Youth

Several of us had a great brainstorming session this week about children and youth spiritual formation at St. John’s, and we are now looking for folks to help make these ideas a reality! We will be experimenting with fun, interactive activities for our younger members and visitors one Sunday a month beginning this September through December. If you’d be interested in lending a hand on one of these Sundays, please chat with Vivian in-person or at rector@stja.ca.

Guest Musician

We extend a warm welcome to Birgit Geisser, who is serving as guest musician at our 10am worship service this Sunday, July 23.

 

INFORMATION

Music Director Job Posting

Our job posting for parish Music Director is currently up at https://bit.ly/STJAMusicDirector. We also have printed copies available at the back of the church. Please help us spread the word to musician family, friends, and colleagues. Application deadline is this Thursday, July 27.

Summer Fun… High Tea at St. John’s!

A note from Ferne Malcolm: 

I am concerned about the finances at St. John’s and thought maybe we could have some quality time together this summer, plus also put a little money in the coffers.

The date for High Tea will be Thursday, August 10, at 1:00pm. I would do a great deal of the planning and ask for help where it is needed. All we need is for you to come and bring family and friends!

We will have tables for four, six or eight people. These could be made up of your friends from St. John’s, guests, or family that you might care to invite. To make it special, perhaps one member of each group would provide the china… luncheon plate, cup and saucer, teapot, and serving plates or a tiered serving plate. Maybe you have matching napkins? (Note: you don’t have to bring your own china as we do have lots at our disposal at the church… though none of it is terribly fine or terribly fun!) We would have tea made, but if you would prefer a special blend, please bring it… there will be lots of boiling water.

The cost for a ticket will be $40.00 with all funds going to St. John’s General Fund, except for a small amount to cover costs.

For more information or to reserve tickets, contact Ferne. She will also be available after both services to answer questions and sell you a ticket(s) if that is your pleasure. Tickets will be available until August 2. 

Administrator Transition

We regretfully said goodbye last week to Georgette, our Office Administrator, as she had an urgent family matter to attend to back home in the Philippines. She wished to say to everyone at St. John’s: “Thank you for the opportunity to work and serve with all of you. God bless you all.”

As several have asked about turnover in the Office Administrator position, for transparency, please know that we have actually not had a permanent person since Jennifer Green (who worked with us until 2019). Since then, we have used a temp agency, and therefore it varies how long a particular temp will stay with us.

In this interim time, we would welcome volunteers to help with any of the various office tasks including printing and assembling bulletins, answering and directing calls and emails, etc.  Please let Vivian know at rector@stja.ca if you are able to assist if/as needed. Note: she is also happy to talk with anyone interested in the paid position too!   

Temporary Office Hours

Until the Administrator position is settled, the office will be on modified hours. Office voicemails and emails will be checked during the usual office times of: Tues/Thurs/Fri 10am-2pm, but please make an appointment to come in for any in-person business to ensure someone is there to greet you.

Anne Anchor Leave of Absence

Our deacon Anne Anchor is currently recovering at home from a post-procedural infection. She has decided, wisely, to take a leave of absence from parish duties for the rest of the summer, in order to rest and to focus on healing. During this period, please contact Vivian at rector@stja.ca for any deacon-related business.

Please continue to keep Anne in your prayers. Messages of care and concern can be sent to her in this time via her personal email.

Community Garden

All garden boxes in Phase One of our community garden in the front yard of the PMC have been assigned. We are now keeping a waitlist – please email garden@stja.ca to enquire.

We would welcome donations of previously-loved or new garden tools such as pruning shears, shovels, rakes, forks, loppers, trowels, and spades. Please connect with Karen Ebbett.

Please see our website information page and like, follow, and share our Community Garden Facebook page, where we are posting pictures and updates on this exciting project!

Indigenous Community Art Project

Inlet United Church invites us to a community art project this summer at The Springs. Artist Atheana Picha will share about Coast Salish art and culture during several free events in July and August. Atheana will paint the mural in late August, and there will be a culminating feast, ceremony, and blessing of the art in September. Please visit Inlet’s event page for registration and other info.

 

HOW YOU CAN HELP SUPPORT ST. JOHN’S

Flower Chart for 2023

This is up at the Narthex (at the back of the church, by the chapel).  Should you wish to commemorate a birthday, anniversary or give in memory of a loved one, please consider signing up to donate flowers for the altar. 

Parish Giving

Donations may be made by cheques, PADs or through e-transfer directly to the church account. Please contact Ruby at peopleswarden@stja.ca or Sheila at treasurer@stja.ca for more details. You may also give via PayPal/credit card via our website.

 

OPPORTUNITIES FOR FORMATION AND SPIRITUAL GROWTH FOR ALL AGES 

Education for Ministry (EfM)

A course of study offered on Zoom, on Wednesday evenings, for people who yearn to shape their faith into action and to strengthen their walk with God.

Participants have been asked why they have taken EfM…

• to speak with knowledge about their faith
• to be in community with fellow people who are on a journey
• for disciplined Bible study
• to live a life grounded in faith
• to deepen their understanding of their relationship with God

EfM offers…

Community with: 

• fellow people of faith
• enquiring people of faith
• discerning people of faith
• people longing for wisdom

Insight into: 

• Hebrew scripture
• New Testament
• Church history
• various theologies over time

A way to think theologically:

• in your day-to-day life
• in your place of work
• in your family
• wherever you minister in your church community

We meet weekly September to May, with breaks at Christmas and Easter. The program runs for four years but each year is taken independently. The seminar has people who are studying in all four years; this adds a real depth of richness and support for all present.

If you wish to find out more about this amazing and enriching program please contact Debora Jones-Akiyama, or one of the many in your parish who have participated in this course.

 

Readings for July 23, 2023, Eighth Sunday after Pentecost

GENESIS 28:10-19A; PSALM 139:1-11, 22-23; ROMANS 8:12-25; MATTHEW 13:24-30, 36-43

Readings for July 30, 2023, Ninth Sunday after Pentecost

GENESIS 29:15-28; PSALM 105:1-11, 45C; ROMANS 8:26-39; MATTHEW 13:31-33, 44-52