Vestry Election – We will hold our Vestry election for the 2017-2019 position on Sunday December 18, 2016. Please plan on attending to elect our new Vestry member immediately following worship. Your vote counts!

Angel Tree – The angels are available for pickup. Items need to be returned by Dec 15. Trisha has information about the angels and opportunity to assist with distribution.

Christmas Flowers – It is time to prepare for Christmas. Today’s bulletin contains a poinsettia order form. Please return your order form by Dec 11^th. Additional forms are in the Narthex. If you have any questions, please contact Lynn.
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December 11, 2016, 10:30 am Holy Eucharist Rite II

Lessons for the Third Sunday of Advent
First Lesson:  Isaiah 35:1-10
Psalm 146:4-9
Second Lesson:  James 5:7-10
Gospel:  Matthew 11:2-11

Lay Participants for December 11, 2016 – 10:30 am service
Acolyte:  Leone
Lector:  Ben
Prayers:  Leone
Ushers:  Gary and David

Refreshments:  Volunteer needed

Sermon for Dec. 4: http://chirb.it/pdLvrK
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Greening of the Church – Lynn will be away for the Greening of the Church on December 18. She is looking for someone who will spearhead the endeavor. There are a few people who will take care of specific details but we need someone to oversee the project. Please see Lynn’s e-mail or contact her directly.

2017 Pledge Drive – We hope to collect pledge cards this coming Sunday December 4 so the Vestry can finalize discussions about the 2017 budget.

Changes in the New Year – We will bid farewell to Toni from the Vestry and Gary will complete his tenure as Treasurer. Stepping up to the plate, Suze has agreed to become the Treasurer and, pending the Vestry election, Virginia is standing to replace Toni on the Vestry. In other changes, Leone will be transferring head of the Outreach Committee to Trisha. Thanks to all for their service and for all who have come forward to serve.

A Season of Prayer: Following our Election – Almighty God, to whom we must account for all our powers and privileges:  Guide the people of the United States and of this community in the orderly transition of newly elected and reelected officials and representatives; that, by faithful administration and wise laws, the rights of all may be protected and our nation be enabled to fulfill your purposes; and help us, in the midst of our struggles for justice and truth, to confront one another without hatred or bitterness, and to work together with mutual forbearance and respect; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Church Quiz – Over the coming weeks we will have a “Church Quiz” as part of our announcements and e-News. All are invited to think about and answer the week’s question. Answers will be provided the following week.
Last week’s question and answer: Question: What prayer did Christ teach us? Answer: Our Lord gave us the example of prayer knows as the Lord’s Prayer. (BCP p. 856)
This week’s question: What are the principal kinds of prayer? Look for the answer next week.

Formation Classes – This week we will discuss our Old Testament reading, Isaiah 35:1-10, “The Return of the Redeemed to Zion.” Next week’s class will discuss our Old Testament reading Isaiah 7:10-16, “Isaiah Gives Ahaz the Sign of Immanuel.” All are invited to join the conversation in the Parish Hall from 9:15 to 10:15 am.

Sunday’s Psalm – This Sunday we will read the psalm in unison.

Hospitality hour Sign-up – The sign-up sheet is on the bulletin board; please sign-up for an upcoming Sunday. If you would like to help but cannot provide all the items for coffee hour/lemonade on the lawn any assistance, even a single item, will be graciously accepted.

Upcoming Parish Events – Dec. 14 – Advent luncheon and study; Dec. 18 – Vestry Election; Greening of the Church; Dec. 21 – Advent luncheon and study; Dec. 24 – Christmas Eve Service, 5:00 pm.

Thought for the week – Touch: As followers of Jesus, our responsibility is to listen for those calling out to us, and to respond in love by reaching out and touching the untouchable, reminding them by word and deed of their sacred identity.

– Br. Nicholas Bartoli, SSJE
Society of Saint John the Evangelist

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Upcoming Events:
Online calendar:  http://stjohnsepiscopal-suffolk.org/parish-calendar/
Online events listing: http://stjohnsepiscopal-suffolk.org/events/
Daily Mon.-Thu.     * Daily Morning Prayer – 9:30 am (Parish House)
Wed. Dec. 7^th           * Advent Soup Lunch and Study – 11:30 am – 12:30 pm
Tue. Dec. 13^th          * Vestry Meeting – 7:00 – 9:00 pm (Parlor)
Wed. Dec. 14^th        * Advent Soup Lunch and Study – 11:30 am – 12:30 pm
Sun. Dec. 18^th          * Vestry Election – following worship
* Greening of the Church – following Worship
Wed. Dec. 21^st        * Advent Soup Lunch and Study – 11:30 am – 12:30 pm
Sat. Dec. 24^th           * Festive Christmas Eve Eucharist – 5:00 pm
Sun. Dec. 25^th          * Worship – 10:30 am
Sat. Dec. 31^st           * Fifth Saturday Luncheon – 10:00 am (Salvation Army)
Sun. Jan. 1^st              * Service of Christmas Lessons and Music – 10:30 am
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PASTORAL CARE

For Michael, our presiding bishop; Holly, our bishop; and for Les, our priest.

Meriwether, Allen, Shirley, Lon, Barbara, Steve, Marvin, Leone, Virginia, Justin, Kevin, Millard, Gary, Elinore, Jimmye, Katie, Margaret, Claiborne, Richard, Toni, Rev. Greg Ryan, Beth, the Dennis Family, Mike and Gail, Jim, Karen and family, Opal, Aleck, and Carolyn.

Serving in the Armed Forces and Overseas: Bryan, Sheldon & Elizabeth, Leon, Alan, and Thomas.

Parish Cycle of Prayer: Clyde & Virginia
Diocesan Cycle of Prayer: Emmanuel Church, Franklin; St. Thomas’ Church; of Freeman; The Rev. Geoffrey & Kathleen Price.
Anglican Cycle of Prayer: Kericho, Kenya.

Birthdays in December
Marcella 02   Gary 08
Les 08            John 14
Burr 18           Nansi 18
Kevin 19        Jim 19
Will 28            Susan 30

Anniversaries in December
George & Tricia 17              Marcella & Don 17
Shannon & Dotty 20             John & Elizabeth 28
Steven & Susan 30             Nick & Tina 31 

If you are in need of Pastoral Care
Please call Father Ferguson.
Home:  757-484-8409 

Minister of Music: Roger Peyton

Website: http://StJohnsEpiscopal-Suffolk.org
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