Newsletter:
St. John’s Episcopal Church - Sunday, December 23, 2018
From Fr. Ray+
Christmas is upon us! This coming Sunday, December 23, is the fourth, and last, Sunday of Advent. It has gone by so quickly! Next Monday we will gather at 5:30 p.m. for our Christmas Eve Candlelight Service. This is one of the most beautiful services of the Church Year at St. John’s. If you are in town, I encourage you to make this lovely service part of your Christmas celebration. If you have family in town, please invite them to join you. We will continue our observance of our Lord’s birth with a Service of Lessons and Carols on Sunday, December 30, during our principal service of worship at 10:30 a.m.
On the first Saturday of the New Year, January 5, Rev. Danny Schieffler will present a program on Contemplative Prayer. We will gather at the church at 9 a.m. for breakfast, followed by Fr. Danny’s program. We should be finished by 11:30 or so. I can’t think of a better way to start the New Year than by strengthening our life of prayer.
Please note on your calendar the date of our Annual Parish Meeting is Sunday, January 20, following worship. Lunch will be served. Among other things, we will approve our 2019 budget and elect three new vestry members.
Blessings, Fr. Ray +
Gluten free Communion wafers are available now. If you desire to receive a gluten free wafer, simply let Fr. Ray know as he distributes the bread at the altar rail.
Worship and Education News:
Adult Sunday School: Meets Sunday at 9:00 am.
Sunday School: Will meet at 9:00 am at the First United Methodist Church.
Worship: December 23, the Holy Eucharist, Rite II, with Rev Ray Brown
Readings for Fourth Sunday of Advent: Micah 5:2-5a; Psalm Canticle 3: The Song of Mary; Hebrews 10:5-10; Luke 1:39-55
Pastoral News:
Please keep the following in your prayers: Susan Worrell, Debra Richardson, David Henderson, Kathy Sullivan, Larry Bryant, Lynn Jordan, Ray Worley, Carol Jennings, Nancy Howe, Jim Howe, Parker Pace, Heather Treat, Julie Ann Doan, Courtney Turner, Sheila Fraiser, P.J. Clay, Rev. Mike Wilkie, Rita Merritt, Kent Shreeve, Jerry Robertson, Mary Hamm, Mary Helen Lagarde, Jo Boone Wild, Richard Hargraves, Gloria Higginbotham, Pat Wheeler, Jan Hickey, Paula Oliver, Kelly Faye Parker, and for the family of Emma Lee Gordon.
Outreach News:
Angels of Grace and Anchor Mission ministries: The items from their wish list this week is toilet paper.
Humane Society of the Delta: Donations needed are dog & puppy food.
Please place all of these donations in the red wagon at the back of the church.
Grace Food Pantry: plastic bags go in the labeled container in the narthex.
Thank you for your weekly donations. They are all greatly appreciated.
Church Office News and Announcements:
Dec 19, Wed at 5:30 pm: Midweek Eucharist (chapel)
Altar Guild – Nancy Hornor, Melody Rogers & Bennett Sellers
Dec 20, Thurs at 4:30 pm: All Altar Guild will meet at the church for Hanging of the Greens and polishing. This will be followed by fellowship at the Tavern.
All Altar Guild will, immediately after the service on Sunday, December 23, decorate and set up for Christmas.
Dec 23, SUN at 10:30 am: Holy Eucharist, Rite II
Acolyte – Ned Pillow, Mary Pillow, Eli Pillow, Katherine Pillow & Jack Pillow
Lay Eucharist Minister – Ann Lee
Altar Guild – Angie Fielder
Altar Flowers – St. John’s
Dec 24, MON at 5:30 pm: CHRISTMAS EVE SERVICE
Acolytes – Rachel Wright, Katherine Wright & Chris Rogers
Lay Eucharist Minister – Jack Myers
All Altar Guild
Dec 26, Wed at 5:30 pm: No Midweek Eucharist this week
The website to purchase St John’s church photos is https://stjohnsepiscopalchurch.pixieset.com. All proceeds will go to support Young Life of Phillips County. Photographs can also be viewed in the church office.
St. John’s T-shirts are available with sizes from S through 3XL. The price is $15.
Contact info for Fr. Ray:
Cell: 501-291-6262
Email: rector@saintjohnshelena.org
St. John’s Church Office:
Phone: 870-338-8115
Email: office@saintjohnshelena.org
Mailing address: P.O. Box 770, Helena, AR 72342
Street address: 625 Pecan St., Helena, AR
Newsletter:
St. John’s Episcopal Church - Sunday, December 16, 2018
From Fr. Ray+
Last week I received a phone call from St. John’s member Henry Jordan informing me that a family he knows had been burned out of their home. The family consists of a father, mother and two teenage daughters. I gave them some money from my Priest’s Discretionary Fund. They also received a relatively small amount of money from the Red Cross, as well as some individuals who knew them. The good folks at the Isle of Capri Casino gave them two hotel rooms for one week and they are now in the process of seeking permanent housing. The St. Francis Committee of St. John’s has provided some additional funds. All of these gifts are helpful and greatly appreciated. The fact, though, is that these folks lost absolutely everything. They escaped the fire with nothing but the clothes they were wearing. In the seasons of Advent and Christmas we are reminded of a Savior who came into the world as a baby born to poor parents. He announced his ministry in the synagogue in his hometown of Nazareth by quoting the prophet Isaiah, “
“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me,
because he has anointed me
to bring good news to the poor.
He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives
and recovery of sight to the blind,
to let the oppressed go free,
to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.”
We, too, proclaim good news to the poor when we serve them in the name of our Lord. Anyone who would like to contribute to this family may do so by making a check out to St. John’s and mailing or delivering it to the church. Please note on your check that it is for the family who was burned out. We will make sure one hundred percent of what you give is delivered to this family. As we find out more about needs such as furniture, bedding, etc., we will pass that along to you.
Our Christmas Eve Service will be at 5:30 p.m. Please note that this is a change of time from what was in last week’s newsletter. Our new organist, Dr. Statom, will be playing for the service. Also, we are pleased that a guest soprano soloist from Memphis will be with us. Please start now inviting friends and family to what is one of the most beautiful services of the year at St. John’s!
Morning Prayer will be offered on Tuesday mornings at 8:30 during Advent. The remaining dates are December 11 and 18. This is a brief service, lasting about 15-20 minutes. Participants can use their own Book of Common Prayer or use one from the pew rack at church. Morning Prayer is a wonderful way of starting your day throughout the year
There will be another opportunity for personal spiritual development on Saturday, January 5, 2019, when Rev. Danny Schieffler visits St. John’s to lead a program on Centering Prayer. Fr. Danny is the Rector of St. Mark’s Episcopal Church in Little Rock and has deep roots in Helena-West Helena. This program will take place on Saturday morning between 9 and 12. A continental breakfast will be served. I hope you will participate in this opportunity to learn more about prayer as well as welcoming Fr. Danny on this visit to his hometown.
Blessings, Fr. Ray +
Gluten free Communion wafers are available now. If you desire to receive a gluten free wafer, simply let Fr. Ray know as he distributes the bread at the altar rail.
Worship and Education News:
Adult Sunday School: Meets Sunday at 9:00 am.
Sunday School: Will meet at 9:00 am at the First United Methodist Church.
Worship: December 16, the Holy Eucharist, Rite II, with Rev Ray Brown
Readings for Third Sunday of Advent: Zephaniah 3:14-20; Psalm Canticle 9: The Song of Isaiah; Philippians 4:4-7; Luke 3:7-18
Pastoral News:
Please keep the following in your prayers: Susan Worrell, Debra Richardson, David Henderson, Kathy Sullivan, Larry Bryant, Lynn Jordan, Ray Worley, Carol Jennings, Nancy Howe, Jim Howe, Parker Pace, Heather Treat, Julie Ann Doan, Courtney Turner, Sheila Fraiser, Blake Robertson, P.J. Clay, Rev. Mike Wilkie, Rita Merritt, Kent Shreeve, Jerry Robertson, Mary Hamm, Mary Helen Lagarde, Jo Boone Wild, Richard Hargraves, Gloria Higginbotham, Emma Lee Gordon, Pat Wheeler, Jan Hickey, Paula Oliver, Kelly Faye Parker, and for the family of Mary Nell Pyron.
Outreach News:
Angels of Grace and Anchor Mission ministries: The items from their wish list this week is dish soap.
Humane Society of the Delta: Donations needed are dog & puppy food.
Please place all of these donations in the red wagon at the back of the church.
Grace Food Pantry: plastic bags go in the labeled container in the narthex.
Thank you for your weekly donations. They are all greatly appreciated.
Church Office News and Announcements:
Dec 11, Tues at 8:30 am: Morning Prayer (chapel)
Dec 12, Wed at 5:30 pm: Midweek Healing Eucharist (chapel)
Altar Guild – Carla Myers & Jayne Morris
Dec 16, SUN at 10:30 am: Holy Eucharist, Rite II
Acolyte – Ed Pat Wright
Lay Eucharist Minister – Susan Carter
Altar Guild – Nancy Hornor, Melody Rogers & Bennett Sellers
Altar Flowers – Ernest & Cathy Cunningham
Dec 18, Tues at 8:30 am: Morning Prayer (chapel)
Dec 19, Wed at 5:30 pm: Midweek Eucharist (chapel)
Altar Guild – Nancy Hornor, Melody Rogers & Bennett Sellers
Dec 20, Thurs at 4:30 pm: All Altar Guild will meet at the church for Hanging of the Greens and polishing. This will be followed by fellowship at the Tavern.
All Altar Guild will, immediately after the service on Sunday, December 23, decorate and set up for Christmas.
Poinsettia Donations form is above. Please turn in to the office by Sunday, December 16, to be acknowledged in the program.
The website to purchase St John’s church photos is https://stjohnsepiscopalchurch.pixieset.com. All proceeds will go to support Young Life of Phillips County. Photographs can also be viewed in the church office.
St. John’s T-shirts are available with sizes from S through 3XL. The price is $15.
Contact info for Fr. Ray:
Cell: 501-291-6262
Email: rector@saintjohnshelena.org
St. John’s Church Office:
Phone: 870-338-8115
Email: office@saintjohnshelena.org
Mailing address: P.O. Box 770, Helena, AR 72342
Street address: 625 pecan St., Helena, AR
Newsletter:
St. John’s Episcopal Church - Sunday, December 9, 2018
From Fr. Ray+
Morning Prayer will be offered on Tuesday mornings at 8:30 during Advent. The remaining dates are December 4, 11 and 18. This is a brief service, lasting about 15-20 minutes. Participants can use their own Book of Common Prayer or use one from the pew rack at church. Morning Prayer is a wonderful way of starting your day throughout the year. If you have not experienced it before, this might be a good opportunity to do so. If you cannot make it to the service on Tuesday mornings during Advent, you might want to consider doing it on your own. Anyone wanting some guidance on how to incorporate Morning Prayer into your daily spiritual discipline is welcome to get in touch with me and I will be happy to provide some one-on-one instruction.
There will be another opportunity for personal spiritual development on Saturday, January 5, 2019, when Rev. Danny Schieffler visits St. John’s to lead a program on Centering Prayer. Fr. Danny is the Rector of St. Mark’s Episcopal Church in Little Rock and has deep roots in Helena-West Helena. This program will take place on Saturday morning between 9 and 12. A continental breakfast will be served. I hope you will participate in this opportunity to learn more about prayer as well as welcoming Fr. Danny on this visit to his hometown.
Blessings, Fr. Ray +
Gluten free Communion wafers are available now. If you desire to receive a gluten free wafer, simply let Fr. Ray know as he distributes the bread at the altar rail.
Christmas is less than a month away! The St. John’s Christmas Eve Candlelight Service will be at 6 p.m. Our new organist, Dr. Gabriel Statom will be present, as will a guest soprano soloist. Now is the time to start inviting family and friends to join you in this beautiful celebration of the birth of our Lord.
Poinsettia Donations form is at the bottom of the newsletter.
Worship and Education News:
Adult Sunday School: Meets Sunday at 9:00 am.
Sunday School: Will meet at 9:00 am at the First United Methodist Church.
Worship: December 9, the Holy Eucharist, Rite II, with Rev Ray Brown
Readings for Second Sunday of Advent;:Baruch 5:1-9; Psalm Canticle 4: The Song of Zechariah; Philippians 1:3-11; Luke 3:1-6
Pastoral News:
Please keep the following in your prayers: Susan Worrell, Debra Richardson, David Henderson, Kathy Sullivan, Larry Bryant, Lynn Jordan, Ray Worley, Carol Jennings, Nancy Howe, Jim Howe, Parker Pace, Heather Treat, Julie Ann Doan, Courtney Turner, Sheila Fraiser, Blake Robertson, P.J. Clay, Rev. Mike Wilkie, Rita Merritt, Kent Shreeve, Jerry Robertson, Mary Hamm, Mary Helen Lagarde, Jo Boone Wild, Richard Hargraves, Gloria Higginbotham, Emma Lee Gordon, Pat Wheeler, Jan Hickey, Paula Oliver, and Kelly Faye Parker.
Outreach News:
Angels of Grace and Anchor Mission ministries: The items from their wish list this week is laundry detergent & bleach.
Humane Society of the Delta: Donations needed are dog & puppy food.
Please place all of these donations in the red wagon at the back of the church.
Grace Food Pantry – plastic bags go in the labeled container in the narthex.
Thank you for your weekly donations. They are all greatly appreciated.
Church Office News and Announcements:
Dec 4, Tues at 8:30 am: Morning Prayer (chapel)
Dec 5, Wed: There will be no Midweek Eucharist this week.
Dec 9, SUN at 10:30 am: Holy Eucharist, Rite II
Acolyte – Ben Pittman
Lay Eucharist Minister – Jack Myers
Altar Guild – Carla Myers & Jayne Morris
Altar Flowers – Tap Jennings, Jack Hornor & West Hornor
Dec 11, Tues at 8:30 am: Morning Prayer (chapel)
Dec 12, Wed at 5:30 pm: Midweek Healing Eucharist (chapel)
Altar Guild – Carla Myers & Jayne Morris
Poinsettia Donations form is above. Please turn in to the office by Sunday, December 16, to be acknowledged in the program.
The website to purchase St John’s church photos is https://stjohnsepiscopalchurch.pixieset.com. All proceeds will go to support Young Life of Phillips County. Photographs can also be viewed in the church office.
St. John’s T-shirts are available with sizes from S through 3XL. The price is $15.
Contact info for Fr. Ray:
Cell: 501-291-6262
Email: rector@saintjohnshelena.org
St. John’s Church Office:
Phone: 870-338-8115
Email: office@saintjohnshelena.org
Mailing address: P.O. Box 770, Helena, AR 72342
Street Address: 625 Pecan St., Helena, AR
Newsletter:
St. John’s Episcopal Church - Sunday, November 25, 2018
Thanksgiving Eucharist will be at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, November 21
From Fr. Ray+
Advent begins Sunday, December 2! St. John’s Church is providing two opportunities for spiritual nurture and growth during this time of preparation for our Savior’s birth. We will gather for Morning Prayer at the church each Tuesday at 8:30 a.m. Following Morning Prayer, you are invited to go for an organized walk, led by Susan Carter. This is a great way to care for both body and soul during this special season. The Adult Sunday School Class will start a new four week Advent Study on December 2, the first Sunday of Advent. This video based course is entitled Down to Earth. As the name implies, it is designed to help us think about what God has done for us individually and humanity as a whole, by coming “Down to Earth” in the person of Jesus Christ. The Adult Class meets at 9:15 every Sunday Morning.
In just a little over a month we will gather for our Candlelight Christmas Eve Service. This lovely service has long been an important part of the church year at St. John’s as our church family gathers to celebrate our Savior’s birth. Our new organist, Dr. Gabriel Statom will be at the organ on Christmas Eve. We will also have a guest soprano adding to the beauty of the service. This is a wonderful opportunity to invite family and friends to attend church with you.
Congratulations! Nolan & Jackie Dean welcomed Aidan Peter Dean, Friday, December 16, weighing 8 lbs 4 oz.
Blessings, Fr. Ray +
Worship and Education News:
Adult Sunday School: Meets Sunday at 9:00 am.
Sunday School: Will meet at 9:00 am at the First United Methodist Church.
Worship: November 25, the Holy Eucharist, Rite II, with Rev Ray Brown
Readings for Last Sunday after Pentecost: Proper 29; 2 Samuel 23:1-7; Psalm 132:1-13; Revelation 1:4b-8; John 18:33-37
Pastoral News:
Please keep the following in your prayers: Susan Worrell, Debra Richardson, David Henderson, Kathy Sullivan, Larry Bryant, Lynn Jordan, Ray Worley, Carol Jennings, Nancy Howe, Jim Howe, Parker Pace, Heather Treat, Julie Ann Doan, Courtney Turner, Sheila Fraiser, Blake Robertson, P.J. Clay, Rev. Mike Wilkie, Rita Merritt, Kent Shreeve, Harriet Collette, Jerry Robertson, Mary Hamm, Mary Helen Lagarde, Jo Boone Wild, Richard Hargraves, Gloria Higginbotham, Emma Lee Gordon, Pat Wheeler, Jan Hickey, Paula Oliver, and Kelly Faye Parker.
Outreach News:
Angels of Grace and Anchor Mission ministries: The items from their wish list this week is paper towels.
Humane Society of the Delta: Donations needed are dog & puppy food.
Please place all of these donations in the red wagon at the back of the church.
Grace Food Pantry: plastic bags go in the labeled container in the narthex.
Thank you for your weekly donations. They are all greatly appreciated.
Church Office News and Announcements:
Nov 21, Wed at 6:00 pm: THANKSGIVING EUCHARIST (church)
Acolyte – West Hornor
Lay Eucharist Minister – Jack Myers
Altar Guild
Nov 25, SUN at 10:30 am: Holy Eucharist, Rite II
Acolyte – Drew Fielder
Lay Eucharist Minister – Mike Fielder
Altar Guild – Susan Carter
Altar Flowers – Mr. & Mrs. Alan Hargraves, Jr. and Mr. & Mrs. David Bohannan
Nov 28, Wed at 5:30 pm: Midweek Eucharist (church)
Altar Guild – Susan Carter
The website to purchase St John’s church photos is https://stjohnsepiscopalchurch.pixieset.com. All proceeds will go to support Young Life of Phillips County. Photographs can also be viewed in the church office.
St. John’s T-shirts are available with sizes from S through 3XL. The price is $15.
Contact info for Fr. Ray:
Cell: 501-291-6262
Email: rector@saintjohnshelena.org
St. John’s Church Office:
Phone: 870-338-8115
Email: office@saintjohnshelena.org
Mailing address: P.O. Box 770, Helena, AR 72342
Street address: 625 Pecan St., Helena, AR
Newsletter:
St. John’s Episcopal Church - Sunday, November 18, 2018
From Fr. Ray+
We are having a brief “welcome” reception for our new organist, Dr. Gabriel Statom, this coming Sunday, November 18, immediately following worship. I have heard many expressions of appreciation for the inspirational music Dr. Statom provides each week. Since he is playing the Postlude as the congregation is departing, most folks have not had opportunity to meet him. Simple refreshments will be provided in the chapel by our Fellowship Committee. I encourage you to take this opportunity to meet Gabe and let him know how much we appreciate his presence at St. John’s!
It’s hard to believe Thanksgiving is only a week away! Our St. John’s Thanksgiving Eucharist will be at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, November 21, in the church. All are welcome!
Finally, the St. John’s vestry will meet Monday, November 19, at 5:30 p.m. in the undercroft. As always, vestry meetings are open to anyone who wishes to attend.
Blessings, Fr. Ray +
Worship and Education News:
Adult Sunday School: Meets Sunday at 9:00 am.
Sunday School: Will meet at 9:00 am at the First United Methodist Church.
Worship: November 18, the Holy Eucharist, Rite II, with Rev Ray Brown
Readings for Twenty-sixth Sunday after Pentecost: Proper 28; Daniel 12:1-3; Psalm Canticle The Song of Hannah; Hebrews 10:11-25; Mark 13:1-8
Pastoral News:
Please keep the following in your prayers: Susan Worrell, Debra Richardson, David Henderson, Kathy Sullivan, Jimmy Billingsley, Larry Bryant, Lynn Jordan, Ray Worley, Carol Jennings, Nancy Howe, Jim Howe, Parker Pace, Heather Treat, Julie Ann Doan, Courtney Turner, Sheila Fraiser, Gwen Newkirk, Sharon Hinderer, Jeffery Hinderer, Scott Hinderer, Mica Cole, Blake Robertson, P.J. Clay, Rev. Mike Wilkie, Rita Merritt, Virginia Topp, Winston Carter, Jerry Staley, Kent Shreeve, Nate Holder, Harriet Collette, Jerry Robertson, Mary Hamm, Mary Helen Lagarde, Vivian Wright, Richard Hargraves, Bob Wright, Gloria Higginbotham, and Pat Wheeler
Outreach News:
Angels of Grace and Anchor Mission ministries: The items from their wish list this week is toilet paper.
Humane Society of the Delta: Donations needed are dog & puppy food.
Please place all of these donations in the red wagon at the back of the church.
Grace Food Pantry – plastic bags go in the labeled container in the narthex.
Thank you for your weekly donations. They are all greatly appreciated.
Church Office News and Announcements:
Nov 14, Wed at 5:30 pm: Midweek Eucharist (chapel)
Altar Guild – Julie Pittman
Nov 18, SUN at 10:30 am: Holy Eucharist, Rite II
Acolyte – West Hornor
Lay Eucharist Minister – Ann Lee
Altar Guild – Maureen Jones
Altar Flowers – Pat Wheeler
Following the worship service there will be a Welcome Reception for our new organist Gabe Statom in the chapel.
Nov 19, Mon at 5:30 pm: Vestry will meet in the undercroft
Nov 21, Wed at 6:00 pm: THANKSGIVING EUCHARIST (church)
The website to purchase St John’s church photos is https://stjohnsepiscopalchurch.pixieset.com. All proceeds will go to support Young Life of Phillips County. Photographs can also be viewed in the church office.
St. John’s T-shirts are available with sizes from S through 3XL. The price is $15.
Contact info for Fr. Ray:
Cell: 501-291-6262
Email: rector@saintjohnshelena.org
St. John’s Church Office:
Phone: 870-338-8115
Email: office@saintjohnshelena.org
Mailing address: P.O. Box 770, Helena, AR 72342
Street address: 625 Pecan St., Helena, AR
