St. John's Episcopal Church

St. John’s Episcopal Church - Sunday, October 14, 2018

From Fr. Ray+

I have received a lot of positive feedback about the beautiful organ music last Sunday.  Dr. Gabriel Statom (he likes to be called “Gabe”) will be at the organ again this coming Sunday, as well as the rest of the Sundays in October.  Hopefully, he will remain with us beyond this four-week interim period.  If you have friends who appreciate fine music and who don’t already attend church elsewhere, I encourage you to invite them to worship with you at St. John’s.  The Worship Advisory Group and I hope the presence of exceptional organ music will be one step toward helping St. John’s become a “regional” church.  We believe there are many people within a twenty-mile radius of St. John’s who would appreciate music that draws the heart to God within the context of the beauty of Anglican worship.   As God’s people we are called to share the Good News of Jesus Christ with others so that they may experience the joy that comes from a heart turned toward him.  Beautiful music is but one way of doing that.

On an entirely different note, people of all ages and abilities are invited to join the Helena Adult Kickball League. If you’d like to be part of this fun league please touch base with Sarah Melby.  You can call the church office and we will provide you with Sarah’s contact info.

I am asking everyone to please plan to be present for worship and the luncheon following it on Sunday, November 4.   We will be observing All Saints Day in worship.  Guest musicians will be The Mighty Souls Brass Band who were last with us on Easter Sunday. During lunch, representatives from several local ministries will present brief (5 minutes or less) statements about how their ministry is making a difference in Helena-West Helena and how we can support them.

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:  October 14, the Holy Eucharist, Rite II, with Rev. Ray Brown

Readings for Twenty-first Sunday after Pentecost: Proper 23; Job 23:1-9, 16-17; Psalm 22:1-15; Hebrews 4:12-16; Mark 10:17-31

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, Kelly Namour, Rita Merritt, Virginia Topp, Winston Carter, Jerry Staley, Gloria Higginbotham, Kent Shreeve,  Nate Holder, Harriet Collette, the family of Bobby Anders, the family of Rick Anderson, the family of Rusty Jenkins, Jerry Robertson, and Mary Hamm

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. 

                Their plastic tubs are on the stair landing by the chapel.

Grace Food Pantry: plastic bags go in the labeled container in the narthex.

     Thank you for your weekly donations.  They are all greatly appreciated.

EPISCOPAL RELIEF & DEVELOPMENT- If anyone would like to donate to the Hurricane Relief for North Carolina, contributions may be made to the church and will be sent to ER&D from St. John’s.

Operation Christmas Child (OCC) has begun!  Each Sunday through November 11^th , a list will be highlighted. This year we are targeting boys and girls 5-9 only.  Please bring from the following list (below) of SCHOOL SUPPLIES for this Sunday and place in the red wagon.  Thank you for your support.

Church Office News and Announcements:

Oct 10, Wed at 4:00 pm: All Altar Guild members will polish.

Oct 10, Wed at 5:30 pm: Midweek Eucharist (chapel)

Altar Guild – Bennett Sellers & Angie Fielder

OCT 14, SUN at 10:30 am: Holy Eucharist, Rite II

Acolyte – Ann Lee

Lay Eucharist Minister – Ann Lee

Altar Guild – Melody Rogers & Jayne Morris

Altar Flowers – Bill & Carol Simmons

Oct 15, Monday at 5:00 pm: ECW will meet in the undercroft to pack boxes for OCC.

Oct 17, Wed at 5:30 pm: Midweek Eucharist (chapel)

Altar Guild – Melody Rogers & Jayne Morris

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 

Operation Christmas Child (OCC)  More information can be found on the website.  1) Go to https://samaritanspurse.org/occ.   2) How to Pack a Shoebox.  3) Under Fill with Gifts – See Our Gift Suggestions – Age Group 5-9.  4) SCHOOL SUPPLIES

St. John’s Episcopal Church - Sunday, October 7, 2018

From Fr. Ray+

Based on the recommendation of the Worship Advisory Group that was formed earlier in the year, and with the approval of the vestry, we have undertaken a search for an organist who is specifically trained in pipe organ and church music. Surprisingly, we already have someone interested in the position and he will be with us for the next four Sundays on an interim basis.  I’d like to tell you a little bit about him and encourage you to be at worship some or all of the next several weeks.

Dr. Gabriel Statom lives in Memphis and has extensive experience in church music.  He has a Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education, with an emphasis in vocal and piano, from the University of Mississippi, which he attended on a full music scholarship.  His Master’s Degree in Music, with an emphasis in organ, is from Florida State University and his Doctor of Worship Studies is from the Robert E. Webber Institute for Worship Studies.  He has served in a variety of churches and been active in many community music groups.

Earlier this week I had lunch with Dr. Statom, who goes by “Gabe.”  I found him to be friendly and a committed follower of Jesus Christ.  I think he is a good “fit” for St. John’s and I hope you can be present to welcome him this coming Sunday, October 7.

You may be wondering what happens to our current keyboard person, Dagmar Bergan, if we hire a new organist.  The good news is that Dagmar will remain on staff at St. John’s.  Dagmar is an extremely talented pianist, but is not specifically trained in organ.  She will work alongside the new organist and myself to strengthen our music program and contribute to our goal of becoming a church that draws folks from throughout this part of the Delta. 

I am asking everyone to please plan to be present for worship and the luncheon following it on Sunday, November 4.   We will be observing All Saints Day in worship.  Guest musicians will be The Mighty Souls Brass Band who were last with us on Easter Sunday.  During lunch, representatives from several local ministries will present brief (5 minutes or less) statements about how their ministry is making a difference in Helena-West Helena and how we can support them.

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:  October 7, the Holy Eucharist, Rite II, with Rev. Ray Brown

Readings for Twentieth Sunday after Pentecost: Proper 22; Genesis 2:18-24; Psalm 26; Hebrews 1:1-4; 2:5-12; Mark 10:2-16

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, Kelly Namour, Rita Merritt, Virginia Topp, Winston Carter, Jerry Staley, Gloria Higginbotham, Kent Shreeve, Bobby Anders, Rick Anderson.

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. 

                  Their plastic tubs are on the stair landing by the chapel.

Grace Food Pantry: plastic bags go in the labeled container in the narthex.

    Thank you for your weekly donations.  They are all greatly appreciated.

EPISCOPAL RELIEF & DEVELOPMENT:  If anyone would like to donate to the Hurricane Relief for North Carolina, contributions may be made to the church and will be sent to ER&D from St. John’s.

Operation Christmas Child (OCC) has begun!  Each Sunday through November 11^th , a list will be highlighted. This year we are targeting boys and girls 5-9 only.  Please bring from the following list (below) of CLOTHING & ACCESSORIES for this Sunday and place in the red wagon.  Thank you for your support.

Church Office News and Announcements:

Oct 3, Wed at 5:30 pm: Midweek Healing Eucharist (chapel)

Altar Guild – Susan Carter & Royce Brown

OCT 7, SUN at 10:30 am: Holy Eucharist, Rite II

Acolyte – Ned Pillow, Mary Pillow, Eli Pillow, Katherine Pillow & Jack Pillow 

Lay Eucharist Minister – Susan Carter

Altar Guild – Bennett Sellers & Angie Fielder

Altar Flowers – Charlie Tappan Family

Oct 8, Monday at 5:00 pm: ECW will pack boxes for OCC in the Undercroft

Oct 10, Wed at 4:00 pm: All Altar Guild members will polish.

Oct 10, Wed at 5:30 pm: Midweek Eucharist (chapel)

Altar Guild – Bennett Sellers & Angie Fielder

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

Operation Christmas Child (OCC)  More information can be found on the website.  1) Go to https://samaritanspurse.org/occ.   2) How to Pack a Shoebox.  3) Under Fill with Gifts – See Our Gift Suggestions – Age Group 5-9.  4) CLOTHING & ACCESSORIES

St. John’s Episcopal Church - Sunday, September 16 2018

From Fr. Ray+

This coming Sunday, September 16, we will be starting a new study in the Adult Sunday School Class. The title of this 6-week series is “Enough” and deals with Christian Stewardship. Promotional material for the series describes it in these words:

“Money has great power in our lives and, when used wisely, helps us meet goals, provide for our needs, and fulfill life purposes. But in recent years, many of us ignored this wisdom when managing and spending our money. We spent tomorrow’s money today. The result: not greater happiness, but greater stress and anxiety. Enough is an invitation to rediscover the Bible’s wisdom on prudent financial practices. Find the keys to experiencing contentment, overcoming fear, and discovering joy through simplicity and generosity.”

As always, I am willing to present this class in a mid-week setting if there is interest. I realize that not everyone can make it to the Adult Sunday School Class on Sunday mornings at 9:15. If you are interested in a mid-week presentation of the same material, please let me know.

Stewardship is an important aspect of our Christian commitment. This study of “Enough” will help prepare us for our three-week Stewardship emphasis that runs October 21 thru November 4.

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: September 16, the Holy Eucharist, Rite II, with Rev. Ray Brown

Readings for Seventeenth Sunday after Pentecost: Proper 19; Isaiah 50:4-9a; Psalm 19; James 3:1-2; Mark 8:27-38

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, Kelly Namour, Rita Merritt, Virginia Topp, Vivian Wright, Winston Carter, Jerry Staley, Gloria Higginbotham, Kent Shreeve, and Neville Jones.

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.

                Their plastic tubs are on the stair landing by the chapel.

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:

Sep 12, Wed at 5:30 pm: Midweek Healing Eucharist (chapel)

Altar Guild – Lindalu Hargraves

SEP 16, SUN at 10:30 am: Holy Eucharist, Rite II

Acolytes – Ed Pat Wright & West Hornor

Lay Eucharist Minister – Ann Lee

Altar Guild – Julie Pittman

Altar Flowers – Neville & Maureen Jones

Sep 17, Mon at 5:30 pm: Vestry meeting in the undercroft

Sep 19, Wed at 5:30 pm: Midweek Eucharist (chapel)

Altar Guild – Julie Pittman

Oct ECW Fall Gathering (See Attachment)

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