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Led by the Holy Spirit,
St. John's mission is to inspire people to grow into the heart and mind of Christ by engaging together in worshiping, serving, and spiritual formation.
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Friends in Christ,
The Rt. Rev. Rob O'Neill has called for the election of a new bishop and has announced his intention to retire in the spring of 2019. You can read +Rob's full announcement here.
I know all the clergy affiliated with St John's would join me in saying we receive this news with both sadness and gratitude: sadness that a good leader, good bishop, and good person of faith is retiring, and gratitude that we have been able to serve Christ with him in the church. I have appreciated +Rob's thoughtful, prayerful, transparent, and solid way of leading our diocese and recognize that the health and vibrancy our diocese enjoys is a direct result of his leadership and care.
In the year ahead our diocese will begin the process of searching for and electing a new bishop. I anticipate that soon the diocesan website will add a page where those who are interested can follow the process and read periodic updates. In the meantime, if you have questions, please email me and I'll do my best to address them for you.
Please hold Bishop Rob and Ginger in your prayers as they begin the last chapter of their ministry among us. Please hold in prayer the diocesan staff, those in the ordination process, and those parishes whose own leadership is in transition. Because our diocese is cohesive and healthy, I anticipate minimal impact to our congregational life and to the lives of our sister congregations. I am excited to see what the future holds for the Episcopal Church in Colorado. The Holy Spirit is always up to something, and it is always more wonderful than we can ask or imagine.
Blessings,
Grace and peace,
Susan+
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THIS WEEK’S PRAYER FOR STEWARDSHIP
Lord, during our fall pledge campaign when we seek to fill the net so that we might be fed and feed others, please help us to pray:
God, it has been said that your first language is silence. If that is so, we ask that you lead us into it and enable us to find you waiting there. Help us resist filling up the days allotted to us with everything that is not you. Inspire us instead to make space in those days for you, and to learn to cherish the quiet time we have together with you. Open our ears to hear all creation singing your praise, that we might be more effective stewards of the good earth you have given us. Help us to live gently, from a place of quiet confidence and not fear. With gratitude we pray. Amen.
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An Environmental Moment
Have We human beings permanently changed the Planet?
We invite you to read how our own former Presiding Bishop Katherine Jefferts Shori reflects on this question when she addressed a CU campus ministry-sponsored event earlier this month. Scientist, priest, and passionate voice for climate change and care for the Earth, Bishop Katherine holds, in addition to her MDiv, degrees in biology and a PHD in oceanography.
Bishop Katherine sheds some welcome light of the Cosmic Christ for our weary world in her speech, entitled, “Cosmic Faith in the Anthropocene Age”(1.) (LINK to Bishop Katherine’s talk)
We invite you to consider signing the enclosed petition, “Don’t Repeal the Clean Power Plan” (LINK to petition)
1. Anthropocene age. According to smithsonian.com, the age we are now living in that some scientists place at the beginning of the Industrial Revolution, early 1800’s, and significantly compounded in the 1950’s with the advent of the Atomic age. it is defined by the undeniable impact we humans have on the environment that is causing a new geologic epoch.
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Coffee Hour
We envision St. John's as a community
where everyone undertakes
"welcome" and "hospitality"
as an intentional holy practice.
Coffee Hour this week is brought to you by:
Jim Ferenc
And please sign up to help make Coffee Hour Fellowship happen. Contact Jessica Burnett: (jburnett@stjohnsboulder.org)
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CHORAL COMPLINE THIS SUNDAY, November 12, 9:00pm
"The Lord Almighty grant us a quiet night and a perfect end. Amen." - BCP, p. 127
The sanctuary is dark and quiet; there are candles, but no cell phones, no responses to have to follow, no preaching. The Choral Compline service is short: just 35-40 minutes. People are free to sit on the floor, sit up around the altar, or even lie down and allow the music to wash over them. It is a come-as-you-are experience of the presence of God, through music and prayer, using the beauty of our liturgy. It is a sacred space for people at the end of their weekend, before the busy-ness of the week.
"It feels like floating in a bathtub full of warm water and grace."
This week's music includes old American hymns, including William Henry Monk's "Abide with Me" in a beautiful arrangement by Greg Jasperse; hymns from the Shaker tradition, arranged by Kevin Siegfried; responses by American composer Michael Bedford; a setting of "Nunc dimittis" by St. John's own R. Anthony Lee; and more. Join us Sunday evening and experience the peace and mystery of this ancient liturgy!
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Inter-generational Advent Wreath Making Sunday, November 26th We'll celebrate the beginning of Advent by gathering in the parish hall at 11:15 a.m. to make Advent wreaths with real greens. We'll sing Christmas carols and enjoy hot chocolate while we work. The cost for the workshop is $15 if you need a metal wreath form or $10 if you're reusing one. (Scholarships are available.)
**No Sunday school or Youth Group Sunday Nov 26th***
We have enough supplies for about 50 wreaths, and they'll be available on the 26th on a first-come, first-served basis. If you'd like to guarantee a wreath for your family, send a check (made out to St. John's with "Advent Wreath" on the memo line) to the address below by Tuesday, November 21st:
Caroline Melby, Director of Faith Formation
St. John's Episcopal Church
1419 Pine Street, Boulder, CO 80302
You may also hand Caroline a check personally on Sunday morning or at the office, but please do NOT put your Advent wreath check in the collection plate!
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WHITTIER ELEMENTARY BOOT DRIVE
Some of the Whittier children are in need of winter boots. If the kids don’t have boots, they are not permitted to go outside for recess on the wet or snowy days. If you would like to help by donating, please contact Caroline Melby first at 512-450-4285 (call or text) or cmelby@stjohnsboulder.org so we can avoid duplicates.
New or Used in Good condition (check the lining)
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St John's offers special series: Thursday Afternoon Yoga!
In the gospel of Matthew (6:34) Jesus counsels his friends not to worry about tomorrow, inferring that we are to dwell not in the future nor the past but in the present. Yoga is a great way to practice learning to live in the present, and so we are pleased to offer a special 7-session introductory yoga series at St John's. As we approach the extra-busy holiday season this class is also a terrific way to re-center and re-energize yourself!
Here's what you need to know:
When: Thursdays at 5:00-6:00pm (come to the rotunda door and we'll post the room assignment there)
Dates: Nov 16-30; Dec 7-14-21-28
Who: This is a drop-in introductory level class, with more challenging pose options offered for levels I and II
Instructor: Sirena Dudgeon, 200-hour Registered Yoga Teacher
Cost: $5.00 cash per person per class, payable to the instructor at the beginning of each class
If you come: Wear comfortable clothes that allow movement, and plan to be barefoot. You must bring your own yoga mat. Other props used will be provided.
As a drop-in class you need not attend all dates, however know that each class will to some degree build on the previous one. Also, class size will be limited by the room size so arriving ahead of class start time assures you'll have a spot! Questions? Contact Pastor Susan.
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ENTERTAINING ANGELS WELCOME MINISTRY
St John's is blessed to draw visitors and potential members every Sunday of the year, and we have a good reputation as a friendly church. It is time to build on that and develop an intentional ministry of welcome to visitors and potential members.
If you have ideas or interest in participating, please join Diane Wells and Pastor Susan on Sunday Nov 19th at 11:30am in the library for a gathering to help shape this new ministry.
The letter to the Hebrews (13:1) reminds believers to "let mutual love continue [and not to] neglect to show hospitality to strangers for by doing that some have entertained angels without knowing it." Welcome and hospitality are intrinsic to the nature of God and all followers of Christ are called to greet with open hearts those we don't know.
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New Opportunities for Men’s Ministry
For well over a year, a group of nine men (all from St. John’s initially) have been gathering together on first and third Tuesdays for breakfast and fellowship. The experience has been so gratifying and rewarding for everyone that I’m interested in starting another men’s group and wonder whether you or someone you know might be interested in exploring this opportunity.
Most recently we’ve been meeting at the Buff restaurant in downtown Boulder. We start at 7:30 am and meet until 8:30 or 9:00 depending on people’s schedule. It’s a closed group in the sense that whoever shows up on a given morning is one of the nine individuals we started with. Over time, our fellowship has allowed us to get to know each other, share what’s going on in our personal lives, talk about our spiritual challenges, talk about broader issues in our community and nation, and provide personal support for one another. The group is self-facilitated, i.e., there is no formal discussion leader. The content of our discussion is kept in confidence.
Several men have already expressed interest in participating in a second group but there are still openings for more to join. Depending on the level of interest, it may be desirable to create two additional groups—one consisting of men who are retired or approaching retirement and one consisting of younger men who may be caring for young children and are in an earlier stage of their careers.
Actual meeting times, days and locations are ultimately up to the members of the group, although Thursday mornings generally seem to work for the first group of men that have expressed interest.
I’d be pleased to answer any questions you might have and/or refer you to one of the existing participants to learn about their experience.
God’s peace and blessings,
Ted+
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CALL FOR NOMINATIONS FOR VESTRY
At our annual meeting on January 28, 2018 the congregation will elect three new vestry members. Please prayerfully consider if you or someone you know would be gifted for this leadership role. There are nine vestry members, who serve (staggered) three-year terms. The Vestry, clergy, wardens and treasurer meet once a month on the third Tuesday for two hours of fellowship, business and spiritual formation. In addition to the exciting and serious business of making decisions that affect the future of St. Johns, we are also a close team growing stronger because of spiritual growth, prayer and an atmosphere of honesty and humility. There's plenty of laughter too. If you would like to nominate yourself or someone else, please email Melinda Mattingly: mattinglymelinda@gmail.com by November 3rd.
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WHITTIER PANTRY UPDATE
A note from Alexis Batko, Family Outreach Coordinator at Whittier Elementary School:
The Whittier's families really appreciate your support. You give them more than supplies "you are giving them Hope"! The families have told me: "the people from St. John's are wonderful!
Thank you for your support!!!
-Deacon Jan Dewlen
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JOIN US FOR EVENSONG
Wednesdays at 6pm
Contemplative Evensong meets every Wednesday evening at 6p.m. from September through May. Participants are welcome to join the cantor in the beautiful, meditative chant. Includes short periods of silent prayer. Please contact the office at 303-442-5246 for more information.
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Weekly Services
Saturday 5:00p.m. Holy Eucharist, chapel
Sunday 7:30 a.m. Holy Eucharist, chapel
9:30 a.m. Holy Eucharist, church
10:50 a.m. Children's Eucharist, chapel (when Sunday school meets)
Tuesday 8 a.m. Morning Prayer, chapel
Wednesday 8 a.m. Morning Prayer, chapel
10 a.m. Holy Eucharist, chapel
6 p.m. Evensong, chapel
Thursday 8 a.m. Morning Prayer, chapel
Noon Holy Eucharist and Service of Reconciliation, chapel
Friday 4:15 p.m. Common Cathedral, rotunda
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Thank you!
Paul often affirmed members of the churches he shepherded by telling them he was thanking God for them. In Philippians 1:3-5 Paul writes, "I thank my God every time I remember you, constantly praying with joy in every one of my prayers for all of you, because of your sharing in the gospel from the first day until now."
- Thank you to the 34 members of the parish, vestry, clergy, and staff who helped with the stewardship pledge campaign note writing party on November 7th.
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Sunday Helpers:
Vestry Welcome: Kathe Lujan
Lectors: Ed Kase, Jane and Pastor Susan
Intercessor: Jane and Pastor Susan
Ushers: Kathy Rigsby, Wood Rigsby, Eric Klassen
Acolytes: Arianna, Jane, Henry, Sebastian
Vergers: Katherine Davis, Mhari Peschel
Healing Prayer:
Eucharistic Visitors: Mhari Peschel
Amos 5:18-24
Thus says the Lord, the God of hosts, the Lord:
Alas for you who desire the day of the Lord!
Why do you want the day of the Lord?
It is darkness, not light;
as if someone fled from a lion, and was met by a bear;
or went into the house and rested a hand against the wall,
and was bitten by a snake.
Is not the day of the Lord darkness, not light,
and gloom with no brightness in it?
I hate, I despise your festivals,
and I take no delight in your solemn assemblies.
Even though you offer me your burnt offerings and grain offerings,
I will not accept them;
and the offerings of well-being of your fatted animals
I will not look upon.
Take away from me the noise of your songs;
I will not listen to the melody of your harps.
But let justice roll down like waters,
and righteousness like an everflowing stream.
Psalm 70
1 Be pleased, O God, to deliver me; *
O Lord, make haste to help me.
2 Let those who seek my life be ashamed
and altogether dismayed; *
let those who take pleasure in my misfortune
draw back and be disgraced.
3 Let those who say to me "Aha!" and gloat over me turn back, *
because they are ashamed.
4 Let all who seek you rejoice and be glad in you; *
let those who love your salvation say for ever,
"Great is the Lord!"
5 But as for me, I am poor and needy; *
come to me speedily, O God.
6 You are my helper and my deliverer; *
O Lord, do not tarry.
1 Thessalonians 4:13-18
We do not want you to be uninformed, brothers and sisters, about those who have died, so that you may not grieve as others do who have no hope. For since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so, through Jesus, God will bring with him those who have died. For this we declare to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord, will by no means precede those who have died. For the Lord himself, with a cry of command, with the archangel's call and with the sound of God's trumpet, will descend from heaven, and the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up in the clouds together with them to meet the Lord in the air; and so we will be with the Lord forever. Therefore encourage one another with these words. Matthew 25:1-13
Jesus said, “Then the kingdom of heaven will be like this. Ten bridesmaids took their lamps and went to meet the bridegroom. Five of them were foolish, and five were wise. When the foolish took their lamps, they took no oil with them; but the wise took flasks of oil with their lamps. As the bridegroom was delayed, all of them became drowsy and slept. But at midnight there was a shout, ‘Look! Here is the bridegroom! Come out to meet him.’ Then all those bridesmaids got up and trimmed their lamps. The foolish said to the wise, ‘Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.’ But the wise replied, ‘No! there will not be enough for you and for us; you had better go to the dealers and buy some for yourselves.’ And while they went to buy it, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went with him into the wedding banquet; and the door was shut. Later the other bridesmaids came also, saying, ‘Lord, lord, open to us.’ But he replied, ‘Truly I tell you, I do not know you.’ Keep awake therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour.”
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Prayers of Intercession
Please use this list today and throughout the week praying with special intention for:
All who are suffering in the wake of violence or natural disasters, all who are serving in the military, all who are distressed in mind, body, or spirit, and members of our parish family including:
Debbie Dahlen-Deleeuw & Lucy (Bannert), Fr. Andy Carhartt, Mimi Roach, Donna Jackson (Burnsed), Hannah Swank (Skala), Joe Witherill (Helen Melody’s Brother), Michael Chunn, Stu Naegele, Molly Lee, Bill Woodward, Mike (Wells), Janet Brennan, JoAnn Brown, Addie Heuston, Millie Heitman, Mark Odeen, Don Shields.
Please notify Heather in the church office
(303-442-5246 or hdudok@stjohnsboulder.org)
if there are people who should be added to
or removed from our prayer list.
THIS WEEK:
We pray for the repose of the soul of:
Paul Van Dyke Johnsbon, Robert Bruce Farson, O.T. Nuttall Jr., Ellen Vanden Broeck, and Patricia K. Duignan on the anniversaries of their death.
We honor Christ’s light within those celebrating birthdays:
Tirza Derflinger, Anna Boyd, Carole Driver, Gene Taylor, Carter Delaney, Rachel Stearns, Mary Cocke, Scout Sherman, Stephanie Paiva, Rachel Lee-Smith, Caroline Burr, Marilyn Baker, Theo Williams, Levin Gilley, James Mason, Carlin Dornbusch
We give thanks to God for the life and ministry of our brothers and sisters in Christ:
Wayne & Kathi Grider, Jennett Griffin, Mary Griffin, Bill Grogan, Mark Guzzi, Mary Liz Calloway, Ray & Joan Haddock, Charles & Lauren Hager, Caroline & Dan Haines, Jonathan & Elizabeth Hall, Sohpie Hallam-Eames
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