Notes from Patmos…Hot off the press!
We sit on the eve of the Paschal Triduum (the three Holy Days the Church remembers the events of the Passion and Resurrection of Jesus Christ).  These next days remember the last supper, the arrest of Jesus, His passion and death and His resurrection.  During these days the ‘Mighty Acts’ that gave us Salvation and eternal life are recounted.  These are days and services in which very few things should take precedence in the lives of the faithful.  Jesus’ question in the garden echoes through these days, “What, could ye not watch with Me one hour?’ (Mt 26.40). We observe these services and give them the highest place of honour because it is our chance to show the Almighty what love and care we have for Him… we stand by and with Jesus as He undergoes those ‘Mighty Acts.’ We offer our praise and thanksgiving… we adore Him, we commit again to a new way of life that gives glory and honour to our Lord. It is not to be missed or taken for granted.

One of the more striking memories of apathy and disregard for God’s love and mercy came when I was working in downtown Chicago. Outside of the parish hung a crucifix, and the words “Is it nothing to you, all ye that pass by?” etched below.  On that Good Friday, hundreds, maybe even thousands, passed by without even giving a thought to the day. I beg you all to not be like those who pass by these days without even a thought… or letting everything get in the way of taking the time to stand with our Lord and showing Him your adoration, love and respect.  Christ our Lord suffered and died that we may have life… let us not take that for granted.
Please know this parish family is in my prayers, and I am very much looking forward to this time together, and pray that Eastertide is a joyous occasion for one and all.
God bless you all
Jeff+


 Deadline Thursday!
LAST Call for Easter flowers


Easter Sunday the church will be bursting to overflowing with the glories of the Resurrection of Our Lord Jesus Christ.  As is our tradition, we place Easter lilies and other flowers in the Church as an offering to God in thanksgiving for our salvation.  To accomplish this, and to allow the faithful to give a gift to God as well, we offer the opportunity to donate Easter flowers for the altar on Easter morning.  To do so, click on the picture to our website where there is a place for you to tell us what you want to give the flowers in thanksgiving for/memory of. You may use your pay pal or credit card to pay; mail a check to the office or place your check in the offering plate (please note on the memo line “Easter Flower Fund”.  The suggested donation is $15.00.


Holy Week at St. John’s

Maundy Thursday (March 29) – On this night, Jesus shared his final meal with his disciples and gave them a new commandment to love one another, which he enacted by washing their feet.  The service of foot washing, Eucharist, and stripping of the altar in the Nave begins at 6:00pm.  A nursery is available for those needing child care, and as always, children are encouraged to participate in the foot washing.



Good Friday (March 30) – The Liturgy of the day is at 12:05.  We hear the full story of Jesus’ suffering and death from Mark’s gospel.  Child care is available.


Holy Saturday (March 31) – The Liturgy for this day begins at 7:30pm on the lawn where we bless the new Paschal Candle and recall the early baptismal ritual of the church.  We light a new fire for Easter and hear scripture that tell the story of God’s  salvation. Child care is available.



Easter Day (APRIL 1) –  8:00 Low Mass in the Nave followed by an Easter Egg Hunt at 9:30 with 1,000 eggs hidden on the lawn and a lovely Easter reception.  We will flower the Cross following the Egg Hunt, so bring your flowers from home.  The 10:30 Mass is one of our finest with hymns, full choir and festive music.

Help Needed

We have been asked to help a young man, in his early 20’s, currently residing at Pine Grove Group home (across from the Laurel Fairgrounds) requesting a ride to church each Sunday.  He is a life long Episcopalian desiring to attend St. John’s.  He loves church but has no way to get here.  If you are interested in helping provide transportation to this young man, please call the office for more information.


2018 FLOWER CHART

The Altar Flower Chart for 2018 is on the board  in the Sacristy hallway and we need the faithful to sign up to take a Sunday in memory or thanksgiving of someone or an event.  If you are unable to come to the parish to sign up, you are more than welcome to call the parish office with a date you would like and we will try our best to accommodate you.  When a person takes a Sunday, they contact the parish to make known their thanksgiving/memorial wording for the Sunday bulletin. Mr. Randy Jackson of Flowertyme is a communicant, but you may choose which florist you would like to deal with, or you can make the arrangement yourself and place them in the sanctuary.

Children’s Choir Schedule
Spring 2018
March 28 – NO Rehearsal (Holy Week)
April 4 – NO Rehearsal
April 11 – Rehearsal
April 18 – Rehearsal
April 25 – Rehearsal
May 2 – Rehearsal
May 9 – Rehearsal

SIGN UP TO FEED OUR E.Y.C.

We need your help feeding our E.Y.C. members on Sunday evenings.  Their meeting begins at 6:00 p.m. at the parish.  There is a sign up sheet located on the board in the sacristy hallway with dates that are available.  For more information, contact the Parish Office.

An Easy Way to Help St. John’s Day School
Start clipping BOX TOPS for Education!  Hundreds of products participate in the program, and you probably already have several in your pantry, freezer and refrigerator.  For every Box Top you clip, St. John’s Day School will receive 10 cents!!!  That may not sound like a lot, but it adds up quickly. There are no limitations on the money’s use, so St. John’s can spend it as needed.
Grab your scissors and keep an eye out for the Box Tops for Education logo on the products you use every day.  Once you have finished the product, clip the Box Top before you throw it away.  Be sure to look over the whole box.  There is a container labeled for your Box Tops on the table in the hallway.

A Tip O’ The Biretta
  • To Cleve Johnson and Moggie Bankson for leading the children on Palm Sunday morning making Palm crosses.  You guys did a great job!
  • To all who read parts in our Passion Play Palm Sunday morning.
  • To our altar servers, folks who work behind the scenes and everyone involved in making our Palm Sunday service so beautiful!
Last week’s Collection- $ 4,102

For Year Actual Budget Diff
Received  $ 100,507  $ 113,801  $ 13,294
Spent $ 98,841  $  109,263 $  10,422
Net  $ 1,666  $   4,538 $  2,872
O God, our heavenly Father, make the door of this Church wide enough that all who need human love and fellowship and a Fathers care may find it, and narrow enough to shut out all envy, pride and uncharitableness.  Here may the tempted find help, and the sorrowing receive comfort.  Here may the careless be awakened to repentance, and the penitent be assured of your mercy.  And here may all your children renew their strength in You, and go on their way rejoicing.  Through Jesus Christ Our Lord.  Amen.
Saint Johns Episcopal Church
541 North 5th Ave./ P.O. Box 1766
Laurel, MS 39441
office@stjohnslaurel.com
http://stjohnslaurel.com
601.428.7252 Office
601.422.7388 Mobile
Copyright © 2018 Saint John’s Episcopal Church, All rights reserved.