Notes from Patmos…Hot off the press!
During the course of the Easter Season, one story that shows up several times is the story given the title “The Road to Emmaus,” in which Cleopas and an unknown disciple are walking away from Jerusalem to Emmaus on the day our Lord rises from the dead and are greatly saddened.  Jesus joins them, but they do not recognize Him… during the seven mile walk Jesus explains the Old Testament through the Lens of His passion, and then at the end of the story they all break bread together and Cleopas and the unnamed disciple recognize Jesus.
This is one of my more favorite stories and one that sticks with me throughout the year.  It is possible to love Jesus, try and follow His commands and be blind to Him.  Or on the other hand, saying we love Jesus is not enough to make us aware of His presence and His love and grace in our lives.  Cleopas knows Jesus in the Breaking of Bread.  If we are having trouble seeing the grace of Jesus in our lives, if we are sad and have lost our way, or if we are drifting down the road… we need to remember Cleopas… who loved Jesus, but saw Jesus in the breaking of the Bread.  We also need to guard ourselves against drifting down the road, and failing to Break Bread (Eucharist) with Jesus, or we could become blind to His grace, love and mercy.
See you all around the parish!
Jeff+


Altar Guild News
The Altar Guild is comprised of a group of individual who are in the service of the Altar and who serve at the pleasure of the priest.  The “normal” care and replacement of altar items are included in our annual budget each year.   Yet, there are special “extras” that may not be in the budget and as a group the Altar Guild would love to be able to provide for the church in special ways.
With this in mind, The Altar Guild is selling stainless steel tumblers as a fund-raiser.  These high quality mugs are perfect for outdoor activities and travel.  Color engraved with Saint John’s Episcopal Church, the Episcopal flag and Laurel, Mississippi they are selling for $25.00 each.   Contact any of the Altar Guild members or the church office while supplies last.  Supply is limited.
Make checks payable to:    SAINT JOHN’S ALTAR GUILD
If you interested in finding out more about Saint John’s Altar Guild we would love for you to join us at our next monthly meeting of the Altar Guild to be held @ 6:00pm April 24 in the church parish hall.

Would you be willing to feed the EYC?

We have a wonderful group of young adults that meet every Sunday evening for EYC.  As of now, we have no one signed up to feed them this Sunday evening, April 8th,  and we need your help.  Please call Catherine Reich or the parish office if you would  be willing to provide a meal for these hungry children.

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.

From the Diocese
Registration is now open for the 2018 Liturgical Arts Conference
We look forward to welcoming you to Gray Center
October 19 – 24, 2018
Gray Center 
Episcopal Camp and Conference Center
1530 Way Road, Canton, Mississippi 39046
Come away to relax and renew while taking classes in Manuscript Illumination, Contemplative Prayer, The Eucharist and Worship, Praying the Hours, Journaling, Chants and Psalms and Songs, Weaving Clergy Stoles and Altar Cloths, Flowers for Sacred Spaces, Centering Prayer, Stations of the Cross,Vestment Making, Walking the Labyrinth, Labyrinth Facilitator Training, and Finding a quiet center…
For more information:

www.liturgicalartsconference.com


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
April 11 – Rehearsal
April 18 – Rehearsal
April 25 – Rehearsal
May 2 – Rehearsal
May 9 – Rehearsal

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 all the men who attended the Men’s Breakfast.  You all made Fr. Jeff’s birthday breakfast so wonderful!
Last week’s Collection- $ 3,450

For Year Actual Budget Diff
Received  $ 122,816  $ 133,790  $ 10,974
Spent $ 122,212  $  127,066 $  4,854
Net  $   604  $   6,724 $   6,120
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.