As most of you know, Fr. Jeff is on sabbatical for a few weeks. We wish him safe travels, and we hope he gets the rest and relaxation that he needs and deserves. The members of the Vestry are taking on many of his duties while he is gone. We are only a few days in, but it has been an eye-opening experience for many of us. To say that Fr. Jeff has a long list of duties would be an understatement. These duties have grown larger every year due to the growth that St. John’s has experienced over the last few years. Because of this growth, our staff has become stretched thin. For this reason, the Vestry has begun to explore options that would relieve some of this stress.
After many discussions and exploring possible solutions, the Vestry has decided to hire a second priest. We have identified candidates for the position. We are looking for an energetic priest that would work closely with the youth of our church. The EYC has grown to over 40 members, and our Sunday school is the one of the largest in the diocese. We have a great group of volunteers, but the amount of time and effort required from them is becoming excessive. We intend to continue to grow our Christian Education so the work load will continue to increase.
Fr. Jeff has to commit more and more of his time to our Christian education. Since he was already stretched thin, other duties are being postponed or neglected. St. John’s membership has increased dramatically under Fr. Jeff’s guidance, and we do not want a lack of resources to stop our momentum.
Now comes the tough part of this discussion. Hiring a second Priest will cost $72,000. This money is not available at our current pledging level. In order for us to move forward in this process, we will need a commitment from families to cover this amount. I had a vestry person tell me they would be happy to commit money toward this, and would consider it an investment in their family. I hope many of you will feel the same way. If you have any thoughts or concerns about this, please talk to me or any of our vestry members about it. We represent you, and we value your thoughts.
God Bless,
Adam Sauls, Sr. Warden
Help Us Support the Laurel Soup Kitchen
In an effort to help feed the hungry in our Community, we will begin collecting CANNED VEGETABLES to support the Good Samaritan Soup Kitchen in feeding the hungry of Jones County. Please bring your canned vegetables – beans, peas, corn, collard greens, butter beans, carrots, etc. to the church and place them in the box in the nave or the box by the parish office. We will get your donations to the Soup Kitchen for their use in providing meals to those in need. Thank you for helping us help the neediest in Laurel.
Buy a Saint John’s tumbler!
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
Lauren Rogers Museum Offering Art in the Annex
The museum is offering Art in the Annex on the first and third Monday of each month from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m., and it’s free and just for the fun of it. A still life set up is provided to draw or paint, without instruction, using materials brought from home. High school age students and adults from St. John’s Church are welcome. Participants need to call Elizabeth Patterson at the museum, 601-649-6374, to register before attending.
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.
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
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Last week’s Collection- $ 4,106
| For Year |
Actual |
Budget |
Diff |
| Received |
$ 221,625 |
$ 249,495 |
$ 27,870 |
| Spent |
$ 253,774 |
$ 251,186 |
$ 2,588 |
| Net |
$ 32,149 |
$ 1,691 |
$ 30,458 |
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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.
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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
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