Notes from Patmos…Hot off the press!
An Attitude of Gratitude

Last Wednesday night, I was in our church, reflecting on a gift of kindness to my daughter that was given earlier that evening. Elizabeth could not tune her new ukulele and one of our parishioners was generous enough to help her. I remember Elizabeth saying, “Thank you,” as we departed, and I thought how easy it is for someone to show their gratitude by saying those two words.
So, as I sat in a pew that evening, I reflected on what I was grateful for and how well was I showing it. Several years ago, someone asked me this and what actions was I taking to express my gratitude. I remember struggling with an answer.
Today, I remind myself of God’s gifts and in what ways am I demonstrating my gratitude for I believe that is what He desires of me. It is easy for me to say “thank you” to God, but I should strive to turn my gratitude into action. Helping others and our church are great examples but ones I sometimes struggle with. Giving our time freely is not always as easy as it looks, but how does someone like Father Jeff and other parishioners make it appear so? I believe they approach their actions with an attitude of gratitude.
God breaths life into us each morning, offers us salvation, provides a church we can freely worship in (unlike in some areas of the world), and a priest who gives selflessly and tirelessly of his time. Those are gifts I often take for granted.
Moving forward I plan on routinely asking myself what more can I do to show my gratitude in action to God and Saint John’s Episcopal Church. Showing up regularly for Sunday service is a simple one I plan to improve upon. Helping others is another. Finally, I plan to review my pledge giving and prayerfully reflect if there is more I can do because I too would like to see our church thrive by employing an assistant priest who can support Fr Jeff and our parish.
As this stewardship season approaches, please join me in self-reflection on how satisfied we are with our attitude of gratitude and what we could do more of in our actions to help our beloved church and her parish.
God bless,
Rand McLaughlin, Jr. 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.

Children’s Christian Education
It’s that time again!  With the start of school fast approaching, we have decided to start Sunday School for all ages AUGUST 12TH AT 9:15am.  Please plan to join us Sunday mornings for what promises to be an exciting year in our Christian Education program.  Our teachers are ready, new curriculum has arrived and the only thing we need now is YOU.  As always, doughnuts and coffee are available prior to the start of Sunday School.

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

Sign up to feed our E.Y.C.
We need your help feeding our E.Y.C. members on Sunday evenings beginning 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.

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
Last week’s Collection- $ 2,139

For Year Actual Budget Diff
Received  $ 223,764  $ 257,268  $ 33,504
Spent $ 254,900  $  259,901 $     5,001
Net  $  31,136  $       2,633 $   28,503
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
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