Notes From Patmos

by E_Higg
Notes from Patmos…Hot off the press!
Hello all:
The ending of an academic year is a very busy time for many of us.  It is also a season of festivals and events, so I want to spend my time telling you about a few upcoming events so you can have ample time to add them to your schedules.
The first is a trifecta type of Sunday- on May 13th we will celebrate Mother’s Day, Youth Sunday and Baccalaureate Sunday… this is the day we hand out roses to all the women of the parish, and the children will sing as well as our youth (EYC members) taking many of the leadership roles in our Sunday programming and worship.
The very next Sunday – May 20th, Pentecost Sunday, we will have our annual parish picnic… but with a slight twist.  This year, we will picnic on the lawn of the Church, the men’s guild grilling hamburgers, hotdogs and other tasty treats.  The hope of our annual picnic is to have a more casual Sunday, worship and spent time enjoying one anothers company.  This year we are planning a special treat.  The music of the Sunday liturgy will be provided by a Jazz ensemble, which is very different from our normal, but will be quite the experience.  To those who might be suspicious of having jazz music during the liturgy, the ensemble will offer our normal service music (the Kyrie or Lord have Mercy, Gloria, Sanctus and Angus Dei) in a faithful but ‘jazzy’ manner.  To be completely honest, I have never been a big fan of things like this (shocking I know!), but it is really, really nice and worth experiencing.  There will be a New Orleans inspired hymn or two as well.  I am very excited about the day and the ‘Jazz Mass’ and I pray you all will mark your calendars, and come spend the morning at the annual parish picnic.
God bless you all.
Jeff+

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

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.
Upcoming at St. John’s
2nd Tuesday Men’s Breakfast – Tuesday, May 8th at 7:00am
Youth Sunday, Baccalaureate Sunday and Mother’s Day – May 13th 10:30 Mass
Pentecost Jazz Mass – Sunday, May 20th at 10:00am

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.
Honduras Medical Mission
Important information about the 2019 Honduras Medical Mission:
First, applications are available for the 2019 Honduras Medical Mission and can be found on the Episcopal Diocese of Mississippi website: http://www.dioms.org/Ministries/honduras.html
There are a few important dates to remember:
* The dates for the 2019 mission will be Saturday, February 9-Saturday, 16, 2019.
* Deadline for submitting applications is July 15, 2018.
* The team will be chosen and applicants notified in August 2018.
* There is a mandatory overnight team retreat at Gray Center Friday evening January 11, 2019, until Saturday before lunch January 12, 2019.
Individuals must pay their own team fees of $1500.  The first $750 must be paid by September 15, 2018, with the remainder due December 15, 2018.
Anyone may apply – we always have a need for medical professionals including doctors, nurse practitioners, nurses, veterinarians, dentists, dental hygienists, optometrists, and pharmacists. There are also openings for general support for which no prior training is necessary!  We always need Spanish-speaking applicants, but there are translators present for those who don’t speak Spanish.  So please – encourage your parishioners to apply, regardless of their background!
Second, if you have individuals who do not wish to travel, but who want to support the mission, there are two ways for them to do so:
1.    Word of Mouth: Almost everyone knows a medical professional or someone who loves to help others and travel!  Encourage them to apply.
2.  Financial Donations: While team members pay for their own expenses, the mission does fundraising to raise the money to purchase medicines, supplies, and tools needed to serve the team.  We also offer small grants to the community for infrastructure, economic, and educational improvements.  Any support of these activities – either by individuals, vestries, or servant ministry groups is welcome.  Donations may be sent to the
Honduras Medical Mission c/o Sandra Perkins
P. O. Box 2006 Tupelo, MS 38804.
If you, or your parish, have questions about the mission, feel free to contact me at any time.
Sincerely,
Deborah Monsour Sebrell
Honduras Medical Mission Committee Chair
(601)668-0992 cell
Hondurasmedicalmission@earthlink.net
Children’s Choir Schedule
Spring 2018

April 25 – Rehearsal
May 2 – 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 those who have purchased a St. John’s insulated mug from our Altar Guild.  A limited number are available in the parish office or by contacting a member of the Altar Guild.
Last week’s Collection- $ 3,199

For Year Actual Budget Diff
Received  $ 136,353  $ 152,148  $ 15,795
Spent $ 133,426  $  147,649 $  14,223
Net  $  2,927  $   4,499 $   1,572
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.

Notes From Patmos

by E_Higg
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.

Notes From Patmos

by E_Higg
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.

Notes From Patmos

by E_Higg
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.

Notes From Patmos

by E_Higg
Notes from Patmos…Hot off the press!

Hi all:
We’ve made it to the fifth week of Lent!  Holy Week starts this Sunday… and Easter is just around the corner.  With that being said- if you’ve not taken advantage of Lent, or if you have- Holy Week is central to the practice of our faith.  It is a reenactment, revival, and great education all rolled into one.  It deepens our faith, gives us strength and courage, assures us of Christ’s love and forgiveness, and is a wonderful opportunity to show God adoration and thanksgiving- to show Him we love Him enough to make the most holy week a priority as well.
This Sunday is Palm Sunday- and at the 10:30 service we will begin on the lawn reenacting Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem.  From there, we move onto a dramatic reading of His crucifixion.  It is a stirring day emotionally- and one not to be missed.  Please make every effort to be with us.
The next major celebration of Holy Week is Maundy Thursday… the day that remembers the institution of the Holy Eucharist, the priesthood, the Mandadate to love one another as Christ loves us by the washing of feet by the priest… and lastly remembers Christ’s arrest by the stripping of the altar which leaves the Church very bare and empty.  After the mass, we set up an altar of repose where the faithful are invited to watch with Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane.  This service is powerful and intimate and one that is extremely important to many and if you’ve never been- you simply must come and see.
Good Friday is a very different service from what we are normally accustomed. This is a day the remembers Christ’s Crucifixion and death.  It has several major parts.  One is a formal act of repentance through prayers and Litanies of prayers that ask God’s forgiveness and mercy upon the world.  We also ‘venerate the Cross’ during the service a Crucifix is brought out and we make an act of love and thanksgiving for Christ’s sacrifice for us- we are shown His love and we return it in kind.
The night before Easter is called the Easter Vigil during which time the Church officially transitions from Lent to Easter.  This service recalls the story of our Salvation, focuses on Christ’s resurrection and celebrates our new Life in Baptism.
I issue a challenge to you all to make this most holy time of year the highest of priorities. You will be better for it, and in realms eternal showing love and thanksgiving and adoration to our Lord mean more that most anything else you could be about this next week.
Please know of my prayers for you all-
Jeff+

  Children’s Sunday School News

This Sunday, March 25th, is Palm Sunday and our children are in for a wonderful treat.  Dr. Cleve Johnson, Legend Palm Cross maker will be joining all our classes and leading us in making Palm Crosses.  Please join us downstairs in the Sunday School wing at 9:30 for what promises to be a wonderful experience for our children.  Come early for the best coffee and dough nuts around!

 LAST CHANCE TO PLACE YOUR ORDER


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.

Lent at St. John’s
Said Evening Prayer
Wednesday Evening @ 5:30pm
Followed by Soup and Salad Supper
March 21

Noon Day Mass
Tuesday and Thursday in the Chapel
March 22

Morning Prayer
Monday, Tuesday and Thursday
8:00am in the Chapel
Wednesday’s at St. John’s Day School

Holy Week Worship Experience

Palm Sunday (March 25) – To recall Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem that led to his death, we begin with a celebration with palms.  We hear the full story of Jesus’ suffering and death from Mark’s gospel, spoken by many voices.  We end in silence to prepare for the week ahead.  The service begins outside on the lawn at 10:30 and proceeds by procession into the church.
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.

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 21 – Rehearsal
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
The Children’s Choir is scheduled to sing on:
Wednesday, March 21 – 5:30 (Evening Prayer)
Sunday, March 25 – Rehearsal at 10:00am

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
Last week’s Collection- $ 3,465

For Year Actual Budget Diff
Received  $ 98,770  $ 96,679  $ 2,091
Spent $ 90,387  $  99,941 $  9,554
Net  $ 8,383  $   3,262 $ 11,645
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.

Notes From Patmos

by E_Higg
Notes from Patmos…Hot off the press!
Arise, O LORD, into thy resting-place; thou, and the ark of thy strength. Let thy priests be clothed with righteousness; and let thy saints sing with joyfulness. (Psalm 132.8-9)

From the vault of oft asked questions- “Why do priests where really funny clothes in church services?”
The Christian priest has an unusual job.  One the one hand, he stands in the place of Jesus during the Liturgies, and in so doing, the Church does her best to represent that.  So specific clothing- things like albs, stoles, maniples, chasubles and other vestments point us to Christ.  The Vestments are made to show the color of the day or season, and usually are more on the ornate side.  They are made from finer material and ornate to point as well to the fact of the priest representing Jesus.
But the priest in some sense, also stands in for the people… so the vestments carry a meaning for them as well- the Alb (long white dress/robe) is our baptismal garment, the stole a symbol of being yoked to Christ, etc.  So the fine vestments also represent righteousness, salvation and holiness that we all hope to attain.
The priest’s vestments are a signpost that points to the spiritual life. So, when we look at the vestments, it should cause us to pause for reflection on our spiritual vesture, with the vestments of the spiritual life being things like faith, piety, good works, devotion and things that are a part of the life of faith.  So the question of the week is this: if your spiritual vestments were visible, what would they look like?  Would they be fine and beautiful… or not so much.
Let us commit ourselves to making our vestments as fine as possible, through prayer, devotion, piety, and good works so that we may be clothed in the righteousness of God.
In Christ our Lord,
Jeff+

Children’s Sunday School will not be held Sunday, March 18th due to Spring Break.  Fr. Jeff’s Adult class will meet in the parish hall and a nursery will be provided for those needing child care.


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.

Lent at St. John’s
Said Evening Prayer
Wednesday Evenings @ 5:30pm
Followed by Soup and Salad Supper
March 14, 21

Noon Day Mass
Tuesday and Thursday in the Chapel
March 13, 15, 20, 22

Morning Prayer
Monday, Tuesday and Thursday
8:00am in the Chapel
Wednesday’s at St. John’s Day School

Stations of the Cross and Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament
Sunday Evening at 5:00pm
March 18

Holy Week Worship Experience

Palm Sunday (March 25) – To recall Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem that led to his death, we begin with a celebration with palms.  We hear the full story of Jesus’ suffering and death from Mark’s gospel, spoken by many voices.  We end in silence to prepare for the week ahead.  The service begins outside on the lawn at 10:30 and proceeds by procession into the church.
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.

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 14 – NO Rehearsal (Spring Break)
March 21 – Rehearsal
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
The Children’s Choir is scheduled to sing on:
Wednesday, March 21 – 5:30 (Evening Prayer)
Sunday, March 25 – Rehearsal at 10:00am

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 the Altar Guild  for providing soup and salad for our Lenten meal.  You all are amazing!
Last week’s Collection- $ 3,465

For Year Actual Budget Diff
Received  $ 68,402  $ 89,328  $ 20,926
Spent $ 82,730  $  92,538 $  9,808
Net  $ 14,328  $   3,210 $ 11,118
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.

Notes From Patmos

by E_Higg
Notes from Patmos…Hot off the press!
Good morning!
Lots of things going on around the parish!  At noon we will have the last Advent noonday concert featuring Dr. Theresa Sanchez- if you’ve not given the concert series a try, it is a great and uplifting break in the middle of the day.
We will gather to green the parish today at 5:30. The greening of the parish is a favorite for many in our parish family and it is a wonderful way to spend a bit of time preparing for Christmas.  Immediately following the greening, we will have a provided dinner and watch the children’s Christmas pageant, which is very lovely and not to be missed!
Then on Thursday morning the Sunday School children are going to Comfort Care Nursing Home to sing and spend time with the residents while members of the EYC will be volunteering at the Soup Kitchen.
Christmas will soon be upon us… I pray all of us are ready and have spent time growing closer to Jesus and are ready to welcome Him into our hearts and into our midst.  I have held our parish family in prayer and my hope is that we all have a good holiday and that our love and faith in Christ our Lord shines brightly in our community and beyond.
God bless you all
Jeff+

Children’s Ministries News

Back by popular demand!!  We will be taking the children of St. John’s to Comfort Care Nursing Center on THURSDAY, DECEMBER 21st to sing carols, play games, color and visit with the residents there.  Everyone enjoys this magical outing – from the youngest to the oldest.  Please have your children at the church on Thursday at 9:30am and be at the church to pick them up at 11:15.  Please call the office or text Elizabeth and let us know your child will be going with us.  We are looking forward to one of our favorite activities!


ANNUAL MEETING NOTICE
This serves as public notice that the annual meeting of Saint John’s Episcopal Church will be held at 5:30pm, on Wednesday, January 17th, 2018 in the Parish Hall.  Nominations are now open and being accepted for persons to serve on the vestry of this parish.  To nominate a person, please make sure you have their permission and they meet the following qualifications: a person who is Confirmed, 21 years of age, a giver of record and living within the bounds of this parish.  You may make your nominations known to a current member of the vestry or to the parish office.
Good Samaritan Christmas
ST. JOHN’S FAMILY CONNECTIONS
ADOPT-A-FAMILY FOR CHRISTMAS 2017

Wow! All 20 of our families have been adopted from the tree! I believe you have accomplished that faster than the other 8 years we have had this program going! Thank you! The gifts are due by this Friday, Dec 15. You may deliver them to the Church or to me. I can also pick them up.  Please call me at 601-466-7411 and Pam Oglesby and I will get them to the Good Samaritan people, who then arrange for the parents to pick them up while the children are at school.
There is one family with 6 children that we could use some more money to complete their shopping.  If you are so inclined, call me or Fr. Jeff or Elizabeth at the Church and let us know.
I appreciate each one of you who donate, shop, and deliver. Our parish families are ‘connecting’ with others as Christ asks us to do and it is a beautiful thing to see!
Contact Becky Jackson @ 601.466.7411 if you have questions.
Advent Concert Series
Wednesday at St. John’s
Greening of the Parish TONIGHT
Wednesday, December 20 at 5:30 p.m.
Calling all hands to “deck the halls!”  Join fellow parishioners, led by Randy Jackson, for the annual decorating of the church for Christmas.  Immediately following the greening, everyone is invited to join us in the parish hall for a catered festive dinner and our Children’s Christmas pageant.  Plan to spend a few hours getting ready for Christmas and enjoying the company of your parish family.
Children’s Choir News
St. Cecilia, St. Gregory And Youth Ensemble
Rehearsal Schedule
Wednesday, December 20 – Combined Rehearsal – 4:30-5:30 p.m.
Wednesday, December 20 – Christmas Pageant and Dinner – Following Greening of the Parish

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.
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
For Year Actual Budget diff
Pledges  $ 310,997  $ 324,193  $ 13,196
Plate  $  44,476  $  53,226  $  8,750
Other  $  52,748  $  70,285  $  17,537
Total  $ 408,221  $ 447,704  $  39,483
Expenses  $ 447,884  $ 446,076  $  1,808
Net  $  39,663  $   1,628  $  41,291
Liturgical Links
Ministry Schedule
This Sunday’s Readings
Add/remove to prayerlist
Get Connected
Signup for Text Messages
Add/edit Contact Info

What donation is for
Pledge Payment Seasonal Flowers Flowers for Altar EYC Choir Rector’s Discretionary Fund Building Fund other

  
     
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 © 2017 Saint John’s Episcopal Church, All rights reserved.

Notes From Patmos

by E_Higg
Notes from Patmos…Hot off the press!
Hello Parish Family!
I hope and pray everyone had a great Thanksgiving week. These next days are filled to overflowing with parish events. But first I want to thank Mr. Stacey Pickering for speaking at our first Keystone society meeting.  Stacey did a great job, and we had a good turnout who enjoyed the time together.  A tip of the Berritta to Mrs. Judy Pilgrim for baking a chocolate cake for our door prize, and Mrs. Gina Gatewood for providing awesome snacks. Keystone folk, be sure to mark your calendars for next Thursday, when the Saint John’s children come over and sing for us.
Tonight is a very important night for our parish family.  At 6pm we gather for our Loyalty Dinner, at which the vestry will present our Narrative Budget and Stewardship Packets will be handed out. Gina Gatewood has put together some of our favorite comfort foods, and Richard Follis has an eye opening presentation.  I am very proud of the vestry, who are working hard to try and lead the parish.  With all of that said, I ask a personal favor of you all- if there is any way you can make it to the dinner, please come.  We have activities of the kids, and great food, and information that we need to share… so I hope to see as many as possible tonight.
This Sunday is the first Sunday in Advent, and with the changing season comes our annual service of Advent Lessons & Carols at 6pm.  The Bidding Prayer says it best:
“Beloved in Christ, in this season of Advent, let it be our care and delight to prepare ourselves to hear again the message of the Angels, and in heart and mind to go even unto Bethlehem, to see the Babe lying in a manger. Let us read and mark in Holy Scripture the tale of the loving purposes of God, and let us look forward to the yearly remembrance of his birth with hymns and songs of praise.”
I ask you to take you preparations for Christmas seriously, and make a good effort at growing in Christ and keeping your focus on the things of God and His kingdom.  Do not waste this season, but make the most of it.
See you all around the parish-
Jeffrey+

Visit From St. Nicholas
&
Home Nativity Figurine Blessing
St. Nicholas has scheduled his visit to St.  John’s!!  He will be arriving Sunday, December 10th during the 10:30 Mass to celebrate the Feast of St. Nicholas and to hand out gifts to our children.  We are also starting a new tradition on that day!!!  After the Confession and before the Peace, bring your baby Jesus from your nativity scene up for a blessing.  Fr. Jeff will bless the baby Jesus and then you are encouraged to take your baby Jesus home and wrap the baby Jesus and place the wrapped gift under your Christmas tree.  When you open your presents on Christmas morning, unwrap your baby Jesus FIRST!  This helps us all to remember why we are celebrating Christmas in the first place.
Keystone Society
Thursday, December 7th at 10:00am
 The Keystone Society (for members 60+) will have their December meeting on Thursday, December 7th at 10:00am and will feature the 5th and 6th grade students from St. John’s Day School presenting their Christmas musical. Come enjoy a morning filled the the sounds of Christmas!
Good Samaritan Christmas 
ST. JOHN’S FAMILY CONNECTIONS
ADOPT-A-FAMILY FOR CHRISTMAS 2017
I was so happy to discover that over 29% of our Family Connections Christmas families had been ‘adopted’ on the first day they were available! My heart is filled with gratitude, as I am sure theirs will be this Christmas.
Shopping for others is a wonderful experience in generosity for children and a way of ‘feeding His sheep’ for the rest of us.
We have 12 families left and will probably have 1 or 2 more available before next Sunday. One of the families is an adult with 6 children and they are recently homeless! This would be a good family for a group to ‘adopt’. The other available families are  4 people or less. Grab one quick before they are gone!
This is the meaning of the Christian tradition of Christmas giving!
The recipient families have been screened by The Good Samaritan,
a local non-profit agency that St. John’s has supported for many years.

Please choose a family to adopt and write down your name and a number where you can be contacted on the list.

You do not have to purchase every gift on the list and large families can be adopted by multiple people.

Gifts may be wrapped or unwrapped, but please
put the family # and the recipient’s first name on each gift.

The deadline to deliver the gifts to St. John’s or to Becky Jackson is Friday, December 15.

We have 20 families to adopt.
Let’s all participate and spread the joy of Christ’s birth
throughout our community

Good Samaritan staff will deliver to the families.

Contact Becky Jackson @ 601.466.7411 if you have questions.

Advent Concert Series
Wednesday at St. John’s
Greening of the Parish
Wednesday, December 20 at 5:30 p.m.
Calling all hands to “deck the halls!”  Join fellow parishioners, led by Randy Jackson, for the annual decorating of the church for Christmas.  Immediately following the greening, everyone is invited to join us in the parish hall for a catered festive dinner and our Children’s Christmas pageant.  Plan to spend a few hours getting ready for Christmas and enjoying the company of your parish family.
Children’s Choir News
St. Cecilia
St. Gregory
And Youth Ensemble
Rehearsal Schedule
November – December 2017
St. Cecilia and St. Gregory                                 Youth Ensemble
Wednesday – 4:15-5:15 p.m.                   Sunday – 5:15-6:00 p.m.
November  29                                         November 26
December 6                                              December 10
December 13                                            December 17

Wednesday, December 20 – Combined Rehearsal – 4:00-5:30 p.m.
Wednesday, December 20 – Christmas Pageant and Dinner – Following Greening of the Parish

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.
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 State Auditor Stacey Pickering for the informative program he gave to our Keystone Society members about fraud prevention.
  • To Judy Pilgrim for the delicious chocolate cake she donated for the door prize for the Keystone Society Meeting and to the LUCKY winner – Byron Myrick!
  • To Gina Gatewood for the delicious brunch she prepared for our Keystone Society.
Actual Budget Diff
Pledges $ 288,114 $ 304,291 $ 16,177
Plate $   36,454 $   49,959 $ 13,505
Total $ 374,122 $ 420,636 $ 46,514
Expenses $ 419,062 $ 419,279 $    217
Total  $ 44,940 $ 1,357 $46,297
Liturgical Links
Ministry Schedule
This Sunday’s Readings
Add/remove to prayerlist
Get Connected
Signup for Text Messages
Add/edit Contact Info

What donation is for
Pledge Payment Seasonal Flowers Flowers for Altar EYC Choir Rector’s Discretionary Fund Building Fund other

  
     
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 © 2017 Saint John’s Episcopal Church, All rights reserved.

Notes From Patmos

by E_Higg
Notes from Patmos…Hot off the press!
Hello Parish Family!
I hope and pray everyone had a great Thanksgiving week. These next days are filled to overflowing with parish events. But first I want to thank Mr. Stacey Pickering for speaking at our first Keystone society meeting.  Stacey did a great job, and we had a good turnout who enjoyed the time together.  A tip of the Berritta to Mrs. Judy Pilgrim for baking a chocolate cake for our door prize, and Mrs. Gina Gatewood for providing awesome snacks. Keystone folk, be sure to mark your calendars for next Thursday, when the Saint John’s children come over and sing for us.
Tonight is a very important night for our parish family.  At 6pm we gather for our Loyalty Dinner, at which the vestry will present our Narrative Budget and Stewardship Packets will be handed out. Gina Gatewood has put together some of our favorite comfort foods, and Richard Follis has an eye opening presentation.  I am very proud of the vestry, who are working hard to try and lead the parish.  With all of that said, I ask a personal favor of you all- if there is any way you can make it to the dinner, please come.  We have activities of the kids, and great food, and information that we need to share… so I hope to see as many as possible tonight.
This Sunday is the first Sunday in Advent, and with the changing season comes our annual service of Advent Lessons & Carols at 6pm.  The Bidding Prayer says it best:
“Beloved in Christ, in this season of Advent, let it be our care and delight to prepare ourselves to hear again the message of the Angels, and in heart and mind to go even unto Bethlehem, to see the Babe lying in a manger. Let us read and mark in Holy Scripture the tale of the loving purposes of God, and let us look forward to the yearly remembrance of his birth with hymns and songs of praise.”
I ask you to take you preparations for Christmas seriously, and make a good effort at growing in Christ and keeping your focus on the things of God and His kingdom.  Do not waste this season, but make the most of it.
See you all around the parish-
Jeffrey+

Visit From St. Nicholas
&
Home Nativity Figurine Blessing
St. Nicholas has scheduled his visit to St.  John’s!!  He will be arriving Sunday, December 10th during the 10:30 Mass to celebrate the Feast of St. Nicholas and to hand out gifts to our children.  We are also starting a new tradition on that day!!!  After the Confession and before the Peace, bring your baby Jesus from your nativity scene up for a blessing.  Fr. Jeff will bless the baby Jesus and then you are encouraged to take your baby Jesus home and wrap the baby Jesus and place the wrapped gift under your Christmas tree.  When you open your presents on Christmas morning, unwrap your baby Jesus FIRST!  This helps us all to remember why we are celebrating Christmas in the first place.
Keystone Society
Thursday, December 7th at 10:00am
 The Keystone Society (for members 60+) will have their December meeting on Thursday, December 7th at 10:00am and will feature the 5th and 6th grade students from St. John’s Day School presenting their Christmas musical. Come enjoy a morning filled the the sounds of Christmas!
Good Samaritan Christmas 
ST. JOHN’S FAMILY CONNECTIONS
ADOPT-A-FAMILY FOR CHRISTMAS 2017
I was so happy to discover that over 29% of our Family Connections Christmas families had been ‘adopted’ on the first day they were available! My heart is filled with gratitude, as I am sure theirs will be this Christmas.
Shopping for others is a wonderful experience in generosity for children and a way of ‘feeding His sheep’ for the rest of us.
We have 12 families left and will probably have 1 or 2 more available before next Sunday. One of the families is an adult with 6 children and they are recently homeless! This would be a good family for a group to ‘adopt’. The other available families are  4 people or less. Grab one quick before they are gone!
This is the meaning of the Christian tradition of Christmas giving!
The recipient families have been screened by The Good Samaritan,
a local non-profit agency that St. John’s has supported for many years.

Please choose a family to adopt and write down your name and a number where you can be contacted on the list.

You do not have to purchase every gift on the list and large families can be adopted by multiple people.

Gifts may be wrapped or unwrapped, but please
put the family # and the recipient’s first name on each gift.

The deadline to deliver the gifts to St. John’s or to Becky Jackson is Friday, December 15.

We have 20 families to adopt.
Let’s all participate and spread the joy of Christ’s birth
throughout our community

Good Samaritan staff will deliver to the families.

Contact Becky Jackson @ 601.466.7411 if you have questions.

Advent Concert Series
Wednesday at St. John’s
Greening of the Parish
Wednesday, December 20 at 5:30 p.m.
Calling all hands to “deck the halls!”  Join fellow parishioners, led by Randy Jackson, for the annual decorating of the church for Christmas.  Immediately following the greening, everyone is invited to join us in the parish hall for a catered festive dinner and our Children’s Christmas pageant.  Plan to spend a few hours getting ready for Christmas and enjoying the company of your parish family.
Children’s Choir News
St. Cecilia
St. Gregory
And Youth Ensemble
Rehearsal Schedule
November – December 2017
St. Cecilia and St. Gregory                                 Youth Ensemble
Wednesday – 4:15-5:15 p.m.                   Sunday – 5:15-6:00 p.m.
November  29                                         November 26
December 6                                              December 10
December 13                                            December 17

Wednesday, December 20 – Combined Rehearsal – 4:00-5:30 p.m.
Wednesday, December 20 – Christmas Pageant and Dinner – Following Greening of the Parish

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.
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 State Auditor Stacey Pickering for the informative program he gave to our Keystone Society members about fraud prevention.
  • To Judy Pilgrim for the delicious chocolate cake she donated for the door prize for the Keystone Society Meeting and to the LUCKY winner – Byron Myrick!
  • To Gina Gatewood for the delicious brunch she prepared for our Keystone Society.
Actual Budget Diff
Pledges $ 288,114 $ 304,291 $ 16,177
Plate $   36,454 $   49,959 $ 13,505
Total $ 374,122 $ 420,636 $ 46,514
Expenses $ 419,062 $ 419,279 $    217
Total  $ 44,940 $ 1,357 $46,297
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What donation is for
Pledge Payment Seasonal Flowers Flowers for Altar EYC Choir Rector’s Discretionary Fund Building Fund other

  
     
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 © 2017 Saint John’s Episcopal Church, All rights reserved.