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Ray Lowther conducts the St. John’s Bell Choir, l-to-r: Dan Faber, Carrie Swing, Ray Lowther (directing), Brenda Vanderford, Wayne Gorrell, Janet Richardson and Dale Snyder. More photos by Bob Rosier inside.
It is with deep love and appreciation that I express my
gratitude to our Sr. Warden Emeritus Ray Lowther. He
has been a rock for the rector, a cheerleader and source of
encouragement through thick and thin, not to mention the
musical expertise he brings to the bell choir, to the 2017
Diocesan Convention, and to W.Va. K-12 schools through
his position at the West Virginia Department of
Education. His wisdom and assistance on the vestry for
another year is an added bonus. Ray, thank you for a
wonderful year!
Please welcome your new senior warden, Travis
Baldwin, a compassionate soul who is a father, grandfather,
teacher, leader, social activist, facilitator for
Integrity/SAGA, J2A instructor and coordinator of lectors
and Eucharistic ministers. I am grateful that he accepted the
position and look forward to working with him in the
coming year on the vestry and in Adult Forum, where he
presents Rob Bell's films about seeing everyday life
through the lens of Jesus.
A huge thank you also to Christine Teague who has
done a wonderful job of taking and distributing minutes to
the meetings this past year. An extra special thank you
since she has agreed to do it again this year! Christine has a
doctor of pharmacy degree and has offered to teach the use
of Naloxone, a detox for opiates, on January 27, when we
present the documentary, "Heroin(e)," in partnership with
the W.Va. Council of Churches. Christine is the director for
the CAMC Ryan White program.
Your new junior warden is Kris Morris. Welcome,
Kris, and thank you for jumping into the property liaison
position. St. John's has accomplished much toward
restoration of the building and we have much, yet, to do.
Kris adds a wonderful voice to the choir and a touch of
wisdom, humor and enthusiasm to the Education for
Ministry class. Kris is creative and caring and works at the
Charleston House Hairstyling Shop, helping others feel and
look their best. Welcome to the vestry, Kris! ~ Marquita+
St. John’s Episcopal Church 1105 Quarrier Street Charleston, WV 25301
Jan. 20 – Feb. 28, 2018, Vol. 58, No.1
Saint John’s
IInntteerr hhaannggee CC
St. John’s Mission Statement: We reach out to the world in Christ’s name in the
hope that all might find a home in God’s healing love.
Seek • Love • Serve
SCHEDULE OF WORSHIP
Sundays of January 28 and February 4,
11, 18 and 25, 2018
4th through last Sundays after Epiphany
and first two Sundays of Lent
8:00 a.m. Holy Eucharist
9:00 a.m. Adult Bible Study: Exodus and lectionary
study, room 209
9:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m., Nursery open
9:30 a.m., Adult Forum, room 109, see listing below
9:30 a.m., Godly Play, room 299
9:30 a.m., Journey to Adulthood, (J2A), room 223
10:30 a.m. Holy Eucharist, with choir
Adult Forums for January and February Jan. 28 – Fasting as a spiritual practice, led by Una Karner and
the Rev. Marquita L. Hutchens
Feb. 4 – The social justice journey in West Virginia, led by
Margaret Pomponio with a guest speaker
Feb. 11 – Exploring today's world through the lens of Jesus, the
“NOOMA Series” by Rob Bell, led by Travis Baldwin
Feb. 18 – Great church, great people, “Great Courses,” led by the
Rev. Kent Higgins
Feb. 25 – The spiritual journey led by Una Karner and the Rev.
Marquita L. Hutchens
January 21 – Epiphany III: Jonah 3:1-5, 10 - Psalm
62:6-14 - 1 Corinthians 7:29-31 - Mark 1:14-20 “All the
readings for this Sunday remind . . . the church that with the Epiphany of
God, whether that takes the form of prophetic call, a prayerful reflection,
a pastoral exhortation, or an encounter with the person of Jesus, there
comes a radical shift in values and life orientation. Life does not
continue the same. Jonah was the instrument of that change in Nineveh.
Psalm 62 affirms trust in God and immediately recognizes the transient
value of material goods. Paul reminds the Corinthian church that the
surpassing worth of Christ relativizes all other values. And when
fishermen are called by Jesus of Nazareth, Mark says they left
everything behind.” (Craddock, 83)
January 28 – Epiphany IV: Deuteronomy 18:15-20 -
Psalm 111 - 1 Corinthians 8:1-13 – Mark 1:21-28
“Today’s lections present us with an array of ways that God is among
us, finally coming to expression in Jesus Christ. Psalm 111 recites the
activities of God that Christians associate with the activities of Jesus.
Deuteronomy 18 speaks of a prophet arising from among the people, a
prophet Christians identified as Jesus. Paul writes to the Corinthians
about the role of the living Christ in the church to create love, patience,
unity and humility. Finally, the Gospel of Mark presents Jesus in two
roles not only prominent in Mark but also sometimes joined as two
aspects of one ministry: the teacher and the exorcist.” (Craddock, 88)
February 4 – Epiphany V: Isaiah 40:21-31 - Psalm
147:1-12, 21c - 1 Corinthians 9:16-23 - Mark 1:29-39
“Even though the time of Epiphany, the time of divine revelation to the
world, is not far behind us, the lessons today remind us of another
dimension of life and of the Scriptures—divine concealment. Some
experiences, even to the faithful, are difficult to understand. In the
context of wonder at God’s majesty, Isaiah 40 marvels that God’s way
is hidden, and the psalmist praises the God who made all things and
cares for the nameless and forgotten of the earth. Paul engages the
Corinthians in a discussion of servitude and freedom that is very difficult
to follow, and Mark punctuates his account of Jesus’ ministry with one
of many statements about the secrecy of Jesus and the confusion of his
disciples.” (Craddock, 93)
February 11 – Last Sunday After the Epiphany: 2
Kings 2:1-12 – Psalm 50:1-6 - 2 Corinthians 4:3-6 -
Mark 9:2-9 “The Last Sunday after the Epiphany always centers on
the Transfiguration, and the texts for today dramatically point to the
pivotal event in the ministry of Jesus. The Gospel record is Mark’s brief
but forceful account, and it is the Gospel text that attracts to itself the
other readings. Elijah appears with Jesus on the mountain; 2 Kings 2
tells of Elijah’s glorious ascent to heaven. Psalm 50 speaks of the
appearance of God attended by fire and storm. And Paul in 2
Corinthians 4 uses the imagery of Old Testament theophanies and of the
Transfiguration to speak of God’s presence in Christ and of Christ’s
presence in us, veiled in flesh to be sure, but glorious nonetheless.”
(Craddock, 123)
February 14 – Ash Wednesday: Isaiah 58:1-12 -
Psalm 103:8-14 - 2 Corinthians 5:20b-6:10 - Matthew
6:1-6,16-21 “The texts for Ash Wednesday initiate the Season of
Lent with calls to confession and repentance, prayers for forgiveness,
and admonitions to engage in fasting. They also caution people not to
display their acts of contrition before others, but only before God . . . In
the Old Testament reading from Isaiah, the people of Israel are
confronted with their rebellion and their propensity to fast as a public
display rather than as an expression of penitence. The responsorial
psalm, one of the penitential psalms, is a confession of sin with the goal
of restoration to the joy of salvation. The epistolary reading is likewise a
call to be reconciled to God. The Gospel text sounds the warning about
doing alms or fasting in order to impress others with one’s
righteousness.” (Craddock, 128)
February 18 – Lent I: Genesis 9:8-17 - Psalm 25:1-9 - 1
Peter 3:18-22 - Mark 1:9-15 “The Old Testament readings for
the Second through the Fifth Sundays in Lent provide a survey of much
of the Old Testament story . . . With one exception, the texts concern
covenants, beginning this week with the covenant with Noah and next
week the one with Abraham. Then follows Exodus 20:1-17, the
Decalogue, which is at the heart of the covenant at Sinai. The reading
from Numbers on the Fourth Sunday in Lent reports Israel’s
querulousness that prompted the Lord to send poisonous snakes as
punishment, and the story of the curative bronze snake—a story about
covenant breaking, in a roundabout way. The final reading is Jeremiah’s
promise of a new covenant, written on the heart. In the other readings
for today, Psalm 25, a psalm of lament, is both an expression of trust and
a prayer for grace and mercy. The epistolary text from 1 Peter gives
expression to the theme of suffering, as experienced by both Christ and
Christians. The Gospel text gives the remarkably compact version of
Jesus’ baptism, temptation and inaugural preaching in Galilee for which
Mark is well known.” (Craddock, 136)
February 25 – Lent II: Genesis 17:1-7, 15-16 - Psalm
22:22-30 - Romans 4:13-25 - Mark 8:31-38 Today’s Old
Testament reading is closely linked with the epistolary reading from
Romans; indeed, the account of God’s covenant with Abraham in
Genesis 17 is specifically cited by Paul and functions centrally in his
overall argument for Abraham as the paradigm of faith for believers in
every generation. A central element in the psalm is the promise that all
the nations will eventually turn to the Lord and worship him, also is
critical point in Paul’s argument. The . . . Gospel reading is Mark’s
account of the first passion prediction followed by Jesus’ instructions
concerning discipleship . . .” (Craddock, 142)
References: http://www.lectionarypage.net/#january and follow links to
February for the lectionary pages by Fred Craddock et al., Preaching
Through the Christian Year B
The Rev. Marquita L. Hutchens,
Rector
LECTIONARY SCRIPTURES
AND COMMENTARY
Scriptures for Sundays
In Year B, January-February 2018
Page 2
By Ray Lowther, senior warden
January 2018 from the
outgoing senior warden
Although my term as senior warden
has come to an end, I want to keep communication to you, the
parishioners and friends of St. John’s, alive through this
month of transition. I am certain Mother Marquita will share
this information with you before you read this in the
“Interchange.” We are pleased to announce that Travis
Baldwin has accepted the position of senior warden. Travis
was our junior warden last year and many of you know him
from his active presence in the life of St. John’s. He is a
graduate of EfM (and was encouraging to me when I was
considering EfM); is a lector and Eucharistic minister (and
does a monumental job, exceptionally, of scheduling lay
readers and EMs for our services); maintains a leadership
presence with Integrity/SAGA; and, most importantly, has a
deep love for St. John’s. We are fortunate to have him step
forward as senior warden.
Kris Morris, one of our newly elected vestry persons
will be junior warden. I have known Kris for quite a long
time. He was a student of mine in elementary and high school
in Ohio when I taught. Do I dare mention how many years
ago?! Kris brings a long standing relationship with St. John’s
having previously attended and sung in our choir and recently
returned again, singing in the choir and beginning the journey
of EfM. Kris is enthusiastic about assuming the
responsibilities of junior warden, and I am confident in his
abilities and perspective.
Once again we are favored that Christine Teague has
agreed to continue as vestry clerk. Of the many boards and
committees I’ve sat on throughout my professional career, the
accurate work of the “minutes taker” is critical. Christine is
second to none. I appreciate her thoroughness – dotting every
“i” and crossing every “t” – and seeing that the minutes are to
the vestry promptly. When I learned that she agreed to
continue as clerk I shouted a loud “alleluia” - “Thanks be to
God!”
Julia Beury will return as the treasurer. Julia’s expertise
and professionalism have made the accounting of our
financial resources clearer and easier to read and understand.
This was a monumental undertaking and has been a yearlong
task. We are indebted to Julia for her dedication and efforts.
An outstanding leadership team is in place, and I
encourage you to bring your concerns and thanks to them. We
are in a good place at St. John’s as our new vestry takes their
seats at the January 22 meeting. Take a moment to introduce
yourself, encourage them, and lift them in prayer as they
represent you this year: Fred Boothe, Matt Brown, Cynthia
Melton, Christy Morris, Margaret Pomponio, Jessie Reckert,
Rose Smith and Dale Snyder. Where we are today is the result
of the contributions, dedication and leadership of previous
vestry members but especially our retiring vestry persons:
Mary Fitzgerald, Robin O’Brien and Bren Pomponio. Many
thanks. I know that the vestry’s effectiveness would not be
possible without the guidance, openness and love of our
rector, Mother Marquita. Her love for the St. John’s “flock” is
felt not only every Sunday but every day. Truly, we are
blessed. Please remember and continue to uphold these
persons in prayer.
As you know, my thoughts through this column to you
this past year have ended with reference to a hymn or song.
This one is no exception. I am paraphrasing the following
from a source I use during my prayers and meditation; it says
it best. “I invite you to sing with me. Our song has no melody,
and you can sing where you are right now. It is a breathing
song – ancient, universal and often goes unnoticed. But it is a
song that unites us, breaking up the indifferent pace and
drawing us closer to the One who paused to sing, ‘When they
had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives (Mark
14:26).’” Thanks to each of you for singing along with me.
Amen
In Memoriam
We extend our deepest sympathy to Gwyneth Owen and
Robert Crow on the death of their son, Galen Owen
Crow, 23, who departed this life on Dec.9, 2017. A
funeral service was held at St. John’s on Dec. 19.
We are sad to report the passing of Julianne
Kemp, long time parishioner of St. John’s, editor of the
“Interchange,” member of the Altar Guild, greeter and
loving friend to many, departed this life on Jan. 16, 2018.
Services to be announced.
Our prayers also go out to Norm and Beverly
Steenstra, upon the death of their son, Zachary Ryan
Steenstra, who departed this life on Dec. 15, 2017. A
celebration of life was held for Zach on Jan. 6, at
Coonskin Park Clubhouse.
Father of all, we pray to you for Galen, Julie,
Zach and for all those whom we love but see no
longer. Grant to them eternal rest.
Let light perpetual shine upon them.
May their souls and the souls of all the departed,
through the mercy of God, rest in peace.
December 2017
New vestry members are Fred Boothe, Margaret
Pomponio, Jessie Reckart and Rose Smith.
Convention delegates are Donna Hamra, Ray Lowther
and Doris Redfield.
Alternates are Matt Brown, Aaron Gumm and Beth
Marquart.
~ The Rev. Marquita L Hutchens, Rector
Page 3
By Helen Van Koevering
This year’s Women’s Ministries Convention on Sept. 8-9 was
both an experiment and an exploration. We experimented with
a new location in South Charleston in an attempt to include
women for whom the usual venue, Peterkin, is out of reach;
and we explored the theme of Eucharisteo (Greek for giving
thanks) with the Rev. Helen Van Koevering. The weekend
began with a meal in Eucharistic form that has been practiced
in some places as “dinner church.” We followed our theme of
thankfulness for those people and situations that have shown
us Love’s way and healing through art, story and creativity.
Forty women from around the diocese, including several from
St John’s, made a beautiful collage tree from our reflections,
and we ended with a healing Eucharist service.
BOOK CLUB RESOURCES AVAILABLE
FOR LENTEN STUDIES There are two catalogs of resources available for Lenten
studies in the church office. One is “Lent & Easter
Resources 2018,” from Church Publishing, and another is
the “Cokesbury Small Group” catalog. Visit our office at
St. John’s to see the catalogs, or go online to see more at
www.churchpublishing.org/ and www.cokesbury.com.
Forward Movement (publisher of “Forward Day by Day”)
also has resources at www.forwardmovement.org as well
as a Lent–Easter reading program called, “The Good Book
Club” at www.goodbookclub.org.
THANK YOU, THANK YOU FOR YOUR HELP
IN OUR JOURNEY OF GENEROSITY 2018
Our Festival of Ingathering was a wonderful
time and a remarkable success. It provided
each of us a special time to focus on our
blessings as well as the needs of our church
and community. Many rose to the occasion
not in the form of a burnt offering as the
Hebrews did in the original Festival of the
Ingathering but in the form of a pledge. A
pledge that you will support St. John’s with
either with your time, talents or your funds.
We need but to look around us to see the beauty of the building, to
hear to glory of the music, to gain insight from the message – to
know that we each have a mission to make sure that St. John’s
continues to minister to us and this community. The
Stewardship Committee wants to thank each of you for
your generous pledge to St. John’s Annual Pledge
Campaign for 2018. Your giving is a wonderful reflection
of God’s call to live generously. We are so grateful for
your support of our ongoing ministry together. Each of
you, regardless of the size of your pledge, is furthering St.
John’s Episcopal Church to be a transformative force in
our community. After the harvest comes the sowing of the
seed. “Still other seed fell on good soil, where it produced
crop—a hundred, sixty, or thirty times what was sown.”
(Matthew 13:8) May our seeds fall on good soil and
produce an unbelievable year of generosity. Our exciting
mission has just begun. Thank you.
~Fred Boothe, Doris Redfield and Bren Pomponio
“MOTHERLESS” DOCUMENTARY Inclement weather has postponed this event;
rescheduled date and time to be announced.
“Motherless” is a brief documentary on the stories of four now-adult
children whose mothers died due to complications from illegal
abortions prior to Roe v. Wade. A discussion panel will follow the
film, and dinner and childcare will be provided. The event is free
and open to the public; it is co-sponsored by W.Va. Free, Planned
Parenthood, St. John’s and Unitarian Universalist Congregation
(UUC) of Charleston.
Let’s Celebrate! Pray for the lives and ministries of those celebrating birthdays in
late January and birthdays in February:
Jan. 22 – Andrew Janeshek, Stephen Lewis, Doris
Redfield; Jan. 24 – Alice Hypes; Jan. 25 – Hunter Birckhead;
Jan. 26 – Molly John, Olive Meyer, Guy Vitaglione; Jan. 29 –
Mary Anne Maul, Joan McDonald ; Jan. 30 – Brandon
Ramsey; Jan. 31 – Rob Lannan; Feb. 1 – Raymond Lowther;
Feb. 2 – Twyla Harrison Katherine McCabe; Feb. 3 – Gigi
Janeshek, Cameron Jarvis, Dominque Tyson; Feb. 4 – Dianna
Canfield, Judith Wellington; Feb. 6 – Robert Jones; Feb. 10 –
Diana Masso; Feb. 11 – Penny Kehde; Feb. 12 – Corey Farris;
Feb. 14 – Andrew Crow, Page Hamrick, Libby Stultz; Feb. 15
– Adrienne Walker; Feb. 18 – Susan Latimer, Thomas
Nelson, Steve Thomas; Feb. 19 – Carolyn Baird, Jesse
Snyder; Feb. 20 – Ellen Archibald; Feb. 21 – Anil Kuruvilla,
Blake Lewis; Feb. 22 – Mary Coburn, Margaret McEwuen,
Camden Ratrie; Feb. 23 – Carter Blundon, Lesley Ofsa; Feb.
26 – Linnsey Amores, Maurice Ofsa; Feb. 28 – Forrest Akers.
THERE IS A TIME FOR EVERY SEASON
This issue of “Interchange” was published with efforts of
Pat Hammer, Bob Rosier, Mel Cann, and the preliminary
work of Julianne Kemp, whom we will dearly miss.
Deadline for the March issue, will be Wednesday, Feb. 21,
at 4 p.m.
Reminders to regular contributors will be sent in
advance if possible, and we request that submissions be
sent to both [email protected] as editor and to St.
Johns at [email protected], thanks.
Page 4
Page 4
REMEMBERING By Dana Robin O’Brien
A few months back, Pat Hammer asked me to write a little
something for the “Interchange” about my experiences at St.
John’s, specifically, “How I see or feel God at St. John’s.” I never
did. The task got away from me. I was reminded of that task on
Sunday, Nov. 26, but in a different way. Upon learning about
Quentin Nix’s passing, and while sitting at Adult Bible Study
(formerly known as Adult Lectionary) with Pat as our leader, I
realized all the “Greats” that had been instrumental in my joining
St. John’s have passed.
Thus, I am now writing about the “Greats” and how I
experienced the love of God through each of them. Liz Nix and
Mildred Howie took me under their wing when I wandered
upstairs five years ago to see what Lectionary was all about. I had
been visiting St. John’s and other churches, looking for a church
home. Everyone in that small group was ever so nice and
welcoming with coffee, conversation and then the wonderful
lessons.
The group was comprised of Mildred and Harold Howie,
Liz and Quentin Nix, Mary Knighton, Parker Smith, Eugene
Hunter, Parrish Thompson, myself and the occasional visitor,
such as Father Jupin, Gale and Kent Higgins, Phyllis Atwood,
Libby Stultz, adult children of the Nixes’ or the Howies’. (I
apologize if I am leaving anyone out). Though I felt so welcomed,
I had never experienced such a Bible Study. This Bible Study did
not have a leader per se…. everyone had their role, a group effort.
This Bible Study would take Sunday’s bulletin, begin with the
collect, (usually Quentin would read), and then around the table
we would go, each taking a turn, diving into the lessons, the
Gospel, the psalms, and ending in prayer.
I grew to love this format and the discussions we had.
Before the lessons, we began the morning with coffee and
goodies that each of us would bring and catching up on our
previous week. This ritual of fellowship prior to the lessons was
an integral part of our study. Harold Howie would always pour
our coffee – a gentleman. During one of the lessons, we
discovered he and I were fifth or sixth cousins! Mildred and I
would take turns bringing treats to go along with our coffee. I
actually began drinking coffee for the first time in my life with
these lovely people.
The “gentlemen’s” banter between Parker, Eugene, Quentin
and Harold as they discussed historical facts, getting out our maps
to double check the borders and boundaries of the areas
mentioned in our studies and the Bible. As the gentlemen were
bantering about facts and faith, Mildred would always bring the
lessons back to having blind faith, just smiling, and wondering
why we needed to debate or talk about “such things,” “just
believe,” she would say, with Liz, Mary and myself agreeing.
Often, one of the ladies would share a personal life lesson
that pertained to our Bible lesson or verse. This was a bonded
group, but welcoming group, loving God and each other, and
others through the lectionary lessons. I grew as a Christian
because of this group. I joined St. John’s basically because of this
group of Greats, and their love of God and St. John’s Church. Liz
and Mildred had many positive and endearing stories of their
ministries in the church over the years.
The group has changed over the past two years to
adifferent group of people, different leaders, and to different
formats. For the past two years, the format no longer covers the
lectionary or the morning lessons for that day. The group has
evolved into more of a Bible/book study. There is still good
conversation and love while learning about our God through other
books chosen by the group, along with reading books of the
Bible. Adult Bible Study is currently led by Pat Hammer, and the
attendees have been Mary Fitzgerald, Parrish, Steve Thomas,
Keith, Nathan Smith, myself and the occasional newcomer.
With that being said, the group will soon return to the
lectionary format, while adding in other books of interest. I
personally believe adult Bible Study of any kind is important for
my “walk” with God, for my growth as a Christian. I highly
encourage others to join us. We meet from 9 to 10 a.m. (If you
have other duties, like Adult Forum, Godly Play or J2A, we don’t
mind if you leave at 9:25 or 9:30!) Please join us! There is always
coffee and the occasional treat!
To the “Greats” of Adult Lectionary who welcomed me to
your group and to your church: Liz, Mildred, Harold, and
Quentin, I miss you dearly. I miss your wisdom, your shared life
lessons, your grace, your dignity and mostly, your blind faith.
ADVENT MOMENT Acolyte MacKenzie Jones, left, carried the torch for lector
Christine Teague to use when lighting the third candle on our
Advent wreath, Sunday, Dec. 17. The Advent banner
depicting the wreath can be seen in the background.
Photo by Bob Rosier
American Red Cross Blood Drive
St. Matthew's Episcopal Church, 36 Norwood Road, Charleston, in
Mathes Hall, and the American Red Cross will host a blood drive on
Monday, Feb. 19, from 1:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. For more information,
contact Kimberly Javins at (304) 343-3837. Go to
www.redcrossblood.org to schedule an appointment time if you
choose. The need for blood is constant and only volunteer donors
can fulfill that need for patients in our community. Nationwide,
someone needs a unit of blood every 2 to 3 seconds and most of us
will need blood in our lifetime. Thank you for supporting the
American Red Cross blood program! Page 5
PRESIDING BISHOP CURRY ON
HUMAN TRAFFICKING
“Trafficking in persons is a crime
that goes against the most basic
tenets of our faith”
Episcopal Church Presiding Bishop and
Primate Michael B. Curry has issued the
following statement on Human
Trafficking:
“As we observe National Human
Trafficking Awareness Month 2018, it is important that we recognize
trafficking in persons is a crime that goes against the most basic tenets of
our faith. It is also, unfortunately, all too common and puts millions in
danger every day.
“Human trafficking manifests itself in a variety of ways and in a
variety of industries from personal servitude to agriculture to hotels and
hospitality or to commercial sex work. But what we know for sure is
that in order for this crime to occur, perpetrators must devalue and
dehumanize another person.
“We must be clear that all human beings are made in God’s
image and each deserves a life free from violence or threat of violence,
exploitation and coercion. We must also condemn structures and
systems that make it all too easy for such evil to occur.
“I commend the work of dioceses, congregations and individuals
across our Church and the Anglican Communion who are partnering to
build awareness, support survivors, and protect against human
trafficking. I urge all who follow Jesus to commit to further developing
loving, liberating and life-giving relationships with God and one
another.”
The Office of Government Relations encourages Episcopalians
to take action to fight human trafficking through the Episcopal Public
Policy Network. The Action Alert on human trafficking encourages
Congress to pass the Trafficking Victims Protection Act (TVPA).
PRESIDING BISHOP: A CALL TO PRAYER, FASTING, AND ADVOCACY
Episcopal Church Presiding Bishop Michael Curry has presented a
video, “For Such a Time as This: A Call to Prayer, Fasting, and
Advocacy,” noting that we remain in a time for prayer, fasting and
advocacy in support of policies that provide opportunities for, and
respect to, the dignity of people struggling with poverty.
First launched in May 2017, Presiding Bishop Curry joined
Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton of the Evangelical Lutheran
Church in America (ELCA) in “For Such a Time as This,” which
calls for fasting on the 21st of each month through December 2018,
at which time the 115th Congress will conclude.
The 21st of each month is targeted because by that time each
month, 90% of SNAP (formerly food stamp) benefits have been
used, thereby causing the last week of the month to be the hungry
week in America. Current focus of “For Such a Time as This” is the
United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals, which aim to end
poverty and hunger, reduce inequality, ensure quality education,
create opportunities for work, care for creation, and promote a
peaceful and just global community.
The new video by Presiding Bishop Curry can be viewed
at https://www.episcopalchurch.org/library/video/pray-fast-act. Adult Forum will help us understand the ancient practice of
fasting, with the Rev. Kent Higgins discussing the theological basis
of fasting today, and Una Karner and the Rev. Marquita L.
Hutchens discussing spiritual aspects on Sunday, Jan. 28. A 24-hour
fast is safe and not as difficult at you may think.
EARLY JANUARY HUMAN TRAFFICKING EVENT On Jan. 9, the YWCA of Charleston hosted a Human Trafficking
Awareness Event at St. John's. Survivor-Advocate Angie Conn,
Delegate Barbara Evans Fleischauer and U.S. Dept. of Homeland
Security Special Agent Brian Morris discussed the scourge of
human trafficking in W.Va. Following the panel discussion led by
Jennifer Goddard, local women led us through a candlelight vigil to
music by Amanda Bridgette from her play, "Sins of A Savior." To
learn more about the W.Va. Human Trafficking Task Force and
what you can do to help, visit www.stophumantraffickingwv.org.
RESOURCES AND UPCOMING EVENTS ON HUMAN TRAFFICKING Human Trafficking Task Force launches new website. Twenty-one cases of human trafficking were reported to the National
Human Trafficking Resource Center Hotline out of West Virginia in 2016, but the state's U.S. attorneys believe the problem is
actually much larger. Learn more at this new website: www.StopHumanTraffickingWV.org.
Response to victims of human trafficking, Tuesday Jan. 30, 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., St. Joseph Retreat Center, Wheeling.
This training, sponsored by Sisters of St. Joseph Health and Wellness Foundation, Youth Services System, and W.Va. Human
Trafficking Task Force, will cover legal and behavioral aspects of human trafficking; W.Va. protocol for criminal and services
response; interviewing and assessing potential survivors; and working together to provide comprehensive, victim-centered
services. For more information, call 304-232-8160, ext. 112.
Human Trafficking and the Opioid Crisis webinar, Wednesday, Jan. 31, 1 - 2:30 p.m. Discussion will center on trauma-
informed approaches to human trafficking and substance use screening, the role of substance use for individuals at risk of
trafficking and survivors of trafficking, treatment options for dependency, and the underlying issues that put victims and survivors
at risk. Sponsored by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services
Administration. To register visit https://humantraffickinghotline.org/events/human-trafficking-and-opioid-crisis-webinar.
Pictured are Jennifer Goddard, Amanda Bridgette, Angie Conn, Delegate Barbara Fleischauer
and Debby Weinstein, director of the YWCA. Photo & story by Donna Hamra
Page 6
WHY IS THE EPISCOPAL CHURCH INTERESTED
IN ANTI-RACISM TRAINING?
IT'S A LONG STORY.
At the 128th Diocesan Convention in 2006, the Diocese of West
Virginia committed to working to end institutional and other forms
of racism in this Diocese and asked that each congregation commit
itself to the work of overcoming the sin of racism through dialogue
and training offered by the Commission on Racism and Diversity
(CORD). It was decided that the lay and ordained leadership of the
Diocese, including all ordained persons, professional staff, and those
elected or appointed to positions of leadership on committees,
commissions, agencies and boards are required to take anti-racism
training.
An anti-racism training session, originally scheduled for Jan.
13 but cancelled due to inclement weather, is now scheduled for
Saturday, Feb. 3, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. at St. Mark’s Episcopal
Church, 405 B Street, St. Albans. The registration fee is $15 per
person and covers lunch and training materials.
According to Mollie Bailey at the W.Va. diocese, if you were
scheduled to attend the training in Beckley on Jan. 13, you will be
automatically registered for the Feb. 3 training in St. Albans, unless
she hears from you that you are unable to attend. New registrations
are also welcome.
To register, please send your registration fee, along with your
name, email and/or phone number, and church name, to: Diocese of
WV, P.O. Box 5400, Charleston, WV 25361. (Checks are payable
to Diocese of WV, with CORD in the memo line.) Registration
deadline is January 26. ~ Mollie Bailey, at [email protected]
Naloxone Training and Substance Use
Panel Discussion Scheduled for Saturday, Jan. 27 in Hunter Hall at 3 p.m., there will
be a free screening of “Heroin(e),” and a Naloxone Training and
Substance Use Panel discussion. The seating for this three-hour
event is first come first serve. Prior to the film, there will be a
Naloxone training. The training is free, but you must register by
calling Candice Maxwell at (304) 989-3077. After the film and a
brief intermission, there will a panel discussion around substance
use, recovery, and the epidemic West Virginia is currently facing.
The audience will have a chance to ask questions
For those who have not seen the Netflix documentary
“Heroin(e),” directed by Peabody award-winning filmmaker Elaine
McMillion Sheldon, the film documents three women in
Huntington, W.Va. as they fight the opioid epidemic in a city with
an overdose rate 10 times the national average. Fire Chief Jan Rader
spends the majority of her days reviving those who have overdosed;
Judge Patricia Keller presides over drug court, handing down
empathy along with orders; and Necia Freeman of Brown Bag
Ministry feeds meals to the women selling their bodies for drugs.
The film shows how the chain of compassion holds one town
together.
Participants will receive information about Naloxone and how
to dispense it in its various forms. St. John’s parishioner and
Naloxone trainer will be Christine Teague, Pharm.D., the program
director for the CAMC Ryan White program and a clinical
pharmacist specialist at CAMC. She received the Pharm.D. degree
from the Medical College of Virginia and earned a master of
science in public health from West Virginia University. Dr. Teague
is also certified in infectious disease pharmacotherapy.
SKINNER ORGAN TO BE RESTORED By David Morton
Presently the organ is suffering due to the recent unfavorable
weather conditions, as are many organs on the East Coast. The result
is a phenomenon called “ciphering,” which causes the pipes to make
random, spontaneous sounds. Given the unpredictability of its
performance, we have been using the piano for some Sunday
services.
Furthermore, the long-awaited organ restoration project has
begun! This extensive process will be performed in phases. The first
phase will begin with the removal of some of the organ components
for servicing. Muller Organ picked these up on Wednesday, Jan. 17.
During the various phases of the restoration, the organ will not
always be available for our service. So over the next several months,
we will at times use the piano or another organ to accompany our
wonderful choir.
Your patience and forbearance during this process will be
very much appreciated. And the generosity of those who are making
this essential restoration possible fills all of us with immense
gratitude. Our Skinner organ is a marvelous asset to St. John’s and
our community. As stewards of such a treasure, it is our privilege to
preserve it for the generations to come.
THE BELL CHOIR Our Bell Choir, under the direction of Dr. Ray Lowther, presented several selections before and during the Dec. 17 service of Lessons and Carols. Captions and photos by Bob Rosier
L-to-r, Wayne Gorrell, Janet Richardson, Dale Snyder, Olive Meyer, Mike Klausing, Ray Lowther (directing), Leota Bohnert, and Kirk King; see also photo on cover.
Page 7
Jan.9 Human trafficking event at St. John’s. “It was standing room only as we learned about the growing problem of human trafficking in West Virginia.” Caption and photo by Donna Hamra
RECTOR
The Rev. Marquita L. Hutchens
STAFF
David Morton Director of Music and Choirmaster
Linda Workman Parish Administrator
Daniel Faber Organist
James Webb Sexton
VESTRY
Travis Baldwin
Senior Warden
Kris Morris Junior Warden
Julia Beury Treasurer
Christine Teague
Clerk
Matt Brown ‘18 Ray Lowther ‘18
Christy Morris ‘18 Cindy Melton ‘19 Dale Snyder ‘19
Christine Teague ‘19 Fred Boothe ‘20
Margaret Pomponio ‘20 Jessie Reckart ‘20
Rose Smith ‘20
MINISTRY CONTACTS
Acolyte Masters Matt Brown
Brian MacAulay
Altar Guild Karon Myers
Carter Blundon
Archives Mary Fitzgerald
Bell Choir
Ray Lowther
Christian Formation
Godly Play and Nursery
Maggie McCabe
Journey to Adulthood Robin O'Brien
Adult Bible Study Pat Hammer
Adult Forum The Rev. Marquita L.
Hutchens
Communications
St. John’s Interchange
Melora Cann
This Week at St. John's and Announcements
Patricia Hammer
Sunday service booklet
Linda Workman
Facebook and Website Jon Amores
Blaine Mullins
Compassionate Cities / Interfaith
Jon Amores
Eucharistic Ministers and Lectors
Travis Baldwin
Eucharistic Visitors TBA
Greeters
Dwight Foley Knitting Group
Mary Ann Deisen
Manna Meal
Bren Pomponio
Newcomers and Pastoral Care
Diane Hendricks
Op Shop / Back Door Thrift Shop
Cindy Melton
Outreach Donna Hamra Christy Morris
Parish Life Becky Burns
Photographer TBA
Property
Mike Klausing
Reading Camp Melinda DiCarlo Christy Morris
Margaret Lieberman Jeannine Boothe
Integrity / Straight and Gay Alliance
Travis Baldwin
Stewardship Fred Boothe
Doris Redfield Bren Pomponio
Taize
Ray Shackleford
Ushers TBA
Verger
Bob Westmoreland
Women in Faith, Fun and Fellowship
Mary Ann Deisen
Worship and Sacramental Services The Rev. Marquita L.
Hutchens
ST. JOHN’S EPISCOPAL CHURCH, CHARLESTON, WV
Established 1837 ~ Present Building consecrated 1901 ~ A Jubilee Center since 1985
Please address correspondence to: 1105 Quarrier Street, Charleston, WV 25301-2493 Email [email protected] / Telephone 304-346-0359 / Facsimile 304-342-2810
Website http://www.stjohnswv.org/ https://www.facebook.com/St John’s Charleston
Manna Meal has been feeding the less fortunate for 40 years. Employees have diligently served two meals a day, 365 days a year, which is about 400 meals a day. They host a volunteer appreciation party and a Christmas party for the Manna Meal clients, but they are always working and don't get to have any fun, themselves. So, Outreach at St. John's was honored to host a party for the Manna Meal employees and their guests on Dec. 10 in the conference room at Charleston Newspapers. There was plenty of food and fun – with a special thank you to Mike Pushkin for performing for us. We will definitely make this an annual event!
Photos (above) L - r: 1. Seated: James Martin, Tony Henderson, Luke Rodecker, Jesse Belcher, Molly Linehan. Background: Mary Anne Maul, Parrish Thompson, Jake Jarvis, Melinda DiCarlo, Country; 2. Mike Pushkin provided the entertainment; 3. Pictured are Luke Rodecker, Jesse Belcher, Molly Linehan, Robin O'Brien, Christy Morris, Jake Jarvis, James Martin, Tony Henderson; and, 4. Pictured are James Webb, Kathy Curry, Country, Anita Thompson.
story and photos by Donna Hamra
Story and photos by Bob Rosier
On Saturday, Jan. 6, the Day of the Epiphany, a host of Altar Guild members, assisted by other parishioners, removed all things Christmas from the nave, chapel, chancel and sanctuary and then cleaned up where Yuletide decorations had been and readied the altar for Epiphany. In the photos on the left, l-r: The Epiphany banner has already replaced the Christmas one, while figurines from the crèche are being boxed for safe keeping until next Advent. Olive Meyer vacuumed carpets in the chapel and nave after all decorations had been removed. Aaron Gumm (left) and Mike Klausing just put the Advent wreath in storage.
And a thank-you note…
…from Carter Blundon to all those who
helped put up and take down decorations for
Christmas at St. John’s, including:
Sue Nelson, Caitlyn Nelson, Michelle Lewis,
Carrie Swing, Aaron Gumm, Raymond Smith,
Diane Thorpe, Margaret Lieberman, Beth
Marquart, Ray Lowther, Doris Redfield, Linda
Workman, Olive Meyer, Mike Klausing, Daniel
Miller, Robert Jones, Karon Myers, Jessie
Reckart, and Maggie McEwuen.