ST. JOHN’S EPISCOPAL CHURCH MARCH 2015 OCEAN SPRINGS, MISSISSIPPI

March at St. John’s

St. John’s Episcopal Church November 2016 Ocean Springs, Mississippi

Phone: 228-875-4454 Website: stjohnsoceansprings.dioms.org

Special Services in the Coming Month

(1) All Saints’ Day service at noon on November 1 (2) All Saints’ Sunday service on Sunday, November 6. Will include prayers for the deceased during the Eucharistic prayer. If you have someone you would like remembered on All Saints’ Sunday, please record their name on the information blank on the ministry table in the parish hall. All Saints’ Sunday will also be an opportunity to be baptized. To arrange for a baptism on All Saints’ Sunday, please see the clergy as soon as possible. (3) Thanksgiving worship service on Wednesday, November 23 at 5:30 p.m. Thanksgiving is one of two civil holidays on the liturgical calendar of the Episcopal Church. (4) The first Sunday of Advent will be Sunday, November 27. Advent is a season of expectant waiting and preparation for the celebration of the Nativity of Jesus at Christmas. The term is a version of the Latin word meaning "coming”. Latin adventus is the translation of the Greek word parousia, commonly used to refer to the Second Coming of Christ. For Christians, the season of Advent anticipates the coming of Christ from two different perspectives. The season offers the opportunity to share in the ancient longing for the coming of the Messiah, and to be alert for his Second Coming. Advent is the beginning of the Western liturgical year and commences on the fourth Sunday before Christmas. Practices associated with Advent include keeping an Advent calendar, lighting an Advent wreath, praying an Advent daily devotional, as well as other ways of preparing for Christmas, such as setting up Christmas decorations, a custom that is sometimes done liturgically, through a hanging of the greens ceremony.

The Grapevine

Jackson County Pet Shelter Please consider donating the following items to the Jackson County Pet Shelter: Clorox Bleach, Non-Clumping Clay Cat Litter, Dawn Dish Soap, Animal Shampoo, Liquid Laundry Soap, Paper Towels, Newspaper; and Food—Dogs (Purina, Pedigree, Beneful), Puppies (Purina, Pedigree, Beneful), Cats (Purina, 9 Lives, Friskies, Meow Mix), Kittens (Purina). For more information about the Jackson County Pet Shelter contact Jill Roth. Spanish Lessons Are you interested in practical Spanish lessons? The Rev. Margarita Swetman is available to teach Spanish lessons. Schedule to be determined by participants. Contact Margarita for more information 228-273-2425, or sign-up in the parish hall. Donations to Spanish-speaking ministry gratefully accepted.

St. John’s

Chancel Choir The adult choristers of St. John’s meet for rehearsal at 7:00 p.m. on Wednesdays in the choir room on the second floor of the education center under the direction of the Choirmaster, Cynthia Ramseur. Some of the choristers sing at the 9:00 a.m. Sunday Family Service and some sing at the 11:15 a.m. Sunday Principal Service. For more information about the Chancel Choir contact Cynthia Ramseur.

Family Night at Wonderful Wednesdays. “Family Night” at Wonderful Wednesdays is the first Wednesday of the month. Come to celebrate parish birthdays and share cake. Fun for the whole family. For more information contact Cecil George Smith.

L e a r n i n g , S e r v i n g . . . H a p p e n i n g

Merry Widows The Merry Widows generally

meet on the first Friday of the Month at 5:00 p.m. The November meeting is Nov. 4 at 5:30 p.m. at Anthony’s Under the Oaks. Contact Ame Severson to RSVP at 228-327-0689.

Sanctuary Choir Sanctuary Choir is the new name for choir for children and youth, ages 3rd grade – Middle School. They meet on Tuesdays at 4:30 p.m. in the choir room. For more information contact Cynthia Ramseur, 228-282-5000. Tuesday 4:30 p.m.

Nursery Nursery Care is available

for young children on Sundays during the 9:00 a.m. worship service, Adult Bible Study (or, Adult Forum), and the 11:15 a.m. worship service.

Nursery Care is also

available during the Wednesday evening, 5:30 p.m. worship service.

The “Joy” Room next to

the nursery has live video and audio of the service for parents with unhappy babies.

Coffee Hour Sunday Coffee Hours are

the perfect time to meet new and old friends. We host two coffee hours every Sunday morning: 8:00 a.m. - 9:00 a.m. and 10:15 a.m. - 11:15 a.m. Come to coffee hour and greet newcomers and meet parishioners who attend a different service.

St. John’s

Children’s Chapel Children’s Chapel is held during the 9:00 a.m. Sunday worship service each week. Children process to the Children’s Chapel during the “Sequence Hymn” (the hymn that follows the second lesson). All preschool and elementary school age children are invited to attend Children’s Chapel.

Centering Prayer Centering Prayer meets

on Thursdays at 5:00 p.m. For more information, contact Sharon Manuel at 229-9307.

H a p p e n i n g Mission, Minist ry . . .

Sunday School is back in session each Sunday at 10:05 a.m. Everyone is invited to attend. For more information regarding Sunday School at St. John’s contact Alexis Williams, 228-239-1429.

L e a r n i n g , S e r v i n g

Adult Forum The Adult Forum meets one Sunday a month during the coffee hour (at 10:10 a.m.). For more information about Adult Forum, contact John Switzer. You can reach John at 251-380-4669. Bell Choir St. John’s Bell Choir meets on a variable schedule. For more information about St. John’s Bell Choir, contact Martha Thompson at 228-875-7331. Wonderful Wednesdays Wonderful Wednesday Dinner Volunteers. Eight teams of volunteers rotate preparing dinner for “Wonderful Wednesdays” at St. John’s. For more information call Melissa Johnson at 228-231-1235 or Cecil George Smith at 228-424-6899.

Morning Prayer While many say Morning Prayer as a private devotion, it is really meant to be prayed in community. If you have never prayed Morning Prayer in community, this is an excellent opportunity to experience it. For those of you who are familiar with the service, it will be like visiting with an old friend. Join us at St. John's, any morning, Tuesday through Friday, at 9:15 a.m.

St. John’s

Thursday Theology Group Thursday Theology Group with the Rev. Harold Roberts meets on the second and fourth Thursday of the month at 2:00 p.m. in the Kindness Room on the second floor of our education center. For more information contact the Rev. Harold Roberts: 228-380-4700. Second and Fourth Thursday 2:00 p.m.

The Lord is My Help St. John’s is responsible for volunteers for The Lord is My Help on a rotating schedule. If you can volunteer, contact Peggy Butera (228-875-7049) or Jim Lancaster.

St. Luke’s Guild St. Luke’s Guild meets on the third Thursday of the month for their monthly potluck dinner. St. Luke’s is composed of ladies from St. John’s and the community who meet for fellowship and support our preschool. Everyone is invited - come make a new friend.

Saints & Sinners Saints & Sinners (the men’s group of St. John’s) meet on the second Tuesday of each month. All the men of the parish are invited to join in the fun. For more information on Saints & Sinners contact Terry Armstrong at 228 238 3557. Second Tuesday of the Month 6:00 p.m.

H a p p e n i n g

Happening

Ultreya Ultreya. St. John’s has

several Ultreya groups. The first meets on Mondays at 9:00 a.m. in the Rawls Room. Another meets on Mondays at 5:30 p.m. at Foley Ranson’s Office. The third meets the third Tuesday of the month at 5:30 p.m. in the parish hall. The fourth meets on Wednesdays at 4:30 p.m. in the Rawls Room. The fifth meets at Pat Spear’s home on Thursday mornings at 8:00 a.m. The sixth meets monthly on the 1st Tuesday at 5:30 p.m. For more information about Ultreya at St. John’s, contact Lena Melton (219-9711) or Foley Ranson (990-5548).

Spanish Language Holy

Eucharist Spanish Language Holy

Eucharist meets Sunday evening at 4:00 p.m.: Our Spanish-language service with the Rev. Margarita Swetman; brings together communities and cultures to celebrate God in the Episcopal tradition.

St. John’s M i s s i o n , M i n i s t r y

Adult Bible Study

Adult Bible Study with the Rev. Bruno Schroeder meets in the Kindness Room on Sunday mornings at 10:10 a.m. and Wednesday Mornings at 10:00 a.m. For more information contact Bruno Schroeder at 228-697-3376.

Daughters of the King

The Daughters of the King

meet on the first Tuesday of the month. Contact Ginny Dugaw (360-661-0691) or Kay Cox (228-239-9275) for more information about the Daughter’s of the King.

Healing Service Public Service of Healing with

Anointing and the Holy Eucharist is held each Wednesday at 5:30 p.m. Nursery care available during the worship service. Worship service is followed with dinner in the parish hall.

EYC meets once a month at one of the member parishes. EYC-East Gulf Coast is a ministry of Church of the Redeemer, Biloxi; St. Mark's, Gulfport; and St. John's, Ocean Springs. All Middle School and High School age youth are invited. For additional details, contact Luke Gautier at 228-617-0905.

Sundays, Once-a-Month 4:30 p.m.

Flowers and Lamps Did you know? There are

weekly opportunities throughout the year to remember those you loved – either in memory or in thanksgiving. Altar Flowers are 450, Madonna Flowers are $25, and Lamps are $6.

The sign-up book in on the Ministry Table in the Parish Hall. Envelopes are available for your convenience to mail in or bring in your check.

S R . W AR DE N N OT E S Each Vestry meeting begins by saying the following prayer together. O God, by whom the meek are guided in judgment, and light riseth up in darkness for the godly: Grand us, in all our doubts and uncertainties, the grace to ask what thou wouldest have us to do, that the Spirit of wisdom may save us from all false choices, and that in thy light we may see light, and in thy straight path may not stumble; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen September Vestry Meeting: Treasurer’s report was accepted. St. John’s financial audit, covering fiscal years 2014 and 2015 has been completed by, Jason Keenum, CPA. Financial statements for both years were found to be in compliance with generally Accepted Accounting Practices. August Vestry minutes approved. Copies available on hall bulletin board. Ms. Mike Cuevas will be collecting donations for the Jackson County Animal Hospital on Sunday, October 2nd and Wednesday, October 5. At this writing $350 had been raised for the shelter. Cheers, kudos, thanks to Ms. Mike and all who donated. The Spanish Language worship service on Sunday afternoons at 4:00 has been added to the church sign. Lay Ministry Fair – October 2nd. For those who were unable to attend this event Time and Talent cards are available in all the pews. Thank you to all the committees for setting up the displays and greeting our parishioners. Stewardship Sunday will be October 30. There will be one worship service around the Labyrinth at 10:30. A catered lunch will follow. Julia Weaver and Nita Owen are co-chairing this years campaign. Tom McGraw is in charge of the lunch. The four outgoing vestry members will begin the process for nominations to the Vestry. Their term will expire at the Annual Meeting in January. Watch for information in the Sunday bulletin and email. Thank you for your continued use of the suggestion box. All ideas are passed on to the appropriate person and/or discussed at the Vestry Meeting. We value your input. Informal annual review questions for Vestry and Rector were distributed. Cindy will collect and report on results at the October Vestry meeting. -Cindy Johnson, Sr. Warden

J R . W AR DE N N OT E S

Multiple repairs were made during October throughout the Parish Hall and Education Building. The Viking Refrigerator was repaired; the grease trap vacuumed; the kitchen hand washing sink drainage opened; the upstairs women’s restroom repaired; and the air conditioning units cleaned and dampers closed to reduce humidity in the choir room. The leaking windows in the Melton Room were caulked to prevent leaking inside and the room repainted. A Fall Cleanup was scheduled for October 22 to prepare for the outside church service and picnic on Stewardship Sunday, October 30. Thank you for all the volunteers and staff members who help to keep up the building and grounds. A special note of appreciation goes out this month to Dr. Ben Cheney for his work to repair the pew kneelers. He has suggested that our historic pews are in need of cleaning and an application of tung oil to cover the minor scratches and dents. Perhaps you have a favorite pew you would like to work on. A group of 20 or more volunteers are needed to get the work done quickly so the tung oil has a chance to dry in time for the next service. A date will be announced soon to meet and work on the pews. Please email lgbishopos@gmail.com or call Gail Bishop at 601-454-4251 if you are interested. -Gail Bishop, Jr. Warden

Music Notes To 11:15-ers who love to sing: we want to continue to grow the ensemble at the 11:15 service. Currently we have three singers who lead music and liturgy for that service. We practice each Sunday at 10:45. Call Cynthia if you are interested! 282-5000. Singing the psalm at Sunday services: Usually on Sunday mornings we sing one of two simplified Anglican chants for the psalm. Occasionally we sing a metrical version of the psalm to a well-known hymn. To help us sing with one voice, there are some rules of thumb: -To improve our unison singing and to better amplify the text, breath only with punctuation (which is not always at the end of the printed line of text) -Voices sing just after the organ sounds the chord changes – that allows singers to hear the chords before During the season of Epiphany, I hope to introduce a new chant to the congregation. More on that after the New Year! -Cynthia Ramseur

Choral Evensong and Organ Concert

We will celebrate the completion of the organ restoration project in loving memory of Kay Duda and Kevin Benefield with a Choral Evensong on Thursday, December 1, 6:30 pm. Dr. Michaelle Harrison is our guest organist. Several choristers from the coast convocation will join our Chancel, Sanctuary and Handbell Choirs. The 1960 Wicke Pipe Organ will serve St. John’s Parish for many generations to come. Praise be to God.

WONDERFUL WEDNESDAY ROTA November is shaping up to be a tasty, fun month for Wonderful Wednesday dinners. Elva O’Brian is planning a Latin Fusion menu for November 9. The meal will feature a Cuban taco buffet, Costa Rican rice, Mexican salad, and Latin American mango pudding. Chocolate and black bean brownies will finish the feast. You might be the best turkey caller at St John’s! Start practicing today. The second annual Turkey Calling Contest will follow the November 16 dinner. Bring the children and come prepared. There will be judges, prizes, and loads of laughter. Gobble, Gobble, Gobble. Make Wednesday at St John’s a weekly event. The five-dollar meal is a delicious bargain and our children, as always, are non-paying guests. November 2 Lena Melton drlena2@gmail.com 219-9711 or 875-8480 Gloria Richmond gloriarichmond1940@yahoo.com 238-0108, Lisa Baker* lbaker@ossdms.org 282-3733, Jean Hanlin robertkhanlin@bellsouth.net 282-3386, Lynda Knight lynd_knight@yahoo.com 875-4896, Jo Anne Calhoun drjocalhoun@yahoo.com 875-8928, Meribeth Hopper 875-715, Kate Penrose irmadukate@hotmail.com 282-9332, Merrill Markham merrill73@yahoo.com 257-0391, Bill Schaum 872-4024 Virginia Montgomery mvmonty@gmail.com 228 238 4230, Jill Roth ronj0804@bellsouth.net 228-990-1844

November 9 Becky Stanley* becagrand1@hotmail.com 282-0155, Steve Miner steveminer@yahoo.com 228-424-0145, Debbie Miner debbie.miner@yahoo.com 228-324-8317, Millie Page milliepage@gmail.com 228-324-8317, Cindy Johnson cindysjohnson79@gmail.com 314-616- 4622, Elva O’Brian 228-760-7717

November 16 Lee Armstrong lee_armstrong@co.jackson.ms.us 238-3556, Toni Norman* 239-5452, Margarita Swetman 228-273-2425, Missy Garoza 505-259-7220 mgaroza@unm.edu, Lynn Rich lynnrich1098@gmail.com 228-281-3768

November 23 No Wonderful Wednesday dinner tonight

November 30 Melissa Johnson melissadjl@gmail.com 239-1235, Rhonda Yegerlehner* 238-8132 Linda Schroeder* lbsms@aol.com 875-8173, C.G. Smith, cgsmith1945@yahoo.com 424-6899, Alta Mereo themereos@gmail.com 282-0196, Jeanne Grigsby jgrigsby68@gmail.com 875-8513, Shelia Muzzy* bmuzz@aol.com 985-707-3912

December 7 Stuart Smith stuartabcsmith@yahoo.com 508-371-6812, Cynthia Ramseur cynthram@bellsouth.net 282-5000, Becky Stanley becagrand1@hotmail.com 282-0155, Lisa Greenberg 215-0055, Charlie Clark cmackeyclark@gmail.com 875-1343, Gail Bishop lgbishopos@gmail.com 601-454-4251, Flinda Hill* flindahill@bellsouth.net 238-7650

December 14 Darlene Stuart kdstuart152@cableone.net 347-8325 or 365-6246, Bonnie Luft 875-8553 (h) 547-7424, Harriet Perry harrietperry@bellsouth.net 875-2713, Jill Roth ronj0804@bellsouth.net 228-990-1844,

December 21 Stuart Smith stuartabcsmith@yahoo.com 508-371-6812, Cynthia Ramseur cynthram@bellsouth.net 282-5000, Becky Stanley becagrand1@hotmail.com 282-0155, Lisa Greenberg 215-0055, Charlie Clark cmackeyclark@gmail.com 875-1343, Gail Bishop lgbishopos@gmail.com 601-454-4251, Flinda Hill* flindahill@bellsouth.net 238-7650

December 28 Anne Williams annfwilliams@cableone.net 324-2203, Mark Seepe seepemesr@gmail.com 382-7549, Kay Cox kaycox711@gmail.com 239-9275, Mike Cuevas 228-493-4002, Skip Baxter skip.baxter@yahoo.com 228 324 0306

January 4 Ame Severson* aaseverson@aol.com 327-0689 or 872-9673, Leah Snyder eastbeach@cableone.net 806-9481, Lynn Rich lynnrich1098@gmail.com 228-281-3768, Rhonda Yegerlehner 238-8132, Virginia Montgomery mvmonty@gmail.com 228- 238-4230, Glen Huff huffrg@yahoo.com 228-875-1762, Sheila Turner sheilak1603@cableone.net 228-365-6069, Steve Moniot papasteve1260@yahoo.com 228 424 2338

Ann Driebergen outlander7@att.net 228-826-3859 is an extra hand with prep in the kitchen. She usually makes the salad. * Can substitute in the kitchen if given twenty-four hours notice.

*Following the Wednesday night service, the parish enjoys a meal prepared by one of eight teams. Everyone is invited. The first Sunday of the month is a birthday celebration with cake provided by our Ultreya Cursillo Group; the third Sunday of the month features a children's activity. We welcome all children each week but try to have something special for our little ones at the third Wednesday meal.

Christmas Pageant -Presented by our Children and Youth on Christmas Eve, Saturday, Dec. 24, 4:00 p.m. -Please sign up your family member who wish to participate in this year’s Pageant! Sign-up forms are in the Parish Hall, or call the church office: 228-875-4454. -If your children (3 & up) or youth (though High School) would like to participate, please complete the form in the Parish Hall to Assist us with planning. There will always be a place for friends and family to participate at the last minute, but the primary participants need to be identified early so we have ample costumes. -We need singers, instrumentalists, readers, angels, stars, shepherds, stable animals, wisemen, and a holy family. -Practices will take place during Advent Church School hour. Thank you! -Katherine Kingren (501-608-3785)

Coast EYC Coast EYC will meet on Sunday, November 20, from 4:30-7:00 p.m. at St. John’s Pascagoula. We will create and distribute Thanksgiving Baskets to families in need. Please bring canned goods and non-perishable food for our effort. Thanks! - Luke Gautier

Thank You for Your Generosity

St. John’s is such a generous church. We have had several successful collection drives over the past month. -Pet Shelter: Donations of food and cleaning supplies were made and have been taken to the shelter. In addition, $350 was donated, which will be divided into three increments and used to purchase food and supplies over the next 3 months. -Honduras Medical Mission: We collected four large trash bags full of medical supplies which Fr. Charles and Deacon Linda took to the Gray Center for the Diocesan Honduras Medical Mission.

Christmas Flowers Christmas Eve and Christmas Day Altar and Nave Flowers are always very special. Sign up on the pink sheets in the Altar Flower Book on the ministry table in the Parish Hall. Please note in memory of or in thanksgiving for your loved ones.

PRAYING IT FORWARD A Capital Campaign for St. John’s $725,000 - goal $737,506 – pledged (146 pledges) $412,152.46 – paid on pledges (through July 31, 2016) $325,353.54 to go

FINANCIAL UPDATE Year-to-Date Report: August 2016 Actuals vs. Budget Tithes, Offerings, etc.: $246,287 $262,538 Expenses: $251,225 $286,937 At the end of August, the parish was below budget for "Tithes, Offerings, etc." For the first time this year, St. John’s was “in the red” (with “expenses” exceeding “income”).

VESTRY NOMINATIONS Each year four (4) Vestry members rotate off the vestry at the Annual Meeting in January and four (4) new

members are elected. This year Tristan Armer, Kay Cox, Charles Smith and Marty Capalbo (filled remaining one year of Angela Bishop's term) terms will end. Tristan, Kay and Charles have completed a three year term and are not eligible for re-election, however, Marty has only served one year so he is eligible for re-election. Tristan, Kay and Charles will comprise the nominating committee. If you are interested in being nominated to the ministry of Vestry, please speak to a member of the nominating committee.

Mailing Address

Grapevine St. John’s St. John’s Episcopal Church 705 Rayburn Avenue Ocean Springs, MS 39564 Electronic Service Requested

R E Q U E S T S F O R P R A Y E R

There are two prayer lists kept at St. John’s. (1) the prayer list that is regularly published for the entire congregation kept by the parish office (2) the confidential prayer list kept by the Daughters of the King. Requests for the published prayer list can be made or renewed by use of the notebook in the vestibule, by

note, or by phone, or by text, or by email. Phone or text: 228-238-7010. Email: charles.hawkins@me.com For a month’s time your requested prayer will be published by the parish for the prayer of the entire

congregation. Prayers requested for the sick, will also be offered verbally each week at the Public Service of Healing with the Holy Eucharist and Anointing with Oil.