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

March at St. John’s

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

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

Stewardship Sunday Is Coming

Congregations that approach financial stewardship from a biblical perspective do not view the money Christians give to their church merely as a way to pay its bills. Rather, such congregations see financial contributions as a way to help people grow spiritually in their relationship with God by supporting their church’s mission and ministry with a percentage of their incomes. St. John’s, as a way to teach the biblical and spiritual principles of generous giving in our stewardship education emphasis this year, has asked the Rev. Patrick Sanders of be our “Stewardship Consultant.” The Rev. Sander’s approach is based on the biblical philosophy of the need of the giver to give for his or her own spiritual development, rather than on the need of the church to receive. Instead of treating people like members of a social club who should pay dues, we will treat people like followers of Jesus Christ who want to give unselfishly as an act of discipleship. The Rev. Sanders encourages people toward proportionate and systematic giving in response to the question, “What percentage of my income is God calling me to give?” During morning worship on Stewardship Sunday, October 30, we are asking our attendees and members to make their financial commitments to our church’s mission and ministry in this community and around the world. Every attendee and member who completes an Estimate of Giving Card does so voluntarily by attending morning worship on Stewardship Sunday. We urge people to attend who feel strongly opposed to completing a card. The procedure is done in such a way that no one feels personal embarrassment if he or she chooses not to fill out a card. We will do no home solicitation this year to ask people to complete cards. During morning worship on October 30, the Rev. Sanders will conduct a brief period of instruction and inspiration, climaxed by members making their commitments as a confidential act of worship. We will encourage participation in Stewardship Sunday. Since we will make no follow-up visits to ask people to complete their cards, we will make every effort to inform, inspire, and commit everyone to attend Stewardship Sunday worship. Thanks in advance for your enthusiastic participation in Stewardship Sunday events.

The Grapev ine

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 October meeting is Oct. 14 at 5:30 p.m. at McElroy’s on the Bayou. 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.

Center ing Prayer Centering Prayer meets

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

Ha ppe n i n g Mis s ion , Min i s t 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. Bel l 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. Wonderfu l 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 i s 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 Euchar is t

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.

Heal ing Serv ice 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.

DOK Lit t le Dresses

The Little Dresses project will meet on Tuesday Oct 4th, from 10:00 -11:30 a.m. Please bring scissors, pins, and lots of smiles. For more information, contact Martha Thompson: 228-875-7331.

SR . WAR DEN NOT ES

As Christians, we draw our life and identity from Christ, we learn to love the things He loves --- one another, our neighbors, our enemies and the world at large. The Vestry thanks the St. John’s community for your energy, enthusiasm and commitment to living out Christ’s love. August Vestry Meeting: -Father Patrick Sanders made a presentation on Stewardship. -Finance Report accepted as presented. Note: Praying it Forward received $15,000 this past month and annual giving continues to receive new pledges. -July Vestry minutes approved: copy available on hall bulletin board -Debbie Miner and Charles Smith will be “Vestry Members on Duty” in September. -Insurance audit requested an inventory of all St. John’s person property and contents. -Outreach:

• Mike Cuevas volunteered to organize a can food drive Sunday, September 11 (collected 224 cans!) for The Lord is My Help and Samaritan Food Pantry. Sunday, October 2 and Wednesday, October 5 she will collect donations for the Jackson County Animal Shelter. Each donor receives a gift made by Ms. Mike.

• Beau Cox continues to make trips with donations to victims of the flood in Louisiana. Diapers,

wipes and baby formula requested but all items welcome.

The Vestry is grateful to Ms. Mike and Beau for their outreach. -Parish Life:

• Cooking teams will resume their schedule on September 7 after a summer reprieve of catered meals. Cecil George has once again done a superb job of organizing the schedule and the teams. Wednesdays at St. John’s are truly “wonderful”.

• Lay Ministry Fair will be Sunday, October 2 from 8:15 – 9:00 and 10:00 – 11:15. Lena Melton has

a new ministry called The Power of One, one thing you can do one time. The Vestry encourages everyone to come join in the fellowship and sign up for one of St. John’s lay ministries.

-Vestry suggestion box is in the entry to the Parish Hall. We encourage your input. Thank you to all the members of the Vestry. They are prompt to meetings, hard working, committed and faithful. I am truly grateful.

-Cindy Johnson, Sr. Warden

JR . WAR DEN NOT ES

• Based on the church’s budget, the executive committee prioritized repairs that are needed. • The Vestry approved the repairs to the Viking refrigerator in the kitchen. Replacement parts were

ordered, and the repair technician is waiting for them to arrive. • Until the needed repair to the drainage problem in the kitchen to the outside grease trap is determined

by our plumber, the water faucet to the hand washing sink was turned off and sink covered. • Our carpenter/painter was contacted to do the repairs around the window trims in the Melton Room.

Water has seeped into the walls. • The elevator will be inspected as required annually by state law. The Parish Hall sprinkler system

will also be inspected. • We also hope to determined the high humidity problem related to the A/C upstairs and have that

repaired. -Gail Bishop, Jr. Warden

SUNDAY SCHOOL

Sunday School has gotten off to a great start. Each Sunday, all children will meet upstairs for a snack and fun beginning at 10:05. We will break out into classes from 10:30-11:00. We are still in need of teachers for a few days this Fall. If you can help, please let Alexis Williams know – alexiswilliams@yahoo.com or 228-238-1429. We need Preschool teachers on October 2 and October 9 and a K-2 adult helper on December 4. Preschool preparation is easy! The Church Office prepares everything in advance, and all materials are in the room waiting on you. Caroline Wiygul presents Godly Play for k-2, and an adult is needed to assist. There is also a class for young adults that meets in the Library following the 9:15 a.m. service. Thank you to all of our teachers who make Sunday School possible. They are Caroline Wiygul, Stacie Armer, Angela Alston-Ross, Lynda Brokl, Heather Denison, Maraya Slaff, Emily Shepherd, Germaine Gottsche-Wilson, Alexis Williams, Darlene Stuart, Charlie Clark, Cynthia Ramseur, and Bonnie Luft.

ST. JOHN’S PRESCHOOL

St. John’s Preschool is celebrating their 50th year! Founded by Kay Woods in 1966, the Preschool has helped educate generations of children. We started the year off on September 6th with almost 50 children. It was a wonderful day with smiles everywhere.

WONDERFUL WEDNESDAY ROTA

-October 5 - 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,

-October 12 - 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

-October 19 - 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

-October 26 - 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

-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

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.

Let’s Jump Start the Giving Season! Taking care of animals … Sunday, October 2 and Wednesday, October 5 volunteers will have very special Christmas ornaments and decorations for modest donations to the St. John’s ministry for animals at the Jackson County Animal Shelter. A display of items available can be seen beginning September 11 in the Parish Hall. Our goal is to raise $500 to purchase food and supplies needed by the shelter to care for the animals until adoption. Herb Moore graciously donated all the trims and fabrics used for the ornaments and other decorations.

JACKSON COUNTY ANIMAL SHELTER

Thank you to all who have generously supported the Jackson County Pet Shelter with food, cleaning supplies and cash donations. Please continue to remember the shelter by picking up needed items next time you are in the grocery store and placing them in the basket designated for the shelter in the church foyer. Also, the Blessing of the Pets is Wednesday evening, October 5th. Please consider giving a special donation to the shelter on that day.

SAMARITAN MINISTRY

The Samaritan Ministry is very grateful for your contributions and support. If you have clothes for the clothes closet at Samaritan Ministry, please drop them off at the Samaritan Ministry Office at the back West parking lot of the St. Martin Library. If you have household items or items other than food or clothing, please drop those items off at Goodwill Industries, America’s Thrift, or other locations. As always, food donations to the pantry are collected in the large basket in the Parish Hall. God Bless You! -Deacon Jim Lancaster

OCTOBERFEST AT ST. JOHN’S

On Wednesday, October 5th, Wonderful Wednesday dinner will transform into a Mississippi-style OctoberFest. Darlene Stuart and her team are promising a German feast to Welcome Fall. Get in the mood for cooler weather with stuffed cabbage rolls, steamed brats, and genuine German potato salad. Top it off with Apple Betty and a sip of German beer. Come join the fun. If the mood is right, we might even Chicken Dance!

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: July 2016 Actuals vs. Budget Tithes, Offerings, etc.: $223,834.84 $215,716.69 Expenses: $202,679.78 $251,069.50 At the end of July, the parish is ahead of budget for “Tithes, Offerings, etc.” and under budget on expenses. It is very unusual for the parish to not have cash flow problems during the summer. July was a pleasant surprise for the Treasurer and Vestry in this regard. Our annual giving campaign this year will be called “Stewardship Sunday.” The Rev. Patrick Sanders will be our consultant. Mark October 30th on your calendar as an important date!

ART OF GIVING

Annual Giving Campaign for 2016

Thank you to those who have turned in their 2016 pledge cards.

141 pledges received totaling $319,908

In 2015, 136 pledges were received totaling $330,266

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.