Behind the Scenes

Many Thanks to our Lay Ministers

On Saturday, 31 July, a significant number of Lay Ministers, turned out to attend training for service to St. John’s Episcopal church. We had approximately nine or our wonderful children for the Acolyte training which focused on procedure and protocols for the worship service. Huge thanks to the parents of those Acolytes participating. This was a morning training session followed by a picnic-styled lunch in which all participants had been invited to attend. While lunch was being served to the Jr. Acolytes “with lemonade in attendance” several parishioners interested in Lay Reading or being licensed or re-licensed to administer the chalicer gathered and also enjoyed the picnic lunch.

The Lector & Eucharistic Minister training was taught by Fr. Fred Poteet who led an instructed Holy Eucharist. Approximately fifteen current and interested parishioners attended and will soon be participating in our services. We welcome those who are new to the ministry, and extend our appreciation to those who have been serving in our services. For those who missed the opportunity to attend this session and have expressed interest in this ministry, Fr. Fred will be holding another session in early Fall in the evening.

We welcome with gratitude, Peggie Wiggins as the leader of the Greeters/Newcomers Area of Ministry. Mills Tomlin graciously reprised a recent workshop that was held at St. John’s for developing a plan to make our newcomers and parishioners welcome with Peggie’s assistance. Many thanks to both for a job well-done.

B. Anne Davis, Chair
Worship Committee

Watercolor Classes at St.John’s

Welcome home Joseph

Stephanie Steward and Joseph Ryder on the front page of today’s VaPilot will be married at SJEC in 2011. Stephanie attends the 11 o’clock service.  Thursday, July 29, 2010


Kidz Kamp 2010

[Click Here] to link to the complete album, 166 Kidz Kamp photos. Thanks Jen Morrison our Galatic Photographer!

July 25 – 29, 2010
6:30 – 8:30 pm

At St John’s Galactic Blast Vacation Bible School 2010, your cadets will voyage into outer space praising God. Through daily missions, your kids will see space like never before, gain a new perspective on our planet Earth, and learn easy “green” earth tips they can practice at home. This cosmic combination of faith and fun will have your cadets developing a personal relationship with God through Jesus Christ.

Christian Concert & Tides Game

DO YOU LOVE CHRISTIAN MUSIC? DO YOU LIKE BASEBALL?
You are cordially invited to join St. John’s parishioners  JULY 18, at a pre-game Christian music concert by the group Beyond the Veil 5:00-5:45 Followed by a Tides vs. Clippers game at 6:00. Please meet at the North Landing Ferry Dock at 4:30 to take the ferry to Harbor Park. Buy your Section 204 or 206 tickets at the door off the ferry dock.

August 1st Book Discussion

Please join the AWE women of St. John’s Church on Sunday, Aug. 1, following the 10:00 service for a salad lunch and book discussion of Beth Moore’s latest book, So Long Insecurity.

Bring a salad to serve six. Beverages and breads will be provided.

Hope you have enjoyed your summer reading of this book and are ready to discuss.

Questions: Call Doreen Sheler at 397-4388

Feeding the Homeless

Newcomers connect at St John’s through outreach ministry.
Welcome Mick & Linda Kaufman!

St. John’s, in partnership with five other downtown churches, serves supper to Portsmouth’s homeless through the summer.  Join us at 5:00 pm, Tuesday, July 20 to set tables, serve food and beverages and straighten up the the parish hall after supper. We expect to feed 60 people, so your help will be greatly appreciated.

Ministry to Westhaven Manor

St. John’s continues our ministry to Westhaven Manor.  In addition to its weekly bread and bakery donations to the home for underprivileged seniors, St. John’s donates small personal items for Manor residents.  Please help with your donations of toiletries, socks, shampoo, tooth-brushes, bar soap, lotions, large-print puzzle books, individually wrapped snacks or juice, and DVDs (they enjoy old movies, comedies and cartoons.)  A collection basket is provided in the Parish Hall.

Summer worship schedule begins June 27

Come, enjoy a traditional Rite I service at 8:00, or an exciting combined Rite II at 10:00 with choir, organist, and praise team.
Until Labor Day, St. John’s will celebrate its Rite II Eucharist at 10:00 AM, with the accompaniment of choir, organist, and praise team.

This 10:00 combined service gives us a wonderful opportunity to draw our community together in unity, to explore our strengths and common visions, and to return to our customary worship schedule with a better understanding of one another.

The Feast of Pentecost

fscn1097 On the feast of Pentecost, St. John’s commissioned 14 new acolytes.  Each received, as a symbol of their ministry, a hand made cross courtesy of Col. Ted Colby.  Click on the photo to enlarge.  Thanks everyone, for a wonderful feast day!