This Week at St. John's
July 25 - July 31
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Sunday, July 28 is the Tenth Sunday after Pentecost.
The lessons and the collect for this Sunday can be found by clicking HERE.
This week begins the first of five consecutive Sundays that we read from the sixth chapter of the Holy Gospel according to John.
Many lectionary preachers from mainline denominations have nicknamed it “The
Bread of Life Series,” and in many cases, it is greeted with a collective groan.
I will tell you in advance that I do not plan to preach from the Gospel lesson every Sunday that we read from John for a couple of reasons.
Firstly, I still want us to focus on the letter to the Ephesians on at least one of those Sundays.
And secondly, I think there is more to be gained by encouraging you to read the chapter in its entirety in one sitting, rather than hearing it in snippets. You can do that by clicking HERE.
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Last Sunday’s reading from Mark intentionally left out a few verses in the middle. Those contained Mark’s rendering of the same story that we hear this week – the feeding of the multitudes, also known as the miracle of the loaves and the fishes.
I preached on Mark’s version of the story in one of my Thursday Evening Prayer sermons during the Lenten season. I don’t expect you to remember what I said way back then, so this Sunday, I’ll most likely touch on some of the same themes.
This may sound somewhat like an Education for Ministry (EfM) assignment, for those of you familiar with the program, but I’d like us all to ponder a couple of questions, whether or not you read ahead:
1. What comes to mind when you say, “Give us this day our daily bread,” in the Lord’s Prayer?
2. How do you reflect on Holy Communion each Sunday as you hear the words, “The body of Christ, the bread of heaven?”
My first thoughts as we approach these “Bread of Life” weeks are always on the feeding ministries of those churches where I’ve served. St. John’s is no exception.
Many of you give of your time to the Red Door Café, the Red Door Pantry, and the Taft Mobile Pantry's Fresh Food Days. You also enlist other congregations and organizations to assist in your efforts.
I make it a point to thank those who volunteer as I see them on Sundays. The reply I often receive is, “Thank you for the opportunity to serve!”
By your actions, you will hopefully realize that God is not merely working through you to provide for the needs of others. The nourishment you give is so much more than what is in the bags that you distribute. You are also revealing a sign of God’s love and care for all creation.
Join us for worship this coming Sunday at either 8:00 a.m. or 10:30 a.m.
And if the opportunity presents itself, invite and bring a friend!
+Pastor Abraham Allende
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Instructed Eucharist Continues TODAY!
WHY DO WE…?
Whenever we gather for worship we sing, we pray, we sit, we stand, we listen, we bow, we make the sign of the cross. But have you ever wondered why we do what we do?
Each week, guided by The Rev. Abraham D. Allende, we will explore this question together. This is a worship service designed to enrich and enhance our life together as a community of faith. At each point in the Eucharist, we will explain the purpose and meaning of our actions and the role each person plays in the service. We are all participants, so this service is for everyone, not just for those who are servers. A question and answer period will follow.
Each service is a unique lesson, however, the lessons are not cumulative and you can attend one and take away a deeper understanding of our Eucharist, or attend a few and continue to learn new lessons each week.
We have been meeting through July and will continue to gather Thursdays at 1 p.m. on August 1st, 8th, 15th, and 22nd.
Again, all are welcome and encouraged to attend. Come and worship!
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One Service in August
Through August, as we engage in discussion with our Small Groups, we will have ONE service at 9:30am with the small groups to follow.
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Small Group Sign Ups
We will be forming intentional small groups to continue the discussions we began in March about the health and future of St. John's and to continue building relationships. On Sundays in August, we will have one service of Holy Eucharist at 9:30 am followed by group conversations. Please sign up on the sheet on the bridge or here: (https://forms.gle/5ea6WMm2TFWPSzfE9)
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Taft Mobile Pantry Collection
We will be collecting to fund our Taft Mobile Pantry Grant. This grant is matched by First Presbyterian Church & the Diocese of Ohio. It helps deliver free groceries like meat, dairy, and fresh fruits and vegetables to families in our community. Our annual goal is $3000.00.
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Book Club Currently Reading
All are welcome to join in our book discussion of Kristin Hannah’s novel The Women.
The Women is the story of one woman gone to war, but it shines a light on all women who put themselves in harm’s way and whose sacrifice and commitment to their country has too often been forgotten.
A novel about deep friendships and bold patriotism, The Women is a richly drawn story with a memorable heroine whose idealism and courage under fire will come to define an era.
Discussion Date: Wednesday, August 14 from 6:00-7:00pm in St. John’s Parlor.
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Virtual Parish Fitness Challenge
Together we have reached our fourth destination in Province V of The Episcopal Church!
Christ Church Cathedral, St. Louis, Missouri was build during 1859-67 and is one of the few well-preserved surviving works of Leopold Eidlitz, a leading mid-19th-centure American architect. In 1994 it was designated a National Historic Landmark for this reason.
Located in downtown St. Louis, and originally organized by 26 people, Christ Church Cathedral is an inspiring space for worship, prayer, and advocacy for the neighborhood and city. Christ Church Cathedral is renowned for its stained glass windows and Aeolian-Skinner organ but its crowning glory is its reredos, the elegantly sculpted wall rising 35 feed behind the main altar.
Comprising 52 religious figures and biblical scenes, the reredos was carved between 1909 and 1911 from cream-colored stone excavated from Beer Quarry Caves, close to Exeter, England. Then its sections were shipped in 230 cases to the Cathedral.
To read more about Christ Church Cathedral, please visit visit their website website
The Diocese of Missouri states they are ONE church with nearly 10,000 followers of Jesus across 41 communities of faith, including several campus ministries. Read their mission statement below:
Walking humbly with God and our neighbors, we seek justice, act with love, and live the Good News of Jesus.
From their website, The Episcopal Diocese of Missouri states
We believe that God is calling the people of the Episcopal Diocese of Missouri to transform our churches, our communities and our world to reflect more and more God’s dream found in Jesus Christ. That dream that calls us to be a people who seek to be followers of Jesus who are forgiven, healed, strengthened and renewed. We seek a deeper connection with God and with each other as we journey together.
To read more visit their website.
All information has been taken from the Diocese of Missouri Website or the Christ Church Cathedral website.
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50 Years of Membership Celebration
We will honor our 50+ year members on Sunday, August 4th during the 9:30am service.
If you have been a St. John's member for 50+ years, please contact the office to ensure that you're not left out!
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Brunch on the Bridge - part of the 50 Years of Membership Celebration
Join us after our 9:30am service for a Grab-n-Go Brunch on the Bridge.
Coordinated by Parish Life and Growth, enjoy delicious brunch items as you depart to your Small Group meetings.
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Coffee Hour
Join us for refreshments each Sunday in the back of the church following the 10:30 am service. If you would be willing to bring baked goods (homemade or store bought) please sign-up in the back of the church.
If you are unable to serve but would like to bring baked goods, please state that when you sign up and someone will gladly serve for you.
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Prayer Requests
Please call the church with your prayer request or email Heather at: stjohnohio@gmail.com. These will be listed in the bulletin for one month.
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Newsletter
If you would like to submit something to The Good News - our monthly newsletter, send it to Heather at stjohnohio@gmail.com by the 20th of each month to be included in the next edition of The Good News.
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The Episcopal Church News | |
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Statement from Presiding Bishop Michael Curry regarding the recent acts of violence during the political rally.
"The way of love—not the way of violence—is the way we bind up our nation’s wounds. We decry political violence in any form, and our call as followers of Jesus of Nazareth is always to love. We pray for the families of those who were killed. We pray for former President Trump and his family and for all who were harmed or impacted by this incident. I pray that we as a nation and a world may see each other as the beloved children of God."
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Statement from Presiding Bishop- Elect Sean Rowe regarding recent acts of violence towards a local member of our beloved LGBTQ+ Community
Dear People of God in Northwestern Pennsylvania and Western New York:
A couple of weeks ago, some of us were attending the General Convention of the Episcopal Church, and at that convention we affirmed once again that LGBTQIA+ people are beloved children of God who should be treated with dignity and respect.
While we were away, a brutal crime unfolded near my hometown of Sharon, Pennsylvania, underscoring why we Christians must stand against the bigotry, hatred and murderous violence directed at people who live in danger due to their sexual orientation or gender identity. Pauly A. Likens Jr., a child who identified as transgender, was killed and her scattered remains were found at the Shenango Reservoir in Mercer County. A suspect is in custody, and he has been charged with first-degree murder.
It is hard to overstate the horror of this situation. A young person whose 15th birthday passed while she was missing has been taken from us in the most brutal way imaginable. She is not the only transgender child of God to have been murdered, in our region or elsewhere, simply for being who they are. I fear these kinds of incidents are due, in part, to extremist political rhetoric that advocates oppression and discrimination against some of the most vulnerable members of our society.
In my ministry, I have met many transgender followers of Jesus whose witness to the Gospel is deepened by their journeys to live authentically and to be the people God is calling them to be. In our church, faithful transgender people lead in ministries of every description. As laypeople, priests and deacons, they make essential contributions to their congregations, communities and dioceses. Transgender people deserve not only the same civil rights and guarantees of legal protection as any other person, but also the dignity and respect we accord to every child of God. More than that, they deserve to live in safety.
I ask you to pray for the repose of the soul of Pauly Likens, for Pauly’s family in their unimaginable grief, and for transgender people everywhere who are frightened by this savage killing. Pray too for the person who has been arrested for the crime, whose life has been destroyed by sin and fear. Most of all, I implore you to stand against hatred of transgender people in your community, your school, and wherever you encounter it, and be a source of God’s love for the transgender people in your life.
Faithfully,
Sean
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The Philadelphia Eleven Streaming Opportunity
In honor of the 50th anniversary of the ordination of the Philadelphia Eleven on July 29,1974, the film about the momentous event will be available to watch online on Kinema for the weekend before the event. You can purchase a ticket for $11 and then watch it anytime from 12:00 p.m. on July 26 until 12:00 p.m. on July 30.
An Invitation from the Canon for Innovation and Congregational Development
The Rev. Canon Audra Abt, Canon for Innovation and Congregational Development, will host four Zoom meetings. “Going Out and Meeting Christ: Practices for (re)engaging our local neighborhoods/areas for mission” will be held on Monday, July 29 from 6:30-7:30 p.m. and on Tuesday, August 6 from 12:00-1:00 p.m. “Transformed by Others in Jesus’ Name: Building mutual relationships with people not currently represented in our local church membership” will be held on Wednesday, August 21 from 6:30-7:30 p.m. and on Wednesday, August 28 from 12:00-1:00 p.m. What is learned during these summer calls will help set a monthly rhythm beginning in the fall. If you have questions or would like to be in the loop for when more opportunities arise, please contact the Rev. Canon Audra Abt.
Go Ape Zipline and Treetop Adventures
If you visit Go Ape Zipline and Adventure Park in Strongsville until August 4, use the discount code BELOVED24, and you’ll save 10% on your adventure. And for each ticket sold, 10% is donated to the Episcopal Diocese of Ohio. You can view the flyer here.
God's Mosaic: Exploring the Beauty of LGBTQ+ Identities
Save the Date: Join us for a transformative journey of self-discovery and spiritual exploration at our upcoming day retreat, "God's Mosaic: Exploring the Beauty of LGBTQ+ Identities." Embark on a day-long experience filled with reflection, dialogue, and community-building as we celebrate the rich diversity of LGBTQ+ identities and their profound significance within the realm of spirituality. The retreat will take place on the scenic grounds of St. Bartholomew, Mayfield Village on September 14, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. This retreat is open to all members of the LGBTQ+ community and their allies (18 and older, please). It is sponsored by Trinity Cathedral’s LGBTQ+ ministry, open to everyone in the Diocese of Ohio. Hosted by religious educator, Russ Tripi, the retreat will consist of interactive presentations, meaningful discussions, prayer and reflection, and opportunities to commune with nature. Lunch and snacks will be provided. The cost of the retreat is $50/per person to cover expenses.
Education for Ministry (EfM)
Education for Ministry (EfM) is a four-year program of group study intended to develop a richer foundation for life and ministry. The Diocese of Ohio has five active EfM groups, and they are each enrolling students for the fall. EfM covers Hebrew Scripture, the Christian Testament, Church History, and Theology. The program was developed by the School of Theology at the University of the South. Please discern this summer if EfM is the right next step in your own faith formation. Contact Diane Hexter, Diocese of Ohio EfM Coordinator, to learn more and to register.
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COVID Protocols
If you have tested positive for COVID this week, please notify the church by phone or email us by clicking the link below.
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Office Hours
Monday - Friday
8:30am - 4:00pm
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Join us on Sundays:
8:00 am Rite I Service with Eucharist
10:30 am Rite II Service with Eucharist
10:30 am Streaming on Facebook & YouTube
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