This coming Sunday, June 3, the youth that have been studying the meaning of the church through the program offered called StoryLine, will be doing the greater portion of our service. They will serve as acolytes, readers, lead Prayers of the People, and will offer, during the sermon time, some thoughts on what they have learned through this program. As a part of this service they will also be recognized as moving from childhood to young adulthood. Please welcome these young people and congratulate them on the accomplishments they have made at St. John’s.
The Parish Office will be closed on Friday, June 8th.
A Prayer for a Time of Transition:
Almighty God, we pray that the power of Christ’s love may be present in our lives as we, the people of St. John the Evangelist, enter a time of prayerful discernment and transition to new leadership. May the Holy Spirit illumine the hearts and minds of those who have the responsibility to lead us as we prepare to build on the vision that is before us. Let not the prospect of change be an occasion for fear and confusion, but rather a time to build trust and increase understanding that Christ’s love may be made known between us and among us that your will may be done. Amen.
Thursday, May 31, 2012
Wednesday, May 30, 2012
Sermon: Pentecost, The Very Rev. Anthony Thurston
Some years back, about eight years after becoming the Dean at Trinity Cathedral, a job possibility came my way that really turned me on. I got the “itch” for that job. Over a period of months I’m presuming a lot of candidates were looked over and near the end of that search, I was one of the candidates that was personally visited for an interview. So then I waited to hear—a week, a couple of weeks went by, then a month, and a few more weeks—for the phone call that never came. Finally one day I got the “Dear Dean Thurston” letter which informed me that another person had been chosen for the job. I felt disappointed and devastated. A door was shammed shut on me and I felt powerless.
In the weeks that followed, I struggled to cope with what I felt as a personal rejection. I pretended that I didn’t really care that much—too proud to admit how much I was hurt. But Chris knew, and a few close friends knew. Then there were those moments of HUGE EGO when I thought to myself, “Those idiots, they could have had me and they chose someone else. They probably deserve what they got!”
Perhaps-- at sometime in your life-- you’ve experienced your powerlessness to control your future, too.
In the weeks that followed, I struggled to cope with what I felt as a personal rejection. I pretended that I didn’t really care that much—too proud to admit how much I was hurt. But Chris knew, and a few close friends knew. Then there were those moments of HUGE EGO when I thought to myself, “Those idiots, they could have had me and they chose someone else. They probably deserve what they got!”
Perhaps-- at sometime in your life-- you’ve experienced your powerlessness to control your future, too.
Friday, May 25, 2012
Readings for the Day of Pentecost: May 27, 2012
O God, who on this day taught the hearts of your faithful people by sending to them the light of your Holy Spirit: Grant us by the same Spirit to have a right judgment in all things, and evermore to rejoice in his holy comfort; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Thursday, May 24, 2012
E-bulletin
Draft of Updated Parish Directory Available for Review. Thanks to all who have turned in new membership forms and address/phone number/e-mail updates! This Sunday, May 27th we will have a draft of the updated directory available for your review. Please take a moment before or after the 8:00 a.m. or 10:00 a.m. services to check your entry and make any necessary corrections/additions. The draft will also be available for review at the Wednesday, May 30th and Thursday, May 31st services. You can send edits directly to Sue at office@stjohnsmilwaukie.org by May 31st. Watch for the updated Parish Directory early in June.
Youth fundraiser for the Mission Trip:
Eat out at Burgerville! The youth will be at Burgerville in Gladstone on Tuesdays, May 29th & June 19th from 5-8pm to fund-raise for the mission trip. During this time, the youth will be serving and busing the tables in the restaurant and will receive 10% of the evenings profits. In addition, the manager has agreed to add 25 cents for each "specialty" milk shake that is included with a meal, to the group's profits. Be sure to plan ahead and buy scrip and come enjoy an evening of fellowship with other church members, good food and support the youth. Invite your family and friends as well. Remember it is Strawberry season at Burgerville!
Youth fundraiser for the Mission Trip:
Eat out at Burgerville! The youth will be at Burgerville in Gladstone on Tuesdays, May 29th & June 19th from 5-8pm to fund-raise for the mission trip. During this time, the youth will be serving and busing the tables in the restaurant and will receive 10% of the evenings profits. In addition, the manager has agreed to add 25 cents for each "specialty" milk shake that is included with a meal, to the group's profits. Be sure to plan ahead and buy scrip and come enjoy an evening of fellowship with other church members, good food and support the youth. Invite your family and friends as well. Remember it is Strawberry season at Burgerville!
Monday, May 21, 2012
Sermon: Easter 7, The Very Rev. Anthony Thurston
This last Thursday was Ascension Day. Let me read just a short passage from the Book of Acts: “So, when they were all together, they asked him, “Lord, is this the time when you are to establish once again the sovereignty of Israel?” He answered, “It is not for you to know about dates or times, which the Father has set within his own control. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you…When he had said this, as they watched, he was lifted up and a cloud removed him from their sight.”
I suspect we all bring a bit of that incredulity and amusement to this idea of the Ascension. It’s been the brunt of jokes—you know—like “it’s an uplifting experience”. Never mind that the day of Ascension remains a national holiday in France as well as other European countries, or that it is one of the 12 great feasts of the Eastern Orthodox church. Forget the fact that Ascension Day has been so important that folk traditions have grown up around it. According to Welsh superstition it is unlucky to do any work on Ascension Day. In England, if the weather is sunny, the summer will be long and hot; but if it rains, crops will do badly and livestock will suffer from disease. Gifts to the blind or lame made on this day are sure to be rewarded within the following 12 months.
Many modern Christians don’t understand the celebration of Ascension very well, and we seldom acknowledge any liturgical or theological significance to it. But it’s there. It is part of our story, part of our history and heritage. So what then are we to make of the Ascension?
I suspect we all bring a bit of that incredulity and amusement to this idea of the Ascension. It’s been the brunt of jokes—you know—like “it’s an uplifting experience”. Never mind that the day of Ascension remains a national holiday in France as well as other European countries, or that it is one of the 12 great feasts of the Eastern Orthodox church. Forget the fact that Ascension Day has been so important that folk traditions have grown up around it. According to Welsh superstition it is unlucky to do any work on Ascension Day. In England, if the weather is sunny, the summer will be long and hot; but if it rains, crops will do badly and livestock will suffer from disease. Gifts to the blind or lame made on this day are sure to be rewarded within the following 12 months.
Many modern Christians don’t understand the celebration of Ascension very well, and we seldom acknowledge any liturgical or theological significance to it. But it’s there. It is part of our story, part of our history and heritage. So what then are we to make of the Ascension?
Friday, May 18, 2012
Readings for the Seventh Sunday of Easter: May 20, 2012
O God, the King of glory, you have exalted your only Son Jesus Christ with great triumph to your kingdom in heaven: Do not leave us comfortless, but send us your Holy Spirit to strengthen us, and exalt us to that place where our Savior Christ has gone before; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, in glory everlasting. Amen.
E-bulletin
Youth fundraisers for the Mission Trip:
On May 19th, we will have a garage sale at the home of the Mallory-Whites. We are accepting donations for this event. If you have donations, you may drop them off at the church or contact Risa for a pick up, or drop them off at the Mallory-Whites but be sure to call ahead.
Eat out at Burgerville! The youth will be at Burgerville in Gladstone on Tuesdays, May 29th & June 19th from 5-8pm to fund-raise for the mission trip. During this time, the youth will be serving and busing the tables in the restaurant and will receive 10% of the evenings profits. In addition, the manager has agreed to add 25 cents for each "specialty" milk shake that is included with a meal, to the group's profits. Be sure to plan ahead and buy scrip and come enjoy an evening of fellowship with other church members, good food and support the youth. Invite your family and friends as well. Remember it is Strawberry season at Burgerville!
On May 19th, we will have a garage sale at the home of the Mallory-Whites. We are accepting donations for this event. If you have donations, you may drop them off at the church or contact Risa for a pick up, or drop them off at the Mallory-Whites but be sure to call ahead.
Eat out at Burgerville! The youth will be at Burgerville in Gladstone on Tuesdays, May 29th & June 19th from 5-8pm to fund-raise for the mission trip. During this time, the youth will be serving and busing the tables in the restaurant and will receive 10% of the evenings profits. In addition, the manager has agreed to add 25 cents for each "specialty" milk shake that is included with a meal, to the group's profits. Be sure to plan ahead and buy scrip and come enjoy an evening of fellowship with other church members, good food and support the youth. Invite your family and friends as well. Remember it is Strawberry season at Burgerville!
Friday, May 11, 2012
Readings for the Sixth Sunday of Easter: May 13, 2012
O God, you have prepared for those who love you such good things as surpass our understanding: Pour into our hearts such love towards you, that we, loving you in all things and above all things, may obtain your promises, which exceed all that we can desire; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Thursday, May 10, 2012
E-bulletin
Youth fundraisers for the Mission Trip:
On May 19th, we will have a garage sale at the home of the Mallory-Whites (14934 Quinalt Court, Oregon City.) We are accepting donations for this event. If you have donations, you may drop them off at the church or contact Risa (503 758-5705) for a pick up, or drop them off at the Mallory-Whites but be sure to call ahead 503 518-3028.
Eat out at Burgerville! The youth will be at Burgerville in Gladstone on Tuesdays, May 29th & June 19th from 5-8pm to fund-raise for the mission trip. During this time, the youth will be serving and busing the tables in the restaurant and will receive 10% of the evenings profits. In addition, the manager has agreed to add 25 cents for each "specialty" milk shake that is included with a meal, to the group's profits. Be sure to plan ahead and buy scrip and come enjoy an evening of fellowship with other church members, good food and support the youth. Invite your family and friends as well. Remember it is Strawberry season at Burgerville!
Please join us in the West Wing at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, May 14, for Monday Morning Scones & Notes
* Cards & notes to parishioners on our prayer list and/or home-bound.
* Reminders to people at Rose Villa and Willamette View about Tuesday services.
* Birthday cards for June.
* Others as you would like to add.
On May 19th, we will have a garage sale at the home of the Mallory-Whites (14934 Quinalt Court, Oregon City.) We are accepting donations for this event. If you have donations, you may drop them off at the church or contact Risa (503 758-5705) for a pick up, or drop them off at the Mallory-Whites but be sure to call ahead 503 518-3028.
Eat out at Burgerville! The youth will be at Burgerville in Gladstone on Tuesdays, May 29th & June 19th from 5-8pm to fund-raise for the mission trip. During this time, the youth will be serving and busing the tables in the restaurant and will receive 10% of the evenings profits. In addition, the manager has agreed to add 25 cents for each "specialty" milk shake that is included with a meal, to the group's profits. Be sure to plan ahead and buy scrip and come enjoy an evening of fellowship with other church members, good food and support the youth. Invite your family and friends as well. Remember it is Strawberry season at Burgerville!
Please join us in the West Wing at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, May 14, for Monday Morning Scones & Notes
* Cards & notes to parishioners on our prayer list and/or home-bound.
* Reminders to people at Rose Villa and Willamette View about Tuesday services.
* Birthday cards for June.
* Others as you would like to add.
Monday, May 07, 2012
Sermon: Easter 5, The Very Rev. Anthony Thurston
This morning I would like to give you a minute to think about an answer to two questions.
1. When the word “spirituality” is used, what comes to your mind?
2. Given your definition, would this form of spirituality be helpful to you in fulfilling your Christian discipleship?
I’ve been reading a couple of books on the topic of spirituality and I’m intrigued by what we think it is, and how we practice it in our lives.
Today I want to talk, for a few minutes, about just one of the forms of spirituality—the topic of prayer.
Over the years I’ve learned something –that is, if experience teaches me anything I have a hunch that a lot of you stopped praying a long time ago and there may be some who have never prayed at all. And the reason—at least the reason that I hear from people is this: I feel as though I am talking in space, or that I am on the end of a celestial phone line and no one is on the other end.” What I think, when I hear these reasons is that people stop praying because they believe that God doesn’t listen or hear prayers.
1. When the word “spirituality” is used, what comes to your mind?
2. Given your definition, would this form of spirituality be helpful to you in fulfilling your Christian discipleship?
I’ve been reading a couple of books on the topic of spirituality and I’m intrigued by what we think it is, and how we practice it in our lives.
Today I want to talk, for a few minutes, about just one of the forms of spirituality—the topic of prayer.
Over the years I’ve learned something –that is, if experience teaches me anything I have a hunch that a lot of you stopped praying a long time ago and there may be some who have never prayed at all. And the reason—at least the reason that I hear from people is this: I feel as though I am talking in space, or that I am on the end of a celestial phone line and no one is on the other end.” What I think, when I hear these reasons is that people stop praying because they believe that God doesn’t listen or hear prayers.
Friday, May 04, 2012
Readings for the Fifth Sunday of Easter: May 6, 2012
Almighty God, whom truly to know is everlasting life: Grant us so perfectly to know your Son Jesus Christ to be the way, the truth, and the life, that we may steadfastly follow his steps in the way that leads to eternal life; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Thursday, May 03, 2012
E-bulletin
Adult Education Topic for May 6th: Immortality: A Gift or Curse? Using some of the text from “The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks” as a basis for our discussion, we will examine the many aspects of immortality and ownership of cells, and the prospects for how this reality may provide benefits and/or consequences for the future. Come join the provocative conversation.
Updated St. John's Bookmark. An updated St. John's bookmark is included with the service bulletins this Sunday. The front, with our Mission and Vision, remains the same. The back side provides the 2012 Vestry Focus Areas and Vestry contacts. Watch for it!
Welcome our newest building user! The Vestry is pleased to announce that Higher Ground Outreach, a fellowship group led by Steve and Marilyn Doss, will begin meeting in the West Wing Conference Room this Sunday, May 6th.
Updated St. John's Bookmark. An updated St. John's bookmark is included with the service bulletins this Sunday. The front, with our Mission and Vision, remains the same. The back side provides the 2012 Vestry Focus Areas and Vestry contacts. Watch for it!
Welcome our newest building user! The Vestry is pleased to announce that Higher Ground Outreach, a fellowship group led by Steve and Marilyn Doss, will begin meeting in the West Wing Conference Room this Sunday, May 6th.
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