ENGAGE IN FAITH
FOR ADULTS
Adult Formation
Funeral Guild
Greeters
Kitchen Kabinet
EYC Adult Leaders
The Parish Shop
Receptionists
Worship Servers
Engage the World
Engage the Mind
ADULT FORUM:
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Sabbath Series: "24/6" by Dr. Andrew Sleeth Sabbath is about restraint, about intentionally not doing everything all the time just because we can. Setting aside a day of rest helps us reconnect with our Creator and find the peace of God that passes all understanding. The Sabbath is about letting go of the controls one day a week and letting God be God. So how do we do it? In 24/6, Dr. Matthew Sleeth describes our symptoms, clarifies the signs, diagnoses the illness, and lays out a simple plan for living a healthier, more God-centered life in a digitally-dazed, always-on world. Sleeth shares how his own family was dramatically transformed when it adopted Sabbath practices and helps readers better understand how their own lives can be transformed – physically, emotionally, relationally and spiritually – by adopting the 24/6 lifestyle.Join in discussing a variety of topics to help people grow in their knowledge and love of the lord. Every Sunday the topic is new so please join us any time. Contact: Fr. Brad Smith
THEOLOGICAL SCHOLARS SERIES:
An opportunity to hear the church's most respected scholars on a variety of topics pertinent to our faith. (1st Wednesday of each month, 6:30-8:00pm, Parish Hall)
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Sep. 14 — "Why and How Paul Invented ‘Christian Theology’” (Duke Divinity School — The Rt. Rev. N.T. Wright, Professor of New Testament and early Christianity, The University of St. Andrews in Scotland)
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Oct. 5 — “The Global Resurgence of Religion and How We Missed It” (Yale Divinity School — Monica Toft, scholar of international politics, Tufts University)
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Nov. 2 — “Dietrich Bonhoeffer on Truth and Politics” (Univ. of California, San Diego — Stanley Hauerwas, Professor of Theological Ethics, Duke Divinity School)
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Dec. 7 — “Christ in the Early Christian Tradition: Christ Come in the Flesh” (Yale Divinity School — Bart Ehrman, Dept. of Religious Studies, Univ. of North Carolina, Chapel Hill)
DISCIPLESHIP SEMINARS:
"From Deconstruction to Reconstruction"
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Sept. 24 (10:00-3:00) The Role of Prayer The Rev. Rhonda Lee The Rev. Rhonda Lee, PhD as she walks with us in an in-depth exploration of our Christian lives concerning "The Role of Prayer" (based on her latest book, "Seek and You Will Find: Discovering a Practice of Prayer"). There’s much more to it than we may realize or practice. The opportunities to learn from her and have our times with God enriched are abundant! Rhonda’s book will be available for sale ($15.00). The registration cost is $10.00. REGISTRATION DEADLINE: 9/21 This will include lunch (vegetarian and gluten free will be available). Spread the word far and wide. All are welcome!
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Nov. 5 (10:00-3:00) The Old Testament with Rabbi Raachel Jurovics
BIBLE STUDIES:
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Monday Morning Bible Study (7:30-8:00, 204/05 & Zoom) Bo Proctor - This occasion is preceded by the Daily Office of Morning Prayer, 7:00-7:30 in 204/05 & Zoom) CLICK HERE to go to the Zoom Button on this website.
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Tuesday Morning Bible Study (Women's Bible Study, 10:30-11:30am, Choir Room) Debby Carlson
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Wednesday Bible Study (LIFT - Learning in Faith Together, 11:00-12:30pm, Zoom) Laura McGinley - LIFT invites all who enjoy sharing different viewpoints, want to pray together and seek faithful engagement with others in their relationship with Jesus Christ. Contact Laura McGinley for the Zoom link.
Engage the Spirit
Centering Prayer:
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Tuesdays (10:30-12:00pm, 312, Kathy Petrie)
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Thursdays (3:30-5:00pm, Chapel, Fr. Brad Smith)
Centering Prayer is a receptive method of silent prayer that prepares us to receive the gift of contemplative prayer, prayer in which we experience God's presence within us, closer than breathing, closer than thinking, closer than consciousness itself. This method of prayer is both a relationship with God and a discipline to foster that relationship. It is not meant to replace other kinds of prayer. Rather, it adds depth of meaning to all prayer and facilitates the movement from more active modes of prayer - verbal, mental or affective prayer - into a receptive prayer of resting in God. Centering Prayer emphasizes prayer as a personal relationship with God and as a movement beyond conversation with Christ to communion with Christ. St. John’s frequently hosts Centering Prayer workshops, follow-up sessions, and retreats. Contact Fr. Brad Smith
Lectio Divina:
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Thursday (9:00-10:00pm, Zoom, Fr. Brad Smith)
"Divine reading," is an ancient practice of praying the Scriptures. During Lectio Divina, the practitioner listens to the text of the Bible with the "ear of the heart," as if he or she is in conversation with God, and God is suggesting the topics for discussion. The method of Lectio Divina includes moments of reading (lectio), reflecting on (meditatio), responding to (oratio) and resting in (contemplatio) the Word of God with the aim of nourishing and deepening one's relationship with the Divine. This is a ZOOM program. Contact Fr. Brad for an introduction and for the zoom link.
Labyrinth (Tilson Hall): The labyrinth is a walking meditation, a path of prayer and an archetypal blueprint where psyche meets Spirit. It is a spiritual tool that can help you find your way; quieting the mind, opening the heart, and grounding the body. Some find answers to questions long asked, some find healing, creativity, a sense of wholeness. What will you find on your labyrinth journey? Questions, contact Toni Robinson
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Sept 21 (4:30-8:30)
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Oct. 19 (2:30-8:30)
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Nov. 16 (2:30-8:30)
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Wednesdays in Advent: 11/30, 12/7, 12/14, 12/21 (all 2:30-7:30)
Evening Prayer & Rosary Group:
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Thursday, 5:45-6:30pm, Chapel
Evening Prayer from The Book of Common Prayer as well as the Anglican Rosary. Visitors and new members are always welcome. No previous experience with the Rosary is necessary. Rosary beads, booklets of prayers and instructions are available for anyone who wishes to attend. The purpose of holding beads during prayer is to help an individual to focus, to become calm and to feel comfort. A collection of prayers, written intentionally for using the Anglican rosary pattern, keeps the group reading together as we pray. The Anglican Rosary (also called Episcopal, Protestant) is a blend of the traditional Roman Catholic Rosary and the Orthodox Jesus Prayer Rope. It was developed during the 1980’s as a focus for contemplative prayer and meditation. Contact: Jane Williams
Daughters of the King (DOK):
The Order of the Daughters of the King is an order of women who have taken life vows of prayer, service, and evangelism. Part of the ministry of this Order is devotion to regular prayer on behalf of the parish. The St. Mary Magdalene Chapter of the Daughters of the King, chartered here at St. John’s, has taken on a practice of meeting monthly to pray for the concerns of the parish. The Daughters of the KingTM have also committed to praying daily and confidentially for concerns submitted for intercessory prayer. Contact: Nancy Nye
Engage the Body
Yoga:
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Thursday, 10:00-11:00am, Parish Hall
This class is designed for beginners or those who want a fresh start. God made human beings from the earth in his image, breathing his life into us. Our class takes us back to our beginning to be grounded. The breath is the bridge between the mind and the body. The body is the temple for our spirit. These two connections take us into our practice. CLICK HERE for more information.
Contact: Nancy Armstrong.
St. John's Fly Fishers:
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Meetings, 3rd Monday/month 6:30-8:00, 201)
Enjoying connection with the Divine majesty of nature, the St. John’s Fly Fishers serve Christ and further the Kingdom through a welcoming community of adult women and men (16 years or older) who share a passion for fly fishing. We host clinics, instructional classes like fly tying, and of course head to the mountain streams, whether its lodging or camping. CLICK HERE to learn more.
Contact: Craig Murden or Fr. Brad Smith
Tai Chi:
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Tuesday, 6:00-7:00pm, Tilson Hall
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$15.00/person/class (cash) due at the door
St. John's welcomes Sifu David Block (of "The Phoenix and Dragon Tai Chi & Kung Fu School"). Tai Chi is a martial art and also a form of “moving meditation” that calms the mind, relaxes the body and strengthens the spirit. Much of Tai Chi is practiced slowly and gently, and is ideal for people of all ages and health conditions. All are welcome.
Contact Fr. Brad Smith
Golf Fellowship: Attention all women and men! Want to have fun with fellow members of St. John’s who share your passion for golf? This is the opportunity for you! CLICK HERE to sign up for this exciting fellowship which will include opportunities for 9 hole, 18 hole, weekday/weekend, and even occasional overnighters throughout the year at beautiful courses in our region.
Contact: Roddey Player
Engage the World
Groups that Serve
Funeral Guild: The Funeral Reception Guild is a community of parishioners whose mission is to honor and support family and friends experiencing grief after the death of a loved one through a reception following the funeral service at St. John’s. The purpose of the Funeral Reception Guild is to prepare for and host the reception in keeping with the family’s wishes and desires, as deemed appropriate by the clergy. This involves communication with the Priest assisting the family and other involved staff members, setting up for the reception, serving during the reception, and cleaning up following the reception. All parishioners are invited to join this special Guild, one committed to offering care and support to bereaved families of St. John’s with compassion, kindness, and sympathy during a difficult time.
Contact: Charlotte Pfeiffer
EYC Advisors: There is a wonderful team of adults who give their love, talent, and energy to making youth ministry possible at St. John’s. This group of EYC advisors engages in the relational ministry necessary to build meaningful relationships with youth. They also help with the logistical needs of the youth program (driving, chaperoning, etc.). If you have a heart for working with teenagers, enjoy serving in a dynamic and fun ministry, and want to help shape the next generation of Christians, consider becoming a youth advisor at St. John’s.
Contact: Rachel Shelton
The Parish Shop: The St. John’s bookstore, located on the second floor near the Nave, has a wide assortment of books, cards, crosses, silver jewelry and gift items. Volunteers staff the bookstore on Sunday mornings from 8:30am to 12:30pm, 2nd and 4th Sunday evenings 5:45-7:30pm, and Wednesdays from 10am to 1pm and 5pm to 7pm.
Contact: Samantha Farnham
Receptionists: Volunteers answer the phone, assist the staff and act as receptionist during office hours: mornings, Monday through Friday (9-12:30) and afternoons Monday through Thursday (12:30-4:00).
Contact: Tracy Reed
Greeters Ministry: Welcoming guests is an important part of parish life at St. John’s. Greeters make our guests feel like they are a welcome addition to our fellowship and help all parishioners feel good about being at St. John’s by extending a smile and a handshake, or helping them find their way around the campus. If you believe growing our church is what God is calling you to do, this ministry is for you!
Contact: Tracy Reed
Kitchen Kabinet: If you enjoy cooking and have always wanted to spend time in a big commercial kitchen, St. John’s has a wonderful opportunity for you to have fun and serve others at the same time. Volunteers are always needed, and appreciated, to help cook, serve and clean up for the many parish occasions when we share meals and fellowship. The Sunday morning breakfast team hopes to grow its ranks. From 6 to 7:30 am you can be a ‘Prep Cook’, at 7:30 to 9:30 am you can cook and serve or help in the dish room and with clean-up. On Wednesday evenings during the school year, you may volunteer from 6 to 7:30 pm in the dish room or help with cleaning up the Parish Hall and kitchen.
Periodic deep cleaning of the kitchen is done several times each year, and helping hands are needed to scrub, wipe down, and make the kitchen clean and fresh. As well, many parishioners have given beautiful silverware to St. John’s, and help is needed to polish it periodically. No special training needed for any of these activities, just time and patience.
Contact: Janie Wooten
Fellowship Groups
SJE Women’s Group: This group, arranges monthly events for women of all ages at St. John’s to gather together and do Christ’s ministry through our church community. Together they offer a variety of day and evening programs. Come and learn from speakers, participate in outreach activities, walk and observe through tours, or join us for good conversation over a meal. Participating in any of these events provides opportunities for fellowship, ministry, and spiritual growth.
Contact: Suzanne Meeker
Young Families: A group of families of young children ages 0-5 and beyond who gathers for social events, learning opportunities, outreach activities, and much much more. Contact: Jen Walker
Foyer Groups: In these informal gatherings, parishioners come together over meals in one another’s homes. A multi-generational ministry, Foyer Group ministry often produces life-long friendships and is a wonderful way to get to know folks that you might not interact with otherwise. It’s never too late to join a group. Just call to get involved!
Contact: Erin Richardson, Shirley de la Canal
Wednesday Night Book Club: The Wednesday Night Book Club is open to any reader who enjoys talking about books. Whether you are new to book clubs or participate in several others, we hope you join us to meet new people, establish new friendships, and enjoy great conversations. We meet on Wednesdays from September through June from 6:00-7:00 pm.
Contact: Matt Williams
Wednesday Night Suppers
During the school year St. John’s provides a Wednesday night program that is primarily a time of fellowship. We offer a wonderful meal, reasonably priced, prepared by loving volunteers in our own kitchen. We gather in the Parish Hall that we convert to “Jo’s Bistro” and break bread together. Young children eat from a child-friendly buffet.
Wednesday evening is also choir rehearsal for children, the Shepherd choir, and rehearsals for choirs of bell and chime.
Volunteers are needed to help in the kitchen and to set up the games and decorations in the Parish Hall.
Contact: Janie Wooten
Young Adults: Young adults of faith between the ages of 20 and 30-something play and celebrate the lives they lead and the lives that lie ahead, exploring what God might have in store.
Contacts: Matt Williams
Committees of the Church
All committees of the church are open to visitors in their meetings. Dates and times for meetings vary within each committee. CLICK HERE to check the church calendar.
The Vestry of the church is the group of elected parishioners, headed by the rector, who acts as the canonical authority of the parish and oversees the finances, vision, and committees of the parish. The committees appointed by the vestry or rector are listed below:
The Preschool Committee oversees the needs and offers advice to our preschool. See Jenny Taylor for more information.
The Property Committee oversees the property of the church including the buildings and grounds. See David Dwyer for more information.
The Finance Committee oversees the finances of the church and makes recommendations to the vestry regarding budgeting and investing. See Merrill Gowdy for more information.
The Endowment Board is not a committee of the vestry but is a separate entity whos members are appointed by the vestry. This board oversees the church endowment. See George Shield for more information.
The Garden Committee manages, cares for, and oversees the memorial garden of the church. See Shelley Bonnin for more information.
The Personnel Committee provided advice to the rector regarding the parish staff. See Peter Floyd for more information.
The Columbarium Committee oversees the needs of the church columbarium. See Don Lassiter for more information.
The Outreach Committee oversees the outreach ministries of the church, and with the vestry's oversight, manages its budget. See Brian Emigh for more information.
The Fellowship Committee oversees various fellowship events. See John Patrick for more information.
The Worship Committee oversees the needs of our various worship services. See Peter Floyd for more information.
The Youth Committee assists in the oversight of our EYC program. See Rachel Shelton for more information.