Nov Messenger 2012

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Rev. Jonathan Heaslet

November 2012Volume 26.11

St. JohnsUnited Church of Christ

St. Johns is a community of faithcentered in Jesus Christ, seeking

guidance and direction through theHoly Spirit, and demonstrating Gods

love to all people in words anddeeds.

An Open and AffirmingCongregation

503 Stuart CircleRichmond, Virginia 23220Telephone: 804.358.9291

Email:[email protected]

Web Site:stjohnsrichmond.org

Published monthly formembers and friends

2012 St Johns UCC

God, Food and Family

When I think of Thanksgiving, I think of three things: God, food and family gatherings.

First, of course, I think of how much I have been blessed by God. With a wonderfulwife, five healthy children (all with jobs!) and ten beautiful grandchildren (plus anumber of bonus grandchildren for which I am equally grateful), my cup overflowswith blessing upon blessing.

Then, of course, theres the food. I think back to the time when my 22-year oldcousin, who was in the Navy at the time, baked a turkey with the giblets still frozen ina plastic bag inside the turkey! Weve come a long way since then with all the

gourmet cooks in our family. Thanksgiving isnt just turkey and dressing, its aculinary delight that rivals any of those TV chefs.

But what brings it all together is when the family gathers at table gathers to givethanks for the blessings of God, for the food that has come from the earth andprepared by loving hands, and for the fellowship as we spend time listening to eachother share stories of whats going on in our lives.

Thats a lot like what we do here at St. Johns. At this time of year, we reflect uponhow we have been blessed by God in our time of stewardship and adoption of aministry plan. We also spend time eating whether at Friendship Dinners, theGerman Fest, or the Harvest Meal on October 28th following worship. Every bit as

important, however, is that we come together to listen as we share whats going on inour lives.

On November 18th, the Congregation of St. Johns will convene as a family of faith toadopt a Ministry Plan for 2013. In addition to taking time to conduct our business,we want to spend some time listening to each other. We want to know what yourquestions are with regard to repairs on our church building, the content of our churchprogramming, transition planning to fill the upcoming pastoral vacancy, or whateverelse is on your mind. You are invited to ask your question directly or to write it on acard and pass it forward to our church leaders who will be present.

And on Thursday, Thanksgiving Day, November 22nd, please know youre invited to

gather at Table here at St. Johns at 11:00 AM to give thanks to God, to enjoy somewonderful food and to be together with your family of faith. If youre able, bring a dishto share. But more importantly, bring yourself. Share your blessings and yourstories.

After all, we are family. We are a family of faith. We worship God. We gather atTable. We listen. And God blesses us with love and grace.

With thanksgiving for you all,


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2 The Messenger | November 2012

Thanks and praise go to many volunteers and donors who made possible two beautiful contributions to our sacred spaces.

The lectern has been cleaned, restored, polished and protected. Doesnt it look dazzling? Thanks to theBeautification sub-group of the Facilities Committee for shepherding the restoration of this sacred furnishingin our sanctuary.

The upstairs in our Christian Formation wing has been cleaned and painted. What a welcoming sight for ourchildren and youth. (By the way, the youth will paint the interior of their room during a lock-in this month, andthe Confirmation pictures will be moved downstairs outside the Fellowship Hall.)

The three rooms downstairs along with the choirs robing room have been refurbished (moldy dry wall replaced)

and repainted. Thank you Facilities Committee for organizing this work, the rooms look great!Church Council has approved two contracts for work around the church.First, work began the week of October 22nd to replace gutters, downspouts and damaged wood work on the east side of thechurch (overlooking the grassy area). Work will continue as a cherry picker moves around the church checking for damage inhigh places. Gutters, downspouts and wood work will also be repaired and/or replaced in the space above the courtyard. TheRose Window will also be inspected during this project. Thanks to Richard Bighinatti and Dale Totty for their attention on thisproject.

Second, work will begin soon to install new speakers in the sanctuary. This project was jointly undertaken by the Worship &Music Committee (Kenn Shirley, chair) and the Facilities Beautification Committee (Ginna Dalton, chair) assisted by DreamaTerrill and Joe McGregor.

Dear Family and Friends,

What an amazing autumn we are having at St. Johns! This pastOctober, we have celebrated German Fest, have begun the proc-ess of correcting roof problems, and selected members for the

Interim Search Team.

Many thanks go to Jeff Jacobs for organizing a team of dedicatedand competent members of the church for German Fest. It be-gan with Friday night Happy Hour and continued with Saturdaylunch, and ended with our traditional German Dinner. Micah Dal-ton with others served bratwursts, beer, and wine. All this wasenjoyed while listening to live music from the 60s to 90s. Thedinner Saturday night was a culinary delight.

The Facilities Team identified multiple problem areas on the roofwhere they believe water is entering the building. This pastweek, Hertless Roofing Company has begun repairs and will con-

tinue to identify areas of the church that need attention. Manythanks to Dale Totty for his tireless attention to this project.

An interim search team has been named to include Betsy Bigh-inatti, Justin Barbour, Allen Caraher, Jo Ann Jellison, and BillyPoarch. Over the next several months they will be evaluatingcandidates. They are charged with recommending to council aninterim pastor who will help us with the transition from Jons re-tirement to the calling of a seated pastor.

Regards,Teresa JollesChurch Council President

Congregational MeetingSunday, November 18th

Please join us during worship to discussSt. Johns 2013 Ministry Plan as well as

other church business. This is a very im-portant meeting, all are invited to come andshare their thoughts. This Announcementserves as the formal notification of thecongregational meeting.

Church Council MeetingChurch Council meets

Monday, November 5th at 7 p.m.

The church office will be closedfor Thanksgiving on Thursday,November 22nd and Friday,November 23rd.


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3The Messenger | November 2012

Lectionary Readings

November 4th, 2012Twenty-third Sunday after Pentecost

Wisdom of Solomon 3:1-9

Psalm 24Revelations 21:1-6aJohn 11:32-44

November 11th, 2012Twenty-fourth Sunday after Pentecost

Ruth 3:1-5; 4:13-17Psalm 127Hebrews 9:24-28Mark 12:38-44

November 18th, 2012

Twenty-fifth Sunday after Pentecost1 Samuel 1:4-20, 2:1-10Psalm 16Hebrews 10:11-14,(15-18),19-25Mark 13:1-8

November 25th, 2012Reign of Christ

2 Samuel 23:17Psalm 132:1-12, (13-18)Daniel 7:9-10,13-14Revelations1:4b-8

John 18:33-37

Green the Church Worship ServiceSunday, December 2nd is the First Sunday of Advent. It is an

All Church Worship Service that will include litanies and songsfor Hanging the Greens as well as Holy Communion. Allages are invited to participate in this special service. Whichwill include the sacrament of Holy Communion.

Interfaith Thanksgiving Service

A special service of Thanksgiving will be offered by Chris-tian and Jewish congregations on Tuesday, November20th at 7:00 PM at St. Bridgets Catholic Church (6006

Three Chopt Road, near the intersection with West GroveAvenue).

Rabbi Gary Creditor will be preaching at this service.Rabbi Creditor is retiring soon after many years of servingTemple Beth El on West Grove.

All Saints Sunday Observance

All Saints Sunday will be celebrated on November 4th during our 11:00 AM service. If there is a deceased person whosememory you would like to commemorate, please contact the Church Office and provide their name and relationship to you.

The term for this service is sometimes called a Necrology or, from our German heritage, a Totenfest. A litany is read.A name is spoken. A candle is lit. A bell is rung. It is a powerful reminder of our resurrection faith.

Members of St. Johns and or family members or friends, who we released to Gods eternal care during this past church year

include:

Bert Brown Louise Wesley Glenn FreiseFrank Mauritz Reina Oppermann Raymond KowJoan Baker Mary BushCyrus Nicholas Ingrid OlsenJohn Lang Sidney Moore


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4 The Messenger | November 2012

Jeanette is Back in Haiti andSends Her Thanks

Jeanette Salleys mission to Haiti was highlighted in theSeptember 19th issue of Global Ministries weekly newslet-ter. In the article Jeanette describes the impact of HurricaneIsaac on Port-au-Prince:

The winds blew strong, tents that providedshelter for those suffering from the 2010earthquake were destroyed, trees wereuprooted, roofs were blown off, streetsigns for direction and advertisement weredestroyed and a few are grieving the lossof loved ones. One could easily say,Haiti is down again.

Jeanette goes on to say that the construction of

the St. Andre School, where she teaches, wasnot affected and that they expect the new schoolto be ready for use this month.You can access the article, as well as a prayerfrom Jeanette at: http://globalministries.org/

Neighbors In Need (NIN) OfferingThank you to all who contributed to Octobers All Churchoffering for Neighbors in Need, donations totaled $649.

Neighbors in Need is one of 5 All Church offerings commended

to us by the United Church of Christ (in addition to Our ChurchsWider Mission, One Great Hour of Sharing, Strengthen theChurch and the Christmas Fund for Veterans of the Cross).St. Johns is a 5 for 5 Congregation, which means we supportall five of these offerings.

NIN is a special mission offering that supports ministries ofjustice and compassion. One-third of NIN funds support theCouncil for American Indian Ministry (CAIM). The remainingtwo-thirds of the offering is used by the UCC's Justice and Wit-ness Ministries to support a variety of justice initiatives, advo-cacy efforts and direct service projects sponsored by localcongregations.

CROP Walk

On November 4th, St. Johns will host the 42nd annual Richmond CROP Hunger Walk. If you are not raising money, we hopeyou will still consider walking; your presence on November 4th will help raise the visibility of our hunger walk. The St. Johnsteam has a goal of raising $2,000 to help stop hunger.

25% of this money will go to local organizations that provide hunger relief in Richmond. The other 75% will be used by ChurchWorld Services for disaster and hunger relief programs around the world, including in the US.

Please come walk with us on November 4th.Registration will be at 1:15 pm

The walk will begin at 2 pm.

Signup/Donate at www.tinyurl.com/sjucc

We will need volunteers for setup and cleanup

Checks can be made payable to Church World Service

For questions contact Bill Watson at 873.2837 or [email protected]

ART for All Ages

Come support Circle Center Adult Day Services, caring forRichmond area older adults and their family caregivers since1976, founded by St. Johns UCC and other Stuart CircleParish churches. Join us for a casual, delicious dessert andwine reception. Bid in the silent auction of affordable works ofart! Purchase raffle tickets for a chance to win one of 2 excep-tional paintings.

Saturday November 10th, 2012 from 7:009:30 p.m. at 4900West Marshall Street (near Willow Lawn)

Event tickets are $25Raffle tickets are $15 or 3 for $30

For more information and tickets visit www.circlecenterads.orgor call Jane 804-355-5717


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5The Messenger | November 2012

Do you like to count money?Then volunteer to be a teller!!

We need 3 new tellers in order to build ourteam. For more information see Bud Hig-

gins or Jeff Hetzer.

A Ministry of Care - Covenant Groups

The Congregational Care Ministry invites you to be part ofnewly forming Covenant Groups. These small groups between 5 and 8 family units will serve to support one an-other during times of concern, as well as during times ofcelebration. Some of the areas of support include illness orinjury, life transitions, bereavement, well care, andsupporting residents in care. We want all to participate, sostay tuned for how you can be a part of this important minis-try. More information coming soon! See Helena DeLigt formore information.

Monthly Congregational Breakfast

Mark you calendar now and plan on attending our monthlycongregational breakfast on Sunday, November 11th at9:00 AM in the Fellowship Hall. We will update you on thehappenings at St. Johns. Hope to see you there!

Come and Celebrate!

The family of Peggy and Lee Ford would like to invite allof our St. Johns friends to join us in celebrating their 50thwedding anniversary on Sunday, November 18th from

2 pm to 4 pm , at 7803 Ketelby Road, in Henrico. SeeEmily or David Pittman for directions.

Day Light Savings Ends November 4th.Remember to set your clocks back byone hour at 2 a.m.

The Congregational Care MinistryThanksgiving Meal

Thursday, November 22nd

Spend your Thanksgiving Day with other members of St. Johnsas we gather over a turkey feast and offer our thanks to God.

Gather at 11:00 AMLunch at Noon

We will provide the turkeys, dressing, and beverages. We are asking you to bring a favorite Thanksgiving dish to share. RSVP toSimone in the church office by November 11th so we will know how many turkeys to prepare.

Birthdays This Month

1 Kay Alderfer3 Dallas Henderson4 Gary Pollitt6 Matthew James Gilbert7 Tara Childs9 Mac Taylor10 Kevin Hetzer14 Laura Totty17 Kathy Smith19 Bob Corby, Donna Zirkel23 Marshall Higgins

Thomas Gabriel Davis

26 Nat Taylor29 David Henry30 Mark Atkinson


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The Messenger | November 20126

St Johns Players Strolling Cabaret

The Strolling Cabaret made up of 18 performers, has a newmission. They will be performing in the community this fall,bringing delightful music and entertainment to many people in avariety of settings. There is no fee for this service, but theygratefully accept donations. St. Johns Players is one way toacquaint the community to our wonderful church family.

Maybe you know of some friend or family member in one of thefollowing facilities and would like to come to the performance

..please join them!

Saturday, December 1st 2:00 PM at MorningsideSaturday, December 15th 1:30 PM at Spring Arbor

If you know of a facility that might enjoy our group, pleasecontact Anita Sharpenstein at 762- 4870.

St. Johns Players Opens 7th Season

That Time of the Year*Richmond Premier*

An original musical revue of over 25 all-original Christ-mas, Hanukkah, and New Years songs. Running themusical gamut from show tunes to rock, blues and

jazz, the songs range from funny numbers highlightingthe joys and anxieties of the holiday season to beauti-ful, touching ballads about the meaning behind theholidays.

Show times:November 2nd and 3rd at 8:00 p.m.November 9th and 10th at 8:00 p.m.November 16th and 17th at 8:00p.m.

November 10th Dinner and Show at 6:00 p.m.November 11th and 18th Matinees at 3:00 p.m.

Closer to Thee*World Premier*

A new musical production written by our own RobOsborn tells the story of a young couple struggling tofind each other and comprehend the world in whichthey live with the support of the church to which theybelong. With 18 original musical numbers woven intothe fabric of an evolving story of love in its manyforms, this musical highlights loves redemptive powerto heal broken relationships through new understand-ing developed through human growth. Songs blendgospel, traditional choir, folk, blues and rock styles.

The show opens February 22, 2013.

Poinsettias

Each year we have poinsettias in the chancel area. If you wish to order a poinsettia in memory of or in honor of a loved one,please complete this form and drop it by the church office, place it in the offering plate, or mail it to the church office. You mayalso call the church office at 358-9291 or email Simone at [email protected]. The cost is $12.50 per plant.

Ordering Deadline: Sunday, December 2nd

(Please print clearly)

1) ( ) In memory of: ( ) In honor of: 2) ( ) In memory of: ( ) In honor of:

Name (s)_____________________________________ Name (s)____________________________________

Given by:_____________________________________ Given by:____________________________________


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Calling all angels, shepherd's, sheep, prophets,narrators and more for our annual Christmas Play!

The Messenger | November 2012 7

Christmas PlaySunday, December 23rd

Contact Tony Sharpenstein or Julia Eliades if you would like tobe a participant .

Rehearsals will be at 9:45 am on Sunday mornings inDecember.

Sunday, November 25th after worship.

Can it be that time already? Yes, please stay after worship andhelp transform our church for the season of Advent andChristmas. We will hang the greens in the sanctuary, decorate

outside, put up trees, and enjoy great fun and fellowship.Lunch will be potluck! This St. Johns tradition is always a funevent for the entire family. So, see you there!

Attention Youth (13 -16 years of age)Get Ready to be Locked-in!

Starting at 6 pmNovember 3rd

Come with comfortable shoes and dressed for painting!We will paint their classroom and help Bill Watson by putup signs for the CROP Walk. Bring sleeping bags andclothes for Sunday. Parents, please contact Julia Eliades if

you can help or donate supplies.

Blessed Are You

Poverty may be either a spiritual or a material condition- orboth at once. Neither kind of poverty is necessarily a hin-drance to happiness. Jesus promised blessedness even tothose who were bankrupt. Join us in the Guild Room Sundaymornings at 9:45 am as we explore the Beatitudes. This classwill explore these blessings as taught by Jesus from now tillAdvent Season.


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Put these Dates on Your Calendar!

CROP WalkNovember 4th at 1:15 p.m.

Signup/Donate at www.tinyurl.com/sjucc

St. Johns Players presentsRichmond Premiere ofThat Time of YearNovember 2-3; November 9-10;

November 16-17, curtain at 8:00 p.m.Matinees at 3:00 p.m. on November 11 and 18

Come and enjoy an evening of theatre.

Thanksgiving GatheringNovember 22nd at 11:00 a.m.

Come have a Thanksgiving Feast with us and bring a dish to share.

Green the Church and Potluck LunchNovember 25th at 12:30 p.m.

This St. Johns tradition is always a fun event. See you there!

Hanging of the Green Worship ServiceDecember 2nd 11:00 a.m.All Church Worship Service

PAL Concert and Parents Night OutDecember 15th from 1:00 p.m .to 7:00 p.m.

Concert begins at 2:00 pmA great way for parents to get ready for the season.

While parents enjoy free time, our children willenjoy a holiday concert organized by PAL.

Pick up and drop off anytime.

Christmas TeaDecember 16th, Noon

It is a St. Johns tradition. All are invited to attend.

Christmas PlayDecember 23rd during worship

Rehearsals will be Sunday mornings in December at 9:45 a.m.

Christmas Eve ServiceDecember 24th at 10:30 p.m.


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Please find a substitute if you are unable to perform your ministry and contactyour team coordinator AND the office to let them know who will be filling in for

you. Thank you for making our church ministries run smoothly!

MESSENGER NovemberMESSENGER NovemberMESSENGER NovemberMESSENGER November20202020

WELCOME TEAMSWELCOME TEAMSWELCOME TEAMSWELCOME TEAMSWelcome Team

CoordinatorBilly Poarch804-359-6131

Nov. 4thNov 11th

Nov. 18thNov. 25th

Dec. 2ndDec. 9th

Dec. 16thDec. 23rd

Welcome teamcaptains

Richard Bighinatti379-3572

Justin Barbour687-1460

Bob Corby804-457-3842

Families withchildren

Woods Family Barbour Family Etter Family

Gretchen Miller Family Voelcker/ Barrett Family

Acolytes

Lydia Woods Bryan Etter

James Cook

Adults

Beth StieglerDon Stiegler Cheryl Goode Dorothy Cook

Chris Miles Billy Poarch Doug Waldrop

Betsy Bighinatti Erin Burnette Kim Vann

Phil Jones Vivian White Desiree McNeice

Sound SystemMark Atkinson David Pittman Jeff Michel

Facilities Richard Bighinatti Richard Yuk Bob Corby

Nov. 4th Nov. 11th Nov. 18th Nov. 25th

Hospitality CoordinatorSal Anselmo 358-1696

Denise MartinMike and Terri

WoodsBeth and Don

StieglerDorothy CookLynda Merry

Tellers Coordinator

Bud Higgins - 301-5059

Betsy Bighinatti

Mark Souza

Altar Flowers $40Church office 358-9291

Sam and GinnaDalton

Taylor Family Taylor FamilyLee and Peggy

Ford

Liturgist CoordinatorsKathy Freise 448-9876Sal Anselmo 358-1696

Cammie AllenGary Beasley

Sal AnselmoFlorence Cross

Jeff JacobsMargaret

Reuthinger

Dreama TerrillBud Higgins

Nursery HelpersCoordinator -Julia Eliades 804-360-1260

Theresa Caraher Chris Miles Laura Totty Marjorie Barbour

Bill Watson873-2837

Quick Family

Savannah Quick

Ashley Quick

Betty StatonPam MillerJeff Jacobs

Laura Totty

Denise Martin

Dale Totty


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MESSENGER NovemberMESSENGER NovemberMESSENGER NovemberMESSENGER November2012201220122012

SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY

28 29 30 31 1 2 3

11:30 am NA 7:00 pm W.E.B.S. 11:30 am NA

7:00 pm DressRehearsal

St Johns Players8pm Show

6:00 pm Lock InYouth

St Johns Players8pm Show

4 5 6 7 8 9 10

9:45 am Christian Formation( all ages)

11:00 am Worship11:15 am Childrens ProgramNoon Fellowship in Parlor

1:15 pm CROP WALK set-up

2:00 pm Walk Begins

7 pmChurch CouncilMeeting

Election Day

11:30 am NA

7:00 pm W.E.B.S 10:30 amThe FellowshipMtg

11:30 am NA

7:00 pm Choir

Rehearsal St Johns Players8:00 pm Show

St Johns Players6 :00 pm Dinner8:00 pm Show

11 12 13 14 15 16 17

9:00 am Breakfast9:45 am Christian Formation

( all ages)11:00 am Worship11:15 am Childrens ProgramNoon Fellowship in Parlor

3:00 pm St. Johns Players Show

10:00 am Staff Mtg

11:30 am NA

11:30 am NA

7:00 pm ChoirRehearsal

St Johns Players8:00 pm Show

St Johns Players8:00 pm Show

18 19 20 21 22 23 24

9:45 am Christian Formation( all ages)

11:00 am Worship andCongregational Mtg

11:15 am Childrens ProgramNoon Fellowship in Parlor

3:00 pm St. Johns Players Show

10:00 am Staff Mtg

11:30 am NA

7:00 pm InterfaithThanksgivingService at St.Bridget's

11:00 amThanksgivingDay Gathering

Office Closed Office closed

25 26 27 28 29 30 1

9:45 am Christian Formation

( all ages)11:00 am Worship11:15 am Childrens ProgramNoon Greening of the Church

and Potluck Lunch

10:00 am Staff Mtg

11:30 am NA

7:00 pm W.E.B.S 11:30 am NA

7:00 pm ChoirRehearsal

Wedding

Rehearsal

5:00 pm Wedding

2 3 4 5 6 7 8

Office hours : Monday Thursday 9:30 am 2 pm Friday 9:30 am 1 pm

Documents

Nov Messenger 2012