November 30, 2014

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++ St. John’sEPISCOPAL CHURCH Jackson

Hole

A M E S S A G E F R O M F R . K E N

St. John’s Episcopal Church is a

community of faith made from God; we worship and serve God, welcome all who seek to know

and love Jesus Christ, and share Christ’s

love by serving others.

We warmly invite and welcome new

members and visitors to our Church and we thank each and every

one of you and are blessed by your faith

and support.

To learn more, or to make a gift to support

the mission of St. John’s, scan the code.

Brothers and Sisters in Christ,The fellow rectors of the diocese gave me two gifts for my retirement. Honestly,

it was a big surprise, met with tears. One was a gift certificate to buy items for my emerging hobby of cooking (I suspect Devvie had some input on that gift selection). The second was an online subscription to the Washington Post. I have started the subscription early, which may have been a mistake, because I don’t have time to read it. Last week I came across an article about Senator Mary Landieu of Louisiana who is in a runoff election to retain her seat in the Senate. She’s in a good bit of trouble with that bid. In an attempt to earn some points back home, she sponsored a bill to accelerate the construction of the Keystone XL pipeline from Canada to Texas. The pipeline is very popular in Louisiana, but not with the Democratic Party. Her effort failed, but that is not the point of these reflections. The article in the Post featured the Senator in an examination of what was termed the "Tea Party of the Left." What it was referring to was as Landieu was hosting a strategy session in her home, a large truck arrived with a fake oil pipeline and dumped it in her front yard as demonstrators rallied against her proposal.

Participants said they were going to start mimicking the tactics of the “original Tea Party” to make sure that Democratic members of Congress do not tack to the center of the political spectrum in response to this month’s elections.

I bring this up as I was with a group of people reflecting on the “visit” to St. John’s on November 2 from members of Operation Save America. I do regret I was not here…really I do, although I confess the beach was lovely! That day, almost immediately, I received an email expressing parishioner gratitude for how well our staff handled this situation. Recently I learned from others, not associated with the parish, but who witnessed the scene, of how aggressive our guests were. From the staff, I was filled in on how upset some of our children were. I also learned of the witness many of you manifest in the way you treated ill behavior with grace and cared for one another. How very proud I am of you!

I am in the process of writing procedures, based on conversations with the staff, civic leaders and other ministers in the community on what to do should this happen again. I will introduce the interim rector to this colorful side of Jackson Hole and our plans, including the outstanding resource that is Jackson Hole United.

Your response is the best witness you could have made in this very difficult situation. Abortion is an emotional issue, in which there are no “winners” and often only bad choices. Sometimes there are no good options. When people who, in good conscience, are willing to forego civil debate and good behavior confront you, there is strength in turning the other cheek. That said, if you know me, you know my feelings about adult issues being thrust upon children. I promise you, by the time you read this, missive procedures will be in place to mitigate the damage should a similar situation arise. In the meantime, please give thanks for the outstanding leadership shown by the staff of this parish on November 2 and since to restore a sense of calm. May God always be your companion.

Every Blessing. God’s peace.

" "Your response is the best witness you could have made in this very difficult situation.

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Bring the Christmas spirit home by purchasing a wreath from the St. John's Youth Group. For every product sold, 20% of the proceeds will go to support youth ministries. Wreaths will be available to order each Sunday in Hansen Hall until December 14. You can also order at AlpineWreaths.com (use Fundraising Group ID# 2549).

Kids craft advent wreaths on Sunday November 30 after the 10:00 service.

VESTRY CORNER | KEEPING YOU INFORMED

The Search for an Interim RectorJan Henderson, Senior Warden of St. John's Vestry provides an update on the process.The application period for our Interim Rector position closed on October 31 (see the website for the profile of St. John’s). On November 5, Canon Tristan English brought us applications from nine candidates and guided us through our initial review of those applications. It is not the Diocesan policy to rank the applications, but simply to determine whether each candidate is in good standing with his or her Diocese.

Each applicant submitted a ministry portfolio that included a personal mission statement, education, work history, references and answers to 11 incisive essay questions. The Vestry met twice for lengthy discussions on each of the applicants, narrowed the field to four potential candidates, then prepared standard questions for each applicant (several of which were included in last week’s Revelations), as well as individual questions. Between November 11 and November 18, the Vestry held interviews via Skype with the four candidates, selecting three to visit in person. If anyone would like a first-hand portrayal of this discernment, please ask any one of us.

Each candidate and spouse will visit Jackson and St. John’s in early December for a final interview that will include responding to additional questions, a tour of our campus, as well as preaching and presiding at a Eucharist service for the Vestry.

Our goal is to continue discernment following the last on-site visit and submit our top candidate(s) to Bishop Smylie by mid-December. Since Bishop Smylie must approve of clergy serving in the Diocese, he will interview the candidate(s) and work with us to prepare an offer. We hope to have this process completed by the end of the calendar year. Fr. Ken’s final service will be February 1, Canon Tristan English will preach and preside on February 8 to outline the process going forward, and we will welcome the Interim Rector on February 15.

Thank you for the confidence you have placed in your elected Vestry. From my perspective, it is well placed. If you have any questions, other than confidential information on candidates, we encourage you to reach out to any one of us – our contact information is on the website.

SHARE DELICIOUS FELLOWSHIP!Please join us for food and fellowship at our 2nd Sunday Potluck on December 14 after the 10:00 a.m. service. The church will provide a delicious Christmas ham as the main dish, and we ask that you bring the side dishes (potatoes, greens, baked beans, green bean casserole, biscuits–be creative!) and desserts. We are also looking for people to help set up

and clean up. Please RSVP on our website or in Hansen Hall to make sure we provide the correct amount of food and reduce waste. We can’t wait to see you!

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FLOWER POWER This Christmas, we will be placing live poinsettia plants in worship spaces. You may purchase a plant in honor or memory of

loved ones on our website at stjohnsjackson.org/poinsettia-orders.html or sign up in Hansen Hall. The suggested donation is $15 per plant. Orders are due by December 14. There is also a signup sheet in Hansen Hall for Christmas altar flowers.

TIS THE SEASON | A LOOK AHEAD TO ADVENT AND CHRISTMAS

Join us as we green the chapel and church on December 7 after the 8:00 and 10:00 services

A beautiful and meditative Blue Christmas Taize Evensong on December 14, 6:00 p.m.

Christmas cookie decorating! All children are invited Dec. 14 at 11:00 a.m.

Join us for Cookies and Carols at the Senior Center,December 16 at 12:30 p.m.

Experience the traditional Lessons and Carols service,December 21 at 10:00 a.m.

Youth Alliance party and caroling on the square, December 21, 4:00-7:00 p.m.

SEE CHRISTMAS EVE AND CHRISTMAS SERVICE SCHEDULE ON THE NEXT PAGE »

»»»CHRISTMAS EVE SERVICES

TIS THE SEASON | A LOOK AHEAD TO CHRISTMAS services

St. John’s ChapelHoly Communion 12:00 p.m.

St. John’s ChurchFamily Communion 4:00 p.m.

St. John’s ChurchHoly Communion 6:00 p.m.

St. John’s Church“Midnight Mass”10:00 p.m.

»»»CHRISTMAS DAY SERVICES

St. John’s ChurchHoly Communion 10:00 a.m.

Chapel of the TransfigurationTraditional Christmas Carols 5:00 p.m.

St. Hubert the Hunter, BondurantLessons and Carols, 4:00 p.m.

Last week we talked about the hidden needs of those in our community and that the holiday season can sometimes make those needs even clearer. Many holiday charities focus on feeding people with food drives, dinner to those who are homeless or in need, and more. While food is extremely important (it brings people, families and communities together as few other things can) people's other basic needs can get overlooked. What if you don't have laundry soap to wash your clothes before a holiday meal? What about toothpaste, toilet paper or dish soap to clean those holiday dishes?

The Jackson Cupboard supplies and SNAP (food stamps) benefits allow a household to buy only foods for the household to eat such as breads and cereals, fruits and vegetables, meats, fish and poultry and dairy products. What is not available are the nonfood items, such as vitamins or medicines, soaps, paper products and other household supplies.

The

NON-FOOD DRIVE

Providing more than nutrition over the holidays

How you can help this holiday seasonIf you would like to make the holiday season brighter (and easier) for someone in need and experience the joy of giving to others, you can participate in the Blue Bag Drive. The Drive allows parishioners to fill up a cloth shopping bag with household “basic needs” which will then be distributed by the Community Resource Center to individuals and families in need. The Blue Bag Drive is simple and extremely rewarding. Here’s how to participate:

1. Pick up a cloth “Blue Bag” and a shopping list from the church narthex. Take the bag to a store that caries household items such as Albertsons, Smiths or the Dollar Store and start shopping!

2. Fill bag with the items on the list, which includes personal care or household supplies such as soap, shampoo, toothpaste, toilet paper, dish soap, baby care products and cleaners.

3. Return the filled bag to St. John’s Church on or before Sunday, December 14.Proceed to feel good about making a difference in the lives of people and making your community a better place!

307-733-2603 • info@stjohnsjackson.org • facebook.com/stjohnsjh • twitter.com/SJECjackson

(The Rev.) J. Kenneth Asel, D. Min. Rector ken@stjohnsjackson.org Dn. Trent Moore Assistant/Youth Ministry trent@stjohnsjackson.org(The Rev.) Suzanne Harris Priest Associate suzanneloveh@mac.comDn. Dennis Johnson Vicar, St. Hubert’s Bondurant denjohn1@bresnan.netMargaret Hutton Children’s Ministry margaret@stjohnsjackson.orgPam Phillips Music keithphill@aol.comNicole Madison Music Assistant nicolemadison01@yahoo.comRobyn Reed Parish Administration robyn@stjohnsjackson.orgPam Woodson Parish Life pam@stjohnsjackson.orgNancy Lee Administrative Assistant nancy@stjohnsjackson.org Darrah Isaacson Communications darrah@stjohnsjackson.orgMary Glowacki Browse 'N Buy Manager browse@stjohnsjackson.orgLaurie Palmer Browse 'N Buy Assistant Manager browse@stjohnsjackson.orgBlakeney Spong Bright Beginnings Preschool preschool@stjohnsjackson.org

St. John’s Vestry contact information can be found on our website at www.stjohnsjackson.org/About/staff-and-vestry.html

W E E K LY C A L E N D A Rview online - www.stjohnsjackson.org

WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOUSend comments about topics in this publication to: info@stjohnsjackson.org or

Episcopal Church Jackson Hole, P.O. Box 1690, Jackson WY 83001.