Saint John s. Seek Love Serve SCHEDULE OF WORSHIP

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1 Saint John s Inter C hange St. John s Episcopal Church 1105 Quarrier Street Charleston, WV October 1, 2017, Vol. 57, No. 7 By Doris Redfield Did you ever wonder from whence cometh the themes for the annual stewardship campaign? I used to think some very clever Saints of John made them up. But then... I was recruited to work with the stewardship team and learned that there is a wonderful organization, The Episcopal Network for Stewardship (TENS) that suggests an annual theme. TENS is a network of leaders, churches, and dioceses devoted to building healthier giving cultures for greater ministry impact. Our diocese is a member of TENS, which hosts an annual conference. In fact, some of our members have attended this conference. TENS also has a wonderful website ( containing many resources pertinent to stewardship of every kind. The 2017 stewardship theme is Journey to Generosity. St. John s Journey to Generosity team consists of Fred Boothe, Bren Pomponio, and myself, with Fred serving as chair. Thank you, Fred! This year s ingathering of pledges is scheduled for Nov. 19. We will kick off the campaign on Oct. 1 and each member will receive a pledge card in early October. Please prayerfully consider your pledge, be it of time, talent, and/or treasure. The September 2017 Vestry Paper on Stewardship (available on the Episcopal Church Foundation website: provides some valuable insights into the church s journey to generosity. The paper tells us that The early church did not act out of scarcity, but abundance the abundance of the Lord s presence, and of one another. It also reminds us that for some the term, stewardship, can be an anxious reminder of scarcity the deep and difficult concerns of the future of our churches. Instead, we are encouraged to focus on the abundant gifts we have our people, our buildings, our energy and our ideas, trusting that bringing our whole self to God is enough. And so... in the words of a TENS Journey to Generosity introductory bulletin, our Journey to Generosity is an opportunity to say yes to God who calls us the Beloved... It is not simply about how much we give to support the mission and ministry of our parish. The journey is about how we live our lives as the Beloved the Beloved who act out of the abundance of the Lord s presence. May we say yes to God who calls us as His Beloved. SCHEDULE OF WORSHIP Sundays Oct. 1, 8, 15, 22 and 29, th through 21 st Sundays after Pentecost 8:00 a.m. - Holy Eucharist 9:00 a.m. - Adult Bible Study: Genesis, room 209 9:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. - Nursery open 9:30 a.m. - Adult Forum, room 109, see programs below 9:30 a.m. - Godly Play, room 299 9:30 a.m. - Journey to Adulthood (J2A), room :30 a.m. - Holy Eucharist, with choir ADULT FORUMS FOR OCTOBER Oct. 1 Margaret Pomponio, facilitator, Larry L. Rowe will speak on Better roads in W.Va.: Why the Oct. 7 bond vote matters Oct. 8 Travis Baldwin, facilitator, Exploring today s world through the lens of Jesus in The NOOMA Series by Rob Bell Oct. 15 The Rev. Kent Higgins, facilitator, Great church, great people, Great Courses Oct. 22 Olive Meyer, Una Karner, the Rev. Marquita Hutchens, facilitators, The spiritual journey Oct. 29 The Rev. Marquita Hutchens, facilitator, Shared stories of the saints of John Seek Love Serve St. John s Mission Statement We reach out to the world in Christ s name in the hope that all might find a home in God s healing love.

2 The Rev. Marquita L. Hutchens, Rector LECTIONARY SCRIPTURES AND COMMENTARY Scriptures for Sundays In Year A, October 2017 In reading scripture, it is helpful if we put ourselves in the place of the people in each story. Rather than think of yourself as an Israelite or Gentile, Christian or Persian, Greek or Roman, enlightened or fundamentalist, conservative or liberal, teacher or student, doctor or patient, man or woman, consider yourself in your reflection at one time the leader. How are you relating to the followers? Go back and consider yourself one of the followers. In each situation reflect on your relationship with others in the story. Where are you leading or following God s call (the boss s call) obediently? Where are you leading or following with obstinance in your heart? Are you content, joyful, angry, bored? Do you go to lunch with your closest friend and share helpful and constructive things about your experience, pick away at another s efforts dwelling on their shortcomings or ponder a challenge and explore new ways to deal with it in the future? Whether you are Moses, one of the Hebrew people, God, a psalmist, a prophet, Jesus, an apostle, a Philippian, a chief priest, a person in the crowd listening to a parable you don t understand, a tax collector or a prostitute, consider what you are thinking, feeling, saying and doing in relation to others in the story. There are limitless ways to respond in every situation that affect the resulting feelings. All of them relate directly to the choices we make in the moment. Oct. 1, Proper 21 Exodus 17:1-7 The wilderness of Sin does not refer to the fact that the Israelites were complaining of thirst and therefore wandered in sin. It is a geographic area of the southern Sinai Peninsula between Elim, where the Israelites camped (Exodus 15:27), and Mount Sinai. It is here at Massah and Meribah that the Lord stood in front of Moses on the rock at Horeb. Moses struck the rock and God s gracious and miraculous care flowed forth. Psalm 78:1-4, reviews the people s remembrance of God s great acts of mercy. Philippians 2:1-13 is a reminder from Paul to live together peacefully rather than in selfish ambition or conceit. He recounts the Christ hymn that we hear in Holy Week and Palm Sunday exalting Jesus willingness to give his very self for the sins of the whole world. Matthew Page 2 21:23-32 occurs in the midst of controversy and tension as Jesus confronts the very people who plot his death. It is reminiscent of the Exodus when the people complain and yet God is merciful. In the parable of the two sons we learn that those who have not lived a righteous life but are transformed by Jesus teachings are in better stead with God than those who refuse to believe that in Jesus God is doing a new thing. Oct. 8, Proper 22 Exodus 20:1-4, 7-9, Includes the first complete version of the Ten Commandments. The second is in Deuteronomy 5:6-21, which is 442 words longer. By that time Moses was beginning to think the Israelites needed more convincing. Psalm 19 responds saying, The law of the Lord is perfect and revives the soul. That is to say, loving God and living peaceably with our neighbors brings the greatest contentment. In Philippians 3:4b-14 we find Paul s understanding that a life of faith is a journey. We are not all of a sudden one day righteous. He says in verse 12, Not that I have already... reached the goal. He refers to the goal as resurrection from the dead, which some refer to as salvation. We press on through time striving to make Christ our own, because Christ Jesus has made [us] his own. Matthew 21:33-46, the parable of the vineyard reminds us that the owner of the vineyard (God s kingdom) expects us to labor and bear fruit; that is, live according to his commandments and show compassion so others, too, will want to work in the vineyard. Oct. 15, Proper 23 Exodus 32:1-14 Speaks of the people s impatience waiting for Moses to come down from the mountain, their consequent infidelity to God in making an idol to worship, Moses intervention on their behalf and God s willingness to be merciful. Even as God shows forth anger, God leaves room for change. Psalm 106:1-6, is a hymn of confession that speaks of the same incident in hindsight. The people of later generations remember God s acts of mercy even when they sin as their forebears did. The last chapter of Philippians (4:1-9) begins with words of love and reassurance. Paul mentions two women, Euodia and Syntyche, among many who have worked beside him witnessing to the gospel. Paul appeals to the people again to live gentle lives in harmony with all he has taught them. Matthew 22:1-14 is the last of three parables against the elders and chief priests who have rejected the teachings of Jesus. It compares the kingdom of heaven with a wedding banquet to which the king invites many, both good and bad. After many rejections finally the wedding hall is filled with guests. But the king has standards. All guests are expected to wear wedding garments, a metaphor for new life and Christ-like behavior. (continues on page 4)

3 By Ray Lowther, senior warden Sharing vestry and diocese highlights By the time you read this, officially we will be into fall! It seems only yesterday that I was sending you greetings of the New Year. With October knocking at our door, you know what follows Halloween (All Saints Day), Thanksgiving and Christmas! Looking at the calendar I realize that Advent is only 10 Sundays away. As I write this, today is Rosh Hashanah (the Jewish New Year) and Yom Kippur (Day of Atonement) is Sept. 29. I think back to the late 1970s when for eight years I sang for both of these high holidays at a local temple. That opportunity allowed me to learn phonetic Hebrew but most importantly, by singing for those services, to realize the commonalities of my Christian beliefs and the parallel to those of my Jewish friends that we share. Some vestry highlights as we move into the next month. With the status of refugees coming into our state having been delayed by the federal government, we as the Episcopal Church and St. John s are redirecting our efforts to keep this initiative vibrant through education, advocacy and awareness so when the green light is given we are ready to move forward in supporting what we had planned. Vestryperson Scott Rogers submitted his resignation due to unexpected and demanding responsibilities placed in his personal and professional lives. The next candidate from last year s vestry election fell to Kitty Palausky who also has current life situations precluding her acceptance of vestry membership at this time. The vestry decided that since new vestry members are to be elected at the end of the year to wait until then to move on filling these vacancies. Please keep Scott and Kitty lifted in prayer. They both have much to offer our St. John s community and both expressed that in the future they may be better positioned to do so. Speaking of vestry if you feel qualified and would like to be considered for this position of church leadership, please let Mother Marquita, myself, or any vestry member know of your interest. The annual meeting has been set for Sunday, Dec.10, at 9 a.m. This is an excellent time to recap accomplishments of last year and hear some of the goals for New vestry members and diocesan delegates will be elected. Speaking of diocesan items we, the Charleston Episcopal churches and the Kanawha Deanery, will be hosting the 140 th Diocesan Convention here in Charleston on Oct Main meetings will be held at the Charleston Marriott with a Friday evening service at St. John s. The closing event will be Eucharist on Sunday, Oct. 29, at 10 a.m. in the ballroom of the Marriott. Bishop Klusmeyer is asking that parishes attend this Eucharist and for those unable to do so Morning Prayer will be read at the local parishes. I am organizing a choir of singers from throughout the diocese to sing for the Eucharist service. If you like to sing, please see me. Lastly, our stewardship campaign begins Oct. 1 and runs through Nov. 19. You may want to begin discerning your blessings and what your contribution will be. Last weekend while in Oklahoma City on business, I visited the national memorial to the 1995 Oklahoma City bombing of the Murrah Federal Building. Observing the chairs representing those who lost their lives and how strategically they are placed on the green, I thought about my life and what I have done and left undone. With the timeliness of current events, not only Charlottesville but the impact of Harvey and Irma, each of us is a saint of God. In our time here we are obligated to do God s will, loving and helping, reaching out to all people. The hymn I Sing a Song of the Saints of God played in my mind -- The world is bright with the joyous saints, who love to do Jesus will. You can meet them in school, on the street, in the store, in church, by the sea, in the house next door; they are saints of God, whether rich or poor (or black or white or young or old or male or female or victim or responder) and I mean to be one too. Can you help with dinner? Join us on Sunday, Oct. 15, at 3 p.m. in St. John s kitchen to help cook supper for the families staying at the Ronald McDonald House. Volunteers and donations for groceries welcome. Contact Bren Pomponio at with questions. Make that deadline, please Our next issue will cover the month of November. Deadline to submit material is Wednesday, Oct. 25, at 4 p.m., with all material to be sent to both co-editors: meloracann@gmail.com and kempjulianne@yahoo.com. Your commitment to keeping this deadline is most necessary. Page 3

4 THE BISHOP S COLUMN Our faith is about the future. Christianity is about the future. Our hope is about the future By the Rt. Rev. W. Michie Klusmeyer Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, As many of you know, I have been completely captivated by the words of the Book of Common Prayer. Each day, during Morning Prayer, or on Sundays during the Eucharist, I find phrases that pop out at me, and cause me to think. Words that I have been reciting since college days, become new. Prayers that I ve known forever, come up to me, like they were just written. Life is changed, not ended, as written in the Proper Preface of the Departed. We are not worthy so much, as to gather up the crumbs under thy table, (from Rite I) versus We are made worthy to stand before you. (Eucharistic Prayer B, Rite II) And the list goes on. But recently I was watching a movie, in which a young jazz musician was talking to another musician, and they were discussing the GREATS. Finally, the one musician states, Jazz is about the future, and you re stuck in the past. How can you be a revolutionary, when you re such a traditionalist? (From LaLa Land ) That passage struck me hard, and I thought to myself, that line will preach! If jazz is about the future, then our faith is about the future. Christianity is about the future. Our hope is about the future. A sermon, preached back in 1978, by one of my professors states that Christianity is a paradox. He stated that the paradox is this: The future is the future, and yet the future is now. For the Kingdom of God is among us. It is here and now. We live in Christ. The Spirit of God is the sign of God s future activity in the world in today s time, and in today s lives moving toward the finalization of that which was begun eons ago. The paradox of the Gospel tells us that change is inevitable, because creation is not yet complete. Change is inevitable, and change is a scary thing. God s Spirit is still creating order out of chaos, and recreating what we cannot often see. Hebrews tells us that Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. (Hebrews 13:8) Because that God is future, and present, we can see in this life, an image of God s footsteps. Now we see dimly, then we shall see face to face. Now I understand partially, then I shall fully understand. We are here and now, and yet we strive for the future. Not getting stuck where we are, but being called to go further. Page 4 We follow our Lord, who lives with us now, but yet continues to call us forward, into the future. Calling us to give up self, so that the fullness of God may be fully lived out in our lives. Let us always look to the future, and know that God holds us closely. ~ Reprinted from Dayspring, a publication of the Episcopal Diocese of West Virginia. LECTIONARY SCRIPTURES AND COMMENTARY By the Rev. Marquita L. Hutchens, Rector Scriptures for Sundays In Year A, October 2017 Continues from page 2 Oct. 22, Proper 24 Exodus 33:12-23 is a conversation between Moses and God after the golden calf incident. Moses asks for proof that God will remain present with the Israelites as their journey continues and how God will make it known that God s covenant people are distinct from all other people on earth. This conversation is followed by an additional request to show Moses God s glory. God devises a way to do this without his certain death, for no one shall see [God] and live. Psalm 99 recounts more of the Exodus story proclaiming God as a ruler of justice and equity. 1 Thessalonians 1:1-10 is a prayer of thanksgiving for the new Christians in Thessalonica and their steadfastness to three familiar Christian virtues: work of faith, labor of love and steadfastness of hope in Christ. Matthew 22:15-22 continues Matthew s scathing account of the leaders in Jerusalem, in particular the Pharisees and Herodians (Jews friendly to the dynasty of Herod Antipas), and their malicious interrogations of Jesus. Oct. 29, Proper 25 Deuteronomy 34:1-12, the last chapter of this book, tells of Moses death in the land of Moab. Across the valley from Mount Nebo the Promised Land was in view. The author writes of Moses accomplishments. When the period of mourning is over, Joshua becomes the new leader. Psalm 90:1-6, is a communal lament beckoning God to continue showing compassion to the faithful. In 1 Thessalonians 2:1-8 Paul describes the worthwhileness of witnessing to the gospel even in the face of the challenges he encountered in his ministry. In Matthew 22:34-46 Jesus is quizzed about which commandment is greatest. While the Pharisees were gathered Jesus quizzes them about the Messiah and quotes from Psalm 110 to help them understand the divinity of the Messiah. Jesus is finally able to quiet the Pharisees when they cannot answer his question. References: The Lectionary Page - lectionarypage.net. and Fred Craddock, et al., Preaching Through the Christian Year A: A Comprehensive Commentary on the Lectionary, Harrisburg, PA: Trinity Press International, 1992, 558 pages.

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6 St. John s to host Russian ensemble LYRA vocal ensemble from St. Petersburg, Russia, will perform in St. John s at 4 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 1. Their program will feature orthodox liturgical music in the first half and Russian folk music in costume in the second half. The group has toured extensively in America with excellent reviews and enthusiastic audience response. St. John's is fortunate to host LYRA s only West Virginia performance. Admission is free, with donations gratefully received to sustain the series. A reception will follow. For more information, call FANTASTIC FRIENDSHIP: Traveling together to celebrate their 70th birthday are friends who started first grade together in Rush Springs, Oklahoma. Above, top to bottom are "The Twins," as we referred to Regina Lane and Bettenia Baker in the plural; Alice Hurry; Martha Morland and Marquita Hutchens. The photo was taken in a Zurich clothing store. We were taken with the message on the steps, " Breath in." "Breath out." Martha, our tour guide, lived and worked in Switzerland in and travels there every few years to visit friends she made. She doesn't believe in being 70 so we hoofed it from the train station to our hotel. She wanted to be sure we appreciated the sights. We definitely got in our 10,000 steps that day. Contributed by Marquita Hutchens Knitting circle On the first and third Saturdays of each month an industrious group meets at St. John s to create beautiful handmade items. They knit and crochet baby blankets, prayer shawls, baby hats and lap blankets which are donated to deserving recipients. All skill levels are invited to join from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in room 208. Barbara Knight or Phyllis Atwood can answer your questions or you can just show up. Coffee and treats are always available or lunch may be enjoyed courtesy of Manna Meal. Photos by Robin O Brien Celebrate these birthdays Pray for the lives and ministries of those celebrating October birthdays: Oct. 2 - Thomas Brown; Oct. 3 - Christian Rowe; Oct. 4 - John Barrett, Joellen Latimer; Oct. 5 - Bonnie Brown; Oct. 6 - Kip Reese, James Thibeault; Oct. 7 - Bonnie Holmes; Oct. 8 - Erin Brewster; Oct Gardner Stultz; Oct Sara Birckhead; Oct Elliott Birckhead; Oct Alexandra Macia, Blaine Mullins; Oct Wesley Goodwin; Oct Carol Lynn Tweel; Oct Wayne Eich, Sara Walker; Oct Dale Snyder; Oct Rosaline Rowe; Oct Patricia Bartlett, Betty Hamilton, Margaret Lieberman; Oct Janet Richardson; Oct Christine Daugherty Page 6

7 CHARLESTON PREMIERE Unity Productions Foundation presents Oct. 12, :00 p.m. Geary Auditorium A docudrama film about Muslim-Christian Peacemaking Narrated by Academy Award Winner Jeremy Irons University of Charleston 2300 MacCorkle Ave. SE Charleston, WV FREE ADMISSION Sultansaintcharleston.eventbrite.com The film contains some scenes of violence and may not be appropriate for children under 12. Please use your own discretion. FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT IBTESAM BARAZI / SUSUBARAZI@GMAIL.COM Sponsors: ISLAMIC ASSOCIATION OF WV, UNIVERSITY OF CHARLESTON, & INTERFAITH PARTNERS Page 7

8 ST. JOHN S EPISCOPAL CHURCH, CHARLESTON, WV RECTOR The Rev. Marquita L. Hutchens STAFF David Morton Director of Music and Choirmaster Lisa Nolan Parish Administrator Daniel Faber Organist James Webb Sexton VESTRY Ray Lowther Senior Warden Travis Baldwin Junior Warden Julia Beury Treasurer Christine Teague Clerk Established 1837 ~ Present Building consecrated 1901 ~ A Jubilee Center since 1985 Please address correspondence to: 1105 Quarrier Street, Charleston, WV lnolan@stjohnswv.org / Telephone / Facsimile Website John s Charleston Mary Fitzgerald 18 Fred Boothe 18 Robin O'Brien 18 Bren Pomponio 18 Matt Brown 19 Cindy Melton 19 Christy Morris 19 Scott Rogers 20 Dale Snyder 20 Christine Teague 20 MINISTRY CONTACTS Acolyte Masters Matt Brown Brian MacAulay Altar Guild Linda Workman Carter Blundon Archives Mary Fitzgerald Bell Choir Ray Lowther Christian Formation Godly Play and Nursery Maggie McCabe Journey to Adulthood Robin O'Brien Travis Baldwin Brian Hamra Adult Formation Margaret Pomponio Harold Howie Leah Macia Communications St. John s Interchange Melora Cann Julianne Kemp This Week at St. John's and Announcements Patricia Hammer Sunday service booklet Lisa Nolan Facebook and Website Jon Amores Blaine Mullins Compassionate Cities / Interfaith Jon Amores Eucharistic Ministers and Lectors Travis Baldwin Eucharistic Visitors Scott Rogers Greeters Dwight Foley Manna Meal Bren Pomponio Newcomers and Pastoral Care Diane Hendricks Op Shop / Back Door Thrift Shop Sandra Barkey Outreach Donna Hamra Christy Morris Parish Life Becky Burns Photographer To be determined Property Mike Klausing Reading Camp Melinda DiCarlo Gail Higgins Margaret Lieberman Robin O Brien Straight &Gay Alliance Travis Baldwin Shawl Ministry Barbara Knight Stewardship Fred Boothe Doris Redfield Bren Pomponio Taize Ray Shackleford Ushers Edd McDevitt Verger Bob Westmoreland Women in Faith, Fun and Fellowship Barbara Knight Worship and Sacramental Services The Rev. Marquita L. Hutchens (plus your finger foods) Don t be late for Evensong this autumn which will begin at 4 p.m. on Oct. 29, not at 5 p.m. as usual. Music Director David Morton has chosen two outstanding anthems to be sung by the St. Ambrose Choir: Be still, my soul by Percy Whitlock and Thee, Lord, before the close of day by H. Balfour Gardiner. Also programmed are responses by Herbert Sumsion, Psalm 138, an Anglican chant by Henry Ley, and Evening Service in C by Charles Sanford. And, of course, St. John s best tradition, High Tea will follow in Hunter Hall. Here s where you come in. Please contribute your best finger foods. The Parish Life Committee, headed by Becky Burns, looks forward to the wonderful finger foods that are donated by parishioners. Anything you can eat with your fingers or on a toothpick is appropriate! Items such as finger sandwiches, cheese balls and crackers, fruit -- use your imagination. And don t forget that sweets are important too. If you have contributed in the past, please do so again. If you are a newbie to High Tea, please join us and bring a donation of finger food to the kitchen when you arrive. Your donations will be greatly appreciated by the committee and all who attend.