Saint Christopher's Episcopal Church

Transcription

1 Saint Christopher's Episcopal Church 6320 Hanover Ave. Springfield, VA Our Vision: To Know Christ To Love Christ To Serve Christ in Others 1994 Armento The Fifth Sunday after the Epiphany; Holy Baptism February 4, 2018 *Hymn Prayer Book Number Page Number {7:30 a.m. Service words and responses begin on Page 323} * Indicates that the people stand Prelude: Impromptu in B flat major Franz Schubert The Word of God *WLP772 O Christ, the healer Celebrant: Blessed be God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Pg. 299 People: And Blessed be his Kingdom, now and forever! Amen! *Festive Eucharist (Gloria) *The Collect of the Day First Reading: Isaiah 40:21-31 Psalm 147:1-12, 21c Second Reading: 1 Corinthians 9:16-23 *WLP773 Heal me hand of Jesus Gospel: Mark 1:29-39 (see insert) (see insert) (see insert) (see insert) (see insert)

2 Homily for All The Rev. Peter K. Ackerman (7:30 a.m. continues with no Baptism) Children may go to Children s Church * Baptismal Covenant 301 * Prayers for the Candidate 305 * Thanksgiving over the Water 306 The Baptism 307 * The Peace & Announcements The Holy Communion Offertory Anthem: This little light of mine William Bradley Roberts This little light of mine, I'm gonna let it shine Let it shine, shine, shine Let it shine! Everywhere I go, I'm gonna let it shine, Let it shine, shine, shine, Let it shine! *490 I want to walk as a child of the light (verse 1) The Great Thanksgiving, Eucharist Prayer A 361 * Festival Eucharist- (Sanctus) The Lord s Prayer 364 The Breaking of the Bread 364 Children return from Children s Church and Nursery * Festival Eucharist- (Fraction) The Communion of the People *567 Thine are, O Lord Blessing of Birthdays and Anniversaries Post Communion Prayer & Blessing 365 *401 The God of Abraham praise The Dismissal (Response: Thanks be to God.) Postlude: Improvisation

3 WELCOME TO ST. CHRISTOPHER S EPISCOPAL CHURCH! Visitors and New Members: please fill out a white pew card and put it into the offering plate or hand it to the priest, or an usher. Nursery Care: is available for infants and toddlers at the later service. Ask an usher or greeter for directions to the infant room. We invite all baptized persons of Christian faith to receive communion. If you are not baptized you are invited to stand or kneel at the altar rail, while crossing your arms over your chest. You will receive a blessing instead of bread, and the wine person will pass you by. For Those Who Need Assistance: Communion can be brought to your in your seat just let an usher know during the service; large print bulletins and hearing assistance devices are also available (see an usher or greeter for the service for assistance). This Week We Are Praying For: The Church: Michael, our Presiding Bishop; Shannon and Susan, our Bishops. For Peter our Rector, Brooks our Seminarian, Joe our Music Minister, Joe our Bookkeeper and for Helen our Pastoral Assistant this week. Our Government: Donald our President, and Ralph our Governor. Thanksgivings: For those celebrating birthdays this month (but not read in church): Chris Erbe, Katy Dunlap, Mary Clardy, Ryan Erbe, Gina Tedesco, Hayden McDonald, Conor Bourke, Bud Mayo, Mary Rietman, Diane Owen, Pamela Osborn, John Mason, Adam Wattenbarger, Fred Berg, Olivia Reyes, Rafa W. Ritchie, Joe Kim, Katie Alleman, Lara Johnson, Francis Cole, and David Wilsey. The Sick, Suffering, and in Need Morgan Price, Barbara Milton, Indra Corea, Ursula Walls, Janice Hagan, Marion Evans, Ginny Berg, Sandy and Dick Rowley, Peter, Marguerite Wagner, Ralph Tomita, Jim Foster, Jay Jantz, Priscilla Greene, Virginia Cole, Molly Gray, Ann Moore, Ted Woodcock, Elaine Apostles, John Wells, and L. B. Berg as well as those on our February s Parish Family Prayer List (names not read in the service): Esther Bergum, Mae, Karen Curry, Christian Canell, Phyllis Brant, Helen Yi, Melvin Gantt, Phyllis Kerr, June Shaw, Marty Kiefer, Susan Ackerman-Peterson, Daniel Carr, Fritz Baldwin, Brad Penney, David and Stephen Penny, Helen Wagner, Jennifer

4 Flowe, Cook Family, Alleman Family, Dawn, Brendan Scriber, Bev Gilman, Matt Zeller, and Robin Courts. For Those Who Have Died: The Altar Flowers are given in the glory of God by Ursula Walls in memory of Ocie Walls birthday. The Sanctuary Candle is given in the glory of God by the Altar Guild. ANNOUNCEMENTS Today, we welcome into the household of faith, through the sacrament of baptism, Evaleigh Marie Etro, daughter of James A. Etro and Amanda K. Etro; and Harper Mae Vasquez, daughter of Christopher S. Vasquez and Sage P. Vasquez. TAX STATEMENTS FOR 2017 are on the table in the Fellowship Hall below the banner. They are in alphabetical order. Please pick yours up as soon as you can. Double check the entries and totals for accuracy - your Pledge Monitor has been known to make mistakes. If you need to have it re-done because of an error, please bookkeeper@saintchristophers.net, and Helen will print you a new one, with the corrected information. The statements will remain on the table until February 4, Many thanks to all who donated money to Saint Christopher's during Your gifts enable us to show our community how open our hearts are. God Bless You all. Helen Spence, Pledge Monitor

5 Buildings Meeting. On Sunday, February 11th Jim Armstrong is asking for all those interested in future buildings projects to meet on the stage area in the auditorium at 9:45 am. The group will review buildings projects executed and planned to provide a recommendation to the vestry about which projects to pursue given capital campaign funds. Jim Armstrong and anyone else willing to join will also discuss these recommendations with the capital campaign committee at a future date. If you would like to be part of this meeting please contact Jim Armstrong at or at james.armstrong296@gmail.com A Special thanks to all the Flower Guild Members and Volunteers. Thinking back to Christmas I want to give a special Thanks to all of the flower guild members and volunteers for creating a beautiful Christmas scene at St Christopher's of flowers, poinsettia plants, greens, garlands and wreaths. All told there were 16 members and 4 volunteers working hard on their areas bringing St. Christopher's into the season of celebrating the birth of Jesus. It took 3 days of preparation so on Saturday December 23rd our members & volunteers arrived at 9:00 a.m. to decorate the church. Everything was done and with the volunteers valuable help all was ready for the 5:00 p.m.dec.24christmas Pageant with 42 children telling the story of the Birth of Jesus. The children dressed in costume came in as the story was told by young children reading The Bible verses of the Nativity. The Flower Guild members & volunteers worked as the kids rehearsed on Decorating Day. It added to our busy day. Thank you children for letting us share working together. It was fun and exciting. A new tradition at Christmas. Last but not least everyone took care of their decorations clearing up their decorations. After all was cleared away 3 members & 1 volunteer cleaned and put away wreaths, garlands, bows, candles, hurricane shades &'trays. Thank you everyone for your wonderful help. Every job is important.

6 Calling All History Buffs! Have you explored George Washington s church? Pohick Church, a church in our Diocese, was built in 1774 just before the outbreak of the Revolutionary War, Both George Washington and George Mason were members and served on the Vestry! Join us Saturday, March 3rd from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. at Pohick Church in Lorton as we explore together this historic site in our Diocese. The tour and presentation, provided by the Pohick Church Docent Guild, will cover colonial to early 19th century history and the early Episcopal Church in America. This event is free and is perfect for history buffs of all ages. Children ages 10 and up will find the tour interesting and engaging. No transportation will be provided but carpooling is encouraged. Pohick Church is located at the intersection of US 1 and Telegraph Road at 9301 Richmond Highway in Lorton. Please RSVP to Christina Manning no later than Sunday, Feb 25th by or phone to christina.manning.cm@gmail.com or Sunday Morning "Breakfast Club" (AKA Adult Christian Formation) Please join us at 9:15 on Sundays through February 11, to discuss Rachel Held Evans book "Searching For Sunday" lead by Megan Coffey. This book examines how the church community needs to reassess how we practice faith formation, as well as chronicles Evans' own faith journey. We've had riveting class discussions in the past month using the book, recent studies, and Evans' references. No need to have read the book to participate, handouts provided in class. Those interested in purchasing the book, it is available in Kindle form for $.99 on Amazon ( Childcare and breakfast food is available. Upcoming Schedule of Discussion: Feb 4 - Holy Orders & Communion Feb 11 Anointing the Sick & Marriage

7 Children's Church Next few weeks we have lot of fun planned for Children's Church. Feb 4 - Mardi Gras celebration and making personal Kings Cakes Feb 11 - Burying the Alleluia and making Valentine Cards for home bound parishioners Feb 18 - No Children's Church Mar 4 - Pretzel making If you would like to volunteer to assist, please either contact Megan Coffey (megcoffey05@yahoo.com) or Tam O'Neil (tamara_oneil@yahoo.com) or sign up at A Note from Meredith Maple: Attention Youth and Parents. Please note the dates for the spring 2018 Youth Events at St. Christopher s Church. Feb. 11 Youth Group at SCC Feb. 25 Junior Youth Group at SCC March 11 Youth Group at SCC March 18 Junior Youth Group at SCC April 8 Youth Group at SCC April 15 Junior Youth Group at SCC April th and 7 th Grade PYM Weekend at Shrine Mont May 5 Regional Youth Group Spring Celebration at Burke Lake Park May th Grade PYM Weekend at Shrine Mont June 3 End of the year CELEBRATION June 10 Youth Sunday ** Please note all Youth group events meetings will occur right after church and be finished by 1PM. **

8 Lent Madness Returns to St. Christopher's Church! Sundays in Lent, beginning on February 18 at 9:30a.m. Anyone who is interested is invited to gather for some Lent Madness fun. Lent Madness is a daily bracket (like a sports pool) run by a couple of priests. During our Sunday meetings we will look at who was up against each other the previous week, and make our predictions about the week to come. You can come to the class without reading a thing, or you can obtain your own Saintly Scorecard by going to Forward Movement ( or if prefer an ebook copy from amazon ( ebook/dp/b078szn9ss/ref=sr_1_1?ie=utf8&qid= &sr=8-1&keywords=saintly+scorecard ). A few copies will be made available at the first class, but since Lent Madness begins after Ash Wednesday you might want to begin playing earlier than our first meeting. Last year's group had a lot of fun looking at the various saints in the bracket. It was a nice way to learn together during Lent.

9 The Wednesday Evening Lent Series Fr. Peter will take us through various chapters of C.S. Lewis' The Screwtape Letters. This now classic work, through the writings of "the evil one" to one of his minions - Wormwood - instructs the latter how to knock the good Christian off of his or her path. As we figuratively walk in darkness in Lent, this liturgical season is the perfect time to remember how to combat the darkness that encroaches upon our faith. These gatherings will each include a light meal provided by volunteers, the discussion, and Evening Prayer. They will be held on Wednesdays February 21, 28, and March 7, 14, 21, 28 from 6:15pm - 7:30pm. You may pick up the book at your local bookstore, or obtain an e-book version from an entity such as amazon. A sign-up sheet will be available near the coat rack, including a space for folks to volunteer to provide soup and bread for each evening. Illustrated Lent for Families This year the church has An Illustrated Lent for Families, which includes devotionals, activity sheets, and coloring sheets for families to use together as they journey through Lent. This plan offers seven weeks of family devotions that are simple, but meaningful. They are based on the Gospel readings from the Revised Common Lectionary for Lent. Each devotion includes a brief reflection, discussion question, activity, and prayer per week. Please see Father Peter, Megan Coffey or Tam O'Neil to get your copy. Looking for a great summer camp? The Diocese of Virginia hosts several wonderful summer camps at Shrine Mont in Orkney Springs, VA for children ages 8 thru 18. Registration has started and Special Early Bird rates are in effect through February. Full camp descriptions and rates are at For firsthand information on how great these camps are, contact Christina Manning at christina.manning.cm@gmail.com or The Flower Guild Easter Planning Meeting will meet on February 18, after church in the Library. Please bring your refreshment over to the library with you. Hope to meet no later than 12:15 to 12:30p.m. We will discuss how to decorate the church for Easter.

10 With flu season upon us it might be helpful to review a few practices that can help to keep us all a bit healthier. 1. Concerning the Common Cup: While there is a theoretically a small risk of transmitting disease by using a common cup, the risk is very, very low. The Eucharistic Ministers have been instructed in how to appropriately administer the cup to reduce contamination. If you are, might be, or were recently sick, if you have open sores in or on you mouth, or if you have low immunity due to a chronic disease, it is advisable that you only receive the wafer. The Episcopal Church believes that God is fully present in both of the communion elements; rest assured you will still receive the full grace of the Sacrament. 2. Sharing the Peace: Hands are a notorious source for passing along germs! During flu season you may want to carry and use your own personal hand sanitizer after passing the peace (St. Christopher s has large pump bottles located at the Altar and front entrance.) You may also want to use some upon entering and exiting the church. 3. Hand washing hand washing hand washing!! This is most effective if you use very warm running water, lots of soap, rub you hands together for at least 20 seconds, and then use the hand towel to turn off the taps and to open the door. Wash your hands before and after eating, after using the rest room, after blowing your nose, etc. Other Common Sense Tips: 1. Those serving, as well as parishioners, should stay home if they are not well. 2. If you can receive the flu vaccine and haven t already please consider it; it s not too late! (The vaccine takes about two weeks to provide protection). 3. Cough into the bend of your elbow instead of your hands. 4. Drink lots of water! 5. Practicing good health habits such as stress reduction, getting adequate sleep, eating a healthy diet (especially lots of fruits and vegetables) is always wise! 6. We sanitize surfaces at church (e.g. door knobs, light switches, etc.) but know that flu germs can live on surfaces for up to eight hours.

11 Service Participants For Sunday, February 4, :30am Acolyte: David Kirk Lector: Brooks Boylan Lay Eucharistic Minister: Brooks Boylan 10:30am Acolyte(s): Creighton Dunlap, Minnie Forbes, and Madison Curry Lectors: Gaye Evans (L1), Steve Mc Laugherty (L2) Lay Eucharistic Ministers: Brooks Boylan (PB), Meredith Maple (CB1), Carroll Hill (CB2) Altar Guild: Richard Sellers and Meg Reed Flower Guild: Lynn Knox and Harriet McCollum Vestry Person of the Week: TBA Prayer Intercessor: Carroll Hill Chapel Prayer Team: Janet Quinn and Ruth Meagher Communion Bread Baker: Margi Williams Greeters: Marian Cole P.A.T. Minister (taking Eucharist to our parish s shut-ins): Helen Spence Refreshment & Fellowship: Amanda Foley Tellers: Helen Spence and David Medding Ushers: Schedule not filed with Church Office. *if you are unable to serve, or a trade did not get posted, please let Fr. Peter know by Sunday morning ( /voic ) and he will let the appropriate ministers know. THE VESTRY OF ST. CHRISTOPHER S Senior Warden Janet Bush; Junior Warden Bill Price; Buildings Jim Armstrong; Christian Formation Katy Dunlap and Christina Manning; Worship Sarah Belisle; Register Liz Zubritsky; Grounds Jim Bradshaw; Membership Danny Gorham; Outreach Angela Bourke; Parish Life Richard Sellers; Stewardship Chris Erbe. STAFF The Rev. Peter K. Ackerman, Rector; Meredith Maple, Youth Minister for Teens; Nina Miller, Parish Administrator ; Joe Bush, Bookkeeper; Joe Gabalski, Organist/Choir Director; Polly Colwell, Preschool Director

12 This Week at St. Christopher s Monday, February 5 12:45 p.m. Preschool Staff Meeting & Training/Auditorium Tuesday, February 6 10:15 a.m. Preschool Chapel 7:00 p.m. Regional Meeting Wednesday, February 7 10:15 a.m. Preschool Chapel Thursday, February 8 9:30 a.m. Holy Eucharist 10:00 a.m. Women s Discussion Group Friday, February 9 9:30 a.m. Preschool Parent Coffee/Auditorium Saturday, February 10 8:30 a.m. 12:30 p.m. Frazelle Music Lessons/Auditorium 5:00 p.m. S. Anonymous Meeting 8:30 p.m. Alcoholics Anonymous Sunday, February 11 The Last Sunday after the Epiphany 7:30 a.m. Holy Eucharist 9:15 a.m. Adult Formation Class 9:45 a.m. Buildings Committee Meeting/Library 10:30 a.m. Holy Eucharist, Children s Sermon, and Children s Church (Nursery is Available) 11:45 a.m. Fellowship & Refreshments 11:50 a.m. Children s Choir Rehearsal 12:15 p.m. Bell Choir Rehearsal Come get your Ashes! Ash Wednesday Service Times, Wednesday, February 14, 2018 * 9:30 a.m. Ash Wednesday Liturgy and Holy Eucharist * 7:00 p.m. Ash Wednesday Liturgy with music, imposition of ashes and Holy Eucharist