Small Voice and Other Weekly News

Welcome!

Welcome guests! Please see the clergy or a Welcomer for a welcome bag with parish information, and visit www.StJohnWilderness.org to fill out an On-Line "Pew Card", or e-mail or call Rev. Mark, 651/429-5351.

• Rev. Mark,
  , ext. 11
• Deacons Deb and Rick,
  
• Receptionist,
  
• Youth and Children's Minister Sheila Foster,
  , ext. 12
• Music Minister Matthew Anderson,
  , ext. 17
• Business Administrator Maureen Vruno,
  , ext. 10
• Kids Hope USA Ministry,
  
• Healing Ministry, Dianne DelGiorno,
  
• BeFriender Ministry, Laurel Stiebler,
  
• Biblical Fluency Project, Pam Hadley,
  

The Episcopal Church is a branch of the One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church founded by Jesus Christ with his Apostles. It is part of the Anglican Communion, a worldwide fellowship, with its roots in the Church of England. It is a Universal or Catholic Church, continuing in the teaching, fellowship, sacramental worship and prayers according to the apostolic tradition. It is a Church of the Protestant Reformation, firmly rooted on the foundation of Holy Scripture and believing that the Bible contains all things necessary for salvation. It is an Evangelical Church, proclaiming Christ Crucified and Resurrected and affirming the need for a personal relationship with Him. It is a Compassionate Church, bringing the grace and hope of the Gospel to every area of life. As members of the Church, we are all ministers of the Gospel, representing Christ to this broken world, bearing witness to His Love, leading others to faith in Him and according to the gifts given us, carrying out His work of reconciliation.

 

Today

We offer care for children up to age 5 during 9 and 10:30 am worship. Downstairs from the Parish Hall, the Child Care Room closes 15 minutes after late worship ends.

Our Intergenerational Bible study called Route 66 will begin again today at 10 am in St. Cecilia's Room upstairs. We'll be traveling through the books of Jeremiah, Lamentations, Ezekiel and Daniel. All are welcome to join our journey through the 66 books of the Bible!

A reminder to the young and the not so young: St. John’s has an AED (defibrillator) life-saving unit with voice-activated directions on the wall as you enter the Parish Hall.

Children's "My Offering" envelopes are available from the tables in the Narthex and hallway.

Ministry opportunity: Do you love being an active part of weddings? We need a wedding coordinator (or 2) to help make the day run smoothly. You would meet twice (by phone or in person) before the wedding; be at the rehearsal (usually the day before); be at church 1 or 2 hours before and 1/2 hour after the wedding (until the couple leaves). If you are interested, please contact Rev. Mark. If you'd prefer to help with wedding and/or funeral receptions, please contact Lynn Gadbois who heads up that committee. We're asking you to share your time and talents for 1 or both of these vital ministries. Thank you.

Last Week’s Attendance: 7 pm Wednesday = 10; Sunday, 8 am = 25, 9 am = 103, 10:30 am = 107, Last Week’s Giving: Electronic Fund Transfers = $270; Pledge/Non-Pledge = $4,960; Plate Cash = $100.

 

This Week

All East Metro Seniors (of any age) are invited to have tea with Bishop Prior at 1:30 pm Tuesday, January 31 at Cornelia House on the Episcopal Homes campus at University and Fairview Avenues. It’s a great opportunity to share your thoughts with the Bishop and see all that’s happening at Episcopal Homes. If you need further information, call The Rev. Kay Provine, 651/632-8811.

Wednesday Food and Fellowship supper is served 5:30 - 6 pm weekly, free will offering accepted.

Wednesday evening childcare has ended but Lorna Cessna continues the 6-6:45 pm Children's Activity Program for school-age children in St. Angelico's Room.

At 6 pm Wednesdays are COFTA youth Scriptural dramatic arts and Youth Group upstairs, and Bible study led by Rev. Mark in the Parish Hall.

The Wednesday Night Bible Study series continues with the book of Ruth, an Old Testament love story containing important New Testament concepts. We're using the Shepherd's Notes Series to guide our study and discussions. Sign up at the Activity Center for a book.

Our Music Minister Matt Anderson has informed us of his plans to join his family in the Lutheran Church, the denomination in which they were raised. His last day with us will be Pentecost, Sunday, May 27. We appreciate Matt and the gifts he has brought to our community, as we launch a Music Minister Search Committee.

 

Ongoing/Upcoming

Super Bowl and Chili Cook Off, 4:30 pm Sunday, February 5 in the Parish Hall. Are you a Giants or Patriots fan? Maybe you prefer the commercials? Come watch the Super Bowl on our new TVs with your family and friends. There will be football, fellowship, and a variety of chili to sample. Bring a crock pot of your favorite chili to share, and enter the contest for the traveling trophy. Or, bring a beverage or side dish. Please sign up on the sheet at the Activity Center outside the Parish Hall. Rumor has it the "Welcome Mats" may sing again.

Wanted: Gently Used Professional Clothes and Personal Care Products! As part of the Episcopal Church in Minnesota Mission Project 2012, we will participate in the Ready for Success Drive. On Sundays in February, please bring gently used professional-type clothing for those preparing for job interviews. We also seek wallets, purses, personal care items, ties and jewelry. You may leave donations in the Parish Hal; look for the Ready for Success Drive display. If you have any questions, please see Margaret Thor or Deacon Deb.

John Estrem, ECS Executive Director, will speak on Poverty and the Role of Episcopal Community Services at noon Sunday, February 12 in the Parlor.

We'll celebrate Mardi Gras at 5:30 pm Wednesday, February 15.

St. John's Evensong with Trinity, Excelsior's parish choirs is at 4 pm Sunday, February 19. A reception follows in the Parish Hall. Please join us!

February 22 is Ash Wednesday. Please join us for the noon or 7 pm liturgy.