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Holy Eucharist 7:30 a.m. Easter Day Sunday, April 05, 2015

St. John’s Episcopal Church Ocean Springs, Mississippi

Welcome to St. John’s. We are very glad you have joined us for worship today. Holy Eucharist, Rite I begins on page 323 of the Book of Common Prayer. The prayerbook service is printed here for your convenience, as are the lessons. The lessons are taken from the Holy Bible (New Revised Standard Version).

Please take a moment to silence your electronic devises.

All standing, the Celebrant says

Celebrant Alleluia. Christ is risen. People The Lord is risen indeed. Alleluia.

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The following is sung, all standing

Glory be to God on high, and on earth peace, good will towards men. We praise thee, we bless thee, we worship thee, we glorify thee, we give thanks to thee for thy great glory, O Lord God, heavenly King, God the Father Almighty. O Lord, the only-begotten Son, Jesus Christ; O Lord God, Lamb of God, Son of the Father, that takest away the sins of the world, have mercy upon us. Thou that takest away the sins of the world, receive our prayer. Thou that sittest at the right hand of God the Father, have mercy upon us. For thou only art holy; thou only art the Lord; thou only, O Christ, with the Holy Ghost, art most high in the glory of God the Father. Amen. Collect of the Day

Celebrant The Lord be with you. People And with thy spirit. Celebrant Let us pray. O God, who for our redemption didst give thine only-begotten Son to the death of the cross, and by his glorious resurrection hast delivered us from the power of our enemy: Grant us so to die daily to sin, that we may evermore live with him in the joy of his resurrection; through the same thy Son Christ our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

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First Reading Acts 10:34-43

All sit.

Peter began to speak to Cornelius and the other Gentiles: “I truly understand that God shows no partiality, but in every nation anyone who fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him. You know the message he sent to the people of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ—he is Lord of all. That message spread throughout Judea, beginning in Galilee after the baptism that John announced: how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power; how he went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with him. We are witnesses to all that he did both in Judea and in Jerusalem. They put him to death by hanging him on a tree; but God raised him on the third day and allowed him to appear, not to all the people but to us who were chosen by God as witnesses, and who ate and drank with him after he rose from the dead. He commanded us to preach to the people and to testify that he is the one ordained by God as judge of the living and the dead. All the prophets testify about him that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name.”

Reader The Word of the Lord. People Thanks be to God.

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Psalm

Remain seated.

Psalm 118:1-2,14-24

Confitemini Domino 1 Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; *

his mercy endures for ever.

2 Let Israel now proclaim, * “His mercy endures for ever.”

14 The LORD is my strength and my song, * and he has become my salvation.

15 There is a sound of exultation and victory * in the tents of the righteous:

16 “The right hand of the LORD has triumphed! * the right hand of the LORD is exalted! the right hand of the LORD has triumphed!”

17 I shall not die, but live, * and declare the works of the LORD.

18 The LORD has punished me sorely, * but he did not hand me over to death.

19 Open for me the gates of righteousness; * I will enter them; I will offer thanks to the LORD.

20 “This is the gate of the LORD; * he who is righteous may enter.”

21 I will give thanks to you, for you answered me * and have become my salvation.

22 The same stone which the builders rejected * has become the chief cornerstone.

23 This is the LORD’s doing, * and it is marvelous in our eyes.

24 On this day the LORD has acted; * we will rejoice and be glad in it.

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Second Reading 1 Corinthians 15:1-11

Now I would remind you, brothers and sisters, of the good news that I proclaimed to you, which you in turn received, in which also you stand, through which also you are being saved, if you hold firmly to the message that I proclaimed to you—unless you have come to believe in vain. For I handed on to you as of first importance what I in turn had received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the scriptures, and that he was buried, and that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the scriptures, and that he appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve. Then he appeared to more than five hundred brothers and sisters at one time, most of whom are still alive, though some have died. Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles. Last of all, as to one untimely born, he appeared also to me. For I am the least of the apostles, unfit to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God. But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace toward me has not been in vain. On the contrary, I worked harder than any of them—though it was not I, but the grace of God that is with me. Whether then it was I or they, so we proclaim and so you have come to believe.

Reader The Word of the Lord. People Thanks be to God. Holy Gospel John 20:1-18

All stand.

Deacon The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to . People Glory be to thee, O Lord Early on the first day of the week, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene came to the tomb and saw that the stone had been removed from the tomb. So she ran and went to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one whom Jesus loved, and said to them, “They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we do not know where they have laid him.” Then Peter and the other disciple set out and went toward the tomb. The two were running together, but the other disciple outran Peter and reached the tomb first. He bent down to look in and saw the linen wrappings lying there, but he did not go in. Then Simon Peter came, following him, and went into the tomb. He saw the linen wrappings lying there, and the cloth that had been on Jesus’ head, not lying with the linen wrappings but rolled up in a place by itself. Then the other disciple, who reached the tomb first, also went in, and he saw and believed; for as

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yet they did not understand the scripture, that he must rise from the dead. Then the disciples returned to their homes. But Mary stood weeping outside the tomb. As she wept, she bent over to look into the tomb; and she saw two angels in white, sitting where the body of Jesus had been lying, one at the head and the other at the feet. They said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping?” She said to them, “They have taken away my Lord, and I do not know where they have laid him.” When she had said this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there, but she did not know that it was Jesus. Jesus said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you looking for?” Supposing him to be the gardener, she said to him, “Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have laid him, and I will take him away.” Jesus said to her, “Mary!” She turned and said to him in Hebrew, “Rabbouni!” (which means Teacher). Jesus said to her, “Do not hold on to me, because I have not yet ascended to the Father. But go to my brothers and say to them, ‘I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.’” Mary Magdalene went and announced to the disciples, “I have seen the Lord”; and she told them that he had said these things to her.

Deacon The Gospel of the Lord. People Praise be to thee, O Christ. Sermon The Rev. Dr. Charles Hawkins

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Nicene Creed Book of Common Prayer, p. 326 All stand.

We believe in one God, the Father, the Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, of all that is, seen and unseen. We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ, the only Son of God, eternally begotten of the Father, God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God, begotten, not made, of one Being with the Father. Through him all things were made. For us and for our salvation he came down from heaven: by the power of the Holy Spirit he became incarnate from the Virgin Mary, and was made man. For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate; he suffered death and was buried. On the third day he rose again in accordance with the Scriptures; he ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead, and his kingdom will have no end. We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life, who proceeds from the Father and the Son. With the Father and the Son he is worshiped and glorified. He has spoken through the Prophets. We believe in one holy catholic and apostolic Church. We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins. We look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come. Amen.

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Prayers of the People Book of Common Prayer, p. 328

All stand or kneel.

Let us pray for the whole state of Christ’s Church and the world. Almighty and everliving God, who in thy holy Word hast taught us to make prayers, and supplications, and to give thanks for all men: Receive these our prayers which we offer unto thy divine Majesty, beseeching thee to inspire continually the Universal Church with the spirit of truth, unity, and concord; and grant that all those who do confess thy holy Name may agree in the truth of thy Holy Word, and live in unity and godly love.

Give grace, O heavenly Father, to all bishops and other ministers, [especially, our Bishops, Justin, Katharine, and Brian; our Clergy: Charles and Jim] that they may, both by their life and doctrine, set forth thy true and lively Word, and rightly and duly administer thy holy Sacraments.

And to all thy people, give thy heavenly grace, and especially to this congregation here present; that with meek heart and due reverence, they may hear and receive thy holy Word, truly serving thee in holiness and righteousness all the days of their life.

We beseech thee also so to rule the hearts of those who bear the authority of government in this and every land [especially, Barack, our president; Phil, our governor, and Connie, our mayor and our city and county officials], that they may be led to wise decisions and right actions for the welfare and peace of the world.

Open, O Lord, the eyes of all people to behold thy gracious hand in all thy works, that, rejoicing in thy whole creation, they may honor thee with their substance, and be faithful stewards of thy bounty.

And we most humbly beseech thee, of thy goodness, O Lord, to comfort and succor all those who, in this transitory life, are in trouble, sorrow, need, sickness, or any other adversity.

[We remember the prayer concerns in our bulletin and the Congregation is invited to name those persons for whom our prayers are requested.]

And we also bless thy holy Name for all thy servants departed this life in thy faith and fear beseeching thee to grant them continual growth in thy love and service; and to grant us grace to follow the good examples of all thy saints, that with them we may be partakers of thy heavenly kingdom.

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Grant these our prayers, O Father, for Jesus Christ's sake, our only Mediator and Advocate. Amen.

Peace

All stand.

Celebrant The peace of the Lord be always with you. People And with thy spirit. Then the Ministers and the People may greet one another in the name of the Lord.

Holy Communion The Celebrant says

Representatives of the congregation bring the people’s offerings of bread and wine, and money or other gifts, to the deacon or celebrant. The people stand while the offerings are presented and placed on the Altar.

Great Thanksgiving

The people remain standing.

Celebrant The Lord be with you. People And with thy spirit. Celebrant Lift up your hearts. People We lift them up unto the Lord. Celebrant Let us give thanks unto our Lord God. People It is meet and right so to do. The Celebrant proceeds

It is very meet, right, and our bounden duty, that we should at all times, and in all places, give thanks unto thee, O Lord, holy Father, almighty, everlasting God.

But chiefly are we bound to praise thee for the glorious resurrection of thy Son Jesus Christ our Lord; for he is the very Paschal Lamb, who was sacrificed for us, and hath taken away the sin of the world; who by his death hath destroyed death, and by his rising to life again hath won for us everlasting life.

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Therefore with Angels and Archangels, and with all the company of heaven, we laud and magnify thy glorious Name; evermore praising thee, and saying,

Sanctus

Celebrant and People

Holy, holy, holy, Lord God of Hosts: Heaven and earth are full of thy glory. Glory be to thee, O Lord Most High. Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord. Hosanna in the highest. The people stand or kneel.

The Celebrant continues

All glory be to thee, O Lord our God, for that thou didst create heaven and earth, and didst make us in thine own image; and, of thy tender mercy, didst give thine only Son Jesus Christ to take our nature upon him, and to suffer death upon the cross for our redemption. He made there a full and perfect sacrifice for the whole world; and did institute, and in his holy Gospel command us to continue, a perpetual memory of that his precious death and sacrifice, until his coming again.

For in the night in which he was betrayed, he took bread; and when he had given thanks to thee, he broke it, and gave it to his disciples, saying, “Take, eat, this is my Body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.”

Likewise, after supper, he took the cup; and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, saying, “Drink this, all of you; for this is my Blood of the New Covenant, which is shed for you, and for many, for the remission of sins. Do this, as oft as ye shall drink it, in remembrance of me.”

Wherefore, O Lord and heavenly Father, we thy people do celebrate and make, with these thy holy gifts which we now offer unto thee, the memorial thy Son hath commanded us to make; having in remembrance his blessed passion and precious death, his mighty resurrection and glorious ascension; and looking for his coming again with power and great glory.

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And we most humbly beseech thee, O merciful Father, to hear us, and, with thy Word and Holy Spirit, to bless and sanctify these gifts of bread and wine, that they may be unto us the Body and Blood of thy dearly-beloved Son Jesus Christ.

And we earnestly desire thy fatherly goodness to accept this our sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving, whereby we offer and present unto thee, O Lord, our selves, our souls and bodies. Grant, we beseech thee, that all who partake of this Holy Communion may worthily receive the most precious Body and Blood of thy Son Jesus Christ, and be filled with thy grace and heavenly benediction; and also that we and all thy whole Church may be made one body with him, that he may dwell in us, and we in him; through the same Jesus Christ our Lord;

By whom, and with whom, and in whom, in the unity of the Holy Ghost all honor and glory be unto thee, O Father Almighty, world without end. AMEN.

The Celebrant then continues

And now, as our Savior Christ hath taught us, we are bold to say,

People and Celebrant

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy Name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen. Breaking of the Bread

A period of silence is kept.

Alleluia. Christ our Passover is sacrificed for us; Therefore let us keep the feast. Alleluia.

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O Lamb of God, you takest away the sins of the world: have mercy upon us. O Lamb of God, you takest away the sins of the world: have mercy upon us. O Lamb of God, you takest away the sins of the world: grant us thy peace.

The Celebrant says

The Gifts of God for the People of God.

All baptized persons, regardless of denominational affiliation, are welcome to receive Holy Communion in the Episcopal Church.

After Communion, the Celebrant says

Let us pray.

Celebrant and People

Almighty and everliving God, we most heartily thank thee for that thou dost feed us, in these holy mysteries, with the spiritual food of the most precious Body and Blood of thy Son our Savior Jesus Christ; and dost assure us thereby of thy favor and goodness towards us; and that we are very members incorporate in the mystical body of thy Son, the blessed company of all faithful people; and are also heirs, through hope, of thy everlasting kingdom. And we humbly beseech thee, O heavenly Father, so to assist us with thy grace, that we may continue in that holy fellowship, and do all such good works as thou hast prepared for us to walk in; through Jesus Christ our Lord, to whom, with thee and the Holy Ghost, be all honor and glory, world without end. Amen.

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Blessing

The priest blesses the people, saying

May Almighty God, who has redeemed us and made us his children through the resurrection of his Son our Lord, bestow upon you the riches of his blessing. Amen.

May God, who through the water of baptism has raised us from sin into newness of life, make you holy and worthy to be united with Christ for ever. Amen.

May God, who has brought us out of bondage to sin into true and lasting freedom in the Redeemer, bring you to your eternal inheritance. Amen.

And the blessing of God Almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, be upon you and remain with you for ever. Amen.

Dismissal

Deacon Alleluia, alleluia. Let us go forth into the world, rejoicing in the power of the Spirit.

People Thanks be to God. Alleluia, alleluia.

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Flowers for Easter are given to the Glory of God by Lee Armstrong In thanksgiving for the 30th anniversary of the marriage of Terry & Lee

Armstrong Angela & Kenny Ross In thanksgiving for their anniversary Sheila Grieco Turner In memory of Dane Turner Jan & Harold Roberts In memory of Margaret Keller & Sandy Harlow Skip & Branda Baxter In memory of William Baxter and in thanksgiving for Michael Baxter Jennifer Melton In memory of Joel Melton, the greatest father who taught me the most

important lessons in life. I love you daddy! Lynda Knight In memory of Butch Knight and in thanksgiving for children &

grandchildren Robbie & Cindy Johnson In memory of Beth & Bill Johnson, Edward Turner Johnson Dan & Linda Richard In memory of Elizabeth Wells & Freda Orsi Carolyn Sanders & Max Hewish In memory of Bill Hawkins & Ruby Hewish Marie & Joseph Schneider In memory of Doris Albert, Josephine Schneider, George Albert, &

Edwin Schneider Barbara Campbell In memory of her husband, Paul Morris Campbell Ronnie & Jill Roth In memory of Lester & Katherine Thibault and Clara Jeanette Hendrix Ann & Greg Williams In memory of Alfred Frentz Roy Davis In memory of family & friends Cecil George & Charles Smith In memory of Marian Gambrel and James E. Smith Mary Nell Patrick In thanksgiving for children-John & Ann; grandchildren-Tyler, Kaitlyn,

Joseph; sisters-Martha, Jessie, Jo & Bonnie Budd & Sharon Manuel In thanksgiving for children & grandchildren Margaret Reynolds In memory of Margaret Stevenson, Arden Jensen and Larry Stewart, Sr. Kelcey Gollott In memory of Rick Holem Melissa Johnson In thanksgiving for Lena Melton and all she does for our church JoAnne Calhoun In memory of niece Cyndi Prindle Welding George & Cynthia Ramseur In memory of Richard & Erlene Gilbert and in thanksgiving for our

children: Gilbert & Carolyn Lisa Greenberg In memory of Bob & Cary Greenberg Joyce Jurik In memory of Michele Hale Marjorie Ashley In memory of loved ones Mary Holem In memory of Rick Holem Kim Sturgill In memory of Rick Holem Ame Severson In memory of Euthene & Edwin Eggers and Phillip Severson Virginia & Mike Montgomery In memory of Ethel & Eddie Montgomery and in thanksgiving for

Bessie & Huron Virden Lady Jean Hanlin & Toni Norman In memory of loved ones and in thanksgiving for St. John’s family and

the blessings of Holy Week Jerry & Lynn Rich In memory of our grandson, Baby Ben Hardy Jan Waterhouse In thanksgiving for the many prayers from St. John’s parishioners and

clergy Michael & Andrea Cabrera and In memory of Eleanor Johnson Turcotte, Godmother of Sean and Elaine Johnson Savanna Cabrera Gail Bishop, Lauren and Charlie Clark In memory of our parents and grandparents *The fresh cut flowers today from the Frasier Nursery are donated by Barbara, Doug, Carole, Lee, Janice, & Ellen in memory of John & Alice Cox, Frasier & Eileen Wilkerson, Ralph Wilkerson and Michael Bledsoe. *Gifts were received to the organ restoration fund from Alex and Marcia Blevens and David and Jeanne Grigsby in memory of John Snodgrass, Cindy Johnson’s father

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A Note on Today’s Readings

The Sunday of the Resurrection: Easter Day—Year B

Throughout the fifty days of Easter, the first reading on Sundays is from the Acts of the Apostles. These weekly readings from Acts describe the life of the first Christians and their proclamation of Christ’s resurrection. So today we hear a portion of the sermon Peter preached to Cornelius, the first Gentile Christian. The passage from I Corinthians contains Paul’s witness to Jesus’ resurrection as it was told him by the other apostles. He concludes with his own experience of Jesus’ appearance to him.

The Gospel reading from John describes the women going to the tomb and the Lord’s appearance to Mary Magdalene.

As we rejoice in our new life in the risen Christ on this day, he comes among us and is made known to us in the Breaking of the Bread. We, like Mary and the other women, are sent forth to tell others of his resurrection.

From The Rite Light: Reflections on the Sunday Readings and Seasons of the Church Year. Copyright © 2007 by Michael W. Merriman. Church Publishing Incorporated, New York.

Prayers for the Week of April 5, 2015 This week we remember Roy Newton Courington, Charles Bardsley, and Amos Ross.

This week we celebrate the birthdays of Campbell Furr, Foley Ranson, Nicholas Gault, Steve Minor, Liam Brown, David Armstrong, Sam Snyder, Elizabeth Quave, Gaelyn Angus-Barker,

Clifford Hermes, Jr., and Mickey Forgione. This week we celebrate the wedding anniversary of Lee & Terry Armstrong; Kenny & Angela

Ross, Jerry & Lynn Rich, and Mark & Cissy Hare. In our Diocesan Prayer Cycle we pray for St. John’s, Pascagoula; and St. Pierre’s, Gautier.

On our Panamanian Prayer Cycle we pray for St. Michael’s Church, Gaubito. Prayer for Those in the Armed Forces: Joey Ranson, Corey David Ingraham, Elizabeth Daniels,

Thomas Daniels, Adam Ackerman (Alaska), Lance Simon and James Wise. Prayers are offered daily by the Daughters of the King.

Prayers for the Sick

Almighty God, giver of life and health: Comfort and relieve those who are sick and give your power of healing to those who minister to their needs, that they may be strengthened in their

weakness and have confidence in your loving care; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. Parish Family: Gail Bishop, Kay Woods, Ben Cheney, Jan Waterhouse, Mignon Cousins, Viola Bardsley, Ed Krecker, Marge Aldrich, Chuck Aldrich, Richard Heard, Roselyn & Lindy Ross, Ouida Atkins, Jim & Linda Shaw, Hazel Hall, Rosemary Furr, Charlie Ashby, Jean Boley, Terry Armstrong, Amanda N., Pat Spear, Charlie Melton, William Lewis, Fran Newby, Jim Lancaster, Wes Clearman, Charles Fowler, Frank Hedges, Marilyn Hoard

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Extended Family: Vera Barton, Marlene Mclean, Leota Ray, Gladys Efaw, Roger Collier, Lillian Delzell, Judy Braun, Will Newman, Frances Kennedy, Claudia Reda, Teri Coate, Keith, Blake Jackson, Judy Nash, Donna Brown, Emily Lee, Lois Majure, Diane Hutchinson, Joan Mercer, Frannie Brown, David Kulick, Huron & Bessie Virden, Scott, Floyd Patrick, Lori, Robert, & Harlee Seiler, Judith Brown, Jean Higgins, George Sparkman, Dorrie Colomar Greater Community: Erin S., Karen Sock, Rosemary Gonzalez, Belle McCann, Judy Williams, Julia Gregg, Butch and Paula, Mikel Anthony, Percy Sanderford, Karen Nelson, Gail Banks, Hannah Raymo, Monty Noblitt, Norma Langdale, Betty Smith, Melissa Lee, Dee Smelly, Connie Avera, Betty Page, Delores Carter, Gary Michaels, Brianna Medina, Robert, Kathy Grizzard, Glen Angus, Shirley Angus, Stacey Randall, Robert Webb, Angela Clary, Daisy Clauselet Pilot, Arthur Carlisle, Helen Lloyd, Margaret Moniet, Leroy, Patrick, Victoria, Glenn, P. Bell,Tim Cyrus, Vanessa, Amy, Donna & Rodney, Brian Gurney, Kendall Lamb, Nichole Gilbert, Shan Hudlow, Bobby Ray Ricks

Welcome

Welcome! Thank you for worshiping with us today. If this is your first time to worship at St. John’s, please fill out the visitor’s card and place it in the alms basin. And, please join us for coffee in the Parish Hall following the service.

Children’s Chapel is held during the 9:00 a.m. Sunday worship service each week. Children process to the Children’s Chapel during the “Sequence Hymn” (the hymn the follows that second lesson). All preschool and elementary school age children are invited to attend Children’s Chapel.

Nursery Care is available for young children during the 9:00 a.m. worship service, Adult Sunday School, and 11:15 a.m. service. The “Joy” Room next to the nursery has live video and audio of the service for parents with unhappy babies.

Parish Announcements for the Week of April 5, 2015

Easter Flowers. If you gave Easter Flowers, they will be available for pick-up after the 11:15 a.m. Easter Sunday service or during office hours.

Daughters of the King. Please join the Daughters of the King as we meet on Tuesday, April 7th at 6:00 p.m. in the parish hall. The Rev. Bruno Schroeder will present a program for us followed by a short business meeting. Hope to see you there!

Merry Widows. The Merry Widows will meet at Vestige on Friday, April 10, 2015, at 5:30 p.m. Contact Ame Severson to RSVP at 228-327-0689.

From Jean Matteson, St. John’s Preschool: One Bedroom Condo in Orlando, any week in 2015. Condo available for purchase through the preschool for only $500. Call Jean at St John’s Preschool: 872-2343

Diocesan Youth Events. Exciting events for the spring! Junior High DOY - April 10-12 http://www.dioms.org/digital_faith/events/3162829 Happening Reunion T-Shirt Sale http://www.dioms.org/digital_faith/events/3162791

“Jazz & Juleps” The derby party “Jazz & Juleps” will be held May 2. Volunteers are welcomed. There is a sign up in parish hall. Or, contact Cynthia or Angela. Horses are available for sponsor.

Summer Camp. Mark your calendars because registration for the 2015 summer at Camp Bratton-Green has begun. You will find the registration link at graycenter.org.

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The schedule for the summer can be found here: http://graycenter.dioms.org/camp/schedule.html (As a reminder the grades for the sessions apply to the grades the camper is currently in, so a camper who is currently in the 5th grade would attend a Middler 5th and 6th grade session.) A $100 down payment ($50 for Intro Camp) will be required for all sessions in order to complete the registration and save a space for your camper.

We are a busy parish with many opportunities to play and pray together. Pick up a St. John's

Ministry Card and/or sign-up to participate in upcoming events. Sign-Up sheets are in the parish hall every Sunday morning and Wednesday evening.

Mission Statement

We will know, love and serve God, be renewed by His Spirit and share Christ.

Vision Statement

Inspired by Christ, we will strive for spiritual maturity to attain a greater knowledge of God’s divine plan. We will embrace those seeking spiritual renewal and growth. We will offer a

diversity of programs and worship to fulfill the needs of all ages and backgrounds. We will be responsive to the changing needs of our Parish and world community. We will develop facilities

to support our Vision Statement.

Recycling Today’s Service Leaflet

Please take today’s service leaflet home with you if you wish to study it further (especially helpful is the weekly calendar and some of the announcements). If you no longer will be

needing the service leaflets, however, please know that if you leave them at one of the entrances to the parish, the ushers will collect them and the sexton takes them to be recycled. The parish

uses paper that is manufactured from recycled paper whenever possible.

You are cordially invited to celebrate with

Terry and Lee Armstrong

During the 9:00 am service at St John’s Episcopal Church Sunday April 12th 2015

A marriage blessing will be performed during the regular service

Please join us as we observe our “30 years and counting” in the parish hall after the service

Faith, Family & Friends

No gifts please

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Notes on Regularly Scheduled Events Sunday School. “Living the Good News” Sunday School for Preschool and Elementary School age

children is held each Sunday at 10:10 a.m. All preschool and elementary school age children are invited to attend. For more information regarding Sunday School at St. John’s contact Alexis Williams.

EYC (Episcopal Youth Community) EYC meets on Sunday afternoons at 4:30 p.m. at DeMiller Hall, Biloxi or at one of the member parishes. EYC-East Gulf Coast is a ministry of Church of the Redeemer, Biloxi; St. Mark's, Gulfport; and St. John's, Ocean Springs. All Middle School and High School age youth are invited. For additional details contact Luke Gautier at 228-617-0905. And, check out the EYC Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/sjosms.eyc

Adult Bible Study with the Rev. Bruno Schroeder meets in the Kindness Room on Sunday mornings at 10:10 a.m. and Wednesday mornings at 10:00 a.m. For more information contact Bruno Schroeder.

Children’s Choir meets on Tuesday at 4:30 p.m. in the choir room. For more information contact Cynthia Ramseur at 228-875-4454.

Centering Prayer meets on Thursday at 5:00 p.m. For more information contact Sharon Manuel at 872-4041 or 229-9307.

Youth Led Bible Study for Youth meets on Thursday at 6:30 p.m. in the EYC room on the second floor of the education center. For more information contact Amanda Kilduff.

Thursday Theology Group with the Rev. Harold Roberts meets on the second and fourth Thursday of the month at 2:00 p.m. in the Kindness Room on the second floor of our education center. For more information contact the Rev. Harold Roberts.

Daughters of the King. The Daughters of the King meet on the first Tuesday of the month. Contact Lisa Baker for more information about the Daughter’s of the King at 228-282-3733.

Merry Widows. The Merry Widows meet on the first Friday of the Month at 5:00 p.m. Contact Ame Severson to RSVP at 228-327-0689.

Saints & Sinners. Saints & Sinners (the men’s group of St. John’s) meet on the second Tuesday of the month. All the men of the parish are invited to join in the fun. For more information on Saints & Sinners contact David Pritchard.

Bell Choir. St. John’s Bell Choir meets on a variable schedule. For more information about St. John’s Bell Choir, contact Martha Thompson.

Ultreya. St. John’s has three Ultreya groups. The first meets on Mondays at 9:00 a.m. in the Rawls Room. The evening group meets on the third Tuesday of the month at 5:30 p.m. in the parish hall. The third meets at Pat Spear’s home on Thursday mornings at 8:00 a.m. For more information about Ultreya at St. John’s, contact Lena Melton.

Adult Forum. The Adult Forum meets monthly during the coffee hour (Sundays at 10:10 a.m.). For more information about Adult Forum, contact John Switzer or Valerie Winn.

Education for Ministry meets on Thursday at 6:30 p.m. in the Kindness Room. New students are registered each August for the coming academic year. For more information contact Charles Hawkins at 228-238-7010.

The Lord is My Help. St. John’s is responsible for volunteers for The Lord is My Help on a rotating schedule. If you can volunteer, contact Peggy Butera (228-875-7049) or Jim Lancaster. Our weeks for 2015 are: March 2-6; May 4-8; July 6-10; September 7-11; and November 2-6.

St. Luke’s Guild. St. Luke’s Guild meets on the third Thursday of the month for their monthly pot-luck dinner. St. Luke’s is composed of ladies from St. John’s and the community who meet for fellowship and support our preschool. Everyone is invited - come make a new friend.

Public Service of Healing with Anointing and the Holy Eucharist is held on Wednesdays at 5:30 p.m. Nursery care available during the worship service. Worship service is followed with dinner in the parish hall.

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You can “Follow” and “Friend” St. John’s on Twitter and Facebook

You can “Friend” St. John’s at www.facebook.com/pages/St-Johns-Episcopal-Church. And, you can “Follow” at https://twitter.com/St_John_OS_MS.

Every Member Canvass of 2015 Annual Stewardship Campaign for St. John’s

$350,000 - Pledged Goal

150 - Pledges Goal

$330,266.10 - Pledged (through February 28, 2015) 136 - Pledges (through February 28, 2015)

*If you have not yet pledged for 2015, please do. It is not too late! Pledge cards are

available in the narthex and on the ministry table in the parish hall.

ENJOY WORKING IN THE KITCHEN? ENJOY SPENDING TIME WITH FUN PEOPLE?

ST. JOHN’S KITCHEN ROTA IS CALLING YOU!

Wonderful Wednesday Dinners at St. John’s is set on a new course. The vision is for a rotation of teams to be responsible for the meal one Wednesday every 4 – 6 weeks. This includes planning, shopping and preparing the meals. (The church pays for the food.) A planner and recipe book will be in the kitchen for reference. If you enjoy working in the kitchen whether you like to organize and set up, chop vegetables, make salads, plan meals or cook, WE NEED YOU! A signup sheet is located in the Parish Hall on the Ministry Table. Please feel free to call Darlene Stuart (228) 365-6246 or Angela Bishop (601) 991-4012 with any questions.

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Serving Today, Sunday, April 5

Sun, 7:30 AM - Easter Day (Holy Eucharist, Rite I) Charles Hawkins Celebrant Charles Hawkins Preacher Jim Lancaster Deacon Lynda Knight Verger - Lead Verger Max Hewish Lector - First Lesson Ann Mead Lector - Second Lesson Judy Ashby Usher (1) Roy Davis Usher (2) Sun, 9:00 AM - Easter Day (Holy Eucharist, Rite II) Charles Hawkins Celebrant Charles Hawkins Preacher Jim Lancaster Deacon Barbara Mabry Verger - Lead Verger Terry Armstrong Verger - Assisting Verger Linda Healy Lay Eucharistic Minister Budd Manuel Lector - First Lesson Lisa Baker Lector - Second Lesson Sharon Manuel Intercessor Isabel Cheney Acolyte Lydia Cheney Crucifer Jasmine Hill Torch Bearer Madison LeMaire Torch Bearer Lyn Cheney Usher Ben Cheney Usher Sun, 11:15 AM - Easter Day (Holy Eucharist, Rite II) Charles Hawkins Celebrant Charles Hawkins Preacher Jim Lancaster Deacon Dennis Cowart Verger - Lead Verger Lena Melton Verger - Assisting Verger Jan Waterhouse Lay Eucharistic Minister Bill Angus-Barker Lector - First Lesson Mike Montgomery Lector - Second Lesson Wes Clearman Intercessor John Clearman Acolyte Andy Poss Crucifer Sarah Heard Torch Bearer Elliot McGraw Torch Bearer Katrina Godsey Usher Justin Godsey Usher

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This Week at St. John’s

Sunday, April 5, Easter Day 7:30 a.m. - Holy Eucharist, Rite I - Early Service 9:00 a.m. - Holy Eucharist, Rite II - Family Service 10:10 a.m. – Easter Egg Hunt 11:15 a.m. - Holy Eucharist, Rite II - Principal Service Monday, April 6 OFFICE CLOSED FOR EASTER MONDAY 9:00 a.m. – Ultreya Tuesday, April 7 4:30 p.m. – Children’s Choir 6:00 p.m. – Daughters of the King 7:00 p.m. - AA Wednesday, April 8 9:00 a.m. - Preschool Chapel 10:00 a.m. - Adult Bible Study with the Rev. Bruno Schroeder 5:30 p.m. – Public Service of Healing with the Holy Eucharist 6:15 p.m. – Wonderful Wednesday Dinner 7:00 p.m. - Choir Rehearsal 7:00 p.m. - AlAnon Thursday, April 9 8:00 a.m. – Ultreya @ Pat Spears 5:00 p.m. - Centering Prayer 6:30 p.m. – EfM 6:30 p.m. - Youth Led Bible Study for Youth 7:00 p.m. – AA Friday, April 10 2:00 p.m. – Friday Quilters 5:30 p.m. – Merry Widows Saturday, April 11 11:00 a.m. – Bagpippers with Bill Muzzy

A Note from the Treasurer

Year-to-Date Report: End of February

Actuals vs. Budget Tithes, Offerings, etc: $76,272.37 $58,863.34 Expenses: $64,203.46 $68,569.96

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How and when does the priest-in-charge process conclude?

Below is the manner in which a priest-in-charge process concludes; ending in a non-call, a non-accepted call, or a tenured relationship between a parish and rector:

1. At about the 18-month point of the priest-in-charge's tenure, the senior warden contacts the Diocesan Office to schedule the first meeting of the Mutual Ministry Review process. [January 1 was 18 months for St. John’s and the Rev. Dr. Charles Hawkins]

2. The Canon to the Ordinary has an initial meeting with the Vestry. [Meeting occurred on February 11]

3. The Vestry and priest-in-charge participate in an on-line Mutual Ministry Review survey which is a 360 degree look at all parish ministry -- including the ministry of the laity and the ministry of the priest-in-charge. [On-line survey concluded March 2]

4. A few weeks later, the Canon to the Ordinary comes and presents a comprehensive report of the MMR survey to the Vestry and the priest-in-charge. [Meeting occurred on March 31]

5. Based on the results of that survey, the Vestry reflects on whether or not it wishes to call the priest-in-charge as the tenured rector. Likewise, the priest-in-charge discerns whether or not he is called to continue as Rector. Either party may opt-out at this point (This is the reason the initial Letter of Agreement is for a two-year period). [Meeting of Decision is to occur before April 21]

6. Over the next few months, the Vestry and Rector -- if the relationship is to continue -- arrive at a list of mutual expectations and include them in an addendum to the Letter of Agreement. Those attachments are a "Rector Position Description" and a "Vestry Leadership Description", each of which includes four-to-six clear, concise, quantifiable and attainable expectations for the next three years.

The broader congregation does not have a direct role in this process. In the Episcopal Church, the Vestry is entrusted with the authority and responsibility to call and evaluate the Rector, in conjunction with the Bishop.

Praying it Forward Campaign

$725,000 - goal $737,506 – pledged (146 pledges) $167,617.86– paid on pledges (through January 31, 2015) $569,888.14– to go

*

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Vestry Tom McGraw (2016) – 228-264-0297

Sheree Ranson (2016) - Treasurer – 228-990-4203 Clay Williams (2016) - Christian Education -228-875-0585

Greg Williams (2016) - Finance – 228-327-8415 Tristan Armer (2017) - Clerk - 251-209-5342

Angela Bishop (2017) – Sr. Warden - 601-991-4012 Kay Cox (2017) – Jr. Warden - 228-239-9275

Charles Smith (2017) - Outreach - 228-424-9536 David Grigsby (2018) – 228-282-0681 Cindy Johnson (2018) – 314-616-4622 Lena Melton (2018) – 228-219-9711

Darlene Stuart (2018) – 228-374-8325

Office Hours Monday - Friday 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Contact Information 705 Rayburn Avenue, Ocean Springs, MS 39564 Office: 228-875-4454 Fax: 228-875-4485

E-mail: stjohnsosms@cableone.net Website: www.stjohnsoceansprings.dioms.org

Office Receptionists Angela Bishop, Charlie Clark, Ginny Dugaw, Heidi Forgione, David Grigsby, Debbie Miner,

Cecil George Smith, Darlene Stuart, Jill Roth, and Jan Waterhouse. Pastoral Care

Priest-in-Charge, Charles Hawkins - 228-238-7010 Deacon, Jim Lancaster - 228-380-0775

Pastoral Care Associate, Bruno Schroeder Pastoral Care Assistant, Linda Healy

Pastoral Care Team Coordinator, Judy Krecker Staff

Priest-in-Charge, Charles Hawkins Organist and Choirmaster, Cynthia Ramseur

Sexton, Stuart Smith

Bishop of Mississippi The Right Reverend Brian Seage