january 2014 messenger

8/11/2019 January 2014 Messenger

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JANUARY 2014Volume 28.1

St. Johns

United Church of Christ

St. Johns is a community of faithcentered in Jesus Christ, seeking

guidance and direction through theHoly Spirit, and demonstrating

Gods love to all people in words

and deeds.

An Open and AffirmingCongregation

503 Stuart CircleRichmond, Virginia 23220Telephone: 804.358.9291

Email:[email protected]

Web Site:stjohnsrichmond.org

Published monthly 2013 St Johns UCC

From Rev. Tom Gerstenlauer...I was reviewing a list of

cathedrals in the world recently.

The information provided includ-

ed name, location, size, volume,date of construction, and

denomination. All of this is

quite interesting, but of particular

interest to me were the last two

points of information. The oldest

cathedral on this list is called

Hagia Sophia. It is an Eastern

Orthodox church located in

Istanbul, Turkey and built in 537.

Thats right, the cathedral Hagia Sophia was built nearly 1500 years ago to serve the Eastern Orthodox

Church. It was the largest Christian place of worship for 1000 years following its completion. For muthe 13thcentury it served as a Roman Catholic sanctuary, and then it was reclaimed by the Eastern Orth

church with which it remained until the mid-15thcentury when it was converted to a mosque. The cath

was secularized in 1935 and now serves as a museum.

I must admit that my research on this was partly motivated by simple curiosity. There is an obvious pa

in that we occupy a large Christian place of worship in this part of the world. But here is a less obviou

comparison that I want to make for you here: like the Hagia Sophia, we are a sacred body experienci

transition. Perhaps for the building in Istanbul the times of transition as a place of worship are finished

not so for St. Johns UCC in Richmond, Virginia. We are in the midst of a transitional period that will

to a new chapter in the vibrant life of this faith community.

This month you will see a history project of our own develop in the Guild Room across from the Fellow

Hall downstairs. The purpose of this project is to provide a space where we can all participate in a revi

of the history of building and transition that has made St. Johns what it is today. The purpose is also t

help the search committee and church leadership gain a sense of what we are becoming as a church and

what resources are available or needed in order to make it so. Resources meaning not only stone and

cement, by the way, but living stone in the sense employed by the writer of 1 Peter: Welcome to the

living Stone, the source of life. The workmen took one look and threw it out; God set it in the place of

honor. Present yourselves as building stones for the construction of a sanctuary vibrant with life, in w

youll serve as holy priests offering Christ-approved lives up to God. (vs 4-5, The Message)

Pastor Peter refers to Christ and those who have answered his call to discipleship as the substance of a

vibrant sanctuary. Today and in this place, we are the stuff of this ongoing construction, this cathedral

transition. I invite you to watch for our history project as it begins and to find your piece or pieces to

contribute. It is vital to the work of your search committee but even more, to the work of Divine creati

that continues in this place.

The translation of the full Greek name of Hagia Sophia is Shrine of the Holy Wisdom of God, which

the second person of the Holy Trinity which is Christ. As those who have said Yes! to Gods

invitation in Christ, we are indeed the building stones of this church. It is exciting to see what is being

revealed here in this transition time. I know it will be even more exciting in the days ahead, as you wor

with God to continue the creative project of building the Body of Christ.

Peace be with you all, and always! Tom


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2 The Messenger | JANUARY 2014

...from the PresidentThe New Year has arrived and we have been blessed with awonderful season of Advent taking us into a continuation on our

journey ahead at St. Johns UCC in 2014.

Our confirmation members and their families were our Advent candleleaders and to them we say thank you for your participation. TheFellowship again provided us with a beautiful Tea after worship on the15th and we are very grateful for such a wonderful tradition. We lovedit! The event is always so beautiful and the food is delicious!

Sunday, the 22ndwas so much fun and meaningful to have Allparticipating in the Christmas story. The children were wonderful. Ourthanks go to the staff, Rev. Tom, Julia, Thea, Tony and all whohelped with this wonderful service.

The Christmas Eve Service, a tradition here at St. Johns wasbeautiful and enjoyed by many. It always takes a group of wonderful

members to help make the holiday season a real joy and our thanksand blessings go to all members.

Church Council has many challenges ahead for them in 2014 and weaccept these challenges with a dedicated spirit on behalf of you, ourmembers. We will be having a Leadership Retreat in Mid-Februaryand will continue on our journey with Rev. Tom during his interim timewith us for the next 12-18 months. The Search Committee is well atwork and you will be hearing from them during the first part of theyear, as they put together a Church profile with your help.

Thank you again for all you do for St. Johns and may God Bless you

and your families and may 2014 be a meaningful and healthy year forall of you.

Betsy BighinattiCouncil President

Church Council Meeting - January 13The next Church council meeting is scheduled for Monday, January13th at 7:00 pm.

Members ofChurch CouncilBetsy Bighinatti, PresidentJeff Hetzer, Vice PresidentHelena DeLigt, Secretary

Bryan AndereggMarjorie Barbour Allen CaraherTeresa Jolles Desiree McNeiceKenn Shirley Dreama TerrillBill Watson Karen-Marie Yust

Members of PastoralRelations Committee

Lex Tartaglia, ChairElisabeth BurnetteMarjorie Barbour

Billy Poarch

RELATIONS COMMITTEE

A search committee has been formed to find andrecommend to the congregation for approval, a newsenior pastor for St. Johns. The members of thiscommittee are: Justin Barbour, Elisabeth Burnette, SamDalton, Kristina Gilbert, Jeff Jacobs, Desiree McNiece,Rob Osborn, Lynn Snyder and Don Stiegler.

The first objective of the committee is to develop achurch profile which will be used to advertise, in theUCC community, the vacant position at St. Johns. Wewill need the congregations help to develop this profileand will keep you informed of our progress.

FacilitiesThe facilities committee under the leadership of RichardBighinatti works very hard to keep ahead of our agingbuilding and we thank them for their dedication. As youall know, we had a new hot water boiler installed andthis unit provides heat to our Sanctuary and FellowshipHall. Some minor repairs have been done on thecontrols of the boiler that provides heat to the rest of ourbuilding. These repairs seem to have given us evenheat around the church.

There are some minor repairs that will go on during thefirst quarter of the year. The facilities committee islooking for some more active members who have somespecial skills and or have time to give to some minorrepairs and painting that needs to be done around thechurch. Please see Richard or Joe McGregor if you canhelp the committee out.

ST. JOHNS


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3The Messenger | JANUARY 2014

.Circle Center Day Services

On December 15th, through the wonderfully generous supportof St. Johns congregation, $122.00 was raised for CircleCenter Day Services. If you would still like to make adonation, we are continuing to collect funds for the centerthrough January 5th. St. John's played a founding-role for theCircle Center, which provides day services to frail and elderlyadults while their caregivers go to work; they also help toeducate and support the caregivers.

$50 provides a lunch for one person for a month, $60provides 5 showers for those who are no longer able toshower at home. Checks can be made payable to St. Johns

UCC (Circle Center in the memo line) and can be placed inthe offering plate or mailed to St. Johns. Thank you again foryour support

Generous Response to Angel Tree

Thank you for yourmost generous re-sponse to the AngelTree requests forgifts for our adopted

St. Johns familiesthis year. Becauseof your donations 16children and adults

were able to have a Christmas. Gifts included bikes, skates,work boots, jackets and so much more (over 70 presents).Those who received your donations want to express theirdeeply felt gratitude for your giving. Their appreciation willlast long after the Christmas season is over. Again, thankyou!

Christmas Fund For Veterans OfThe CrossWe are continuing to collect funds through January 5th for

our Veterans of the Cross. Funds are used to provide supple-mental monies for pension and health insurance premiums tolow-income retirees as well as emergency assistance toclergy and lay employees and their families throughout theyear. Please consider giving a gift to help care for those whohave cared for us during their lifetime of ministry to ourchurches.

Souper Bowl of Caring is youthacross the nation working to fighthunger and poverty in their own

communities around the time of theSuper Bowl football game.

In the weeks leading up to or onSuper Bowl Sunday, young people

take up a collection (many use asoup pot), asking for one dollar orone item of food for people in need.

They give 100% of their donationdirectly to the local hunger-relief

charity of their choice.

In 2012, more than 10,000 groupscollected more than $9.8 million in

dollars and food for local hunger-relief charities. That's a total of morethan $90 million collected since the

movement began in 1990! Helpus grow this movement and tackle

hunger in America!

St. Johns Youth will be collectingdonations on February 2, 2014


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Adult EdScience and the Bible January 19 and 26VCU professor Dan Smith defines faith as a belief in some-

thing that cannot be proved. But what happens to that faithwhen some potential proof is offered? Come to the adultclass January 19 and 26 and find out. We will examineseveral spectacular Biblical events in light of 21stcenturyscientific knowledge to determine how they could have oc-curred. During a previous discussion of these topics in 2005concern was expressed as to why we doubted that God created the universe. The answer was that we believe that Goddid create the universe. We are just trying to figure out howhe did it.

Wednesday Evening Bible StudyJanuary 15, 22, 29, 2014Rev. Tom will be leading three specific studies on PRAYERduring the WEBSgathering onJanuary 15, 22, and29. Everyone ifinvited to attend.Come to thePastors Studyaround 7:00pm to

join in on this study.

Children/Youth Ministry in JanuaryOn January 5thour children will learn about the visit of the Magi tothe infant Christ child in Bethlehem and explore the meaning of the

Christian celebration of Epiphany, the twelfth day of Christmas.Our focus for the other Sundays in January will be on the sacra-ment of baptism, hearing and discovering the story of the baptism ofJesus, and experiencing a baptism on January 19 thas we baptize

Alex Ward during the worship service.

The older children will continue their study of the disciplesthenand nowlooking at the life of the disciples James and John.Our youth will continue their discussion each Sunday morning withElisabeth Burnette and Mike Woods.

Faith Place is open for all each Sunday morning starting at 9:45 am.

ConfirmationRe-form: Encounter, En-gage, RespondCentered on questionsyouth would actually askabout their faith.

Our confirmands will meet on January 5th, 12, and 26 with Tom andJulia.

The Messenger | JANUARY 20144

Reception for Rothea KorneliusCome and celebrate the ministry of Rothea Kornelius on January 26th. Thea, as she likes to be called, has

been our intern since the beginning of September assisting with the Christian Formation program, leading

worship, and attending to various

committee and administrative duties

with staff. In her short time with us,

Thea has developed strong bonds withour children and parents, our staff, and

many of you. She has been an

enthusiastic presence in our midst!

Please join us as we wish her well in her

future endeavors and as she continues

to discern Gods call to ministry.

Sunday, January 26, 2014 ~ NOON


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5 The Messenger | January 2014

Covenant Care Groups:#1 Billy Poarch 359-6131#2 Adrianne Dery 262-7072#3 Lex Tartaglia 369-9171#4 Kim Vann 323-9086#5 Bryan Anderegg 317-1941

Lynda Merry 756-0270#6 Rob Osborn 795-2058

Helena DeLigt 795-2058#7 Cheryl Goode 901-6594#8 Jo Ann Jellison 525-5536

Johanna Gilbert 270-6056#9 Ginna & Sam Dalton 378-338

Rev. Gerstenlauer - 358-9291Julia Eliades - 358-9291Church Council:

Betsy Bighinatti - 379-3572Facilities:

Richard Bighinatti - 379-3572Finance:

Jeff Hetzer - 550-3928Worship & Music:

Kenn Shirley - 502-1002Mission and Outreach:

Bill Watson - 873-2837Membership Development:

Dreama Terrill - 972-5669

St. Johns Financial Picture YTD as of 11-30-13

Christian Formation:Bryan Anderegg - 317-1941Community Development::

Desiree McNeice - 323-9086Congregational Care:

Helena DeLigt - 795-2058Weddings:

Vivian White - 379-2049The Fellowship:

Joe McGregor - 364-4078German Fest:

Jeff Jacobs - 355-1115St. Johns Players:

Tony Sharpenstein - 762-4870

CONTACTS

Finance and Stewardship ReportThe Proposed 2014 Church Council Approved Ministry Plan Budget was approved by our congregational during a special calledcongregational meeting on November 24, 2013.

We would like to encourage those that have not submitted a 2014 Pledge Card to please do so. Pledge Cards are available at theChurch Office or available from the Welcome Team. 54 Households have pledged for 2014 with a total amount of $118,035. Ourgoal is $126,000.

Budget Actual

Income

Pledge Payments* $110,000 $97,119

Cash Offerings $18,333 $30,235

Other Income (Endowment Contributions $125,548 $125,426

Parking Lot Rental, Wedding Income, etc.)

Total Income $253,881 $252,780

Expenses

Personnel 162,526 150,808Committees 19,012 16,639

Operations/Maintenance 102,416 99,785

Local Benevolences 8,144 5,899

Other 7,275 7,275

Total Expenses 299,373 280,406

Income/Expenses Total (45,492) (27,626)

surplus (deficit)

* 55 pledging households.


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6 The Messenger | January 2014

January Lectionary Readings

Second Sunday after ChristmasJanuary 5, 2014

Jer 31:7-14

Psalm 147:12-20

Ephesians 1:3-14 John 1:10-18

First Sunday after EpiphanyJanuary 12, 2014

Isaiah 42:1-9

Psalm 29

Acts 10:34-43 Matthew 3:13-17

Second Sunday after EpiphanyJanuary 19, 2014

Isaiah 49:1-7

Psalm 40:1-11

1 Cor. 1:4-9 John 1:29-42

Third Sunday after EpiphanyJanuary 26, 2014

Isaiah 9:1-4

Psalm 27:1, 4-9

1 Cor. 1:10-18 Matthew 4:12-23

Still Speaking Daily Devotionalhttp://www.ucc.org/feed-your-spirit/daily-devotional/

Inward Outwardhttp://inwardoutward.us4.list-manage1.com/subscribe?u=838944ee48d7a9d35dcce6d60&id=791e8aa8ec

The Ploughhttp://christianity.about.com/u/sty/blogs/christianblogs/The-Plough.htm

Bible Gateway Daily Devotionalshttp://www.biblegateway.com/devotionals/

Start 2014 off right by focusing on a daily time with Godand Gods holy word. Here are some suggestions foronline daily devotionals ...
http://lectionary.library.vanderbilt.edu/texts.php?id=277http://lectionary.library.vanderbilt.edu/texts.php?id=277http://lectionary.library.vanderbilt.edu/texts.php?id=277http://lectionary.library.vanderbilt.edu/texts.php?id=278http://lectionary.library.vanderbilt.edu/texts.php?id=279http://lectionary.library.vanderbilt.edu/texts.php?id=280http://lectionary.library.vanderbilt.edu/texts.php?id=279http://lectionary.library.vanderbilt.edu/texts.php?id=280http://www.ucc.org/feed-your-spirit/daily-devotional/http://www.ucc.org/feed-your-spirit/daily-devotional/http://www.ucc.org/feed-your-spirit/daily-devotional/http://www.ucc.org/feed-your-spirit/daily-devotional/http://www.ucc.org/feed-your-spirit/daily-devotional/http://www.ucc.org/feed-your-spirit/daily-devotional/http://www.ucc.org/feed-your-spirit/daily-devotional/http://www.ucc.org/feed-your-spirit/daily-devotional/http://inwardoutward.us4.list-manage1.com/subscribe?u=838944ee48d7a9d35dcce6d60&id=791e8aa8echttp://inwardoutward.us4.list-manage1.com/subscribe?u=838944ee48d7a9d35dcce6d60&id=791e8aa8echttp://inwardoutward.us4.list-manage1.com/subscribe?u=838944ee48d7a9d35dcce6d60&id=791e8aa8echttp://inwardoutward.us4.list-manage1.com/subscribe?u=838944ee48d7a9d35dcce6d60&id=791e8aa8echttp://christianity.about.com/u/sty/blogs/christianblogs/The-Plough.htmhttp://christianity.about.com/u/sty/blogs/christianblogs/The-Plough.htmhttp://christianity.about.com/u/sty/blogs/christianblogs/The-Plough.htmhttp://christianity.about.com/u/sty/blogs/christianblogs/The-Plough.htmhttp://www.biblegateway.com/devotionals/http://www.biblegateway.com/devotionals/http://www.biblegateway.com/devotionals/http://christianity.about.com/u/sty/blogs/christianblogs/The-Plough.htmhttp://inwardoutward.us4.list-manage1.com/subscribe?u=838944ee48d7a9d35dcce6d60&id=791e8aa8echttp://www.ucc.org/feed-your-spirit/daily-devotional/http://lectionary.library.vanderbilt.edu/texts.php?id=280http://lectionary.library.vanderbilt.edu/texts.php?id=279http://lectionary.library.vanderbilt.edu/texts.php?id=280http://lectionary.library.vanderbilt.edu/texts.php?id=279http://lectionary.library.vanderbilt.edu/texts.php?id=278http://lectionary.library.vanderbilt.edu/texts.php?id=277http://lectionary.library.vanderbilt.edu/texts.php?id=277http://lectionary.library.vanderbilt.edu/texts.php?id=277http://lectionary.library.vanderbilt.edu/texts.php?id=277


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7The Messenger | November 2013

Its once again time to fire up those crockpots and crack open your secret chili recipe and participate in the much awaited,ever more competitive St Johns 3 rdAnnual Chili Cook-off.

All you need to do is: Bring in a crockpot of your chili. Make your chili from scratch (cant buy it or use canned.) Be ready for the competition by 11:00 pm on January 5, 2014. Winners will be announced during the fellowship gathering after the

service.

Prices will be awarded for best in category from spicy hot to veggie,best presentation best overall, among other prizes. If you believe thatyou have the best chili recipe then this contest is for you.

Come and enjoy a little friendly competition, yummy chili, and greatfellowship!Contact Desiree McNeice by email at [email protected] Vann by email @ [email protected] Dec 31stto enterthe competition and for more information.

De-greening the Church will follow right after the Cook off

Inclement Weather Procedure

Should we get winter weather and are forced to cancel worship,please watch for our listing on channel 12 TV, call the churchs mainphone number at (804)358-9291 and listen to the recording, orcheckyour email for an e-blast.
mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]


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Please find a substitute if you are unable to perform your ministry and contactyour team coordinator AND the office to let them know who will be filling in for

you. Thank you for making our church ministries run smoothly!

WelcomeTeam

Leader

SoundSystem

Acolytes LayReaders

Fellowship

HostsNurseryHelpers

Tellers Facilities

January 5 Bill Watson MarkAtkinson SavannahQuickAshley Quick

Confirmands Vivian White Melissa andDanMascher

Rob OsbornTonySharpenstein

Bill Watson

January 12 Doug Waldrop Jeff Michel Bryan EtterJames Cook

Sal AnselmoJo AnnJellison

Richard andBetsy

Bighinatti

Chris Miles Jeff JacobsIola Miller

Bud Higgins

January 19 Doug Waldrop Jeff Michel Bryan EtterJames Cook

Mike WoodsJeff Jacobs

Beth and DonSteigler

Laura Totty Jeff JacobsIola Miller

Bud Higgins

January 26 RichardBighinatti

Jo AnnJellison

Lydia Woods Billy PoarchSarah Allen

Don Warren Marjorie &Justin

Barbour

Mark SouzaBetsy

Bighinatti

RichardBighinatti

January 5 January 12 January 19 January 26

Chris andAbby Ward

To order fresh flowers to be placed on the altar in honor of a special occasion orperson or in remembrance of someone, please sign-up on the flower chart on the

bulletin board in the hallway near the nursery or contact Sonny Darnell at743-7528 or [email protected]

$45.00 for two beautiful bouquets.

Fellowship Coordinator: Sal Anselmo 358-1696Tellers Coordinator: Bud Higgins 301-5059Lay Readers Coordinator: Sal Anselmo 358-1696


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JANUARY BIRTHDAYS

3 Rick Pearman4 Mike Woods5 Zeke Alderfer6 Frieda Walsh8 Kathy Freise10 Judy Brown10 Stephanie Workman

14 Hank Allen14 Suzanne Foltz20 Fritz Will, IV21 Maude Ganzert22 Bruce Miller23 Vicky Lyle24 Bryan Etter25 Joachim Altenkirch25 Charlotte Quick

2014

1

NEW YEARS

DAY

Office Closed

211:30 am NA Meeting

7 pm Choir Rehearsal

3 4

5

9:45am ChristianFormation

11 am WorshipNoon Chili Cook-Off

De Greening

6 710 am Staff Mtg.

11:30 am NA Meeting

85 pm Card Ministry

5:30 pm NA7 pm WEBS



10 118:30 am India Orthodox

Church

129:45am Christian

Formation

11 am WorshipNoon ConfirmandsCCG # 7 and 6

13Church Council 7 pm

1410 am Staff Mtg.

11:30 am NA Meeting5:30 pm Pastor

Search Mtg.

155 pm Card Ministry

5:30 pm NA7 pm WEBS



17 18

199 am Breakfast

9:45 am C Formation

11 am Worship12:30 pm Facilities

WM BYRD HOUSEDONATIONS DUE

20 2110 am Staff Mtg.

11:30 am NA Meeting


5:30 pm NA7pm WEBS



24 25

269:45 am Christian

Formation

11 am WorshipNoon Reception for

Thea Kornelius

27 2810 am Staff Mtg.

11:30 am NA Meeting


5:30 pm NA7 pm WEBS

30 31

january 2014 messenger

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