J ANUARY 26, 2025 @ 10:30 A. M. St. John’s Episcopal Church Huntington, WV
Streaming live at: https://www.facebook.com/stjohnshuntington https://www.youtube.com/@StJohnsEpiscopalWV/streams
WELCOME…WE’RE GLAD
YOU’RE HERE
JANUARY 26, 2025
HERE’S WHAT’S HAPPENING AT ST. JOHN’S…
Join us at St. John’s for Eucharist on Sundays at 8 & 10:30, Morning Prayer on Wednesdays at 10:30, and Bible Study on Wednesday at 6 pm. Come and Grow in Love and community with St. John’s!
ST. JOHN’S ANNUAL PARISH MEETING TODAY
THE MEETING BEGINS DURING THIS SERVICE AND CONTINUES WITH LUNCH AND OUR BUSINESS MEETING IN TYLER HALL. WE HOPE YOU CAN ALL STAY TO PARTICIPATE IN THIS IMPORTANT DAY IN THE LIFE OF OUR PARISH
ADVENT TO EPIPHANY BIBLE STUDY
CONTINUES THIS WEDNESDAY, 1/29, AT 6 PM. YOU CAN JOIN IN PERSON OR VIA ZOOM. SEE MORE INFO ON THE FACING PAGE.
HARMONY HOUSE LUNCH SCHEDULE
WE MEET IN FRONT OF HARMONY HOUSE ON 4TH AVENUE AT 10:50 ON MONDAYS. JANUARY SCHEDULED DATES ARE:
1/27: FIRST PRESBYTERIAN SERVES
2/3: ST. JOHN’S TO LEAD
SOCIAL ADVOCACY TRAINING
LAST WEEK’S SNOW AND COLD FORCED THE CANCELATION OF OUR TRAINING. IT HAS BEEN RESCHEDULED FOR FEBRUARY 16TH IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING OUR 10:30 EUCHARIST. JACK JARVIS OF FAIRNESS WV WILL PROVIDE “LEGISLATIVE TRAINING FOR FAIRNESS.” THIS SESSION WILL FOCUS ON TEACHING US HOW TO ADVOCATE WITH LOCAL LEADERS AND LEGISLATORS
BISHOP COWDEN TO VISIT ST. JOHN’S SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 9TH, BISHOP COWDEN WILL JOIN US! IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN BEING BAPTIZED, CONFIRMED, RECEIVED INTO THE EPISCOPAL CHURCH OR ST JOHN’S, OR IN REAFFIRMING YOUR CONFIRMATION VOWS,
LAY LEADERS TODAY
First Lesson: Jerry Coleman
Psalm: David Castleberry
Epistle: Tim Balch
Prayers of the People: Tim Balch
Verger: Chuck Andrus
Chalice: Emeritus Webb
Greeters: Mary Beth & Nick Reynolds
Altar Guild: Team 1
LAY LEADERS NEXT WEEK
First Lesson: Becky Wood
Psalm: David Castleberry
Epistle: Nick Reynolds
Prayers of the People: Nick Reynolds
Verger: Chuck Andrus
Chalice: Susan Tusing
Greeters: Susan & John Hash
Altar Guild: Team 2
COFFEE HOUR HOSTS NEEDED
All February dates: OPEN
CRIDLIN FOOD PANTRY NEEDS
JANUARY GOAL
48 boxes of bags of Cereal
FEBRUARY GOAL
48 cans of tomatoes
MARCH GOAL
48 boxes of Hamburger Helper
WHO WE ARE St. John’s is an open and affirming community of faith and YOU are welcome here – just as you are. Adults, families, widows and widowers, retired folks, partners, those in transition, empty-nesters, divorced, single parents, questioning teens and wiggly children are all valued members of our community.
NEW TO ST. JOHN’S?
Everything you will need for this service is in your worship leaflet. For the first-time visitor, liturgy may be exhilarating or confusing. In this service, people stand, sit, and kneel. You will hear sung and spoken responses, and other participatory elements. Remember that we are all here to worship and learn – and there is no wrong way! And we love having children in our service. Don’t worry about any noise or activity. We want your children to feel at home here too. We offer a Children’s Time in Tyler Hall if you prefer. There, they will hear biblical teachings and participate in activities geared toward their age level.
FINDING YOUR WAY AROUND
Restrooms can be found downstairs just outside Tyler Hall. To take the stairs, go out the double doors at the rear of the Sanctuary, take the stairwell to the right to the men’s room and the stairwell to the left to the women’s room. To take the elevator, exit the Sanctuary by the side door to the parking lot and follow the veranda around to the glass door to the elevator lobby. Go to level B. You’ll turn left, go through Tyler Hall, and into the restroom hallways.
ADVENT / EPIPHANY BIBLE STUDY
Our Advent to Epiphany Bible Study of the Book of Revelation continues this Wednesday, January 29th at 6 pm. This will be a hybrid offering, so you may attend via Zoom or in person in the Library at St. John’s. If you want to join via Zoom, you may follow the link in this week’s eUpdate, or scan the QR code below.
SOCIAL ADVOCACY TRAINING AT ST. JOHN’S Rescheduled for February 16th
West Virginia's legislative session lasts only 60 days, and in that time, lawmakers introduce hundreds of bills. But only a few actually make it all the way to the Governor's desk to become law. So how do we make sense of the noise? How do we follow what's happening under the dome and take action that will make a real impact?
The 2025 legislative session is just around the corner, and Jack Jarvis, of Fairness West Virginia, will present a workshop to help community members better understand what's at stake for LGBTQ+ people in the upcoming session and how all of us can make a big difference. We hope you will join us immediately following our 10:30 Service next week for this session that will teach us to channel our beliefs into advocacy.
Worship lies at the heart of the Christian life. It is in worship that we express our theology and define our identity. It is through encountering God within worship and prayer that we are formed and transformed as the people of God.
The people’s responses are in bold. Everything you will need in this service is found in this booklet.
THE P RELUDE OPENING P RAYER
The Celebrant or other presider may say May your Spirit move in our hearts, opening them to hear what each of us has to offer, bringing light to both possibilities and realities, drawing us always to consider what you would have us be and do in this time and place as we grow in love and community. Remind us that we are called to be bearers of Christ’s life, light, and love to all we meet. Amen.
DETERMINATION OF A QUORUM
Requires 10% of resident parish communicants
APPROVAL OF PRESIDER AND C LERK FOR THE MEETING
The bell tolls to begin the service.
THE OPENING H YMN
Hail to the Lord’s Annointed
The Hymnal 1982; #616
The People standing, the Celebrant says
Blessed be God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. All And blessed be his kingdom, now and for ever. Amen.
The Celebrant and People may say
Almighty God, to you all hearts are open, all desires known, and from you no secrets are hid: Cleanse the thoughts of our hearts by the inspiration of your Holy Spirit, that we may perfectly love you, and worthily magnify your holy Name; through Christ our Lord. Amen.
THE GLORIA
Glory to God
Hymnal 1982 #S278
Setting: William Mathias (b. 1934)
The Word of God
THE COLLECT OF THE D AY
The Celebrant says to the people
The Lord be with you.
All And also with you.
Let us pray.
Almighty and everlasting God, you govern all things both in heaven and on earth: Mercifully hear the supplications of your people, and in our time grant us your peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
THE L ESSONS
The people are seated.
The First Lesson: Nehemiah 8:1-3, 5-6, 8-10
A reading from the Book of Nehemiah
All the people of Israel gathered together into the square before the Water Gate. They told the scribe Ezra to bring the book of the law of Moses, which the LORD had given to Israel. Accordingly, the priest Ezra brought the law before the assembly, both men and women and all who could hear with understanding. This was on the first day of the seventh month. He read from it facing the square before the Water Gate from early morning until midday, in the presence of the men and the women and those who could understand; and the ears of all the people were attentive to the book of the law. And Ezra opened the book in the sight of all the people, for he was standing above all the people; and when he opened it, all the people stood up. Then Ezra blessed the LORD, the great God, and all the people answered, "Amen, Amen," lifting up their hands. Then they bowed their heads and worshiped the LORD with their faces to the ground. So they read from the book, from the law of God, with interpretation. They gave the sense, so that the people understood the reading.
And Nehemiah, who was the governor, and Ezra the priest and scribe, and the Levites who taught the people said to all the people, "This day is holy to the LORD your God; do not mourn or weep." For all the people wept when they heard the words of the law. Then he said to them, "Go your way, eat the fat and drink sweet wine and send portions of them to those for whom nothing is prepared, for this day is holy to our LORD; and do not be grieved, for the joy of the LORD is your strength." The Word of the Lord
All Thanks be to God.
1 The heavens declare the glory of God, * and the firmament shows his handiwork.
2 One day tells its tale to another, * and one night imparts knowledge to another.
3 Although they have no words or language, * and their voices are not heard,
4 Their sound has gone out into all lands, * and their message to the ends of the world.
5 In the deep has he set a pavilion for the sun; * it comes forth like a bridegroom out of his chamber; it rejoices like a champion to run its course.
6 It goes forth from the uttermost edge of the heavens and runs about to the end of it again; * nothing is hidden from its burning heat.
7 The law of the LORD is perfect and revives the soul; * the testimony of the LORD is sure and gives wisdom to / the innocent.
8 The statutes of the LORD are just and rejoice the heart; * the commandment of the LORD is clear and gives light to the eyes.
9 The fear of the LORD is clean and endures for ever; * the judgments of the LORD are true and righteous altogether.
10 More to be desired are they than gold, more than much fine gold, * sweeter far than honey, than honey in the comb.
11 By them also is your servant enlightened, * and in keeping them there is great reward.
12 Who can tell how often he offends? * cleanse me from my secret faults.
13 Above all, keep your servant from presumptuous sins; let them not get dominion over me; * then shall I be whole and sound, and innocent of a great offense.
14 Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, * O LORD, my strength and my redeemer.
The
Epistle: 1 Corinthians 12:12-31a
A reading from Paul’s first letter to the Corinthians Just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ. For in the one Spirit we were all baptized into one body Jews or Greeks, slaves or free and we were all made to drink of one Spirit. Indeed, the body does not consist of one member but of many. If the foot would say, "Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body," that would not make it any less a part of the body. And if the ear would say, "Because I am not an eye, I do not belong to the body," that would not make it any less a part of the body. If the whole body were an eye, where would the hearing be? If the whole body were hearing, where would the sense of smell be? But as it is, God arranged the members in the body, each one of them, as he chose. If all were a single member, where would the body be? As it is, there are many members, yet one body. The eye cannot say to the hand, "I have no need of you," nor again the head to the feet, "I have no need of you." On the contrary, the members of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable, and those members of the body that we think less honorable we clothe with greater honor, and our less respectable members are treated with greater respect; whereas our more respectable members do not need this. But God has so arranged the body, giving the greater honor to the inferior member, that there may be no dissension within the body, but the members may have the same care for one another. If one member suffers, all suffer together with it; if one member is honored, all rejoice together with it.
Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it. And God has appointed in the church first apostles, second prophets, third teachers; then deeds of power, then gifts of healing, forms of assistance, forms of leadership, various kinds of tongues. Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all work miracles? Do all possess gifts of healing? Do all speak in tongues? Do all interpret? But strive for the greater gifts. The Word of the Lord.
All Thanks be to God.
Please stand as you are able.
Our Response: Luke 1:46-55 The Magnificat Chanted in unison
My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord, my spirit rejoices in you, O God my / Savior,* for you have looked with favor on your / lowly servant. From this day all generations will call me / blessed: * you, the Almighty, have done great things for me, and ho- / ly is your name. You have mercy on those who / fear you * from generation to / generation.
You have shown strength with / your arm * and scattered the proud / in their conceit, Casting down the mighty from / their thrones * and lifting / up the lowly. You have filled the hungry with / good things * and sent the rich / empty away. You have come to the help of your servant / Israel, * for you have remembered your / promise of mercy, The promise made to our / forebears, * to Abraham and his / children for ever.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy / Spirit: * as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for / ever. Amen.
The Holy Gospel: Luke 4:14-21
The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to Luke. All Glory to you, Lord Christ
Jesus, filled with the power of the Spirit, returned to Galilee, and a report about him spread through all the surrounding country. He began to teach in their synagogues and was praised by everyone.
When he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up, he went to the synagogue on the sabbath day, as was his custom. He stood up to read, and the scroll of the prophet Isaiah was given to him. He unrolled the scroll and found the place where it was written:
"The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to bring good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to let the oppressed go free, to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor."
And he rolled up the scroll, gave it back to the attendant, and sat down. The eyes of all in the synagogue were fixed on him. Then he began to say to them, "Today this scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing."
The Gospel of the Lord.
All Praise to you, Lord Christ
THE S ERMON
The Rev. Gregory Pennington
THE NICENE CREED
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
THE P RAYERS OF THE P EOPLE
Gathering our hearts and minds, let us offer God the words of our hearts, saying Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
We pray for the church, pray for those who serve, those who pray, those who fear to enter its doors. In our Diocesan Cycle of Prayer, we pray for St. Timothy-in-the-Valley, Hurricane.. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
We pray for our own clergy, our Presiding Bishop, Sean, our Bishop, Matthew, our Rector, Greg, our Priest, Klára, our lay leaders and all who seek and follow God. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
We pray for our communities. Pray for those who work long hours, for those who have no employment; for those who hunger for food and connection; for those who respond to emergencies, and those who keep parking lots clean and doors open. In the darkest of nights, and the deepest of valleys, use us as your hands that they may be granted a glimmer of your healing light and presence. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
We pray for the needs of all the world’s people; for good and strong leaders and for responsive government, that they may turn their energies and hearts toward solution providing lasting peace, adequate resources, and safety for all people. We pray especially for our President, Donald, our legislative bodies and those appointed to positions of leadership, our Governor, Patrick, and our Mayor, Patrick. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
We pray for those who are anxious and depressed; for those who are addicted and weary; for those who are sick and suffering; for those who are waiting for diagnosis or treatment, and those who live with chronic diseases. We pray especially for Markai, who is hospitalized, those who are homebound, those who are hurt and suffering in areas of conflict, those in the path of natural disasters, and all those on our long-term prayer list. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.
We pray for the dying, those who have died, and those who mourn them. Bring all souls into the loving embrace of your angels and into the light of your kingdom. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.
The Celebrant may add this or another a concluding collect.
O Lord our God, accept the prayers of your people; in the multitude of your mercies, look with compassion on us and all who turn to you for help; for you are gracious, O lover of souls, and to you we give glory, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, now and for ever. Amen.
The Deacon or Celebrant says Let us confess our sins against God and our neighbor. Silence may be kept Minister and People
Most merciful God, we confess that we have sinned against you in thought, word, and deed, by what we have done, and by what we have left undone. We have not loved you with our whole heart; we have not loved our neighbors as ourselves. We are truly sorry and we humbly repent. For the sake of your Son Jesus Christ, have mercy on us and forgive us; that we may delight in your will, and walk in your ways, to the glory of your Name. Amen.
The Bishop when present, or the Priest, stands and says Almighty God have mercy on you, forgive you all your sins through our Lord Jesus Christ, strengthen you in all goodness, and by the power of the Holy Spirit keep you in eternal life. Amen.
THE P EACE
The peace of the Lord be always with you. All And also with you.
The people greet one another with a sign of God’s peace and then are seated for Vestry selection.
VESTRY C ANDIDATES I NTRODUCED
Candidate Slate*: Ryan Cameron, Pete Michael, Carrie-Meghan Quick-Blanco
Term expiring: Pat Pierce, Ryan Price, Nick Reynolds
*St. John’s Bylaws state that the Vestry is made up of not less than three, nor more than 15 voting members of the Parish.
As three members have completed their terms, the current Vestry has 9 members prior to today’s Vestry selection.
We will entertain nominations from the floor, discussion, or motions prior to selection of the Vestry Class of 2025.
The Vestry has been asked why we “select” rather than “elect” Vestry members. In Acts 1:15-26, we hear how Peter called the apostles together to choose someone to replace Judas. The apostles chose two faithful people as candidates, prayed, and then cast lots to find Judas’ replacement. Now we don’t think of our former vestry members as being like Judas, however, choosing faithful candidates and asking for God’s guidance resonated with many in the parish. Twelve years ago, the parish voted to make a change to our bylaws to allow us to choose Vestry members by drawing lots. The current slate has been carefully chosen and have agreed to serve, if selected. As the disciples trusted in God in the selection of the right person to serve, this process calls on us, as God’s faithful in 2024, to trust that God will guide us and provide the leaders we need in this time and place.
THE B LESSING OF V ESTRY MEMBERS
Almighty and everliving God, source of all wisdom and understanding, be present with these leaders of our church as they seek to fulfill your will in this world, through our beloved parish community. Teach them, in all things, to seek first your honor and glory. Guide them in all their endeavors, and grant them discernment, the courage to pursue what is right, and the grace to accomplish it, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. The Parish Meeting will resume in Tyler Hall at the conclusion of this service.
THE OFFERTORY SENTENCE
The Officiant and people say together
All All that we are and all that we have comes from God. Let us offer our best to God in thanksgiving, remembering that God loves a cheerful giver. (2 Corinthians 9:7)
Your offerings support the mission, ministry, and operations of St. John’s Episcopal Church. We now also accept debit & credit cards and electronic bank transfers online. You may scan the QR code to give or give via text at (833) 842-7451 Thank you for your generosity!
THE OFFERTORY & OFFERTORY ANTHEM
THE OFFERTORY RESPONSE
Doxology verse The Hymnal 1982; #124, v.5
THE HOLY COMMUNION
This is Eucharistic Prayer A
Please stand as you are able
Then, facing the Holy Table, the Celebrant proceeds
It is right, and a good and joyful thing, always and everywhere to give thanks to you, Father Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth.
Here a Proper Preface is sung or said on all Sundays, and on other occasions as appointed.
Because in the mystery of the Word made flesh, you have caused a new light to shine in our hearts, to give the knowledge of your glory in the face of your Son Jesus Christ our Lord.
Therefore we praise you, joining our voices with Angels and Archangels and with all the company of heaven, who for ever sing this hymn to proclaim the glory of your Name:
THE SANCTUS & BENEDICTUS The Hymnal 1982; S128
You may now kneel as you are able, or you may choose to continue standing.
Holy and gracious Father: In your infinite love you made us for yourself, and, when we had fallen into sin and become subject to evil and death, you, in your mercy, sent Jesus Christ, your only and eternal Son, to share our human nature, to live and die as one of us, To reconcile us to you, the God and Father of all.
He stretched out his arms upon the cross, and offered himself, in obedience to your will, a perfect sacrifice for the whole world.
At the following words concerning the bread, the Celebrant is to hold it or lay a hand upon it; and at the words concerning the cup, to hold or place a hand upon the cup and any other vessel containing wine to be consecrated.
On the night he was handed over to suffering and death, our Lord Jesus Christ took bread; and when he had given thanks to you, he broke it, and gave it to his disciples, and said, "Take, eat: This is my Body, which is given for you. Do this for the remembrance of me."
After supper he took the cup of wine; and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, and said, "Drink this, all of you: This is my Blood of the new Covenant, which is shed for you and for many for the forgiveness of sins. Whenever you drink it, do this for the remembrance of me."
The Celebrant continues
We celebrate the memorial of our redemption, O Father, in this sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving. Recalling his death, resurrection, and ascension, we offer you these gifts.
Sanctify them by your Holy Spirit to be for your people the Body and Blood of your Son, the holy food and drink of new and unending life in him. Sanctify us also that we may faithfully receive this holy Sacrament, and serve you in unity, constancy, and peace; and at the last day bring us with all your saints into the joy of your eternal kingdom.
All this we ask through your Son Jesus Christ: By him, and with him, and in him, in the unity of the Holy Spirit all honor and glory is yours, Almighty Father, now and for ever.
- MEN
And now, as our Savior Christ has taught us, we are bold to pray THE LORD’S P RAYER
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
THE I NVITATION TO COMMUNION
Facing the people, the Celebrant says the following Invitation
The Gifts of God for the People of God. and may add
Take them in remembrance that Christ died for you, and feed on him in your hearts by faith, with thanksgiving.
All who seek God and a deeper life in Christ are welcome at the Altar rail, and we invite all baptized Christians to receive the Sacrament of Holy Communion. Come forward to the altar rail and kneel or stand with an upturned palm to receive the host. (All bread at St. John’s is gluten-free and vegan) To receive the wine, you may either drink from the chalice or intinct (dip) your host in the intinction chalice that is offered.
THE COMMUNION H YMN
God is love, and where true love is
The Hymnal 1982; #577
THE POST COMMUNION P RAYER
After Communion, the Celebrant says
Let us pray
Celebrant and People
Almighty and everliving God, we thank you for feeding us with the spiritual food of the most precious Body and Blood of your Son our Savior Jesus Christ; and for assuring us in these holy mysteries that we are living members of the Body of your Son,
and heirs of your eternal kingdom. And now, Father, send us out to do the work you have given us to do, to love and serve you as faithful witnesses of Christ our Lord. To him, to you, and to the Holy Spirit, be honor and glory, now and for ever. Amen.
THE B LESSING
THE C LOSING H YMN
Christ for the world we sing
The Hymnal 1982; #537
THE DISMISSAL
The Deacon dismisses the people, and the people respond All Thanks be to God. [Alleluia! Alleluia!]
THE POSTLUDE
Please gather in Tyler Hall for lunch and to continue our Annual Meeting. All information for the Annual Meeting is included in this booklet.
AGENDA
Annual Parish Meeting of St. John’s Episcopal Church
Sunday, January 26, 2025
1. Lunch in Tyler Hall
2. Remarks from Fr. Pennington
3. Business meeting resumes with the reading of the minutes from the 2024 Annual Meeting. A motion to waive the reading as well as other motions may be brought forward at this time. Approval of motions will be by voice vote.
4. Selection of Diocesan Convention Delegates for 2025 (November 14-16, Glade Springs Resort)*
5. Review of Reports
6. Approval of revised Bylaws
7. Presentation of the 2025 Parish Updates, Priorities, and Budget
8. Concluding Business
9. Adjournment
10. Vestry to hold a brief meeting for election of officers. *Financial assistance available, as needed.
Annual Parish Meeting Minutes
St. John’s Episcopal Church, Huntington, WV
January 28, 2024
The meeting was called to order in the nave of St. John’s Church at 10:30 am on Sunday, 28 January 2024 by Vivian Kost, Parish Life Director (PLD). A quorum (at least 10% of parish membership) was established. After opening prayer, the meeting approved Linda Vinson as meeting presider, and Barbara Ladner as clerk. The meeting was adjourned for the Liturgy of the Word. After the Peace, the meeting was called to order, and Vestry candidates (Emeritus Webb, Rachael Peckham, Nathan Thomas, and Susan Dean) were introduced. Linda Vinson and Joe Locascio are rotating off, and Barbara Cottrill is rolling over into another term, making eight current Vestry members. The by-laws allow for up to 15 members. All candidates were accepted by acclamation. The meeting was again adjourned for the Liturgy of the Eucharist.
After the Liturgy of the Eucharist, the meeting was again called to order in Tyler Hall at 12:22 pm. Reading of the minutes was waived and acceptance was approved by unanimous consent. Convention delegates: Rachel Peckham, Joel Peckham, Natasha Vance, Chris Vance, Joe Hoffer, Susan Tusing, and Barbara Ladner. Vivian Kost and Chuck Andrus have to go anyway, so they are willing to be alternates, if needed. Votes were collected on paper. Delegates: Rachael, Joel, and Joe. Alternates: Susan, Barbara and Natasha.
Fr. Greg Pennington gave a special thank you to Vivian, who has held down the fort in the office for several years. He also thanked Linda Vinson for being our Senior Warden and Jim Vassar as Junior Warden. He also thanked Dr. David Castleberry for leading the music and for working with Fr. Greg on singing.
The budget is not a line-item budget but rather a presentation to show what is important to St. John’s, which was distributed as part of the Sunday bulletin. The budget committee and the Vestry has provided a budget they hope will be easier to understand. Linda Vinson thanked the Vestry for having almost perfect attendance and for going over the budget carefully. She then summarized the narrative budget, focusing on Our Resources (total revenue), Worshipping God in Community (clergy & staff, music & art - including concerts- altar guild, streaming & sound), Sharing the Good News to Build the Kingdom (spiritual formation, communications, evangelism), Respecting the Dignity of Every Human Being (Harmony House, Gabriel Project, evangelism, prayer ministries, Cridlin Food & Clothing Pantry), and Being Faithful Stewards (maintaining our facilities, managing our resources, transparency). Jim Vassar said that we are looking into making the restrooms more accessible. He also talked about improving our documents management and records about our physical facilities and resources, including updating bylaws and replacing or getting rid of some obsolete items and systems, including tree removal in front of Evans House (former parsonage next to Head Start playground), landscaping scale, and sanctuary/Tyler Hall windows (~75 years old). Currently, in comparing our projected revenues and planned expenditures, there is deficit of $57,405.08. Esther Leonard reminded people of the prayer squares ministry. Scripture verses and prayers were interspersed in the presentation. Vivian noted a discrepancy in the Worshipping in Community numbers between the detailed pages and the total on p. 31. The number on p. 31 is correct.
The meeting was adjourned at 1:08 pm.
Proposed 2025 Parish Budget
Submitted by the Budget Committee
Pat Hooten, Treasurer, Jim Vassar, Jr. Warden, Patricia Pierce, Vestry, Nick Reynolds, Vestry; Becky Wood, Vestry, Fr. Greg Pennington, Rector, and Vivian Kost, Parish Life Director.
Where your treasure is, there you’ll find your heart. ~ Jesus in Matthew’s Gospel 6:21
A budget is more than just numbers we see on a page once a year. A budget is a statement of our faith, our priorities, and our hopes for the future. With it, we can see where we’ve been and where we believe God is calling us to engage in this time and place
The theme of our recent Stewardship Campaign was ‘Grow in Love.’ That theme is much more than a tagline. In 2025, our budget reflects how St. John’s is growing, changing. This budget is a commitment to this growth as mature Christians by ‘proclaiming by word and example the Good News of God in Christ, serving Christ in all persons, loving our neighbors as ourselves, striving for justice and peace among all people, and reflecting the dignity of every human being?’ (BCP; p. 305)
Our challenge in 2025 will be to continue growing in faith, sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ, serving those in need while being faithful stewards of the gifts we have been given.
Why does this budget look different than many church budgets?
Everything we do tells a story. To be fair, some stories are better than others. But even a document like a line-item budget tells a story. What that story is, however, is a little more difficult for most of us to decipher. What we wanted to do with this budget is bring to the forefront the story and mission of St. John’s. We want to align our priorities with God’s call and make it as transparent as possible in this Narrative Budget. As a church we are called to the reconciliation and renewal of the world to God in Christ. We do this as we Worship God, share the Good News, work together to build his Kingdom, Respect the Dignity of Every Human Being, and Faithfully Steward all that we have been given. In essence, we are called to live out our Baptismal Covenant in this community. We are grateful to our Budget Committee and Vestry for the excellent work delivering this information in a clear and meaningful way that will allow us to engage in this mission together.
~ The Rev. R. Gregory Pennington, Rector, St. John’s Episcopal Church
Honor the LORD from your wealth and from the first of all your produce; So your barns will be filled with plenty and your vats will overflow with new wine.
~ Proverbs 3:9-10
Grow in Love
During our fall Season of Gratitude, 42 families and individuals completed an estimate of giving card for 2025 that means 74 members of our parish have prayerfully considered how they will support our life and mission together here at St. John’s. That is a 55.6% increase in the number of pledges and a 48% increase in the total dollar amount pledged. We also recognize those long-time donors to the parish who do not complete a giving estimate. We thank each and every one of you for your support!
St. John’s is blessed to have several steady streams of income from year to year that provide a small supplement to gifts given to our parish. However, individual donations provide most of our operating and discretionary funds and support parish outreach projects.
The contributions each of us make to St. John’s over and above financial contributions, our time, talents and prayers, are an equally important component of our Stewardship. A parish of our size relies on those who can give of themselves to fill the many roles that staff members cannot. We thank you for your gifts of time and talent!
The Kingdom of God in our Midst
Go ye therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age. ~Matthew 28:19-20
Now that we have assessed what we have to work with, we must determine how we can best use these resources to further the work of the Kingdom here and now. We know there is still much to be done in our little corner of the world.
In listening to each other, the Holy Spirit, and responding to the needs of the world, we will focus on four areas of mission: Worshiping God in Community, Sharing the Good News to Build the Kingdom, Respecting the Dignity of Every Human Being, and Being Faithful Stewards.
Worshiping God in Community
This incorporates all of our corporate worship and praise as a community of faith. It is our Sunday Morning Eucharist, Mid-Week Morning Prayer, and observances of special days within our Liturgical Calendar. It includes preaching, liturgy, music, art, and communion.
Sharing the Good News to Build the Kingdom
This category includes all of our work in Spiritual Formation, Communications, and Evangelism. It consists of what we do both in-person and virtually – from social media posts, to live-streaming, to Zoom meetings that allow us to communicate in hybrid situations. Here, we work to grow new Christians and new leaders in the church and are reminded of our Baptismal Covenant.
Respecting the Dignity of Every Human Being
In Respecting the Dignity of Every Human Being, we not only follow the promises we made in Baptism, but we follow Jesus “New Commandment” to love one another. Whether we are actively serving others or advocating for justice and dignity, love of neighbor will be found at the heart of our service beyond these walls.
Being Faithful Stewards
This category represents managing the resources we have in a good, faithful, and responsible manner; by spending money wisely and transparently to preserve the resources we have been given
Because these four mission points are the focus of what we do, our budget must be driven by them as well. Therefore, this Annual Budget is a representation of where our hearts and priorities lie.
Worshiping God in Community
I will extol the LORD at all times; his praise will always be on my lips. I will glory in the LORD; let the afflicted hear and rejoice. Glorify the LORD with me; let us exalt his name together.
~ Psalm 34:1-3
Our times spent together in communion with God and each other are extremely valuable to us as a parish. Sunday Morning Eucharists, Mid-Week Morning Prayer, and special observances throughout the Liturgical Year allow us to recenter and rejuvenate our hearts and minds. Sometimes, we arrive to worship and find ourselves in a spiritual fog. The world can disorient us and take our focus off of our spiritual needs. It is this time together that brings focus to our lives.
From our Rector
It continues to be my great joy to serve as your Rector and to journey with you in faith, worship, and community at St. John’s. This past year has been a season of mourning, growth, discernment, and deepening relationships as we’ve walked together through the Church Year. Megan, Owen, Gabriel, and I remain deeply grateful for the warmth, love, and inclusion that define this parish. St. John’s is truly a place where the love of Christ is made manifest in meaningful and transformative ways.
This year, I have witnessed the vibrant faith of this community in countless moments: in the beauty of our worship, in the thoughtful discussions during adult formation especially our Lenten Study as we walked with Thomas Merton a few miles, in the dedication of our vestry and ministries, in the care and support you showed to me and my family in the wake of my mother's death, and in the acts of service that extend beyond our walls - Harmony House and Gabriel Project being just the tip of the iceberg of how members of St. John's live out their baptismal callings. St. John’s commitment to reconciliation, justice, and inclusion continues to shine as a beacon of hope in our city and beyond.
One of the most moving aspects of this year has been seeing how we’ve come together to embrace new opportunities and challenges. Whether it’s through creative liturgical expressions, the strengthening of our outreach efforts, or the care we show one another, I am inspired by the ways God is at work in and through St. John’s.
As we look ahead, I am excited to see how the Holy Spirit will continue to guide us in living out our mission and vision. I am confident that with God’s help, we will remain faithful stewards of the gifts entrusted to us, and we will continue to grow as a community grounded in faith, justice, beauty, and love. I pray that our roots will grow down into God’s love and keep us strong this year. And that we may have the power to understand how wide, how long, how high, and how deep Christ's love is. And that we may experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. (Eph 3:18-19)
Thank you for allowing me to walk this path with you. I am honored and profoundly grateful to serve as your Rector and look forward to all that lies ahead for St. John’s.
Faithfully yours,
The Rev. Gregory Pennington
Music & Art
In 2024, we continued to bring guest musical artists and poets into our space. We were grateful to have Marshall student recitals, our own Joel Peckham and Darius Atefat-Peckham, and guitarist, Julio Alves, presenting their work to the community. We are ever grateful to our dedicated choir, under the direction of Dr. David Castleberry, for their continued leadership in our worship services. Currently, we have three Choral Scholars from Marshall University serving as regular members of our choir. We are happy to be able to extend help to them as they help us! The dedication of all our musicians to the art of music making adds a dimension to our worship that is not often found in parishes of our size.
Altar Guild
St. John’s is a very simple, serene space in which to worship, making the cloth hangings and wood and metal ornaments that adorn the Sanctuary have both symbolic and decorative value in our worship. The name of these hangings, paraments, is derived from the Latin, “to decorate” or “prepare.” All of these things that visually enhance our Sunday morning, or Christmas Eve, Easter Eve, Easter Day, or any of our other services don’t happen without a team of dedicated parishioners.
AmessagefromtheDirector: The Altar Guild is made up of parishioners whose ministry is to care for the altar, vestments, vessels, and altar linens of the parish. Altar Guild members prepare the sanctuary for services and cleans up afterwards. I cannot thank these members enough for their dedication and service to our parish. We are divided into three teams serving alternating weeks. My hope and goal is to grow the Altar Guild to four teams, thus allowing each team to serve an average of one week per month. I urge you to prayerfully consider becoming a part of this important and very meaningful ministry. If you have questions about Altar Guild or would like to volunteer, please contact me, Jerry Coleman, or talk to any member of the Guild.
Altar Guild Members
Jerry Coleman, Director
Debra Coleman
Susan Hage
Vivian Kost
Barbara Ladner
Kim Scott
Emeritus Webb
Becky Wood
$114,265.04
Sharing the Good News to build the Kingdom
Nor will they say, ‘Look, here it is!’ or ‘There!’ for behold, the kingdom of God is in the midst of you.
~Luke 17:21
Sharing the Good News is front and center for Episcopalians today. In 2015 at the General Convention of the Episcopal Church USA, then Presiding Bishop-Elect Michael Curry promised to serve as C.E.O.: the Chief Evangelism Officer. He shared his vision of a whole church freshly oriented toward the proclamation and embodiment of the good news of Jesus Christ. Fast forward eight years to the Diocesan Convention in West Virginia in 2023; Bishop Matthew Cowden shared his vision for DOUBLING the number of baptized Episcopalians in WV by 2033. In our Baptismal Covenant, we promise to “proclaim by word and example the Good News of God in Christ” (BCP, 305). Here at St. John’s, we accept that challenge!
In 2024, St. John’s continued to offer a variety of Bible Study and formation events. Our children are gathering each Sunday for Sunday School, led by Kim Scott. Once again, we gathered on the first Sunday of Advent to read an entire book of the Bible. This year, we tackled the Book of Revelation! Bible Studies on Revelation will continue each Wednesday evening thru the season of Epiphany Watch your eUpdates and Sunday Announcements for more events like these coming in 2025.
Evangelism can be a scary word for Episcopalians. Sometimes it just doesn’t feel like it’s in our DNA. In the modern church, we reach people in many ways. Of course, there are the tried-and-true ways like simply asking someone to join us on a Sunday morning or at a parish social gathering. At our 2024 Diocesan Convention we learned that the average Episcopalian asks someone to church once every 21 years! During Advent, each parishioner received cards that they could use to invite people to any or all of our Christmas service. Our challenge was for 21 of us to ask at least one person this year.
What is Episcopal Evangelism
Today, we have many more tools at our disposal. We continue to stream most of our services and purchased equipment that allows us to effectively host hybrid events (e.g. Hosting a Bible Study in which some folks have gathered inperson while others are able to join remotely via Zoom). We have upgraded our capability to view presentations and films in Tyler Hall. In 2024, we continued to improve our social media and web presence. We are excited to expand our reach in the Barboursville area in 2025. More information will be coming soon on additional evangelism efforts.
Episcopal evangelists are not selling Jesus or the church, nor are we in charge of whether anyone follows Jesus. That movement belongs to the Holy Spirit. Still, the more we’re in tune with the loving presence of Jesus, the more we’re experiencing the fullness of a loving, liberating and life-giving relationship with God, the more it wants to overflow. That overflow is evangelism.
From ECF Vital Practices Evangelism and Discipleship
We seek, name, and celebrate Jesus’ loving presence in the stories of all people – then invite everyone to MORE. www.episcopalchurch.org/evangelism #episcopalevangelism
Respecting the Dignity of Every Human Being
A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.
~ Jesus in John’s Gospel 13:34-35
STREET FEEDING AT HARMONY HOUSE
WHAT IS CRIDLIN AND HOW DO WE HELP?
St. John’s participates with eleven other local congregations to provide much needed relief to food insecure families living in Cabell and Wayne counties, whether they need only occasional help or help each month.
Each month, St. John’s collects 48 cans, jars, or boxes of a specific food item. Debra Coleman coordinates our donations.
Debra says: …our monthly food donations are sincerely welcomed. Many times, Cridlin’s Director, Lynn Cummings, personally help Jerry & I unload our donations if other volunteers are busy. I can’t remember how many times she has told us that the item we’re dropping off was in short supply but, thanks to our donations, she will not have to figure out how to replenish her stock. JUST ANOTHER WAY THAT YOU MAKE A DIFFERENCE!
It is hard to overestimate the impact a hot piece of pizza on a cold day or a cold drink on a hot day can make in the life of someone who is unhoused. That is what St. John’s & Trinity provide on Mondays at Harmony House. But what we do goes much deeper than that. With a variety of food spread on the table, we give people a CHOICE of what they want to eat. That a luxury most of us take for granted. We also offer smiles, hugs when they’re needed, and we stand with our unhoused neighbors as they struggle to navigate their current situation. Most of you have heard the stories of hope and success, but we invite you to join us most Monday’s on 4th Avenue to see what “respecting the dignity of every human being” means to others when we live out our baptismal vows.
Serving lunch on 4th Avenue on a snowy January day.
GABRIEL PROJECT
2024 by the numbers
• 824 children served
• 45,520 diapers
• 291 cans of formula
• 526 toothbrushes
• 526 tubes of toothpaste
• 326 tubes of diaper rash cream
• 411 bottles of baby shampoo
• 385 bottles of baby lotion
• 6 pack ‘n plays
• 4 car seats
Canned goods ready for the Colemans to deliver to Cridlin Food & Clothing Pantry
Our baby pantry stocked and ready for Gabriel Project Open Day.
Below: Gifts for 52 children, packaged and ready for delivery just before Christmas
Prayer Ministries at St. John’s
Prayer Chain: St. John’s has a dedicated group of folks who are called to intercessory prayer for others. This is separate from our prayer list that you find in your announcements each week. Several parishioners and friends of St.. John’s faithfully and regularly pray whenever a need arises. Participants agree to keep these requests confidential and to refrain from sharing them in any form. They were sent requests for prayer 26 times in 2024. If you would like to become a member of this important ministry, or if you have a prayer request, please contact Fr. Greg, Vivian or me. ~Debra Coleman.
Prayer Quilt Ministry: From time to time, you may arrive at St. John’s and see quilts draped over the rail in front of the first row of pews in our Nave. No, there wasn’t a sleepover on Saturday night. These quilts are our tangible response to prayer requests we receive from our own members and others in the community. These are comforter style lap sized quilts that have strings sewn through them. As we pray for the person named, we tie a know in one of the strings as a visible reminder to the recipient that we are praying for their need. Tying knots at a symbol of prayer had its origins from the father of Orthodox monasticism, Anthony the Great. He started by tying a leather rope with a simple knot for every time he prayed “Kyrie Eleison” (Lord have Marcy).
If you would like to request a prayer quilt for someone, please contact the Parish Office. Please request permission from the person we’re praying for prior to requesting a prayer quilt.
Pocket Prayer Squares: Esther Leonard leads our Hook & Needle Group in crocheting these beautiful cross squares that are given to those we are praying for. If you would like one for yourself or someone you know, you can find them in a basket by the transept door in the Nave.
St. John’s teams with Trinity for Annual Christmas Gift Drive.
The Christmas season was much brighter for 50 children, our neighbors, who reside in Marcum Terrace. Parishioners and friends of St. John’s graciously provided gifts for 30 children, and the wonderful folks at Trinity, our sister parish, lovingly gave gifts for 20 children. I could not have coordinated the project without the help of Diana Kuninger at Trinity, who worked to secure sponsors there. And my thanks extend to all the sponsors who shopped and wrapped. You make a difference!
Debra Coleman, Coordinator
Right: Santa’s “sleighs” arrive in the form of Marcum Terrace maintenance trucks.
Prayer quilts being readied for those impacted by natural disasters
51,896.06
But who am I, and what is my people, that we should be able to make this freewill offering? For all things come from you, and of your own have we given you. ~1 Chronicles 29:14
This is the recommendation of our Budget Workgroup for allocation of resources to accomplish each mission point:
God of our coming and going, God of our past, our present, and our future; we have met, we have celebrated, we have remembered. We have visioned, shared hopes, and dreamed dreams; and now we go out into the world in which we do most of our living and our ministering. As we go out, remind us that we do not go alone. As we go out, remind us that we go with a mission. As we go out, fill us with love, hope, and peace to share with the world. May our lives and our ministry be signs of your love and promises and possibility for the world. AMEN
ST. JOHN’S EPISCOPAL CHURCH
The Rt. Rev. Matthew D. Cowden, Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of WV
The Rev. R. Gregory Pennington, Rector
The Rev. Klárá Kovács, Priest
Vivian Kost, Parish Life Director
Dr. David Castleberry, Music Director
Sara Lee, Organist
Vestry
Susan Tusing, Senior Warden • Jim Vassar, Junior Warden
Nicholas Reynolds, Clerk
Jerry Coleman
Pat Hooten, Treasurer (non -voting)
Barbara Becker Cottrill
Susan Dean
Rachael Peckham
Pat Pierce
Ryan Price
Nathan Thomas
Emeritus Webb
Becky Wood
304.525.9105
office@stjohnshuntingtonwv.org www.stjohnshuntingtonwv.org www.facebook.com/stjohnshuntington
All music streamed by permission of CCLI; reprinted by permission of Ritesong.