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December 2019 / January 2020
Happy New (Liturgical) Year! By Ryan Pagels
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appy New (Liturgical) Year! On December 4th, we’re having our annual Hymns in Hauser. Expect to sing many familiar Christmas and Advent Songs, some new ones, and maybe learn a couple new things you didn’t know about how these songs came to be. December 8th at 2:00 p.m. will be the next concert on our concert series. The first half of the program will be a sing-a-long, where audience members get to choose their favorite Christmas Carols, then the second half will be a Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols, with narration. Christmas Eve will be a night you don’t want to miss. Our 4:00 p.m. service will have the annual Christmas Pageant, the 7:00 p.m. will feature soloists, and our 10:00 p.m. service will have a large musical offering, featuring our chancel and handbell choirs, faculty and students from Methodist University and UNCP! We are always looking for additional voices and handbell players, so if you feel you can serve in the music program, January is a great time to jump in! Feel free to speak to me, or any of our current members about how to get involved, or email me at music@stjohnsnc.org.
INSIDE this issue
Preparation & Anticipation page 3
p i h s r o W s a m t s i r h C s ' n h o J at St. Christmas Eve Services Tuesday, December 24 4 p.m. Children’s Pageant 7 p.m. Traditional Eucharist . m. . C H ohl yr iEsutcm h aar iss tC- hRo i tre aI l 180: 0 0p .am Eucharist 10:30 a.m. Corporate Worship
Clergy Coverage during the Sabbatical page 5
Rood Screen Greening page 8
Christmas Pageant page 13
Dates for Office Closures The church office will be closed on the following dates. Please be sure to mark them in your calendar: December 24 (Closing at noon.) December 25 December 26 December 27 January 1 Please also note: There are no Wednesday services, activities, or dinner on December 25 or January 1.
THE EPISTLE ST. JOHN’S EPISCOPAL CHURCH 302 Green Street Fayetteville, North Carolina 28301 Founded in 1817 in Fayetteville, N.C., and today a worshipping community of more than 700 parishioners
Clergy, Staff, & Officers
Rector The Rev. Robert M. Alves Sr. Warden Richard Alligood Jr. Warden Mary Flagg Haugh Clerk of Vestry Judy Brown Treasurer Dohn Broadwell, Jr. Director of Music Ryan Pagels Administrative Coordinator Trishia Medema Bookkeeper Sue Strickland Preschool Director Donnie Winston Parish Cook Bob Jenkins Sexton Lonnie Pipkin Sexton James Henderson
The Vestry
Richard Alligood • Lenora Chandler • Walker Haigh • Mary Flagg Haugh • John Holmes • Amanda Klinck • Kenneth C. Lancaster, Jr. • Julie MacRae • Jewel Prichard • Heath Privette • Ronald Schooler • Grant Steffan 2
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More Advent Celebrations
Christmas Hymns in Hauser Hall 6 p.m., Wednesday, December 4 Come and warm up your vocal cords and practice some Christmas Hymns – it will jump start your holiday spirit. At this gathering, the Music Committee will have a few short survey cards for your input about the music program.
Christmas Sip ’n’ Sing Sunday, December 15 We need a volunteer to host as “base camp” for the Christmas caroling evening on December 15th. Please contact Julie MacRae for more information if you would like to host, 910-308-1304 or jhmac65@embarqmail.com. One of the most festive events of the year is the annual Sip ‘n’ Sing party. The evening of fellowship, food, and fun includes singing carols in the neighborhood while we visit some of our parishioners, spreading Christmas cheer.
Children’s Christmas Pageant 4 p.m., Tuesday, December 24 The Christmas Pageant will be a part of the 4:00 p.m. Christmas Eve service at St. John’s Episcopal Church. The title of the pageant this year is “The Inn Crowd.” We invite all children to participate in this special pageant that tells the story of Jesus’ birth! For more information and to enter your child/children in the pageant, e-mail the church (communications@stjohnsnc. org) or our pageant director Julie MacRae, (jhmac65@ embarqmail.com, or 910-3081304). A signup sheet is also posted on the bulletin board outside of Hauser Hall. Additional information on the Children’s Christmas Pageant, including rehearsal times and dates, can be found on page 13.
Poinsettia Memorials Remember your loved ones and donate a poinsettia. The memorial poinsettias will adorn St. John’s during Christmas. Poinsettia memorial forms are due Sunday, December 15. Forms can be found on the back page of this newsletter. Forms are also available across from the elevator and outside the chapel.
Rector’s Letter
Preparation and Anticipation
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unday, December 1 begins the season of Advent and a new liturgical year. Advent is a season marked by preparation and anticipation. We remember how the holy family prepared for the birth of the Christ child. We focus on the voice of John the Baptist who proclaims the coming of the Savior. We remember how in Christ, God became flesh and dwelt among us, even as we await Christ’s return at the end of the ages. The season of Advent culminates in the celebration of Christmas, when angels, shepherds and wise men from the east make their visitations to the newborn king. This Advent, for me, will be marked by preparation and anticipation, not only for Christmas, but also for my upcoming sabbatical. I look forward to taking time to trace family roots in Kentucky and Alabama and to continue my study of Episcopal devotional manuals for the military as I visit seminary libraries in Virginia, Tennessee and New York. I will offer more details about the sabbatical in the February/March 2020 Epistle. Please know that arrangements are being made for clergy coverage during my time away. Our senior warden, Richard Alligood, elaborates on these plans in his article. I am also
working with our expanded group of Lay Eucharistic Visitors who are trained and ready to provide home communion to those who are unable to attend worship. One of the highlights of Advent for me is the time I spend with members of the congregation, as I deliver poinsettias to members of our parish who are not able to attend worship. As I make visitations in early December, I will be asking whether those I visit would like to receive home communion from Lay Eucharistic Visitors on a regular basis throughout the year. As we move forward, two Lay Eucharistic Visitors will be scheduled to make visits each week. We will also begin the practice of sending forth our Lay Eucharistic Visitors from our Sunday morning worship service with words of commission as they represent the greater church in their ministry. The communion kits that they receive and carry forth will contain bread and wine, blessed and consecrated at the Sunday Eucharist. Thus, we will all join in a common meal as we are part of one body in Christ. As we prepare to celebrate Christmas this year, I close with the prayer that helps me keep focused in the midst of the myriad demands of the holiday season.
The Rev. Robert Alves
O, Blessed Lord Jesus, give us thankful hearts today for Thee, our choicest gift, our dearest guest. Let not our souls be busy inns that have no room for Thee and Thine, but quiet homes of prayer and praise where Thou mayest find fit company, where the needful cares of life are wisely ordered and put away, and wide, sweet spaces kept for Thee, where holy thoughts pass up and down, and fervent longings watch for and wait Thy coming. So, when thou comest again, O Blessed One, mayest Thou find all things ready, and Thy servants waiting for no new master, but one long loved and known. Even so, come, Lord Jesus --Amen.
Faithfully, The Rev. Robert M. Alves
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By John F. Holmes
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he Stewardship Committee thanks everyone who participated in the Thanksgiving Sunday services on November 24. This is the third year St. John’s annual stewardship campaign has included the celebration of Thanksgiving Sunday. Pledge cards were distributed to each adult member of the church to fill out. Fr. Alves then asked us to place our completed pledge cards in the baptismal font to be blessed for the glory of God. It was a wonderful service followed by a delicious lunch served by the Vestry.
that we all support our church, not only by making and paying a pledge of financial support, but also by giving generously of our time and talents in support of the good works of our church and the Church at large. Each parishioner received a Narrative Budget that outlines “our story” in narrative form and describes how your pledge dollars support the mission and ministry here at St. John’s. This document also details opportunities to engage and serve. If you haven’t already done so, pick a ministry that appeals to your interests and get involved! We urge anyone who has not yet done so to return your pledge card as quickly as possible so the Finance Committee can complete the final 2020 budget for St. John’s. Thanks again for your participation and your commitment to St. John’s. John F. Holmes Stewardship Chairman
David, Drew, Hunter, Ryan and Claire Hedgecoe on Thanksgiving Sunday.
Of course, not everyone was able to participate in Thanksgiving Sunday, but that does not mean they missed the opportunity to support our church. The Stewardship Committee is already reaching out to every person who thinks of St. John’s as his or her church to encourage them to pledge, too. It is crucial 4
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Melene, Laura and Ben Hatcher preparing Thanksgiving Lunch.
From the Senior Warden
Clergy Coverage During The Sabbatical By Richard Alligood Senior Warden
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am delighted to inform our congregation that our clergy coverage during Father Robert’s sabbatical has come together nicely. A couple of clergymen you probably know and then a couple that may not be so familiar. They are: – The Rev. William Privette – Bill is no stranger to St. John’s as he was the assistant rector from 1975 – 1978. Bill’s last parish was St. Anne’s in Jacksonville, NC, and he and Karen continue to reside in Jacksonville. Bill has stepped in during Father Robert’s absence for several years and he is most familiar with St. John’s and our members. Bill will lead our services generally alternating Sundays, and his assigned Sundays are: – February 16 – March 1, 15, 29 – April 26 – May 10 – Rev. Dr. Randy Foster – Many of you may remember Randy when he led our services in years past. Father Randy has served churches in the Diocese of North Carolina and has served the students of Sandhills Community College as a career and mental health counselor. He has also earned a MA degree in Service Agency Counseling and received a Doctor of Ministry degree in Pastoral Counseling. Randy will be with us on the following: – February 23 – April 5, 19 – May 3 – Rev. Ray Brown – Rev. Ray Brown needs no introduction as most know and recognize him as the retired Priest in Charge of Holy Trinity Episcopal Church here in Fayetteville. Until his and Judy’s recent relocation to Richmond, VA, they were faithful attendees here at St. John’s and Ray celebrated a time or two in Father Robert’s absence. Except for Palm Sunday (Randy Foster), Ray will lead us in worship during Holy Week. Those dates are: – April 9 Maundy Thursday – April 10 Good Friday – April 11 Holy Saturday – April 12 Easter Sunday
– Rev Mark Jefferson, PhD. - A member of the faculty at Virginia Theological Seminary, Mark will lead both services on Sunday, March 22. He joined the faculty in 2016 and prior, taught Homiletics at Candler School of Theology at Pittsburgh Theological Seminary. We look forward to having Dr. Jefferson visit with us and holding a discussion between services (and after breakfast) regarding every day life and studies at VTS. – Wednesday’s 5:15 p.m. Eucharist and Healing Services – Sometimes, I like to live by the old saying, “Expect the unexpected!” Right at the printing of this issue of The Epistle, I was informed that the priest who had committed to leading all of the Wednesday services during Sabbatical has had a change in his situation and, therefore, will not be able to be with us. Situations change for all of us, however, we are going to have coverage, but, at this time I am listing the leader of the Wednesday services as, “To Be Determined.” I will keep you informed as this leadership comes together. As of this writing, Sunday, March 8th is open as we have not received a confirmation from the visiting priest, however, we will inform you of that individual in the near future.
Important Dates To Mark On Your Calendar
Our first celebration of the new year will take place on Sunday, January 12, 2020, when our Church family comes together not only for worship but to celebrate the Rev. Robert M. Alves’ 30th anniversary of his ordination to the priesthood. Father Robert was ordained by the Rt. Rev’d Ronald Hayward Hines in the Diocese of Washington on January 13, 1990. Please join your Church family after the 10:30 service for light refreshments. Father Robert’s last Sunday of worship with us before starting his sabbatical is Sunday, February 9, 2020. Following the 10:30 service, we will gather in Hauser Hall not only to bid him safe travels for the next three months, but also to wish him well in his renewal journey. THE EPISTLE
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Inreach / Welcoming Coming Attractions: New Bulletin Board (January 2020) By Jewel Prichard
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he focus of this interactive bulletin board is about “Unity;” our Vision for Unity within our church, community or the world. We are all taking an active part in a variety of ways. This bulletin board is a way to let the church family see active involvement by our parish. By sharing your pictures, snap-shots, and newspaper articles, etc. This will reflect how we are serving God with our talents, reaching out, and showing how we have made a difference in peoples lives. Let the love of God evolve in all of us.
Our Vision for Unity
Outreach Connections Guided Reading Program By Ken Lancaster
Annual Luke 14 Banquet By Ken Lancaster
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n December 10, St. John’s will host another Guided Reading Program. Connections has revamped the program and they are expecting a large turnout. We will provide desserts and drinks and Connections will provide the meal. Volunteers are needed to assist with the desserts and the children’s reading portion of the program. Volunteers should arrive by 5:45 and the program should end around 7:30. Connections of Cumberland County provides a day center for homeless women with children and the program has been a tremendous success. Interested volunteers can sign up outside Hauser Hall and for further information, please contact Ken Lancaster at kenlancaster10@nc.rr.com or 910-624-1164. 6
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ave the date! The annual Luke 14 Banquet, sponsored by Operation Inasmuch and area churches, will be Saturday, March 28, 2020. The banquet will be held in Smithson Hall and is a chance for our community to reach out to our neighbors with vision impairment or physical or mental developmental challenges. More information will be forthcoming and if interested, please reach out to Ken Lancaster, who will be heading up this event and he can be reached at kenlancaster10@nc.rr.com.
Parish Family Life Parish Family Life = Fellowship and Fun! By Julie MacRae
On Wednesday, October 30th, about 65 folks of all ages came together to celebrate fall. Many thanks to our EYC for running games and doing face painting for children, many thanks to the kitchen helpers; many thanks to all who provided goodies for the cake walk, and many thanks to those who brought friends. As we look into the new year, we welcome ideas and volunteers to continue fun and fellowship. Get ready for bingo night and much more!
Images from the 2019 Fall Festival
Parish Beach Weekend June 5-7, 2020 Trinity Center: Pine Knolls Shore, NC Register for the annual Parish Retreat! This awesome event is scheduled for FridaySunday, June 5-7. Invite family and friends to enjoy a weekend of fun, food, and fellowship with fellow parishioners at this lovely beach setting. This is a time of reflection, renewal, and appreciation of God’s blessings, as we surround ourselves with his lovely creations. Sign up using the signup sheet posted on the bulletin board outside Hauser Hall. Please note there is a $100 per room deposit due Sunday, February 16. Costs $85.00 per person per night (double) $105.00 per person per night (single) $32.00 per person per night (ages 5-17 yrs.) $12.00 per person per night (ages 1-4 yrs.) Meals are included with these prices. The first meal is dinner on Friday evening, June 5. The last meal is lunch on Sunday, June 7. Plan to arrive on Friday, June 5, for check-in at 4 p.m. and depart on Sunday, June 7 by 1 p.m. Check-out is at 10 a.m. on Sunday. THE EPISTLE
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Be A Part of the Rood Screen Tradition By Dick Kells
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ellowship, faith, fun, and food are some of the ingredients that make up the recipe for our Rood Screen tradition at St. John’s. Please mark your calendar for Wednesday, December 18, for the greening of the Rood Screen. Your efforts in Smithson Hall that day will contribute to one of the most recognizable Christmas traditions in all of Fayetteville. Volunteers of all ages and experience levels will be welcome throughout the day, starting around 9:30 a.m., to apply the fresh cedar cuttings to the Rood Screen frame and make it come to life. Feel free to drop by to help for just an hour or two or whatever part of the day you can manage. Holiday music will get us into a festive spirit and refreshments will be available, including snacks, a light lunch, and supper. Feel free to bring a favorite snack to share. Don’t worry if you lack experience; there will be plenty of seasoned veterans to share their skills and show you the tricks of the trade. Bring pruning clippers if you can and a pair of gloves will help protect your hands from the sharp cedar needles. We’ll also need a small team for a couple of hours to complete the process by setting up the Rood Screen in the church starting at 9:00 Saturday morning, December 21, and a few people after Christmas to help take it down. Contact Dick Kells for more information at 910-527-1963, or e-mail kellsre@gmail.com, and watch Tuesday Headlines for details over the next couple of weeks.
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Images from the 2018 Rood Screen Greening
St. John’s Welcomes the Fayetteville Symphony St. John’s is pleased to welcome back the Fayetteville Symphony Orchestra to our church for a chamber concert on January 17, 2020.
Vestry Elections to be held at the Annual Meeting on Sunday, December 1
If It Ain’t Baroque... Thursday, January 16, at 7:30 p.m. Journey through time to the Baroque era with FSO as we play famous pieces of the period. Led by Music Director Stefan Sanders, this program will include selections from Handel and Bach as well as Pachelbel’s Canon in D. Come in from the cold for this special evening in the intimate setting of St. John’s Episcopal Church. Ryan Pagels, our Director of Music, will be a guest soloist for the concert.
Vestry elections will take place on Sunday, December 1, 2019. Parishioners who are present at 8:00 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. services will be voting for new Vestry members. The nominating committee has compiled a list of nominees who the Vestry is nominating to serve three-year terms on the vestry and will be published in the Tuesday Headlines and our service bulletins. Our thanks to those who are rotating off having served their three-year terms: Lenora Chandler, Walker Haigh, Mary Flagg Haugh and Richard Alligood.
These chamber concerts are open to the public. Tickets may be purchased through the Fayetteville Symphony office, on its website, as well as at the door the evenings of the concerts. Ticket prices: Adult - $26.17 Senior - $23.36 (65 years and older) Military - $23.36 Student - $10.28 Child - $10.28 (6 – 18 years old)
AdVent Wreaths
Sunday, December 1 9:00 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. and after coffee hour Wednesday, December 4 6:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. We will make advent wreaths with our friends and families. All ages welcome. Greens will be provided, however, if you have greens, please bring those and extra greens to share. THE EPISTLE
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EYC: Episcopal Youth in the Church New and Old EYC Traditions By Lenora Chandler, Vestry Liaison for the Youth
very September, the EYC makes plans for E their Fall activities. Many events include old traditions, such as Frisbee Golf, participation in the
Blessing of the Animals service, enjoying food and fun at the home of a host parishioner (the MacRae’s this year), preparing Christmas cards for our homebound parishioners that are unable to attend church regularly and singing Christmas carols to parishioners residing at the Carolina Inn. This Fall, we had some new traditions planned as well. Our EYC and their families enjoyed Family Game Night. Jenga was a main attraction, as well as other games. Julie MacRae put together an awesome Fall Festival, and our EYC supervised the many games for our younger youth, as well as illustrating their artistry in face painting. In January, our EYC will meet again to plan for 2020 activities. I am sure the famous Lock-in will be included in those plans and perhaps another
EYC Family Game Night.
EYC Family Game Night.
baseball game at Segra Stadium to pull for our Fayetteville Woodpeckers. Whatever plans are made, you can be sure a lot of fun and fellowship will follow. I am very proud of our group of Episcopal Youth in the Church. My term on the Vestry as the Youth Liaison will be coming to an end in December. I have thoroughly enjoyed working with this group of young people. I encourage all youth grades 6-12 to be an active participant in the EYC program. Our Sunday morning Christian Formation program and evening activities are filled with much fun, fellowship, service and learning. We invite all parishioners to join the EYC at the Carolina Inn on December 15 at 2:00 p.m. to sing Christmas carols to the residents at the Carolina Inn. The residents thoroughly enjoy the visit, and all that participate find it to be uplifting as well. The more, the “merrier.”
EYC Family Game Night.
EYC Family Game Night.
Iona and Robyn Christian. Mary Milam reads lessons at the Blessing of the Animals service.
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Thankful By Lenora Chandler, Vestry Liaison for the Youth
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am very thankful for our youth at St. John’s. The EYC have so much to offer. Our youth participate as greeters, ushers, readers and acolytes. One of our EYC members, Madison Lindsay, helps to serve Wednesday evening dinners on a regular basis. Helen Steffan has taken an active role in the St. John’s adult choir. Both Helen Steffan and Betsy Shepherd have displayed their musical talents by playing instruments to accompany the choir at various services. On October 20, Betsy Shepherd presented a remarkable stewardship sermon. She highlighted how much St. John’s has meant to her and her family, to include the impact the EYC group has had on her. The Lock-in experience was named as being one of her top favorite activities, even if I did scare the youth (just a little bit). After all, what is a good game of hide and seek without a little Kyle House ghost story followed by chaperone shenanigans? It was heart-warming to hear one of our EYC express her thankfulness to the congregation for all of their support. The EYC have proven repeatedly that they are not just the future of St. John’s, but they are very much our present as well.
Diocesan Youth Events Participation in Diocesan Youth Events is a fantastic way to meet other youth in the Diocese and build leadership skills while growing and deepening faith. Below is a list of upcoming Diocesan Youth Events and a brief description of each one. Contact Lenora Chandler at lchander@nc.rr.com or 910-482-0253, if you are interested in any of these events. Scholarships to attend Diocesan Events may be available. 2020 Opportunities: • Camp Trinity Reunion. 8th-12th graders. January 2020 (Dates TBA) at Trinity Center. • Youth at Convention. 9th-12th graders. February 2020 (Dates TBA). More information in the Fall 2019. • Happening 75. 9th-12th graders. March 6-8, 2020, at Trinity Center. Registration opens in the Fall, 2019. Team and candidate fees TBD. • New Beginnings 55. 6th-8th graders (team 7th12th graders). March 27-29, 2020, at Trinity Center. Registration open Winter of 2020. Fees TBD. New Beginnings is a weekend event designed especially to respond to the unique challenges and concerns of young people in grades 6-8. It was created by adults and young people to help participants grow in their love of themselves, others and for Jesus Christ. During the weekend, participants meet peers from across the diocese, enjoy skits, listen to talks, and participate in small group activities and discussions. These activities focus on self, friends, parents,
Betsy Shepherd presents a stewardship sermon
siblings, school, God’s love, prayer, and the church. Free time is built in for young people and the adult youth leader to have an opportunity for fellowship with their newfound friends. After participating for the first time, all are invited to make the commitment to serve on the team for the next New Beginnings. Team & Participant forms are available. PLEASE NOTE - Participants should submit their registrations forms THROUGH their home parish. • Camp Trinity. Summer. A great getaway for youth to grow and deepen their faith. • YouthReach 2020. 6th-12th graders. September 19, 2020. Location TBD. Registration opens in the Summer. Participant fees TBD. • Happening 76. 9th-12th graders. October 16-18, 2020, at Trinity Center. Registration opens Spring of 2020. Fees TBD. • Sr High Fall Break. 9th-12th graders. November 6-8, 2020. Location TBD. Registration opens in the Fall of 2020. Fees TBD. • Fall Conference for Middle Schoolers. 6th-8th graders. November 20-22, 2020, at Trinity Center. Registration opens Fall of 2020. Participant fees TBD. Updates for all opportunities can be found in the weekly Sunday church bulletin and Tuesday Headlines. THE EPISTLE
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Children’s Opportunities Sundays Sunday School / Junior EYC for children in 4th -5th grade. They meet from 9:30 to 10:00 a.m. upstairs in room 4. We welcome children to stay in church for the entire 10:30 a.m. Sunday service but realize that sometimes another creative outlet may be more meaningful. To address this need, St. John’s offers children two Sunday Christian Formation Opportunities for the 10:30 a.m. service: Quiet Bags are available in the narthex and the inside entrance into the church near the Sacristy for children to take into the 10:30 a.m. service. This creative opportunity includes a Bible story booklet, quiet game sheets and coloring pages. Once the service concludes, please return the bags with clip boards and crayons inside so they may be refurbished for the next Sunday. Children’s Chapel/Sunday School for preschoolers through 3rd graders provides a “Sunday School” lesson, along with an interactive, age-appropriate Chapel experience designed especially for this age group. Volunteers and children assemble outside the Chapel by 10:15 a.m. to join in the 10:30 a.m. service processional. (If your child is in the congregation, they are welcome to join the group at this time.) Volunteers then lead the children to the Children’s Chapel for their special service. During the Peace, volunteers return children to the 10:30 a.m. service so families may celebrate the Holy Eucharist together. Nursery Although young children are always welcome to come with their parents to participate in the church activities, St. John’s also offers a first-class nursery. It is staffed with loving, qualified, and experienced nursery caregivers. Nursery care is available on Sundays for ages 0-2 from 9 a.m. to noon September through May, and from 10 a.m. to noon June through August. Nursery pagers are available for your convenience. Contact Trishia Medema: communications@stjohnsnc.org for other times Nursery care may be provided.
Wednesdays – September through May Children’s Choir for preschool through 5th grade begins at 5:00 p.m. Contact Ryan Pagels music@stjohnsnc.org. Bible Study Adventures for children preschool through 5th grade on Wednesdays from 5:30-6:00 p.m. Donnie Winston offers a brief Bible lesson using Bible stories, crafts, games and songs. Contact Donnie preschool@stjohnsnc.org.
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Important Dates for Children’s Opportunities
December 1– Advent Wreath Making December 4 – Advent Wreath Making December 18 – Greening of the Rood Screen December 24 – Christmas Pageant January 5 – Epiphany Celebration with Kings Sunday February 25 – Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper February 26 – Ash Wednesday March 29 – Making Palm Crosses April 1 – Making Palm Crosses April 5 – Palm Sunday Procession April 9-11 The Tridiuum April 12 – Easter Sunday service, Flowering of the Cross and Easter Egg Hunt May 31 – Pentecost Celebration Summer 2020 – VBS
St. John’s Episcopal Church Christmas Pageant December 24, 2019 4:00 p.m.
Christmas Pageant Rehearsal Schedule Christmas Pageant Rehearsals Sunday, December 1 at 9:30 a.m. Sunday, Decemeber 8 at 9:30 a.m. Sunday, December 15 at 9:30 a.m. Monday, December 23 at 3:00 p.m. (Dress rehearsal and cookie decorating)
Showtime St. John’s Christmas Pageant Tuesday, December 24th 4:00 p.m.
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he time-honored Christmas Pageant will be a part of the 4:00 p.m. Christmas Eve service at St. John’s Episcopal Church on Green Street in Fayetteville, N.C. We invite all children and grandchildren of St. John parishioners from ages preschool through 5th grade to participate in this remarkable pageant that tells the story of Jesus’ birth! The title of the pageant this year is “The Inn Crowd.” There is a part for everyone! For more information and to enter your child/children in the pageant, e-mail the church (communications@stjohnsnc.org) or our pageant director Julie MacRae, (jhmac65@embarqmail.com, or 910-308-1304). A sign up sheet is also posted on the bulletin board outside of Hauser Hall.
Epiphany - Kings Sunday January 5 Join us for a special children’s sermon during the 10:30 a.m. service on Sunday, January 5th. We will celebrate with King’s Cake during coffee hour. THE EPISTLE
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Calendar Roundup - December 2019 & January 2020 Annual Parish Meeting / EYC Lunch and Vestry Elections Christmas Carols Sunday, December 1, 8 & 10:30 a.m. Attendees of the 8 a.m. and the 10:30 a.m. services will complete a ballot for new vestry members.
Make Advent Wreaths
Sunday, December 15, at 12 p.m.
Lunch at Huske Hardware after church, followed by Christmas carols at the Carolina Inn at 2:00 p.m. All parishioners are welcome to join us at the Carolina Inn at 2:00 p.m.
Sunday, December 1, 9 a.m. and Wednesday, December 4, 6 p.m.
Christmas Sip ’n’ Sing
EYC In-Reach Activity
Save the date! We will have all the information in the Tuesday Headlines leading up to December 15.
Additional information can be found on page 9.
Sunday, December 8, 5:30 p.m.
Meet in Hauser Hall for dinner and to prepare Christmas cards for the homebound parishioners.
ECW Christmas Coffee
Monday, December 9, 10:30 a.m.
Please note the change of date. Episcopal Church Women will meet on the second Monday in December. The Episcopal Church Women will have a Christmas Coffee on December 9th at 10:30 a.m. at the home of Mary Flagg Haugh, 324 Birnam Drive. Come for refreshments and fellowship before you take off to finish up that shopping list! RSVP: lbreeden@nc.rr.com (by Thursday, December 5)
Connections Guided Reading Program
Tuesday, December 10, 5:30 p.m.
Additional information can be found on page 6.
Christmas Hymns in Hauser Hall
Wednesday, December 4, 6 p.m.
Additional information can be found on the front page.
Benefit Concert Series Sunday, December 8, 2 p.m.
The first half of the program will be a sing-a-long where audience members get to choose their favorite Christmas Carols, then the second half will be a Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols, with narration.
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Sunday, December 15
Rood Screen Greening
Wednesday, December 18, all day
We will apply fresh cedar cuttings to the Rood Screen, starting at 9:30 a.m. Music, snacks and a light lunch are provided. Contact Dick Kells at (910) 527-1963 for more information.
Installation of Rood Screen
Saturday, December 21, all day
We need volunteers to help install the Rood Screen in the sanctuary. We’d love to have your help. Contact Dick Kells at (910) 527-1963 for more information.
Christmas Pageant
The time-honored Christmas Pageant will be a part of the 4:00 p.m. Christmas Eve service at St. John’s. Additional information and rehearsal times and dates can be found on page 13.
Christmas Eve Services Tuesday, December 24, 4 p.m.
The Christmas narrative will be performed by the children. Nursery care will be provided.
Tuesday, December 24, 7 p.m.
December Birthdays 1 Wilson Jones IV 2 Tricia Walker 3 Ben Sasaki • Laura Kastner Sarah Short 4 Harvey Wright II • Angela Haynes • Virginia Heckerman 5 John Hermann • Justine Bier 9 Anne Nimocks • Sally Holt 11 Bill Thetford 12 Charlotte Broadwell 14 Chika Okafor 15 Christel Haworth • Erin Blair 16 Jane Peacock • Timothy Edwards • Lara Smith Cottle 17 Hunter Hedgecoe 19 Jonathan Elliot • Cam Stout Stephen Klinck 20 Blair Alligood • Grace Gonzales Rebecca Mendelsohn 21 Billy Kelly 22 Urijah Quincy Baucom 23 George Webb • Zach Richardson 24 Carol Haigh 27 Paula Zellner • Deven Short Obi Anusionwu 28 Bobby Nimocks, Jr. • Dohn Broadwell, Jr. • Alison Thetford 29 Carol Stephens 31 Tyler Nimocks December Anniversaries 6 Sun & David Vroom 20 Emily & David Barrett 22 Dottie & Neil Lowell 28 Sandy & Junior Edge
Rite I Holy Eucharist with congregational hymns. Nursery care will be provided.
Tuesday, December 24, 10 p.m.
Christmas Choral Eucharist. Features the English Handbells Choir and the Chancel Choir. The music is followed by a grand Rite II Christmas Eucharist, complete with congregational hymns and traditional carols.
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Calendar Roundup Continued January Birthdays 1 Nancy Bryant • Chidera Ejeh Arinzechukwu Ejeh 4 Jeff Baker • William Neff 5 Chip Stewart, Jr. Kirkland Moore 6 Susan Bender 9 Drew Young II Richard Player III 10 William Thomason Caroline Elliot 11 Gary Chandler 12 William Clark • Joyce Moore James Sutherland III 13 Daisy Boldt • Larry Pomeroy Marty Baldwin 14 Neil Lowell 15 Annette Dunlap • Kim Johnson 16 Buntie Russ • Bruce Daws Lizzy Haynes 18 David Bock, Sr. 19 Myra Elliott 21 Bill Orr • Gary Badzinski Clara Moorman 22 George Bender • Heath Privette 24 Heather Sisk • Dillon Broadwell 25 Sun Vroom • Andy Privette 26 Vic Dawson III • Josh Nimocks 27 John Dawson • Caitlin Farmer Becky Clevenger 28 Ricky Evans • Madison Jones 29 Christian Haworth Connor Haworth Billy Jordan IV Kep Baucom III Campbell Shepherd 30 Joel Christian 31 James Alves January Anniversaries 12 Melene & Ben Hatcher 13 Drake & Barry Neff 14 Tami & Kenneth Nettles 16 Aimee & David Watson 18 Laurie & Bill Byrd, Jr. 22 Anne & Ricky Evans Mary & Harvey Wright II 25 Ramon & Virginia Yarborough 26 Caroline & Jason Dosher
End of Year Giving
If you have any questions regarding your 2019 pledge or end of the year giving, please contact Sue Strickland in the Church office at 910-483-7405 or email bookkeeper@stjohnsnc.org. Please make sure all end of the year gifts are dropped off or post marked by December 31, 2019. Sue will be in the office December 30 & 31 from 8:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Operation Inasmuch
Thursday, January 2, 7 - 9 a.m.
Join St. John’s volunteers and serve breakfast to our homeless neighbors at 531 Hillsboro St. We serve from 7-9 a.m., but feel free to jump in for any amount of time. Contact Judy Klinck at (910) 527-2275 or email jbklinck@ aol.com.
Epiphany King’s Sunday
Sunday, January 5, 10:30 a.m.
In anticipation of our Lord Jesus Christ, children are invited to a special children’s sermon by Fr. Alves. Following the regular 10:30 a.m. service is a children’s Epiphany party with the King’s Cake during the coffee hour.
ECW Meeting
Monday, January 6, 10:30 a.m.
Annual Vestry Retreat
Friday, January 10 - Saturday, January 11 Please keep the vestry in your prayers as they gather to prepare for the upcoming year of 2020.
Celebration of The Rev. Robert M. Alves’ 30th Anniversary of his Ordination
Sunday, January 12, during coffee hour Additional information can be found on page 5.
EYC Planning Meeting Sunday, January 12, 6 p.m.
Meet in Hauser Hall for Pizza and planning for the Spring.
If It Ain’t Baroque...
Thursday, January 16, 7:30 p.m. at St. John’s Episcopal Church Journey through time to the Baroque era with FSO as we play famous pieces of the period. Led by Music Director Stefan Sanders this program will include selections from Handel and Bach as well as Pachelbel’s Canon in D. Come in from the cold for this special evening in the intimate setting of St. John’s Episcopal Church. Ryan Pagels, our Director of Music, will be a guest soloist for the concert. Additional information can be found on page 9.
Parish Office Hours
The Parish Office is open 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday. Wednesday office hours will be 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The church office will close at noon on Tuesday, December 24, and will be closed on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday December 25-27.
February Preview
March Preview
3 - ECW (Episcopal Church Women) 25 - Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper hosted by the EYC 26 - Ash Wednesday
5 - Operation Inasmuch 28 - Luke 14 Banquet
THE EPISTLE
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Poinsettia Memorial Submission Form
If you would like to make a donation to help purchase the poinsettias that adorn St. John’s altar, please fill out this form and return it to St. John’s office. The plants are $15 each. Make checks payable to St. John’s Episcopal Church and include “Poinsettias” on the memo line. Deadline for submission is Sunday, December 15.
Name:
Donation Amount: In Memory of:
In Honor of:
Given by:
ST. JOHN’S EPISCOPAL CHURCH / 302 GREEN ST / FAYETTEVILLE, NC 28301 / 910.483.7405 / STJOHNSNC.ORG
Forms can also be found across from the elevator, outside the Chapel and in the weekly bulletin.