Summer 2020

www.stjohnsnc.org

Instagram: st.johnsepiscopalfay

Facebook: stjohnsfaync

Summer 2020

Rector’s Letter

Renewed Sense of Gratitude

By The Robert M. Alves, Rector

F

irst, let me echo our Senior Warden, John Holmes, with words of gratitude to those who have stepped up in leadership during the first half of 2020. We knew that the rhythms of our common life at St. John’s would be altered during my sabbatical. No one could have anticipated the scope or magnitude of the changes and challenges that we would all face as 2020 unfolded. The year began with the rapid deployment of the 82nd Airborne and the Gun Devils from Ft. Bragg. Then came the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, and protesters began to give voice to suffering that has simmered beneath the surface of our society for generations. We yearn to gather in community at St. John’s during these challenging times. We know that we cannot do so safely and we now realize that our patterns of worship and fellowship will be different when we return.

In the past, the summer “Epistles” would outline the parish activities being planned for the new program/ school year. This year, we must report that it is still uncertain when and how we will be able to safely return to worship and fellowship in our buildings. A silver lining The Rev. Robert Alves to the cloud that we are living under is that much needed repairs and restoration has continued in the Kyle House and Church with less disruption during our suspension of public worship. The funding for the work had been raised and set aside during recent years and we had previously planned to do the work in stages to minimize the disruption of our worship, programs and activities. Please see the article in this Epistle for details on the work that is nearing completion.

The leadership of preschool is working with other preschool leaders in Fayetteville and throughout the Diocese of East Carolina to discern when and how preschool will resume. Our worship team continues to discern when and how we will return to in-person worship at St. John’s. We all continue to track the spread of COVID-19 as we wait for guidance from our Governor and from our Diocese. As we watch and wait, we fervently desire clarity and certainty that remain elusive.

Soldiers from 3-319th AFAR (Airborne Field Artillery Regiment) thumbing through prayer books provided by St. John’s after a chapel service.

INSIDE this issue

St. John’s Zoom Coffee Hour page 2

Early in my sabbatical time, I was invited to celebrate See RECTOR’S LETTER, page 3

Silent Heroes

Labor of Love

page 4

page 6

Senior Recognition page 8

Pledges, Tithes and Offerings If you usually bring your tithes and offerings to church with you, you still have two ways to give: 1. Give online at stjohnsnc. org/access.

2. Mail a check to our church office.

St. John’s Episcopal Church PO BOX 722 Fayetteville, NC 28302

THE EPISTLE

Mark your Calendars and join The First St. John’s Zoom Coffee Hour Wednesday, August 12

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 John Holmes Jr. Warden Amanda Klinck 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

John Holmes • Amanda Klinck • Kenneth C. Lancaster, Jr. • Julie MacRae • Jewel Prichard • Heath Privette • Ronald Schooler • Grant Steffan • Shelby Doyle • Angela Packer • Zachary Parisian • Lizzie Shepherd 2

THE EPISTLE

A

6:00 p.m.

s Phase Two continues in North Carolina, we must wait to gather in person for worship and fellowship. Many have found new ways to stay connected during the current pandemic. On Wednesday, August 12, St. John’s will host our first congregation-wide Zoom gathering.

We look forward to seeing one another and hearing familiar voices.

There will also be a brief presentation and slideshow focused on all the renovations that have taken place since March in the sanctuary and The Kyle House.

Many in our parish have become all too familiar with Zoom in recent months. Anyone can join the meeting by heading to Zoom.us or opening their Zoom app, selecting join a meeting, and inputting the following: the meeting ID is 331-550-7120 and the password is 2UGSZs. Those who would like to participate by phone only should dial 929-436-2866 and enter meeting ID 331-550-7120 and passcode 132238.

Meeting information will also be provided through Tuesday Headlines.

If you currently do not receive Tuesday Headlines, please call the church office at 910-483-7405. We will make sure you are added to the email distribution list.

Rector’s Letter continued from page 1 Holy Eucharist on Sunday, February 16, at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Henderson, KY, where my greatgreat-great-great-grandfather James Alves had been senior warden at the founding of the parish. I could not have imagined that it would be over five months before I would celebrate Holy Eucharist again. Nor could I have imagined that we would be considering the installation of the equipment needed to offer livestream worship from Church. And, I would never have guessed that we would be hosting a Zoom Coffee Hour on Wednesday night, August 12.

When 2020 began, we could not have known how we would be called to reach out as individuals and as a congregation to emerging needs. Before I left for sabbatical, I sent copies of A Prayer Book for the Armed Services for use by the Gun Devil Battalion during their rapid deployment. Our parish also provided books to be used by families of those deployed. When the impact for the pandemic became apparent, the Episcopal Shoppe purchased PPE equipment and delivered it to our local hospital.

On July 9, Lizzie Shepherd received a certificate of appreciation presented to Saint John’s at a ceremony on Ft. Bragg. The certificate was presented in thanks for the books that we provided for the families of members of the rapidly deployed Gun Devil Battalion.

1BDE 82nd Airborne Division Commander, COL Andrew Saslav, expresses gratitude to the parishioners of St John’s for their generous gift of books to children of the rapidly deployed Gun Devil Battalion, commanded by St John’s own, Ben Shepherd.

Our graduating high school seniors have been in our prayers as they have been forced to adapt in order to complete their studies. Among the disappointments they have faced, is the fact that we are unable to gather in Church to recognize this milestone in their lives. On Sunday, July 19th, I blessed bibles for each of our seniors as outward and visible signs of the prayers and support of their parish family. Please take time to read the interviews, beginning on page 8, with our four extraordinary graduates. I have long said that the youth of our parish are not the future leaders of the church, but rather, they are leaders in the current time. This has never been as true as it is in 2020. Two things are clear. First, each of our graduating seniors has relied on his or her faith as they navigated the challenges of the last six months.

Second, hope for the future permeates the message provided by our seniors.

Many of us have gained a renewed sense of gratitude for basic things that we often take for granted. We do not need to look very far to see how faith has sustained us and how hope shines forth, even in the current times.

THE EPISTLE

3

From the Senior Warden In Gratitude to our Silent Heroes During the Time of Corona

By John Holmes, Senior Warden

E

ven though we have not been able to gather in person at our beloved St. John’s, we have had silent heroes working tirelessly behind the scenes to keep us connected, informed, cared for and assured that our historic facilities are protected and ready for that time that we can safely reopen and worship together again. I would like to commend the following silent heroes for their work these past four months: Staff • For Father Robert who returned from a shortened sabbatical to a whole new normal. He hit the ground running and has gainfully occupied his time by making parishioner phone calls, recording weekly messages, taking a leadership role in the Diocese, attending (too many) Zoom meetings and sadly, offering prayers and other pastoral care to the families of our 7 parishioners who have passed since his return.

• For Trishia Medema, our Parish Administrative Coordinator, who has kept the office running smoothly and safely both from her home and at St. John’s, continuing her duties in her calm, competent, and professional manner.

• For Ryan Pagels, our Music Director, who has been ingenious in the use of technology to keep us connected every Friday evening at 6:00 p.m. for our Facebook Hymn Sing.

• For Sue Strickland, who has continued her work as part-time bookkeeper, so that we can ac4

THE EPISTLE

count for all the money coming in, send out quarterly statements, compensate our staff and pay all our bills. Sue has done this all while working through major surgery of her own.

• For Lonnie Pipkin and James Henderson, who have done whatever was asked of them, to keep our facilities safe and clean.

• For Donnie Winston and the preschool staff, who have carried on with important milestones with drive-by graduation services and planning for future programming for late summer and fall.

Others • For Mary Flagg Haugh, who has made perfect use of our downtime to coordinate the work in the sanctuary and Kyle House to include the repair and replacement of the altar stained glass windows, the complete interior painting and water damage repair of the sanctuary, complete crawl space and foundation repair, and total renovation inside and out of our crown jewel, The Kyle House. I cannot wait for you all to see it!

• For Junior Warden, Amanda Klinck, and Bruce Daws, who have worked tirelessly to keep our facilities safe and secure. Amanda has done everything from cleaning out a homeless encampment to removing birds who had taken up residence in the Kyle House.

Amanda is already working on CDC approved guidelines to make sure all our facilities are safe and sanitary for our much anticipated return. Bruce kept a watchful

eye out for St. John’s during the recent unrest downtown and has answered (too many) alarm company calls at all times of day and night.

• For Shelby Doyle, a new Vestry member, who was put in charge of Communications. Little did anyone know back in December what a pivotal role this would turn out to be! Shelby’s professional expertise and talents have been invaluable in all the social media, and recorded offerings that we have been able to offer our parishioners during this time.

• And finally, for Melene Hatcher for doing what Melene does…… some of everything. From preparing and delivering meals and flowers to homebound parishioners, to keeping The Episcopal Shoppe up and running by shipping items all over the country to ordering facemasks to pitching in and helping with our finances and bookkeeping while Sue was out for surgery, Melene is truly a remarkable woman for all seasons.

Finally, on behalf of the Vestry, I want to thank each and every one of you for your faith, loyalty, and unwavering moral and financial support during the time of COVID. God has truly blessed St. John’s richly during this most trying of times.

A Summer Like No Other

By Shelby Doyle, Vestry

A

s the time since we were all able to gather in person grows longer, our whole parish family is missing fellowship and community. The closest we can get to a catch-up session at coffee hour is a phone call, a Facebook message, or a socially distant wave in the grocery store!

John said, “We will miss eating out and touring old St. Augustine, but just having the family together and enjoying each other’s company will be worth the trip.

Besides, we are going to get some competitive cooking going to see who can create the most interesting meal. That should be fun.”

With all that in mind, we asked you what you’d been up to this summer so we can all get an update, no matter what form of communication we typically use.

Here’s what you shared: Larry and Linda Farmer celebrated their 34th wedding anniversary in Antigua and sent this photo.

The Holmes family in St. Augustine , Florida.

The Chandlers and the Shepherds ran into each other hiking in the western part of the state. Lenora shared, “It was such a treat running into our friends from St. John’s at Linville Falls off the Blue Ridge Parkway.”

Larry and Linda Farmer in Antigua.

Parker Lindsey shared that, “Our big vaca has been riding to Etown and stopping at Melvin’s and taking highway 53 back to Fayetteville. Kinda like doing the Mayberry Shuffle.”

After two cancelled airline trips to visit their grandchildren in Miami, Mary and John Holmes began looking for a meeting spot somewhere halfway that was within driving distance for all family members in North Carolina, South Carolina and Florida. They settled on a VRBO beachfront cottage in St. Augustine’s Beach, about a 6 1/2-hour drive from both Fayetteville and Miami. When they booked it two months ago, little did they know that Florida would become the hottest COVID-19 state in the nation! They have taken all precautions, right down to having their groceries delivered to the cottage by Instacart. They are looking forward to having all four children, spouses and three grandchildren together for a week. They leave on Saturday, July 18, and return Friday, July 24.

The Chandler and Shepherd families at the Linville Falls.

Staying connected as a parish family is fraught with new challenges this summer. Overcoming them continues to be a team effort. If you’ve been missing a sense of spiritual community, you are not alone. If you have time this week, will you reach out to a parishioner who’s been on your mind?

THE EPISTLE

5

From the Junior Warden A Labor of Love

By Amanda Klinck, Junior Warden

R

ecently, while worshiping in church, you most likely noticed the cracks and plaster peeling from the ceilings and behind the altar. We also know that the stained-glass windows of our church are an artistic treasure and narrate the stories of many Gospel lessons. But, from time to time, they need some refurbishing. The Kyle House is also a valued treasure of our parish and community. Throughout the recent years, these treasures have sustained damage and were in desperate need of some TLC.

Kyle House stairs.

Work being done on the Kyle House dining room.

Work being done on the parlor of the Kyle House.

6

THE EPISTLE

Hurricane Florence caused substantial water damage to the sanctuary and moisture seeped through many areas of the church. This water seepage caused the plaster to peel from the ceiling above the organ in the balcony and also behind the alar. It wasn’t too long ago that our sanctuary underwent a major renovation for the 2016 Church Bicentennial. However, shortly after this “facelift,” our community was hit by Hurricane Florence, and our sanctuary, as well as other parts of our church campus, sustained damage from the wind and rain of this powerful storm. Dick Kells was Junior Warden during this time and the process to assess the damage was begun. He contacted The Episcopal Church Insurance Group. They came to St. John’s, surveyed the damage and our church was awarded funds to begin the task of repairing the damage. Shortly thereafter, Mary Flagg Haugh took over as Junior Warden and was tasked with continuing the process Dick had begun of repairing damage from Hurricane Florence. The first step in the process was hiring a contractor, and Critical Path Solutions was engaged. The company began the process of accessing the damages and how to repair them.

They brought in a group from Wilmington that specialized in analyzing moisture damage. During the summer of 2019, this group conducted a thorough

study of the areas in our church that needed repair.

After the moisture report was presented, the extent of the damage was realized. A plan was developed that included repairing the sanctuary plaster and painting these areas, roof repair on the church and The Kyle House and repairing of the stained-glass windows behind the altar.

Mary Flagg, along with the assistance of Dick Kells and Dohn Broadwell, hired contractors and the project was close to moving forward. The sanctuary needed to be closed off to complete the repairs, the organ needed to be protected, and Holy Week was upon us and a difficult decision on whether or not to begin the work was looming. God had other plans. This is the week we found out we would not be able to worship because of COVID-19. The contractors were able to start working in the sanctuary. The three stained-glass windows behind the altar have since been removed for repair and reinstalled. This work was done by Stained Glass Associates. This company has been repairing our stained glass windows since the early 1970’s.

In addition to the Hurricane Florence repairs, Dick Kells had begun plans for replacing our very ancient HVAC duct work under the sanctuary. This work involved removing the existing duct work, replacing and reinforcing the footings and piers under the church as well as cleaning out the debris under the sanctuary.

The next step in the process was replacing the HVAC duct work and finally putting a vapor barrier under the church. This process, as with any work on a very aged structure, has taken longer than anticipated. However, we were blessed, in that we could perform this work during this COVID time when we have paused worship inside the sanctuary. The HVAC work for the most part has been completed and we now have AC in the church sanctuary again!

Mary Flagg Haugh was working on The Kyle House renovation while also managing the other projects.

We hired American Woodworkery, a company that specializes in historic properties. Benjamin and his team of dedicated workers renovated the interior of The Kyle House with love and dedication. There was surprise after surprise. Challenges such as discovering the fireplace wall in the dining room had to come down because of termite damage were constantly keeping Mary Flagg on her toes. She stated that the most rewarding aspect was seeing the final product and working with wonderful people. A lot of patience, great staff, and a dedicated team of Dick Kells and Dohn Broadwell made these projects possible. We

cannot thank our church family enough for enabling us to financially support these projects with their love and generosity.

When we can worship in the sanctuary again, take a moment to look up at the ceiling and also notice the stained-glass windows behind the altar. This is a labor of love. In the coming weeks, The Kyle House furniture will be moved in and the interior will be completed.

The next phase of the project is to complete the roof repairs on the other buildings, excluding the sanctuary and The Kyle House, the HVAC/foundation work and repairing some of the stained-glass windows. We are all anxious to return to worship, and when we do, our holy space will be ready for us. Thank you to all who gave their time, talent and treasure to St. John’s.

St. John’s Episcopal Church Sanctuary.

St. John’s Episcopal Church balcony and organ loft.

THE EPISTLE

7

EYC: Episcopal Youth in the Church Senior Recognition Liam Cathal Christian

Discuss at least two parishioners from St John’s who have left a lasting impact on you.

What are your plans Of course Father Robert has left an impact on my for the next several life through his teaching and sermons. I also have years? to say both Hal Broadfoot and Lenora Chandler had I plan on attending an impact on my life through their dedication to the the University of youth of the church.

North Carolina at Pembroke for the next What’s something you’ve learned while five years to earn a attending St John’s you feel you will carry on masters in business with you?

I learned that I enjoy serving people. This realization administration. came about with my involvement in EYC with Discuss your helping in our community and others such as the accomp lishm ents soup kitchen in DC. you’re most proud of What’s your favorite hymn sung at St John’s and from high school.

I’m proud of my decent why?

GPA and involvement It hasn’t been sung recently but my favorite hymn is Ave Verum Corpus because I used to sing it while I in academic clubs. was in choir.

Discuss your favorite memory with or at St What advice do you have for the youth of St John’s.

I have enjoyed being involved in the EYC and helping John’s following in your footsteps?

You should find your way to involve yourself in the in the community and various trips. church and local community to give back to people What’s your favorite spot/space in St John’s and who affect your life. why?

I enjoy Hauser Hall because of the memories that If you could say one last thing to the people of were made there during my time involved in the St John’s, what would it be?

EYC. I would just like to thank the people of St. John’s for being inviting and supporting others in the church.

Chidera Ejeh What are your plans for the next several years?

In the next several years I hope to have graduated with a BA in public health (pre-med) from George Washington University, interned at the WHO or PAHO in DC, and to have received admission from one of my top medical schools.

8

THE EPISTLE

Discuss your accomplishments you’re most proud of from high school.

My accomplishment that I am most proud of is surpassing the low expectation that my calculus teacher had for me as a student in her class.

Discuss your favorite memory with or at St John’s.

My favorite memories at St. John’s would have to be going to the basketball games to watch my brothers play and watch all the parents yell as if it’s the last game.

What’s your favorite spot/space in St John’s and why?

My favorite spot in St. John’s would have to be the

6 or 7th pew on the left where my family usually sits during church service. It’s my favorite because I can see everyone without really having to turn around.

I can easily look up at the choir and when I am acolyting my head naturally faces that direction so I can always see my parents laughing at whatever my brothers are doing at the altar.

the problems in the real world or the sins that are constantly repeated. He helped me understand that we can’t completely change history but we can complete certain actions with God’s help to look for a better way.

What advice do you have for the youth of St John’s following in your footsteps?

For the younger Saint John’s members I encourage that you all try and participate in as many church activities as you can. Acolyte and take the next steps in your faith so that you can form a stronger relationship with God because as you get older it may be harder to do so, but if you build a strong foundation young you will be fine. Also don’t be ashamed to pray and ask God for help because he is always there to help and guide you. Also to keep you up to date or make your day I strongly recommend downloading the YouVersion app. I love this app.

Every morning I wake up to a new Bible verse that can either shape what I do in the day or help me when I might be in a not so good or anxious mood.

Discuss at least two parishioners from St John’s who have left a lasting impact on you.

Three parishioners that made an impact on me were Mrs. Holmes, Mrs. Haigh, and Mrs. Klinck. I was not really able to attend many events at Saint John’s due to my parents’ busy schedule and the many activities my brothers and I were part of, however these three wonderful ladies always approached us to update us about events and welcome us to events that were associated with Saint John’s or even downtown Fayetteville. It was always nice to see their faces and hear their good mornings before service not to mention they always remembered things like when I would be graduating or when there would be another basketball game. The time they spent If you could say one last thing to the people of to learn more about my family and I was definitely St John’s, what would it be? noticed and thoughtful. For that I am grateful.

If I was to say one last thing to the people of Saint What’s something you’ve learned while John’s I would say thank you for welcoming us, The attending St John’s you feel you will carry on Ejehs, to your church and for getting to know more about us and our culture. with you?

While at Saint John’s I learned in detail how history repeats itself. Father Alves did a very good job explaining that with different bible verses to explain

Ann Grace Jacocks What are your plans for the next several years?

I plan on attending North Carolina State University to major in Chemistry. I then hope to attend dental school.

Discuss your accomplishments you’re most proud of from high school.

The accomplishment that I am most proud of is being selected as an Outstanding Senior. This is an award given to ten seniors who have been selected by teachers and faculty who demonstrate leadership, friendship, and academic excellence.

Discuss your favorite memory with or at St John’s.

My favorite memory at St. John’s is making pancakes with the youth group for the pancake dinner.

What’s your favorite spot/space in St John’s and why?

My favorite spot at St. John’s is the altar. It is the area where I experience a direct connection with God through communion.

Discuss at least two parishioners from St John’s who have left a lasting impact on you.

Mrs. Julie MacRae has made an impact on my experience at St. John’s because she was my first guardian angel and always made me feel welcome.

Mr. Hal Broadfoot has also made an impact on my experience at St. John’s; he is one of the first youth leaders that I met.

THE EPISTLE

9

*What’s something you’ve learned while attending St John’s you feel you will carry on with you?

Through my attendance at St. John’s, I have learned the importance of support from a church family. I find much joy through fellowship with members of St. John’s. *What’s your favorite hymn sung at St John’s and why?

My favorite hymn sung at St. John’s is Lift High the Cross because it is also the hymn of the Daughters of the King.

Anne Schaefer What are your plans for the next several years?

I am going to attend NC State University and hopefully go on to vet school.

Discuss your accomplishments you’re most proud of from high school.

I got accepted into my dream school and worked hard until the very end.

Discuss your favorite memory with or at St John’s.

My favorite memory involving St. John’s was going on my pilgrimage to New Orleans. I met new friends and enjoyed volunteering and exploring NOLA. What’s your favorite spot/ space in St John’s and why?

The front of the church while acolyting is my favorite space in St. John’s. I enjoy acolyting and seeing all that’s going on.

Discuss at least two parishioners from St John’s who have left a lasting impact on you.

Glenn Chandler – He taught me everything about acolyting. Even when he was no longer in charge of acolytes, he was always there to help me if I needed it.

Robin Kelly – She is the sweetest and most thoughtful person. Robin always goes out of her way for others and I strive to be like her.

10

THE EPISTLE

*What advice do you have for the youth of St John’s following in your footsteps?

My advice for the youth is to learn how to cook pancakes on a big grill :) and to appreciate the time spent together doing activities, service projects, and Sunday school. *If you could say one last thing to the people of St John’s, what would it be?

Thank you for being so inviting and supportive of me and my family. I know I will always have a home at St. John’s.

What’s something you’ve learned while attending St John’s you feel you will carry on with you?

I learned to always be kind to others. Everyone at St. John’s stops to say hello and asks how you are doing.

What’s your favorite hymn sung at St John’s and why?

The Saint’s of God – it was a hymn sung at my grandfather’s funeral.

What advice do you have for the youth of St John’s following in your footsteps?

Participate at church at much as you can!

If you could say one last thing to the people of St John’s, what would it be?

Thank you for always being there for me whenever I needed it. Everyone’s smiles and greetings on Sunday mornings mean so much and I will miss St. John’s greatly.

Calendar Roundup - June, July, and August 2020 Mark your Calendars and join The First St. John’s Zoom Coffee Hour Wednesday, August 12, 6 p.m.

On Wednesday, August 12, St. John’s will host our first congregation-wide Zoom gathering. We look forward to seeing one another and hearing familiar voices. There will also be a brief presentation and slideshow focused on all the renovations that have taken place since March in the sanctuary and The Kyle House. Additional information on page 2.

Conversation with Bishop Curry

Thursday, October 8, 7:00 p.m.

Episcopal Shoppe in partnership with EBA (Episcopal Booksellers Association), will be hosting a conversation with Presiding Bishop Michael Curry about his new book, Love is the Way: Holding on the Hope in Troubling Times. Everyone purchasing his new book will be invited.

To pre-order Love is the Way: https:// episcopalshoppe.com/copy-of-powerof-love/.

You will receive a link via email. Participants will also have an opportunity to submit questions in advance. Melene will select 10 to send to Bishop Curry.

Ways to Stay Connected

In light of our inability to gather in person, we are getting creative with ways to continue in fellowship. Visit the website for additional information and videos: http://www.stjohnsnc.org/online-worship-and-fellowship.

Online, Periodic Offerings

Evening Prayer offered Monday through Thursday at 5:30 by General Theological Seminary. Join on Facebook: www.facebook.com/TheGeneralSeminary/.

Sunday Morning Messages

Weekly video meditations from Father Robert are posted on Sunday mornings on the church Facebook page and the homepage of our church website.

Tuesday Evening Study - by phone or video chat Tuesdays 7 p.m.

You are invited to join a study based on the book, “Walk in Love,” that will take a look at the Spiritual Practices of the Episcopal Church, Christianity more broadly, and how we can understand and apply them in new and enriching ways. As part of the class, we will be reading the book, Walk in Love,

by Scott Gunn and Melody Wilson Shobe. This class is for everyone who desires to take a look at their faith and practice, whether you have been an Episcopalian your whole life, or are a new explorer. The study will be led by Matthew Overturf. Zoom information is avalible here: http://www.stjohnsnc. org/online-worship-and-fellowship.

Wednesday Evening Prayer - Facebook Live Event Wednesdays, 7 p.m.

The Diocese of East Carolina is hosting Evening Prayer through Facebook Live. Evening Prayer will continue each Wednesday in “Ordinary Time” with Bishop Skirving and others leading from Rite II of the Book of Common Prayer (1979). For those without a copy of the BCP, here’s a link to the text of the service that we will use: https:// shrtm.nu/aVv6.

Please feel welcome to post your prayer requests ahead of time, in the comments section of this event notice. That way, we can include them in our offerings when we are together!

All are welcome to join us live, or to use the recording afterward. To join the event go to www.facebook.com/dioec/.

Interactive, Live Hymn Sing Fridays, 6 p.m.

Music Director Ryan Pagels offers an interactive hymn sing via livestream on Friday evenings on the church Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/ watch/stjohnsfaync.

For those without a Facebook account, you’ll be able to watch the video by heading to stjohnsnc.org/online-worship-and-fellowship and clicking the direct link posted next to “Interactive Hymn Sing.”

Parish Office Hours

Our staff has returned to work in the church office. As always, the best way to reach us is by phone or email. If you need to come to the office for any reason, please call ahead (910-4837405) and be advised that, for the safety of our parishioners and staff, all persons entering the building are required to wear masks and maintain physical distancing. The summer office hours for phone and email communication are 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Monday through Friday.

Trishia Medema: communications@ stjohnsnc.org Sue Strickland: bookkeeper@stjohnsnc.org Fr. Alves: rector@stjohnsnc.org.

Fr. Alves is checking his voicemail at church 910-483-7405 ex. 104.

Fr. Alves can also be reached at home (910)223-7836 in case of pastoral emergencies.

Please send all postal mail to the PO BOX. St. John’s Episcopal Church PO Box 722 Fayetteville, NC 28302 faync/240218570433618/.

www.facebook.com/stjohnsfaync ‘Like’ our page on Facebook! We’re the page with the teal and white photo of the parish. Comment and share!

Follow us on instagram st.johnsepiscopalfay

THE EPISTLE

11

Birthdays & Anniversaries - June, July, and August 2020 June Birthdays

2 Walker Worth IV 3 Mike Fiocca 4 Hank Stewart 5 Andy Hall 6 Jo’Leita Evans 7 Karin Slaughter • Rob Britton 9 Weyher Dawson, Jr. Billy Richardson 10 Robert Gates • Drew Hedgecoe 12 Sherry Privette • Anne Evans Benjamin Borger 13 Barry Neff 15 Tyler Sutherland 16 Michael Dooley • Earl Horan IV 17 Walker Worth, Jr. Tommy Wooten, Jr. 18 Bill Shinault, Jr. 19 Sarah Nikolassy 20 Katie Schaefer • Frances Farthing 21 Liz Vasser • Brian Kastner Carly Walker 22 LaMar Williams, Jr. • William Schaefer, Jr. 23 Lydia Short • Cutler Baker 27 Thorpe Whitehead Christine Kastner Emma Caroline Edge 28 Jane Dawson

June Anniversaries 2 Judy & Tom Brown 11 Debbie & LaMar Williams, Jr. 12 Emily & Dickson Schaefer Ellen & LTC (R) Carl Jordan 14 Linda & Larry Farmer 20 Paula & Eric Zellner Renee & Ruben Reyes 21 Eileen & Kim Hensley Amy & Grant Steffan 24 Mary & Sam Zahran 28 Betty Neill & Larry Parsons

12

THE EPISTLE

July Birthdays

3 West Jacocks 4 John Stewart 6 Stanley Sandler 7 Mary Alves 8 Ali Saldana 10 Stacey Elliott 11 Caroline Dosher 12 Carlyle Helms 13 James Dawson 16 Curran Haworth 17 Jean Hermann • Ruben Reyes 18 Phil Brent • Mary Kate Morgan Judith Borger 19 Mickey Vickers • Julie MacRae 20 Linda Farmer • Betsy Dixon James Varela • Jim MacRae III Heather Privette R. G. Heckerman 21 Liz Zellner 22 Kristina Metz 23 Jeanne Player • Kate Lindsay Julie Gates Heavenly Alleyne 24 Louis Metz, Jr. 26 Odinakachukwu Igwilo 27 Andrew Hopkins 30 Tami Nettles • Andrew Bock, Jr. 31 Gerald Horne • Ashton Fox

July Anniversaries 1

7 11

15 16

19

Christel & Charles Haworth Lucy & Gary Smith Parker & Kemp Lindsay Mindy & Mickey Vickers Judith & Benjamin Borger Angela & Gregory Haynes Cathryn & David Helms Lib & Bob Wilson Laura & Lee Mulkey

August Birthdays 1 2 3 4

5

Larry Farmer Margaret Ann Alligood Rachel Cooper-Leal • Troy Horan Charles H. Hunger • John Privette • Caroline Legg • Ned Schowalter Gregory Haynes • Raymond Luper Jr. Kurt Silk • Royce Carroll 7 Edward Vaughn, Jr. 9 John Sandler • Bill Dunlap • Robet Lawrence 11 Jim MacRae Jr. 12 Rebecca Britton 13 Braeden Dold 15 Covey Holmes 16 Dr. Obinna Igwilo • David Shorts 18 Philip Haigh IV 20 Ronald Johnson 21 Shannon Bailey-Bloodworth • Matthew Overturf 24 Jean Moore • Courtney Robinson • Kate Slater 25 Renee Reyes • Harper Shellgren 26 Margaret Hunger 29 Tochukwa Ejeh • Connie Martin • Laura Sandler • Daniel Nimocks

August Anniversaries 3 Julie & Jim MacRae Jr. • Annette & Bill Dunlap 5 Barbara & Billy Richardson Jaclyn & Kep Baucom 12 Bill & Freddie Shinault 13 Rebecca & John Britton 15 Shannon & Clifton Cameron 19 Sherry & Andy Privette 21 Kensley & Trey Edge 25 Christine & Dr. Robert Kastner 29 Heather & Heath Privette • Arleen & Drew Young