Almighty God, whom truly to know is everlasting life: Grant us so perfectly to know your Son Jesus Christ to be the way, the truth, and the life, that we may steadfastly follow his steps in the way that leads to eternal life; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. Collect for Fifth Sunday in Easter, Pg. 225, Book of Common Prayer
Our Collects each week certainly ask God for a lot, don’t they? I mean, we’re asking God to have us “perfectly to know” Jesus Christ. Wow, what does that perfection in knowing Jesus Christ, especially the perfection of knowing Jesus Christ to be “the way, the truth, and the life….?”
We ask for something nearly impossible (perfect faith), I believe, because we need that perfect faith in Jesus Christ before we’ll follow in Christ’s steps. We question. We doubt. We aren’t sure. We’re afraid. As a result, we don’t follow “steadfastly” in Jesus’ steps. Following Jesus is the way to life…abundant life…eternal life.
So we ask God for more faith, more understanding. We ask God for the faith that will support us in following Jesus Christ, no matter what.
Blessings as you finish your week!
Love, Rebecca+
Rebecca’s Schedule
Rebecca will be on vacation this week, returning May 9. For pastoral emergencies, please contact The Rev. John Burkhart, 606-521-0345. You can get a message to Rebecca by calling the church office at 606-528-1659 or priest-in-charge@stjohnscorbin.org.
This Sunday we observe Asian/Pacific Islander Sunday. We especially remember the Diocese of Taiwan, a Diocese of The Episcopal Church. There are 15 Episcopal churches on the island. We also pray for the Deanery of Nepal, part of the Diocese of Singapore.
Godly Play offered for children. All children are invited to participate in this special program of spiritual development.
Adult Forum Our current series is on Ten Ways to Pray. This week Rebecca will lead us in The Daily Office and Scripture.
Work Day at the Church, Saturday, May 30, 10am. All are invited to help with outside and inside projects, such as mulching, lattice-work around the amphitheater, and caulking the windows. If you have a key to the church, you can also come by and take your Prevention Of Sexual Misconduct (POSM) training.
Fun, fun, fun. The next Family Game Night is Friday, May 22, 6:30 – 8:30pm. Bring your favorite games, snacks, and drinks. Pizza will be provided.
2015 Goals: The Vestry has adopted the following goals for 2015, in line with our recently-adopted Mission Statement, Proclaiming the Gospel, promoting justice, and preparing a diverse community of seekers to reflect the welcoming love of Christ:
- Support Al-Anon group meeting at the Church.
- List St. John’s Church on theIntegrity and Believe Out Loud websites as an open and welcoming church, especially for people who are Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Questioning.
- Remodel space for use as a sacristy.
- Repurpose the parlor.
- Serve as a site for the KCEOC Summer Lunch program for youth ages 18 and under.
The Grow Appalachia Committee meets Thursday, at 6pm through May.
Rogation Service, Wednesday, May 13, 6pm. We will say prayers around our property and end in the church for Eucharist. Rogation comes from the Latin, “to ask.” The days are observed the Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday prior to Ascension Day. They have typically had a focus on agriculture and prayers for the growing season.
Make Pentecost Peace Cranes, Sunday, May 17, after church. Stay after church to make these origami peace cranes to decorate the sanctuary for Pentecost on Sunday, May 24.