Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds, so that you may discern what is the will of God– what is good and acceptable and perfect. Romans 12:2
Do you know what God’s Will is for you in your life? Isn’t hard to figure that out sometimes. At times, the way seems so clear. God’s voice is loud and we know exactly what to do next. At other times, we feel so confused. Paul’s letter to the Romans provides a key to our confusion. We are not to be conformed to this world. This world’s standards and what our society thinks is important or “the good life” are different from God’s guidance and way of life.
Throughout the Bible, we read of the importance of economic justice, of God’s priority for the poor. Yet, those are the values our world often presents us. Trying to buck the trends and priorities created by our broken humanity is hard. It requires being nonconforming. It requires a transformation and change in our minds. That’s what’s required for us to discern what is the will of God, the good, the acceptable and the perfect….
Blessings as you finish your week!
Love, Rebecca+
Rebecca’s Schedule: Next week, Rebecca will be in Corbin on Friday, August 29, and her Sabbath day will be Tuesday, August 26. You can get a message to Rebecca by calling the church office at 606-528-1659 or priest-in-charge@stjohnscorbin.org.
Adult Forum: This summer and early fall, we will discuss a portion of the Gospel of Matthew. We will follow our Gospel lectionary, discussing the following week’s Gospel – Matthew 8:15-20.
Godly Play classes for children will begin next week, August 31. We also need adults to conduct these classes, beginning in November. If you are interested in being trained and conducting the classes for a few weeks to a month, please let Rebecca know.
We will once again be distributing water at the Pow Wow on Ken and Shelia’s property on Saturday, August 30. If you’d be willing to donate for the water and ice and/or take a shift handing out water, let Rebecca know.
Pot Luck Sunday: Next Sunday, August 31, is our monthly pot luck. Bring a dish or drink to share. And all are welcome! Plan to fellowship with each other.
Interested in being a member of St. John’s? If you have been baptized in another faith tradition, and want to be a member of The Episcopal Church and St. John’s Church, plan to attend confirmation classes this fall. There will be 5 classes offered, most likely beginning in September. If you are interested, please let Rebecca know. If you have already been confirmed in another faith tradition and would like to be a member of St. John’s, let Rebecca know, so you can be received into the church. If you are interested in baptism, also let her know. Baptisms, receptions, and confirmations will be done when the Bishop visits.
Computer and Furnace Needed: The furnace located in the sacristy, which heats part of the social hall and hallways must be replaced prior to this winter. Cost is $2,250 for a furnace that will also be more energy efficient. We’ll also need to replace two more furnaces over the next two years: one that heats the parish hall and one that heats the rectory. Our computer also needs replaced and $600 will get us a new one plus the needed software. Donations for these two items can be put in the boxes back on the shelves in the parish hall.
Columbarium Niche: The Vestry has voted to donate a niche in the Columbarium to the family of Deacon Dane. A bronze plaque needs to be purchased to mark the niche. The cost is $208. If you would like to donate to the cost of this plaque, please let Gay Nell know.
Grow Appalachia! The Vestry has voted to move ahead to become a Grow Appalachia site for 2015. Please talk to the Vestry about your ideas, questions, and concerns. The Grow Appalachia website is http://www.berea.edu/grow-appalachia/
Flowers for the altar: Donations for flowers for the altar are accepted for any Sunday of the year. Please place your donation in the envelope, marking whether they are in honor of or in memory of someone.
Hymn Selection Group If you’d like to choose hymns for services, join this group. You will choose hymns for an upcoming service and then meet with the entire group to confirm the final selections. See Billy Hibbitts if you are interested.
Would you like to write Prayers of the People? If you are interested in writing these prayers (there are resources that can help with this task), please let Rebecca know by phone or email priest-in-charge@stjohnscorbin.org.
United Thank Offering. Remember to get your box for your thank offerings for this ministry of The Episcopal Church. The next collection will be in the fall.
Are you interested in assisting with the Sunday service? Readers, Eucharistic Ministers, Crucifers, Altar Guild Members and choir members are all important for each Sunday service. If you’re interested in serving, please let Rebecca know by phone 859-429-1659 or priest-in-charge@stjohnscorbin.org.
Serving Our Neighbors – See baskets in the parlor.
- Everlasting Arms, Corbin’s shelter for people who are homeless, is in need of men’s and women’s razors, gloves, deodorant and socks.
- The Food Pantry at Corbin Presbyterian Church is always in need of nonperishable food items. Vegetables are especially appreciated.
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