Tag Archives: Corbin

Getting Ready for the Bishop’s Visit (Sunday, October 19)

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The church is ready for Bishop Hahn’s visit.  Join us tomorrow!

Come join the celebration!

Come join the celebration!

Bishop Hahn will speak at the Adult Forum  – 10:15am – 10:45am.  He will preach and preside at the 11:00am service.

We will receive James Partin to the Episcopal Church.

We will confirm Jason Beams-Jackson, TJ Beams-Jackson and Amber Hibbitts.
Annaliese Elizabeth Herzer will be baptized.
We also welcome new members by transfer, Tracey Herzer and Camille Ruddick.

One baptism, 3 confirmations and a reception! Welcome to the Episcopal Church.

One baptism, 3 confirmations and a reception! Welcome to the Episcopal Church.

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We’ll renew our own Baptismal vows.

We are ready for the baptism and to renew our own vows.

We are ready for the baptism and to renew our own vows.

Then we’ll have a pot luck!

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Come join the celebration!

This Sunday (September 21) at St. John’s

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Grant us, Lord, not to be anxious about earthly things, but to love things heavenly; and even now, while we are placed among things that are passing away, to hold fast to those that shall endure; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.  Collect, Proper 20, pg 234, Book of Common Prayer

Every service, we hear many Collects.  A Collect is a prayer usually said by the priest that sums up the prayers of everyone.  It “collects” the prayers of all.  There is a particular format for a Collect and you can find more information here.  Each Sunday, we hear the Collect for Purity, as well as a Collect for the Day.

This Sunday we’ll pray, Grant us, Lord, not to be anxious about earthly things….  Wow, that’s a big thing to ask, isn’t it?  Do we ever have moments without some anxiety, whether it’s about our loved ones, our health, or our economic situation?  Seems like our lives are riddled with anxiety.  Yet, that anxiety can pull us away from God…make us forget the source of our strength and of our life.  So, this Collect reminds us to focus on things heavenly…to focus on God.  Not that our anxieties are not real, but so our lives are in balance and so we can actually live our lives.

Anxiety paralyzes us.  Anxiety makes us lose hope.  Anxiety isolates us.  Coming together each Sunday allows us to be with each other and to share our anxieties.  It allows us to refocus our anxieties and transform them.  Whenever anxiety gets the best of you, pray this Collect and then come be with the community of Christ at St. John’s!

Blessings as you finish your week!

Love, Rebecca+

Bulletin 09-21-2014

Rebecca’s Schedule: Rebecca will be at St. Agnes’ House Tuesday through Friday this week. Her Sabbath Day will be Monday, September 22. You can get a message to her by calling the church office at 606-528-1659 or priest-in-charge@stjohnscorbin.org.

A computer has been donated! We have received the generous gift of a new office computer. Thank you!

Adult Forum: The Adult Forum is reviewing and discussing the 39 Articles of Faith, pages 867-876 in the Book of Common Prayer through September 28.

Sunday School – Godly Play: The Godly Play program is for children is offered each Sunday morning at 10:00 am .  All children are invited to participate in this special form of spiritual development.

Confirmation Classes: Confirmation classes are being held every Wednesday through October 1 from 6:30-8pm.  All are invited.  This week’s session will be structure of the Episcopal Church.

Godly Play Teachers needed.  Godly Play teachers are needed.  Training is provided.  This is a wonderful program of spiritual development for children and we’d like to keep it going in the parish.  Please let Rebecca know if you are willing to be trained and serve as a teacher for a period of approximately 1 month.

Pot Luck Sunday:  Next Sunday, September 28, is our monthly pot luck.  Bring a dish or drink to share.  And all are welcome!  Plan to fellowship with each other.  Our pot luck schedule shifts in October and November.  Pot Luck will be October 19, when the Bishop visits; and November 16, when we have our Annual Meeting.

The ECW Annual meeting is scheduled for Saturday, October 4, 10:30am through lunch, Trinity, Covington.  There will be a recognition of Honored Women.  To attend, please contact Lisa Edwards, ledwards102@gmail.com, 859-341-7324.

Bring your pets to church to be blessed on Sunday, October 5.  We will have a service outdoors in our park (or in the amphitheater).  Pets should be leashed and/or in carriers.

Belk Charity Sales Day:  The annual Belk Charity Sales day will be Saturday, November 8, 6-10am.  Members of St. John’s are selling tickets for $5.00 for this special event.  The church keeps the $5.00 and for each ticket you receive $5.00 off an item.   We will also sell tickets on Thursday, October 2, 10am – 2pm.  If you can help, please contact June.

We will be having an initial gathering of those interested in the Brotherhood of St. Andrew on October 5 after the Sunday service. To learn more, speak to Bruce Cory. You can also learn more from http://www.brotherhoodofstandrew.org/about.php

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.  $1,000 has been pledged towards the replacement so far and Vestry has agreed to go ahead and have the furnace installed now.  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.  Donations for the furnace can be put in the box located on the table in the parlor, or placed in the offering plate marked “furnace.”

We will celebrate Latino/Latina Heritage Month  at our service on September 28.  If you’d like to read one of the lessons, please see Rebecca.  In preparation, you can practice the Lord’s Prayer in Spanish:

 Padre nuestro que estás en el cielo,

santificado sea tu Nombre,

venga tu reino,

hágase tu voluntad,

en la tierra como en el cielo.

Danos hoy nuestro pan de cada día.

Perdona nuestras ofensas,

como también nosotros perdonamos

a los que nos ofenden.

No nos dejes caer en tentación

y líbranos del mal.

Porque tuyo es el reino,

tuyo es el poder,

y tuya es la gloria,

ahora y por siempre. Amén.

 

Month

2014

(# Sundays)

 Budget

YTD

 Actual

YTD

 Monthly

Budget

 Actual

Monthly
Total Revenue $31,647.33 $20,909.06 $3,955.92 $2,193.00
Total Expense $31,647.33 $30,289.27 $3,955.92 $3,249.69
Difference   -$9,380.21   -$1,056.69

 

This Sunday (July 6) at St. John’s

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 And they blessed Rebekah and said to her, “May you, our sister, become thousands of myriads; may your offspring gain possession of the gates of their foes.”  Genesis 24:60

Of course I have always listened to these stories about Rebecca since I was named after her.  In my 2012 pilgrimage to the Holy Land, I actually visited the site commemorated as Rebecca’s tomb.  This site is revered by Muslims and Christians.  Rebecca’s tomb is inside a mosque and women must totally cover themselves up.  I had to wear a brown sheet-like garment over my clothing.

Me covered up and with an odd look at Rebecca's tomb in the Mosque at Hebron.

Me covered up and with an odd look at Rebecca’s tomb in the Mosque at Hebron.

Just last week, we read about Abraham nearly sacrificing Isaac. This week Isaac is grown and needs a wife. He finds one in Rebecca. As Rebecca leaves her family, they bless her.

Isn’t that what we all want from our friends and family…their blessing? We hope the choices we make meet with our family’s blessing and love. It’s a wonderful and joyous gift…one that doesn’t always happen. But one thing is sure, God’s blessing is always available to us!

Blessings to you as you finish your week!

Love, Rebecca+

Bulletin 7-6-2014

Happy 4th of July!

On this 4th of July, take time to read some important documents.  Read the Declaration of Independence or the 4th of July speech of Frederick Douglass, challenging the empty rhetoric of the promises in the founding documents of the United States.  Read the Iroquois Confederacy document, written in the 15th century, which influenced the writers of the Declaration and the Constitution.  Think of our life in Christ and whether these founding documents further the Kingdom of God or not.

Rebecca’s Schedule: Next week, Rebecca will be in Corbin on Thursday, July 10, and her Sabbath day will be Friday, July 11.  You can get a message to me by calling the church office at 606-528-1659 or priest-in-charge@stjohnscorbin.org.

Happy 50th Anniversary to Jerry and Barbara Hollifield, July 3.   Jerry and Barbara were married at St. John’s Church.  Flowers have been sent from the church and a card will be available to sign at the Sunday service.

Eucharist at Christian Care Communities: Join Rebecca this Sunday afternoon as she celebrates Eucharist at Christian Care Communities.  Elmer Parlier will be playing guitar.  The service is 30-45 minutes and the residents would appreciate your attendance.

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 13:1-9, 18-23.

KCEOC Lunch Program:  The KCEOC Summer Youth Lunch Program is distributing lunch Monday through Friday, 11:20-11:35am in our parking lot.  Youth 18 and under are eligible for this free lunch.  Youth are enjoying sitting in our park eating their lunch.  Monday through Thursday is a cold lunch of sandwich, fruit or vegetable, juice, and milk.  Friday is a hot lunch.  Please continue to get the word out.

Corbin Alumni Concert: The Corbin Alumni Band will be performing in the park on Saturday, July 12th.  Bring a lawn chair and join us for an evening of fellowship and music

DOK: Daughters of the King:meets the third Wednesday of each month at 4:30pm.  The next meeting is July 16.  Anne Day Davis will conclude her presentation on oils of the Bible

Grow Appalachia:  The Vestry voted to move ahead with this project.  As we continue to work on this project, let the members of Vestry know your questions.  Their website ishttp://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.

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.

 

 

Welcoming Jesus (Sermon) June 29, 2014

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Sermon – June 29, 2014
The Rev. Rebecca S. Myers, CSW
St. John’s Episcopal Church, Corbin, KY
Celebration of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender Pride Month
Third Sunday After Pentecost (Track 1)

Jesus said, “Whoever welcomes you welcomes me, and whoever welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me.” Matthew 10:40

Please be seated.

“How was your weekend?,” is a common question on a Monday morning in many workplaces. Usually we give a nondescript answer of , “It was fine,” but with some friends, we may go further.  “It was great, because I saw my family.”  “It was wonderful, because I just relaxed.”  “I got a lot done in the garden and it’s looking really nice.”  “Well, cleaning wasn’t all that fun, but at least the house looks better.”  The question seems innocuous and friendly; a good way to get into the week.

But for some, that question is scary.  For people who are Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender, they have to think about this and many other seemingly simple questions.  They must carefully pick their words.  In some places of work, they could be fired because of their sexual orientation.  Even when protected in their place of work, co-workers can shun them or put them down because they are LGBT.

Many of us hug when we say good-bye, especially when we are catching a train or a plane.  We give each other hearty hugs upon returning home.  You see it at transportation terminals all of the time, yet LGBT people must be very careful about this.  Is it okay to walk down the street holding hands?

And what about church?  So many religious groups reject people who are LGBT, even telling them they can change or easily deny themselves.  That being LGBT is not inherent to who they are, but an aberration of humanity.  And so some start on a life of hiding, trying to be something they are not.  Loving God, loving Jesus deeply and profoundly, sometimes called to religious service, they suffer.

Even when embracing who they are, coming to see themselves fully as loved and created by God, they can’t be sure that the faith community of their choice will welcome them.  In a church I belonged to, it appeared that LGBT people and couples were accepted, but when one couple wanted their photo for the church directory to portray them together as a couple, there was protest.  One of the men said, he never knew how much he could say about his life to others in the church, especially the young people, because he wasn’t sure the young person’s parent approved of him.

All of that hiding takes its toll.  The suicide rate for youth who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and questioning is much higher than the norm.  People who are Lesbian and Gay form heterosexual marriages, hoping they might change…marriages that, while the two people truly love each other, often end in disaster.  People who are transgender find it difficult to get the medical care they need and the support needed to effectively transition.

While things are much better than they were even ten years ago, we continue to live in a society and a country that is unwelcoming and inhospitable to people who are LGBT.  For instance, I did not put in the newspaper that we were having this service.  I asked some of our members who are LGBT about whether to do this, because I don’t live as a person who is LGBT, so I can’t say totally what the dangers are here in this community or this region.  Ultimately, it seemed best to keep it quiet, but maybe I was wrong.

I informed Everlasting Arms of our service today, because I knew their faith understanding is different from ours.  You see, they are not here.  I thought of so many stories to tell you, but realized telling them would embarrass or make things difficult for some people.  I censored myself and what I am saying today. All of these little things are so painful.  As someone who is heterosexual, and fully understanding how heterosexism has been oppressive to people who are LGBT, I am sorry.  I hope I and I hope we at St. John’s can do better and lessen and stop the suffering.

Desmond Tutu says the most evil thing you can do is make a person think they are not a child of God.  Forcing people who are LGBT to hide tells them there is something wrong with the way they were created.

Jesus says, whoever welcomes the stranger, welcomes me.  There are no “buts.”  There are no qualifiers.  The passage doesn’t say, “Welcome the stranger, but only if….”

No, Jesus welcomed all and we are challenged to do the same.

In doing so, we truly are challenged.  As we talked about when we read the book, Radical Welcome, when we truly welcome as Christ did, our lives will be changed and may be reordered.  How was it to come into the sanctuary today with the rainbow paraments on the altar and the candles?  Being welcoming does not mean staying in control; it means being in partnership with those welcomed, creating something new in the process.  It means listening and hearing what the person, who before this time has been considered “other,” finds welcoming and hospitable.  It means trying to find a way for all of us to feel welcome.  It requires a new way to live together.

When we can truly welcome one another…when we can truly be hospitable, we bring the Kingdom of God right here and right now.

Amen

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

What are you making for pot luck tomorrow (June 29)?

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What are you making for pot luck tomorrow?  I made a family summer favorite – ham with green beans and potatoes and spice cake with raisins cupcakes with cream cheese frosting.  See you tomorrow morning!

This is a summer dish, because you use fresh green beans and new potatoes.

This is a summer dish, because you use fresh green beans and new potatoes.

I found this spice cake recipe and have been wanting to make it. It has raisins in it, too.

I found this spice cake recipe and have been wanting to make it. It has raisins in it, too.

KCEOC Summer Lunch Program for Youth

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Kentucky Community Economic Opportunity Commission (KCEOC) is distributing lunch Monday through Friday from 11:25-11:40am, at St. John’s Community Park.  Youth ages 18 and under are served.  Monday through Thursday, a cold lunch of sandwich, fruit, chocolate milk and juice is served.  Friday is a hot lunch choice.  No registration; just show up!

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This Sunday (June 22) at St. John’s

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We know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body of sin might be destroyed, and we might no longer be enslaved to sin. Romans 6:6

How many times have our old selves been crucified with Christ?  I believe this happens many times throughout our lives.  Our faith grows.  Our understanding deepens.  As we continue to pray, worship, live in community with each other, we hear God guiding us in new ways.

When I was twelve years old, I belonged to a wonderful church youth group.  We were on one of our semi-annual retreats.  I had been pleading to know Jesus…to really feel in my heart that God existed without a doubt.  We were having a service (it wasn’t Eucharist, because you had to be confirmed to receive communion at that time.)  We started saying the Lord’s Prayer and I knew without a doubt that God existed.  I’ve never forgotten that moment.  While my faith has waned at times, that experience has stayed with me and is the foundation of my old self being crucified with Christ.

And I know throughout my life, these old selves have been crucified with Christ.  I never thought I’d live in Kansas nor Washington, DC, nor New York City, nor Kentucky.  Many things I’ve experienced were not even on my “bucket list.”  God bids me say good-bye to my old selves, yet like most of us, I want to hold on to them.  “I like the path I’m on,” I plead with God.  And God tells me there’s so much more waiting for me if I can let go.

What old self are you clinging to?  What old self is God asking you to let go of?

Blessings as you finish your week!

Love, Rebecca+

This Sunday we welcome Tyler “TJ” Tetzlaff to the pulpit.  Tyler ‘TJ’ Tetzlaff received his Masters of Divinity at Episcopal Divinity School in May of 2012.  He has worked with several religious orders and a number of church communities throughout the Boston area.  TJ is exploring the process for ordination in the Diocese of Lexington.  He currently serves on the board for the Clark County Homeless Coalition and works for the Nonprofit “STRIDE” as a mentor to developmentally handicapped adults.  He lives in Winchester KY with his wife, Chana, who is Minister-In-Charge of Emmanuel Church. 

Rebecca’s Schedule

Next week, I will be in Corbin on Thursday, June 26, and my Sabbath day will be Friday, June 27.  You can get a message to me by calling the church office, 606-528-1649 or priest-in-charge@stjohnscorbin.org.

Adult Forum: This summer and early Fall, we will discussing a portion of the Gospel of Matthew.   We will follow our Gospel lectionary, discussing the following week’s Gospel. This Sunday, we will discuss Matthew 10:24-39.

Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender Month is June.  We will have a special service on Sunday, June 29.

 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.

Pot Luck Sunday:  Next Sunday, June 29, is our monthly pot luck.  Bring a dish or drink to share.  And all are welcome!  Plan to fellowship with each other.

Wednesdays in the Park.  Our Wednesdays in the park conclude this Wednesday, June 25.  We will play games with the children.

This Sunday (June 15) at St. John’s

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Greet one another with a holy kiss. 2 Cor. 13:12

Paul ends his second letter to the church in Corinth with this command.  The kiss Paul is referring to is intimate, but not in a romantic sense.  The church community was supposed to be intimate…sharing joys and struggles.  Sharing the true nature of each person, because of the freedom to be who they were, through the love and teachings of Jesus Christ.

The kiss of peace as it is known is where we get our “passing the peace” in our weekly service.  It is a sign of our intimacy as a parish.  It is a reminder, too, that if you cannot give a holy kiss to those around you, then you need to reconcile with your neighbor.  Ultimately that’s what our movement towards communion is.  The most intimate meal we share together.

Blessings as you finish your week.

Love, Rebecca+

My Schedule
I continue with my vacation through Saturday, June 21.  The Rev. Peter Helman, St. Mary’s Middlesboro is available for pastoral care.  He can be reached at 940-735-1235.

Morning Prayer will be the service this Sunday.  Bruce Cory will be the preacher.

Adult Forum: This Sunday, June 15, through 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 28:16-20

Wednesdays in the Park:  Join us each Wednesday through June 25 for hot dogs and fun.

Daughters of the King meets the third Wednesday of each month at 4:30pm. The next meeting
is June 18. Anne Day Davis will present on oils of the Bible.

June is Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender Month. We will have a special service on
Sunday, June 29.

United Thank Offering (UTO): is a ministry of the Episcopal Church for the mission of the whole church. Our ingathering of your UTO offerings will be today.  The UTO Boxes will be gathered and brought forward with the offering.

Grow Appalachia:  The Vestry voted to move ahead with this project.  As we continue to work on this project, let the members of Vestry know your questions.  Their website is http://www.berea.edu/grow-appalachia/

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.

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.

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.

 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.
  • KCEOC’s Women’s Emergency Shelter is in need of donated baby items, including baby clothing (sizes 6/9 months), diapers, wipes, bottles, etc.  Donations can be dropped off at KCEOC Community Action Partnership main office at Gray, KY.

Precious Stones: Rejected, Chosen, and Precious (Sermon)

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Sermon – May 18, 2014
The Rev. Rebecca S. Myers, CSW
St. John’s Episcopal Church, Corbin, KY
Fifth Sunday of Easter

Observance of Asian-Pacific American Heritage Month

Come to him, a living stone, though rejected by mortals yet chosen and precious in God’s sight, and like living stones, let yourselves be built into a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. 1 Peter 2:4-5

 Today we observe Asian-Pacific American Heritage Month.  A number of recent events have reminded me of how the Episcopal Church reflects the Kingdom of God, which Jesus tells us today has many, many rooms.  This week, my Facebook feed was filled with photos of seminary graduation, including the graduation of Jae Chung.  Jae was one year behind me in seminary and arrived at General with his wife and children.  They had immigrated to the United States from Korea.  Jae is already ordained as a transitional Deacon.

And Saturday was the consecration of Allen Shin as Suffragen Bishop of the Diocese of New York.  He was born in South Korea and grew up in Washington DC.  He had served some Korean Episcopalian churches, as well as headed the Asian-American ministry for The Episcopal Church.

In preparing this sermon, I found a number of Korean Episcopal churches in the United States.  Yes, we truly can see a glimpse of the Kingdom of God and the joy and delight of the diversity of the human race, just like the joy and delight of a beautiful garden.

Today I’d like to talk to you about a special Anglican, Florence Li Tim-Oi, who was Chinese.  She was the first woman ordained in the Anglican Communion in 1944!  Yes, 1944.  Florence was born in Hong Kong in 1907.   Her name, Florence, was taken when as a student she was baptized.  She chose it after Florence Nightingale.  Li Tim-Oi means beloved daughter.  Florence studied at theological College in Canton.  She served as a lay person on the islands of Kowloon and Macao.  In 1941, she was ordained a deaconess.

Soon after her ordination, Japan occupied Hong Kong and priests could not travel to the nearby island of Macao to celebrate the Eucharist.  She came to the attention of the Bishop of Hong Kong, who decided “God’s work would reap better results if she had the proper title” of priest.

On January 25, 1944, the Feast of the conversion of St. Paul, Florence was ordained a priest.  As World War II ended, her ordination created great controversy in the Anglican Communion.  She personally decided not to exercise her priesthood until it could be acknowledged by the wider Anglican Communion.  She continued to work and was even a Rector of a parish and the Bishop ordered that she still be called a priest.

In 1949, as the Communists came to power in China, Florence studied to learn more about the various cultural changes happening in China.  She worked at the Cathedral in Beijing.  However, from 1958 until 1974, all of the churches were closed.  During this time known as the Cultural Revolution, Florence was suspect and faced great difficulty.  She was forced to work on a farm and in a factory at very difficult labor.  She was accused of counter-revolutionary activity and underwent political re-education.  She was allowed to retire from the factory in 1974, at the age of 67 and two years later, the churches were reopened and she was able to continue her public ministry.  In 1981, she visited family in Canada.  Finally she was able to be licensed as a priest, first in the Diocese of Montreal and eventually in Toronto.  She settled in Toronto for the remainder of her life, dying in 1992.  Her feast day is January 24, each year, the eve of her ordination.

In I Peter read today, we hear:

Come to him, a living stone, though rejected by mortals yet chosen and precious in God’s sight, and like living stones, let yourselves be built into a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. 1 Peter 2:4-5

The life of Florence Li Tim-Oi certainly embodies these verses.  She came to Christ, a living stone.  She was rejected by mortals, not only because of her gender, but also because she was a Christian during a time when Christianity was not allowed in China.  Yet, she continued in her faith.  She was not deterred from her work or from God’s calling.  She let herself be built into a spiritual house…into a holy priesthood

And so are we called as St. John’s Church in Corbin, KY.  We are called to be the living stones for God’s work here.  Yes, we may be rejected by others.  Maybe being a liturgical church isn’t popular in this place.

Our understanding of the scriptures isn’t popular.  According to our Catechism found on page 853 in the Book of Common Prayer, We understand the Holy Scriptures as the Word of God, because God inspired their human authors and because God still speaks to us through the Bible.  We understand the meaning of the Bible by the “help of the Holy Spirit, who guides the Church in the true interpretation of the Scriptures.”  We have consecrated a number of openly gay and lesbian priests to be Bishops.  We have consecrated a woman to be our Presiding Bishop.  We have a liturgy for the blessing of same gender relationships.

Yet, despite the rejection we face, we, the parish of St. John’s Episcopal Church, are chosen and truly precious in God’s sight.  God is building us…building St. John’s into a spiritual house.  We are being molded by God into a Holy Priesthood.

May we, like Florence Li Tim-Oi, remain steadfast, even in the face of rejection, so that the Will of God may be done… right here and right now.

Amen

This Week (May 18) at St. John’s

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While they were stoning Stephen, he prayed, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” Then he knelt down and cried out in a loud voice, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” Acts 7:59-60

This Sunday we’ll hear the story of the early Christian, Stephen, who was stoned to death for his beliefs.  Saul, the man we know as Paul, watched and supported this stoning and a great persecution of the followers of Jesus began.  How many of us could say what Stephen said?  How many of us could hold fast to our faith, given such persecution?  Wouldn’t it be easier to be quiet and not make waves and preserve our lives?  BUT, there was something about Jesus.  There was something about following Jesus that was even greater than life itself!  AND in the following, there was no call for revenge, no call for violence against those who did the stoning.  No, Stephen asked God to forgive them.

How many of us can truly walk like Stephen in the way of Christ?  Where do we remain silent and abandon Jesus because to stand firm could mean persecution, ostracism, and our very death?

Stephen’s story is a tough one, yet a necessary one as we continue during the time of Easter to discover living the Resurrection Life.

Blessings as you finish your week!

Love, Rebecca+

Baby Shower:  A Baby Shower is planned for Maura Love this Sunday, May 18th, after the service.  Plan to join in the fun!  All are welcome.

Rebecca’s Schedule: Next week, Rebecca will be in Corbin on Thursday, May 22nd and her Sabbath day will be Friday, May 23rd   You can get a message to Rebecca by calling 859 -429-1659 or priest-in-charge@stjohnscorbin.org.

Gospel Jamboree at the Barn, Saturday, May 17.  This is the monthly jamboree.  Elmer Parlier and Rebecca will be singing at 6:45.

Wednesdays in the Park.  Come for fun and hot dogs the next six Wednesdays at 5pm:  May 21, 28, June 4, 11, 18, 25.  On some Wednesdays we will have special programs.  We will end with Compline at 6pm.

Adult Forum: Our series on Resurrection Living continues.  Rebecca will lead our session this Sunday.  On May 25th will focus on Luke 24:15, While they were talking and discussing, Jesus himself came near and went with them, but their eyes were kept from recognizing him.

We’re buying goats:  The Lazarus at the Gates Adult Forum study has prompted us to purchase goats through Episcopal Relief and Development for families in the Philippines.  Goats provide milk, cheese, and manure for farming.  Donations towards the $80 purchase of each goat can be made through the goat bank in the parish hall or in the offering plate clearly marked ERD goat project.

United Thank Offering (UTO): is a ministry of the Episcopal Church for the mission of the whole church. Our ingathering of your UTO offerings will be today.  The UTO Boxes will be gathered and brought forward with the offering.

Memorial DayPicnic: Our pot luck was moved this month to May 11.  Instead of a pot luck, stay for a grilled hot dog.

Grow Appalachia:  The Vestry voted to move ahead with this project.  As we continue to work on this project, let the members of Vestry know your questions.  Their website ishttp://www.berea.edu/grow-appalachia/

Daughters of the King meets the third Wednesday of each month at 4:30pm.  The next meeting is May 21st.

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.

 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.
  • KCEOC’s Women’s Emergency Shelter is in need of donated baby items, including baby clothing (sizes 6/9 months), diapers, wipes, bottles, etc.  Donations can be dropped off at KCEOC Community Action Partnership main office at Gray, KY.
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