On Saturday, October 13, the Steak dinner fundraiser was enjoyed by over 100 members of the congregation. Teamwork carried the day and I was so proud of the outstanding effort put forth by 10 men of Saint John’s. Mark Jordan worked tirelessly with ticket sales before and at the event. Mike Gollihur supervised set-up, cooked mushrooms for those steaks and organized the drink table. David Dennehy was everywhere helping out with the set-up, etc., etc. Bernie Duignan brought supplies for and helped with the drink table. Jamie Attaway, Mike Morris and Jonathan Fry brought grills and prepped for burning (searing) the rib eyes... They were great. Gregg King and Jim McDevitt were key to the salad bar and the baked potato production...they were truly essential to the success of the night. Bill Cheney took charge in the washing section and was a human dynamo for three straight hours– he was outstanding. Dean Peters took over drying everything Bill washed and never missed a beat. Truly, they made it happen and we thank them so very much for stepping up to make the night great.
I would like...next… to shine the spotlight on the Women of Saint John’s and the wonderful dessert table they provided. As they have done in the past, they provided pies, not only paying for them but serving them with ice cream...a big thank you to the WOSJ and Florence Cooper and Marcia Morris for supporting this fundraising event this year and every year...the men appreciate it so much. Many members of the congregation donated some terrific items for the Opportunity Drawing and Diane Gustafson prepared them before she left on vacation, and Gretchen Jordan assisted in setting them out, selling tickets and organizing things. Barb Oliveira dressed for the event and was, as usual, a key to selling tickets and increasing the fun factor as the drawing was happening. Thank you to all that contributed in any way. I know the congregation appreciates your efforts. All of this effort, I am pleased to report, brought in more than three thousand dollars and will go far to help us continue the good works that we are known for in the South Bay. We are delighted to report that a number of people, not members of the congregation, came to the dinner and enjoyed themselves and I can only surmise they saw the love and appreciation we at Saint John’s share for one another, and they may see a possible home for themselves. A final thought from the Men of Saint John’s is a resounding and heartfelt Thank You to outgoing President George Dalrymple and Vice President Phil Bajo for their outstanding leadership these many years. We deeply appreciate their contributions and the time and effort they gave to benefit Saint John’s Episcopal Church. I am honored to have been selected to be president of the MOSJ and with vice president Mark Jordan, we look forward to seeing many new faces in our important ministry. Please, consider joining us at Mark’s house for the big party of the year, and becoming an active member of the club. -Tim Attaway This is from my Prayer Journal way back in 1991. I hope you will enjoy it.
It really touches my heart. Blessings, love, and hugs. Fr. Jack. Give thanks to the Lord always and your life will be a song. Some songs are sad, of course, but the melody is still there as well as the movement and the feeling of freedom that comes from music. To praise and thank God, no matter what happens, is a gift few possess. To lift your voice and heart on high in failure and defeat places you among the saints of God. For only faith and love can explain a song of praise and thanksgiving when times are bad. (These selections from " Song of the Sparrow, by Murray Bodo, OFM, St. Anthony Messenger Press) Beach Bodies huddled together On the beach So far from one another's Reach. How often in prayer we keep coming back to ourselves, our own worries and concerns, and forgetting altogether him we are talking to and listening for. What is my Prayer Journal? First of all, it's simply a lined notebook. In it I record any prayer requests you give me. I also keep quotations from various persons, and scripture passages I find meaningful.
Here is another contribution I like. Blessings and love, Jack "Pray always from your gut, from your heart. These prayers are always heard by God. Judgmental, moral case type prayers are never received by God. Pray with your heart and never with the flesh." "St. Ignatius gave us two criteria for love. First, Love shows more in acting than in speaking. Second, Love lies more in giving than receiving." (Ignatius, Bishop of Antioch and Martyr, died Oct.17, c 115) What is my Prayer Journal? First of all, it's simply a lined notebook. In it I record any prayer requests you give me. I also keep quotations from various persons, and scripture passages I find meaningful. Here are some items from my Journal you might enjoy like I did.
Blessings and love, Fr. Jack. "Let our speaking be that of the Gospel. And, let us ask the Lord that we may always speak like the simple, like children, like the children of God: that is, speak truthfully with love." " Whatever you ask for in prayer with faith, you will receive." (Matthew 21:22) " Steadfast love surrounds those who trust in the Lord." (Psalm 32:10) What Will it Mean to See God Face to Face?
This is from one of St. Augustine's famous essays, "On the City of God." It's a classic of Christian literature, second only to the scripture. Much of modern Protestant and Catholic theology derives from his original work. Augustine, Church Father, was the Bishop of Hippo. He died Aug.28, 430. I thought you would enjoy this. Incidentally, you can purchase St. Augustine's Prayer Book. Blessings and love, Father Jack. "What will it mean to see God face to face? He will be seen in the spirit (whereby each of us will see him within ourselves and in one another). He will be seen in the new heaven. He will be seen in himself. He will be seen in the new heaven and the new earth and in every creature existing... even our thoughts will then be made known to one another." Each of us has been given spiritual gifts to use for the glory of God and for service to others. Wouldn't you like to know what your spiritual gifts are and which ministries can use those gifts?
The gifts are: Administration, Apostle, Caregiver, Craftsmanship, Discernment, Evangelist, Exhortation, Faith, Giving, Healing, Hospitality, Intercession, Knowledge, Mercy, Missionary, Musician, Pastor, Deeds of Power, Prophet, Serving, Teacher, Tongues, and Wisdom On Sunday, October 21, there will be one service at 9 a.m. followed by a workshop of approximately one hour led by Rev. Cathey Dowdle during which you can find out what your spiritual gifts are. After that, lunch will be provided by the Vestry. If you already know your spiritual gifts, we'd love to have you come and help others as they take the assessment. Much of the workshop time will be spent individually answering a questionnaire. The answers can remain private and will reveal your own spiritual gifts. For example, one statement on the questionnaire is "I like to sing hymns and songs either alone or with other people", followed by these choices: Strongly Agree, Agree Somewhat, Undecided, Disagree Somewhat, Strongly Disagree. Most people who have taken the questionnaire have found it insightful and enjoyable. I first took the spiritual gifts assessment about thirty years ago at another church/denomination and then again at Saint John's about five years ago. The results were exactly the same. My primary spiritual gift is Administration, and that led to my accepting the assignment of putting together the Ministry Fair. It pleased me to be able to use my gift as the Lord intended and to feel that I did it well. Please don't hesitate to contact me or Rev. Cathey if you have questions about the workshop. -Diane Gustafson 619-253-7298 [email protected] What is my Prayer Journal? First of all, it's simply a lined notebook. In it I record any prayer requests you give me. I also keep quotations from various persons, and scripture passages I find meaningful. My spiritual advisor in seminary recommended I do so. It's a wonderful way to see how your journey with God/Jesus is going. I have kept journals for the 38 years I have been ordained. Here are some items from my Journal you might enjoy like I did.
Blessings and love, Fr. Jack. "There is nothing small if God is in it." (D.I. Moody) "Live simply, love generously, care deeply, speak kindly, and leave the rest to God." (Anglican Digest - 2012) "I lie down in peace, at once I fall asleep; for only you Lord, make me dwell in safety." (Psalm 4:8) "I am a little pencil in the hand of a writing God who is sending a love letter to the world." (Mother Teresa) These two quotations I placed in my Prayer Journal in 2012.
They are both from persons I greatly love and admire. Blessings and love, Fr. Jack From Henri Nouwen (1932 - 1996). He was a Dutch Catholic Priest, professor, writer, and theologian. His interests were primarily in psychology, pastoral ministry, and social justice. "Our experience with loneliness, depression, and fear can become a gift for others, especially when we have received good care." (From his book, "The Wounded Warrior.") From Saint Francis of Assisi, Friar. (Died Oct.4, 1226) "You may be the only Gospel your neighbor will ever read." I like this prayer from the 11th Episcopal Bishop of Utah, Scott B. Hayashi.
Blessings and love, Fr. Tolley "Today I give myself to you. Give me eyes to see your hand at work and empower me to assist you. Quicken my spirit to love others and see in them the face of Jesus. Amen." There is a lot of wisdom in this quotation from François Fénelon. (1651-1715).
He was a French Roman Catholic Archbishop, theologian, poet, and writer. Blessings and love, Fr. Jack "Does it never come into your mind to fear lest he should demand of you why you had not exercised towards your brother a little of that which he, who is your master, so abundantly bestows on you ?" |