THE EPISTLE December 2017

St. John’s Episcopal Church 405 N. Saginaw Rd. Midland, MI 48640 (989) 631-2260

www.sjec-midland.org

From The Rector’s Desk

Dear People of St John’s,

Look closely this Advent season and you will notice something different in the chancel of the church. We have gone from using purple paraments (the altar and pulpit hangings, vestments, Advent candles, etc.) to using blue paraments (a new stole and Advent candles). Why the change in color? To answer this question, it is helpful to understand the historical and theological meaning behind these colors, and how they have been used over time to represent different aspects of the same season.

To our modern sensibilities, purple has always been the traditional color for the season of Advent. The altar and pulpit hangings, the vestments, and the Advent candles (save one) have always been purple. Purple was the most costly of all natural dyes in ancient times and therefore was used by people of great wealth and power. Many a king used it to indicate and emphasize his royal status. For this reason, purple symbolizes the coming of the Christ child as King of kings and Lord of lords. Purple paraments emphasize the power and authority to be found in the incarnation of God.

Purple also signifies the repentance of God’s people as they patiently await the arrival of their Lord. It was and is a penitential color; one used throughout the season of Lent and closely tied to that sorrowful season. It symbolizes our brokenness and our INSIDE THIS EPISTLE need for forgiveness and healing as we await the coming

Rector’s Advent Message, Sermon Audio 1-2 of the Lord. It highlights our preparation for the coming

Advent and Christmas Seasonal Notes 3-4 of the Christ child through our turning away from darkness and putting on the armor of light. In addition to Adult & Youth Formation 5-8 purple paraments emphasizing the power and authority Christmas Outreach, Pastoral Care 8-11 of God, they also emphasize our own sinful and fallen nature. Annual Elections, Report & Mtg Reminders 12-13 Bell Invite; EndGunViolence; Snapshots 13-14 Though our modern sensibilities may tell us that purple has always been the traditional color for the season of End of Year Giving Reminders 15 continued on next page December 2017 The Epistle December 2017 continued from previous page

Advent, history tells us that this was not always the case. Before the 12th century, blue was the liturgical color used for the season of Advent in the Western Church. The Sarum Rite—the original basis for the liturgy of the Anglican Book of Common Prayer—specified that blue, not purple, be used for the season of Advent, and religious art from this time period depicts church leaders in ornately decorated blue robes.

In addition to the liturgical color for the season of Advent being different, the symbolism and meaning behind each color is decidedly different. Advent means “coming” or “arrival.” The significance of the season is to be found in our anticipation of, and preparation for, the birth of the Christ child. And while our focusing on the power and authority of God and our own sinful and fallen nature might be a part of our preparation, they need not always be. Such a penitential focus isn’t a requirement for our curious, perhaps eager, anticipation. It is surely possible to wait without judgement; to allow the silence and the darkness of the season to wash over you without evaluation.

Today, the use of the color blue for the season of Advent has grown in popularity for very different reasons compared to purple preferences. The blue of Advent has come to signify hope, expectation, and heaven. It has come to represent the color of the clear, predawn sky; the color that covers the earth in the hours before the sun rises in the east, the darkness before the birth. Advent involves more than penitence, and by using the color blue for the season of Advent, we err on the side of emphasizing the church’s hope-filled and faithful watch for Christ. The blue of Advent is meant to inspire in us the hope of faith, and to encourage us to keep watch for the promised light of Christ breaking over the horizon, changing night into day, darkness into light, and filling our lives and our world with a holy and righteous splendor.

As we enter into a time of discernment this Advent season, it seems to me most appropriate for our focus to be on silently waiting before the breaking of the dawn, rather than actively seeking to glorify God and amend our lives before some anticipated outcome. Judgement can be a distraction to discernment. The simple act of exulting the power and authority of God, while lamenting our own shortcomings, can create a false division and barrier to our discernment. Sometimes we can miss Christ entirely in our certainty. Sermon Recordings

Below are direct links to As we discern in the darkness of Advent, may the significance of the sermon recordings from last liturgical color blue make us ever aware of the hope, not the sin, within month’s worship services. us, that when the Christ child comes we might greet him as a humble If viewing electronically, click and human Prince of Peace and less so as a mighty and magnificent on the date below to listen King of kings and Lord of lords. As you look closely this Advent season to that Sunday’s sermon. and notice something different in the chancel of the church, may you also come to look closely and notice something different and sacred November 5 November 12 within your own heart. November 19 November 26 Faithfully, For later listening, download Ken sermons from this page:

www.sjec-midland.org/ sermons

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Advent, Christmas, New Year - At A Glance Schedule

Advent Sundays at Noon—Book Discussion on Discernment 12:00pm Dec. 3, 10, 17 and 24 in Williams Hall see page 5 for more

Sundays, Dec. 3, 10, 17 First Three Sundays of Advent

Regular worship schedule: 8:00 AM & 10:00 AM services

Sunday, Dec. 17 Decorating & Caroling in the Hall!

A special fellowship after 10am worship courtesy of Mona & Stan Cline. Decorate our tree while enjoying carols, cookies, cocoa and a light lunch; see page 4 for more.

Wednesday, Dec. 20 Noon Eucharist as regularly scheduled

Wednesday, Dec. 20 Blue Christmas Service

7:00pm – A service of remembering, sharing our hurt with God, and preparing our hearts for the coming of Christ

Sunday, Dec. 24—All services will offer Holy Eucharist

Fourth Sunday of Advent 9:00am - Only one worship service this morning. No choir; no nursery care, children or youth formation.

Christmas Eve

4:00pm – Christmas Eve worship with music; children to help build the crèche. Nursery care is available.

8:00pm – Christmas Eve worship with Lessons and Carols - music, choir and bells. No nursery care available.

Monday, Dec. 25 Christmas Day

No worship services.

Monday-Tuesday, Dec. 25-26 Parish office closed for Christmas holiday. Wednesday, Dec. 27 Noon Eucharist as regularly scheduled

Sunday, Dec. 31 New Year’s Eve 8:00am and 10:00am Worship

Monday-Tuesday, Jan. 1-2 Office Closed for New Year’s holiday. Wednesday, Jan. 3 Noon Eucharist as regularly scheduled

Page 3 The Epistle December 2017

Special Festive Fellowship— Sunday, December 17 after 10am worship

Caroling, Eating &Tree Decorating in Williams Hall

All are welcome to help decorate the Christmas tree in Williams Hall on Sunday, Dec 17 after our 10am service. Mair will accompany us as we sing carols, decorate the tree, and share a meal. The lunch is generously provided by Mona and Stan Cline in honor of their 50th wedding anniversary (later this month). Pat and Gordon Roush will donate a tree from their tree farm again this year. Please sign up on the sheet outside Williams Hall if you plan to join us for this festive lunch!

Christmas Decoration Fund

Christmas is a special time for adorning the church with seasonal decorations in traditional colors. You are invited to make a contribution to the Christmas Decorations Fund in thanksgiving or in memory of loved ones. Donors’ names and memorials will be listed on an insert in the Christmas service bulletins.

Donations will help purchase poinsettias and evergreen wreaths. The church will be decorated for the season from Christmas until Epiphany. A minimum donation of $20 is requested.

Last date for donations in order to be listed in the bulletin: Monday, December 18. Forms are available on the church’s back table or you may contact our parish office at [email protected] or (989) 631-2260.

Christmas Worship Services

Wednesday, Dec. 20, Blue Christmas

7:00pm - A service with music, remembering our losses while preparing our hearts for the coming of Christ

Sunday, Dec. 24, 4th Sunday of Advent and Christmas Eve

All December 24 services will offer Holy Eucharist

9:00 am - 4th Sunday of Advent only one morning service

4:00 pm - Worship with music; children to help build the crèche

8:00 pm - Worship with Lessons & Carols - music, choir and bells

Monday, December 25, Christmas Day No worship this day.

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Women Journeying Together Discernment Book Study by Marnie Bash Sundays at 11:30am through Advent

God Is Closer Than You Think with John Ortberg, will As previewed in last month’s Epistle, The Rev. Ken be our first study of 2018. Beginning on Thursday, Hitch is facilitating a 4-week study on Henri Nouwen’s January 4, we’ll join Ortberg in looking at God’s great "Discernment: Reading the Signs of Daily Life." love for each of us, at the times when God seems far away, and at how we can respond to God’s love. Each Sunday of Advent, from Dec. 3 through Dec 24, beginning at *11:30am in our Activity Room, you’re Sessions of this DVD study are: invited to participate in this discussion and reflection  God’s Great Desire for People upon the beginning steps of discernment and over-  Where Is God in My World? view of the subject. *Please note start time change.

 Partnering with God Today Books may be purchased  Listening to the Voice of God online or through local  God Wants a Relationship with You booksellers.

 Heaven Breaking Please check with Ken to Through see what chapters should

There is a companion book for be read if you wish to join reading along with the DVD. this study now underway.

This study by John Ortberg “reveals the face of God waiting to be discovered in the complex mosaic of your life.” Join us at 1:00 in the Activity Room on January 4th for the beginning of this marvelous study.

Advent Calendar Women Journeying Together meets each Thursday This Advent calendar is afternoon at 1:00 in the Activity Room downstairs, created each year by the finishing around 2:30. We study, discuss, share, pray, Rev. Thomas Mousin and and laugh a lot. And we also go out to lunch together the Rev. Merry Watters. on occasion. This year, Advent’s First

Sunday is in the upper left Women of all ages are invited to join us, either for corner, and then moves just this study or to continue on into the new year. down through the days of

the week. Permission is If you have questions or would like granted to distribute to know more, please contact through the Advent season. Marnie Bash, Download and print by [email protected]. clicking this link: 2017AdventCalendar

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Library News by Marnie Bash

Advent pamphlets are currently located on a table in Williams Hall and a few may be found at the back of the church in the pamphlet rack. These include information about Advent and a variety of devotions and daily worship for the season. There are many pamphlets for adults, but there are also materials for children and pamphlets for families to share the season together.

In addition to the pamphlets, books may be found on the Feature Shelves in Williams Hall. These are longer and more involved than the pamphlets and again include both devotionals and information about the Advent and Christmas seasons.

In the middle of December, I will be adding new pamphlets to the table which will help to celebrate the Christmas season – the 12 Days of Christmas. In addition, there will be new books on the Feature Shelves that focus on Christmas and Epiphany. As always, check the Children’s Shelves in the bookcases as well; we have many gorgeous picture books for youngsters relating to Advent/Christmas/Epiphany, as well as books that tell about Hanukkah and Kwanzaa.

A number of daily devotionals may also be found on the Feature Shelves through November and December. These are arranged with an entry for each day of the year to give you the opportunity to begin or end your day with about 5 minutes of “spiritual time.” There are several from Forward Movement, two by Frederick Buechner, one on the Psalms, another on poetry and others. Select and enjoy one of these throughout 2018. (And yes, you may keep it for the entire year without signing it out each month! In addition we will continue to receive Forward Day by Day and Our Daily Bread which also provide daily devotions. A good habit to begin or continue in the new year.

And just a quick “heads up” – the annual Book and Magazine Give-Away will take place on Sunday, January 21st this year. There are many back issues of the magazines we receive each month and quite a few books, either culled from the library or donated by folks through the past year. So watch for our Book and Magazine Give-Away on Jan. 21!

Spiritual Inventory by Suzanne Di Piazza

Periodically I have asked children I worked with to do a spiritual checkup. For years, I’ve been in the practice of doing this almost nightly. I find it helps me stay ‘on track’. I explain that a spiritual checkup really seeks an answer to this: “Are you living a life that is pleasing to God?” I ask them to examine various areas of their life; their attitude toward their parents, siblings, and classmates. I ask if they spend free time getting outdoors, reading, and being of help to others. In doing this quick checkup, they can uncover areas of their life that need work. I explain that none of us ever gets this completely right. We always have something to work on. Though God does not require perfection of us, God desires that we have an attitude of openness to trying to reconcile, grow and change. Advent seems a natural time for a spiritual checkup for children… and adults alike. “Keep constant watch and pray.” Luke 21:36

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Out and About Town by Suzanne Di Piazza

In an effort to spread the word about St. John’s, I have organized several events that either stand alone or piggyback with other events already planned in Midland, like Festifall and the Santa Parade.

On Thursday, November 9th, my co youth ministry leader, Sara Philo, her son Jack, and I wrapped Christmas gifts at Imagine That (a local artists’ co-op) during their Customer Appreciation Night. We’re grateful for Imagine That’s hospitality!

On Saturday, November 18, the morning of Midland’s Santa Parade, we set up a table with hot cocoa, in front of SAMS Pantry. See Josh Thompson ready and More Santa Parade photos waiting for the crowd in the are on our Facebook page…. accompanying picture below. Check it out and see just how Thanks to all who came out to many parade participants join us that morning! have a St. John’s connection!

On Saturday, December 2, we hosted an Advent Wreath Workshop in our Williams Hall. Thanks to everyone who turned out for this seasonal event. We hope your personally hand crafted wreath increases your connection with the Advent season— maybe it also increased your appreciation for how much work goes into the beautiful wreaths decorating the exterior of St. John’s and found in our sanctuary! Three generations at our Advent wreath

workshop—Katharine Rose, her daughter

Sarah Philo and grandson Jack Philo.

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Role Models by Suzanne Di Piazza

Did you have a role model when you were a child? Who was it? Why did you choose this person? Did he/ she help to make you a more Christ like person?

Children today have role models, too; unfortunately not always healthy ones. It’s our job as a church community to help our children look for ‘real people’ to model their lives after. Recalling the lives of saints can be one way to share the lives of ‘real people’ who accomplished much due to their great faith in Jesus.

So many in our congregation are role models by virtue of the time and talent they share here at St. John’s and beyond. They are helping our children and teens learn what it means to be a Christian in the world today. These volunteers are relatable because they are the children’s parents, fellow parishioners, or neighbors. In my short time here I have taken note of all the folks whohelp with our liturgies, in a myriad of ways. We have a group who quilts blankets for babies at U of M children’s hospital, a group who is working to get the New Hope Village facility up and run- ning, groups who meet for Bible study, volunteers who help with our Samaritan Fund & SAMS Pantry. I could go on and on.

These are ordinary people doing extraordinary things in the name of Christ! That’s my kind of role model!

Epiphany Blessing Bags Now through December 31, St. John’s is collecting socks, gloves, and warm hats to include in 150 Epiphany Blessing Bags. The connection to the Epiphany is an obvious one: Magi / strangers on a strange road / journey, being comforted by God and the care of others as they made their way to Jesus. The number (150) represents The Episcopal Church’s 150 years

in Midland.

In what we hope to make an annual tradition, this year's donated items will be distributed through Saginaw's Hearth Home and other Great Lakes Bay Health Centers. These clinics see many homeless individuals who lack these clothing items. Help us fill these bags and make winter a little less harsh for these folks. Bags will be distributed the week of Epiphany, Jan. 7, so please bring items to the marked box by Sunday, Dec. 31. Thank you!

Sharing Tree Update

Suzanne Di Piazza delivered to Midland County’s United Way all green tagged gifts (all 40 green tags were taken—thank you St. John’s!) If there are any green tagged gifts that are brought in by Sunday, Dec. 10, Suzanne can take them to the United Way the next day.

Red-tags remain available for those who have yet to participate. Red tags are new this year for online shopping. Visit the mobile-friendly Sharing Tree Impact Store at www.sharingtreemidland.com to fulfill Christmas wishes now through Dec. 22.

Page 8 The Epistle December 2017 Toilet Paper Collection to Help St. Paul’s, Saginaw

The Rev. Judy Boli, rector of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Saginaw, recently reached out to share that, of the people who attend their Sunday service, about 30-40 do not have toilet paper at home all the time and she noted it is not an item covered by MI Bridge cards.

While donations will be accepted for so long as St. Paul’s need remains pressing, St. John’s A simple roll of toilet paper can help a family or faithful’s initial response was enough to pack our individual maintain their dignity during trying times. rector’s truck (see photo at right) in time for his Thanks to those participating in this collection effort! December 7th trip to Saginaw.

th Another Way To Celebrate the 150 Anniversary… 150 Quilts! by Carole Adams

On November 30, as our Love Knots quilt group met, we discovered we were working on our 150th quilt for 2017. A huge increase over our usual annual output of 100 quilts, these are all donated to Mott’s Children’s Hospital in Ann Arbor—courtesy of the delivery services of our own Jeanne Watt. Our quilts are given to children in the chemo infusion unit. They are also used to cover the isolets in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. The quilts then go home with the children as they leave the care of the units.

Love Knots is a group of ecumenical quilters who work at home as well as during the 2nd and 4th Thursday of the month meetings at 10am in Williams Hall. The quilt tops are made at quilters’ homes and layered and finished at the church. All quilts have a flannel side to provide a cozy feel to the recipient. Much of the fabric used for the quilt tops is donated. Love Knots is always accepting 100% cotton children’s print fabric. If you have donations for the group, please drop off at the church office an- ytime or call Carole Adams for donation pickup.

Love Knots is thrilled to have made 150 quilts in this year celebrating 150 years of the Episcopal Church in Midland. New members are always welcome… join us!

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ERD Gifts for Life - Wonderful Outcomes! By Betty Jones

Linking Our Lives in the Love of Christ

November 29, 2017— We mailed a total of $8,202 to Episcopal Relief and Development (ERD) from St. John’s Parish to purchase Gifts for Life. This ERD partnership helps fight poverty, hunger and disease worldwide by empowering both individuals and communities all over the world to transform their lives. These gifts share our Christian faith and make a positive and sustaining difference in the lives of poor and less fortunate families who live in the developing countries of Africa, Central America and parts of Asia.

 $4,101 was received from 35 St. John’s contributors

 At our request, a matching grant of $4,101 was approved by St. John’s Endowment Committee to add to our parish gift.

 A box of gift cards from ERD which may be sent to honor others with your contribution are available for pickup in Williams Hall.

A heart warming thank you in the Christmas spirit to all members of our Church family who contributed generously to this worthwhile project, and who signed our Church Family Christmas Card.

A grateful thank you to St. John’s Endowment Committee who approved a grant doubling our contributions.

This is a joyful outcome! We started with a vision and goal to raise $3,500. Through the generosity of our church family and the gift of the holy spirit, we exceeded our goal! Our God is wonderful that way. He can take a little and make it so much!

My personal thanks to everyone for your cooperation and your response. This includes our Rector, vestry, office staff and our Endowment Committee. Thanks to you, St. John’s has linked our lives for a third time with other parishes who support ERD’s outreach for sustainable development. see more on next page

Endowment Grant Update In addition to the Episcopal Relief & Development matching grant, St. John’s Endowment Committee approved a grant for Educate to Elevate at its November meeting. $3,500 was approved for this personalized, faith-based sponsorship & mentoring program to help with an at-risk student's tuition at Delta College.

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Our Gifts for Life **contribution will fund the following gifts for life in poor communities. 20 Family Gardens $ 3,500 Seeds, agricultural training and quality farming tools Programs for the Earliest Learners $ 577 will help 20 families cultivate a healthy and sustaina- Our gift will support parent education and preschool ble food supply from the land. programs that promote healthy eating and stimulate young children to develop cognitive, language, social 25 Flocks of Chickens $ 3,375 and emotional skills for learning. Our gift will help train families and village communities to raise poultry for food and sell surplus stock ** We have requested from ERD a further match and eggs for income in the marketplace. of our $8,202 contribution which would double St. John’s gift to $16,404 for even greater impact. 15 Community Health Workers $ 750 This wonderful Christmas gift will bring hope and Training for 15 community health workers will share empowerment to poor families, and the opportunity health information to families and village groups to to link even more lives in the love of Christ. promote healthy habits and avoid disease.

Pastoral Care

Since the publication of our last Epistle, we have marked the following passages:

Deaths  Rest eternal grant unto her, O Lord; December 5 ………………………….. Margaret Klumb and let light perpetual shine upon her.

 Margaret Klumb’s funeral is scheduled to take place here at St. John’s on Saturday, December 9 at 1:00 PM. No visitation prior, however, a reception will follow at the Midland Country Club (all are invited).

Do you know someone who would appreciate a pastoral visit from our clergy or lay visitors? … who is a patient in one of our area hospitals? … who should be added to our prayer list?

With their permission, please contact our church office and pass this information along to us so that we may respond appropriately. It’s always better to get a message more than once than not at all! In the case of a pastoral emergency outside of office hours, please contact: The Rev. Ken Hitch 802-999-3697 (cell)

Charles Bash Roni Rogers These parishioners serve St. John’s through Faye Ebach Pat Roush our Pastoral Care ministry. Bob Estabrook Barbara Sovereen St. John’s is grateful for their time & love of neighbor. Hazel Robinson

Page 11 The Epistle December 2017 Nominated Leadership and Service Opportunities

Each year, in accordance with St. John’s Bylaws, we open nominations to serve in the elected positions of our church. We always aim for a full slate of nominees but at a minimum, we must replace all those whose terms of service will be ending or who otherwise have to end their service. Needed in 2018 are individuals to serve on the Vestry (3- year term); the Endowment Committee (changed last year to 3-year term); and as Delegates & Alternate Delegates (1 year terms).

Nominating… Positions referenced above are elected. Any voting member (consult SJEC Bylaws for what constitutes a voting member) of the congregation may nominate themselves or another voting member of the congregation, with their approval, to be a candidate to join with others in leading and serving St. John’s. There will be forms posted outside Williams Hall on the bulletin board for writing in nominee names.

The bylaws require the Rector and off-going members of the Vestry to form a Nominating Committee. This year, the entire Vestry will assist with nominations to ensure an adequate number of persons are nominated for these open positions. The bylaws also state that no nominations can be accepted during the Annual Meeting and that all nominations shall be concluded at least 7 days before the balloting takes place during the Annual Meeting. Nominations will open immediately and conclude January 21, 2018. Elections will take place at St. John’s Annual Meeting, scheduled for 9:00 AM on Sunday, January 28, 2018.

The Vestry... is the elected lay leadership of the congregation. Its basic responsibilities are to help define and articulate the mission of the congregation, support the church’s mission by word and deed, select the Rector should a vacancy arise, ensure effective organization and planning, and manage the resources and finances of the church. The Vestry is the legal representative of the congregation in all matters concerning its corporate property and the relation of the congregation to the clergy. A complete description of Vestry responsibilities can be found in Article V of the St. John’s Bylaws.

The Endowment Committee... is responsible for evaluating requests for funding and granting those requests to worthy candidates according to established guidelines, and in fulfillment of the two-fold mission of ena- bling those carrying out the Great Commission to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and showing the love of Christ by providing for those who are in need. The Vestry designates a significant portion of funds - from endowment gifts which members have made to St. John’s over many years - for support of local, national and international outreach ministries for the Endowment Committee to use in their ministry. A complete description of Endowment Committee responsibilities can be found in Article VI of the St. John’s By-Laws.

Delegates to the Diocesan Convention... represent St. John’s during this gathering of representatives from all congregations in the Diocese of Eastern Michigan. It’s a wonderful opportunity to meet people from other congregations, exchange ideas, worship together, learn from speakers, and participate in decisions affecting our diocese. We elect 4 Delegates and 2 Alternate Delegates. A complete description of Delegates responsibilities can be found in Article VII of the St. John’s By-Laws. This year’s Diocesan Convention will be held October 26-27, 2018 at the Holiday Inn Gateway Center in Flint, MI.

A copy of our Bylaws is available via the church office or our website. You may also contact any current Vestry members (see the back of any Sunday bulletin for contact information) or current Endowment Committee members (see Williams Hall north wall bulletin board). Please prayerfully consider these worthwhile opportunities for service to St. John’s and nominate yourself or, with their approval, someone else.

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Attention Ministry Leaders!

Annual Report Submissions Due Next Month - January 8

>> Ministry & Group Leaders: Please compile, write and submit your ministry area’s 2017 summaries, highlights, participation number changes, plans for the coming year, etc. Stories and pictures are welcome!

To help get started or to see examples of past submissions, consult last year’s annual report, available in the parish office and electronically here: www.sjec-midland.org/download_file/view/1258/

Visiting our website www.sjec-midland.org, and/or past newsletters might also refresh memories.

Annual Meeting: Sunday, January 28, 2018

Our Annual Meeting for the year 2017 year will be held in Williams Hall on Sunday, January 28, 2018 at 9:00 AM. We ask you to save the date and join as St. John’s gathers to worship, reflect, and work on our future together.

Important note: The worship incorporated into our 9:00 AM annual meeting will be our only one that Sunday; there will not be an 8:00 AM or 10:00 AM worship service. As they are finalized, annual meeting details will be shared in the bulletin and website: www.sjec-midland.org/annual-meeting.

Invitation to Beginners to Join Handbell Choir

Beginning January 2018, Betsy Greenwood will offer an opportunity to all parishioners to participate in a beginning handbell choir. If you’ve been thinking about trying the art, or are convinced that you’d like to participate, this would be the perfect time to start fresh. Ability to read music is not required. Tentative meeting time is Thursdays at 5 PM, in our lower level, in Classroom 14, aka “the BellZone.” First meeting is slated for January 11, 2018. For more, call Betsy at 989-980-2446 or email [email protected].

#EndGunViolence Vigil Thursday, Dec. 14 at 7:00 PM

Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America and St. Luke’s Methodist Church, 206 Schuermann St., Essexville invite all to join in prayer, song and a call to honor through action all lives impacted by gun violence.

Since the Sandy Hook tragedy five years ago, over 500,000 American have been killed or injured by guns. Gun violence affects people regardless of age, income, location, religion and race. This event is one of hundreds in the 5th National Vigil for All Victims of Gun Violence.

Page 13 The Epistle December 2017 Scenes from Recent Gatherings

November 12— Tim’s farewell... Thanks to all who came out to congratulate & thank Tim Stark upon his retirement from 20 years of service to St. John’s Episcopal Church.

November 12— Harmony Diversity Choir and Bella Voce Women’s Choir… These choirs performed before a packed house in our sanctuary last month. If you missed or wish to have another listen to this fabulous concert, which also featured soloist Benton DeGroot, the video is on Facebook: @harmonydiversitychoir

(Above) Tim Stark receives well wishes from Linda Leckrone.

(Left) Tracey Kempsell directs combined choirs at our hosted concert on November 12th.

December 2 — Before & after (above & below) Classical Bells’ bumpy sleigh ride and snowball fight

Page 14 The Epistle December 2017 Important Notice About Year-End Financial Contributions

A detailed statement of your 2017 contributions will be sent in January 2018. Please use this statement when preparing your 2017 personal taxes. Contributions made between now and the end of the calendar year will be reported by the church based on the following chart:

Church treasurer reports as a Church treasurer reports as a Receipt of contribution 2017 Contribution 2018 Contribution Checks written in December 2017 and deposited in church offering in X January 2018 Checks written and deposited in church offering in January 2018, X but “back-dated” to December 2017 Checks written and deposited in church offering in December 2017 X but “post-dated” to January 2018

Checks written in December 2017 and deposited in the mail and postmarked in December 2017 X but not received by the church until January 2018 Checks written in December 2017 and deposited in the mail in December 2017, but not post- X marked until January 2018, and not received until January 2018

Gifts of Stock

The recommended procedure for donating a gift of stock to SJEC is to transfer the unsold shares of stock to our account at Bank of New York Mellon (BNY Mellon) where upon the shares will be sold immediately. If you are planning to donate stock to St. John’s, please be sure to contact St. John’s Bookkeeper, Denise Isenbarger, [email protected] or (989) 631-2260, with the details on the name of the security and your intended use of the funds. This procedure maximizes the monies available for SJEC ministries. It also helps us clarify details that may apply to the tax deductibility of your gift.

Pledges for Year 2018

We thank all who submitted pledges for the upcoming year. These commitments are a visible sign of what we carry in our hearts and spirit. While pledging meets a practical need of a church to budget and plan, the conscious decision to pledge also indicates that supporting church ministries is a priority in our lives. If you haven’t yet pledged for 2018, please consider doing so before year-end. www.sjec-midland.org/pledge

Page 15 The Epistle December 2017 Regularly at St. John’s Sundays 8:00am Worship ...... Holy Eucharist, BCP - Quiet, traditional service; Rite Two 9:00am Adult Formation ...... Bible Study In Williams Hall 10:00am Worship ...... Holy Eucharist, BCP - Rite Two with music and children’s ...... Christian formation classes; nursery care available 9-11:15am 11:15am Fellowship ...... Coffee, juice & goodies in Williams Hall

Wednesdays 9:00am Men’s Bible Study ...... In the McNab Room 10:30am Women’s Bible Study ...... In the McNab Room 12:00pm Worship ...... Holy Eucharist

We joyfully gather to pray, worship, learn and serve as we seek to follow Jesus, and invite all to join us on a sacred journey of hope and transformation.

The next edition of The Epistle will be published in early January. The final deadline for submissions is Tuesday, January 2. Please consider submitting stories of your group’s activities, or news of coming events and activities.

If you are not currently receiving an email notice to tell you that The Epistle has been published on our website, and you would like to receive one, please email [email protected].

If you would prefer to receive a printed copy of The Epistle by regular mail, please call our church office at 631-2260 to share that message. We would be happy to mail a copy to you each month.

St. John’s Episcopal Church 405 N. Saginaw Road ● Midland, MI ● 48640 (989) 631-2260 ● [email protected] www.sjec-midland.org

Rector - The Reverend Ken Hitch

www.facebook.com/sjecmidland @LinkingLives

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