Newsletters

Letter from Fr. David Perkins

LOOKING OUT MY WINDOW, September 2010
 

Have you ever thought of yourself as a minister of Christ?  Normally, we think of clergy in that way because they are so visible on Sundays as worship leaders and because we call on their ministry in weddings, funerals, baptisms, and moments of crisis.  The Outline of the Faith (Catechism) in The Book of Common Prayer asks the question, “Who are the ministers of the Church?”  The answer:  “The ministers of the Church are lay persons, bishops, priests, and deacons.”  (BCP, 855).  The next question?  “What is the ministry of the laity?”  The answer:  “The ministry of lay persons is to represent Christ and his Church, to bear witness to him wherever they may be;  and, according to the gifts given them, to carry on Christ’s work of reconciliation in the world, and to take their place in the life, worship and governance of the Church.”  (BCP, 855).  Pentecost Sunday and the season of Pentecost (lasting until Advent) focus on the ministry of all Christians.  The Holy Spirit empowers and enables each of us for our particular ministry in our unique areas of living, working, and playing.  During the period between permanent rectors, the church can rediscover its spiritual independence, that its nature is not defined by the ministry or personality of a particular rector.  This is an opportune moment for each parishioner at St. John’s to renew their commitment to their particular ministry.  I hope that you will ask this question, “What is my ministry?”  However daunting the answer may feel, I hope you will dare to pray for boldness and strength to begin doing your own personal expression of ministry described above in The Outline of the Faith.

Peace,

David Perkins, Interim Rector

 

Letter from our Senior Warden Ann Richmond

After the 9:00 service and before the 11:15 service, during breakfast on September 12^th, Dr. Kay Collier McLaughlin and members of the Diocesan Leadership Team will be with us to tell us more about the Holy Conversations and help us prepare ourselves.

Please plan to join us for breakfast on that Sunday for a really informative conversation.

As the Vestry deliberates and appoints the Nominating Committee, we ask everyone in our community of faith to pray for this process.

As always,

Say your prayers.

Love one another.

Pray for your Vestry, each other, and our community of faith

Ann Richmond, Sr. Warden

 

 Please note these important dates.

  

 

A Note from the Reverend Donna Barr

The Pastoral Care Ministers would like you to know they are available for you anytime, 24x7, when you need us.  Whether you or someone you care about is ill, going through a divorce, experiencing depression, struggling with addiction, have a desire to share a Christ-centered relationship, or you just need to talk, we are available to you. 

 

Here is our contact information:

 

Christy Leaver          christyleaver@stjohnsky.com              859 806 9231

Tim Downey            timdowney@stjohnsky.com                859 753 0785

Ron Werner-Wilson ronwernerwilson@stjohnsky.com        859 494 8336

Mark Herbert            markherbert@stjohnsky.com              502 395 0399

Sarah Sandknop        sarah.sandknop@stjohnsky.com          859 433 9337

Rev. Donna Barr      donnabarr@stjohnsky.com                  859 494 5144

Fr. David Perkins     fr.david.perkins@stjohnsky.com          859 533 7217

 

Donna Barr leads this wonderful ministry and will continue to do so after retiring from St. John’s.  Fr. David Perkins also meets with us to teach, supervise and share his experience.  We have studied for 2 years under Deacon Donna and have learned so much about the human condition, healing, God’s love, our community of faith, and each other.  Please allow us to care for you in your time of need.

 

 

Eagle Wings - The Newsletter of St John's