In painting portraits, one of the greatest joys for me is the process of letting go of the preconceived ideas about the person sitting before me; and discovering, or experiencing deep love for this person.
     The experience of loving others is a powerful and defining force in my life. The love I feel for my children leads me to work, sacrifice, and change my plans in order to benefit their lives and needs. This love I have for them brings me wonderful pleasure and profound memories.
     I find great fulfillment in loving others. The love of a place or country, of beauty or for a cause, are other ways in which I find energy to live, and the essence of meaning.
      On the other side of this experience and force in my life is the experience of receiving love. I find it very difficult to receive love from someone - as opposed to loving someone. In fact, I think there are times when I love or give to others in order to avoid receiving love from them. If I can give first, or most, then I will be protected from actually having to receive love myself. Or, if I do receive from them, then it is felt justified or earned because I have given them at least as much. And yet I harbor a deep longing to be loved, just loved (not an earned love) all the while fearing the actual experience of such fulfillment.
      It is great to take someone’s picture or paint them; but, to have my picture painted or taken is much harder. I am a great critic of my own looks, the way I sound on tape, or the way I appear on film. Somehow, I find it hard to believe that someone could truly love me. I can more easily accept criticism than praise, and this, I feel, comes from the fear of having to receive. I have more power when I can be the giver. But can I really give when underneath I am longing to receive myself?
      I am coming to believe that this struggle to be loved, this difficulty in probably even being able to love myself, is why I have trouble changing my diet and losing weight, or exercising as I should or caring for the way I look. So often I struggle for more will power to gain control of my life, and then fail again and again. It is dawning on me that perhaps it is the openness to be loved and loving my self, and experiencing the undying love of God that is the root of finding the power to change myself. - Peter Jenks

Dates on the calendar

Outreach Committee – Area Recipients of Grants Presentation
Sunday Aug. 29th, 10am Service

Prayer Chain Meeting –Sat., Sept. 11th, 9am

Altar Guild – Saturday, Sept. 11th, 10:00am

Sabbatical Planning – Sun., Sept. 12th, 9am

Vestry Meeting – Sunday, Sept. 12th, 11:30am

EfM – Sunday, Sept. 12th, 12am–2:30pm

Liturgy Meeting – Wed. Sept. 15th, 1:15pm

Finance Committee – Sun., Sept. 19th , 9am

Monthly Thursday Dinner & Movie– Sept. 23

St. John’s Knitters – Thursday, Sept. 30th

Ongoing:

Saturday Evening Service – We are now offering a service of the Holy Eucharist on Saturdays at 5:30 p.m.

Wednesday Morning Prayer Service - Each Wednesday at 11 a.m. we offer a service of Morning Prayer. It is a wonderful time of reflective prayer for all.

Book Study – Wednesdays from 12:00 until 1 p.m. a book study group open to everyone. The current book we are reading is The Help by Kathryn Stockett

Last Sunday Healing – On the last Sunday of the month, Sept. 26th , we offer the laying on of hands for healing at both the 8:00 and 10:00am services.

Shoebox Ministry – We are collecting travel items for our shoebox ministry for people in various shelters. Please save your hotel shampoos, soaps, etc. There is a box in the Undercroft for these items.

Birthdays and Anniversaries – We are trying to list those celebrating birthdays and anniversaries in our prayers, if we miss yours we apologize. Please let us know the date!

New Testament Overview – We are offering a series at 9 a.m. on Sundays, through Sunday, September 12th, that examines the roots and contents of the New Testament. All are welcome.

Pennies for Outreach – There are jars around the church to collect pennies for our outreach programs. In the last year we have collected over $250 for our outreach ministries from these coin jars. Every little bit helps. Thanks!

Prayer Chain Information - The purpose of our prayer chain is to hold people who are sick or troubled up into God’s light for healing. If you are interested in joining our group, please contact the parish office.

We Need Addresses – For those who have family members away at school or in the military and would like to receive our newsletter and information, etc. from St. John’s, please send us their addresses and/or email. Thank you.

Young People Abroad – We keep Emily Bragg and Elias Edwards-Jenks in our prayers as they are studying abroad this semester. Emily is in Belgium and Elias is in Chile.

Saturday Evening Eucharist – Each Saturday evening at 5:30 p.m. we continue to offer the service of Holy Eucharist. This is a simple Rite I service that last around a half of an hour and is more meditative in nature. If one cannot make it on a Sunday morning then this option can be a wonderful opportunity.

Bible Study – The Rev. Peter Jenks is offering a Bible study on the book of Psalms. Beginning at 8am on Thursday mornings and running for an hour, this will be a time to reflect, pray, learn and share. All are welcome.

Contact information for St. John's

Church phone: 354-8734

Office hours are M-F 8:30 a.m. to 12:30p.m.

Website: stjohnsthomaston.org

Email: stjohns@midcoast.com

Rector’s cell phone: 542-3153

Rector’s blog: www.landofrest.blogspot.com

For Financial Concerns – Phyllis Fales: call 542-5061 or click here to email

To schedule meetings and events - Please contact the parish office, 207-354-8734 to schedule your meeting or event. Office Hours are Mon. through Fri., 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. It is important that the office schedule all events and meetings at the church in order to avoid conflicts of space. Thank you.

Joyful Noise
By Tony Antolini

We recently sang the tune Ton-y-Botel (Welsh for “Tune in a bottle” – the legend being that the melody washed ashore in a bottle on the coast of Lleyn.) Predictably, someone asked after the service, “What ever happened to ‘Once to every man and nation’?” It seems that the new words to this beloved melody (#381 and #527) just don’t move people the way the “old words” used to. Here’s why we don’t have that colorful text in The Hymnal 1982.

Once to every man and nation comes the moment to decide,
In the strife of truth with falsehood, for the good or evil side;
Some great cause, God’s new Messiah, offering each the bloom or blight,
And the choice goes by forever ‘twixt that darkness and that light.

Does this sound like the Gospels? Is this good theology? Do we really only get one chance and then face eternal darkness if we make the wrong choice? The answer is that it is not a theological statement at all. It’s part of a 90-line poem by James Russell Lowell, written in December, 1845, entitled “The Present Crisis.” It was never intended as a hymn text but is a denunciation of the US war with Mexico, which Lowell (then President of Harvard) deplored. He also feared that annexation in the southwest would lead to greater slaveholding territory. A look at the beginning of the poem reveals the poem’s topic:

When a deed is done for freedom, through the broad earth’s aching breast
Runs a thrill of joy prophetic, trembling on from east to west,
And the slave, where’er he cowers, feels the soul within him climb
To the awful verge of manhood, as the energy sublime
Of a century bursts full-blossomed on the thorny stem of time.

Hymnals excerpted only 16 lines of the poem. The first was published in 1896, and was included in the Episcopal Hymnal for the first time in 1916. 51 years had passed since Lowell wrote the poem and 71 years before it was sung in Episcopal churches. And it lasted as a hymn in this denomination for only 66 years.
When bringing out the 1982 hymnal the Hymnal Commission apparently felt it was too risky to include a philosophical text dealing with the morality of slavery when it could be confused with Christian theology and lead some to think that you get only one chance. Here’s the rest of Lowell’s poem as it appeared in The Hymnal 1940. Judge for yourself whether it belongs in the next hymnal or not.

Then to side with truth is noble, when we share her wretched crust.
Ere her cause bring fame and profit and ‘tis prosperous to be just;
Then it is the brave man chooses, while the coward stands aside
Till the multitude make virtue of the faith they had denied.

By the light of burning martyrs Jesus’ bleeding feet I track,
Toiling up new Calvaries ever with the cross that turns not back;
New occasions teach new duties, time makes ancient good uncouth;
They must upward still and onward who would keep abreast of truth.

Though the cause of evil prosper, yet ‘tis truth alone is strong;
Though her portion be the scaffold, and upon the throne be wrong,
Yet that scaffold sways the future, and, behind the dim unknown,
Standeth God within the shadow keeping watch above his own.

Information & Thoughts on Our Sabbatical

     In the course of five or six years in a parish church one can see many changes and transformations taking place. This is why it is good to do new parish directories in order to put faces to the names of the new people. It is why traditionally the Methodist and Roman Catholic Churches would rotate their clergy around this period of time. It kept new ideas and energy coming into the parish.
     We are in the midst of a long time pastorate with the Rev. Peter Jenks. In order for such a relationship to flourish it is important that we, too, allow for new energy to be infused into our parish.
      The Sabbatical time is not just a time for the priest to have an extended vacation. It is a time for the parish and the priest to both find time to renew their relationships with God.
      The Rev. Peter Jenks' plans, to date, for the sabbatical are to visit as many of the other churches and pastors in our area as he can, in hopes of building stronger relationships with our sisters churches. So often we are all isolated and seemingly competing with each other, when in fact we are all one with the same mission. He is also going to be taking extending time to write and paint. He has set up a blog site for any who would wish to read his work: www.landofrest.blogspot.com.
      What do you feel called to do? What have you been waiting to do in your faith? What are you planning for your continued learning and education? What are you planning in order to renew your love with God?

Lay Preaching at St. John's - We are planning to start a lay preaching group at St. John's this fall, similar to the one we had a few years ago. Our purpose is to give people who might be interested in lay preaching a chance to practice their skills and receive feedback in a supportive group. We'll meet on a monthly basis in the nave of the church, probably on a Sunday after the service. Even if you're not sure whether you want to actually preach, joining the group is a great way to study the propers in a structured way - and to hear how others interpret the week's readings as well. For more information contact Larry Rotch (845-2250).

The Trinity Institute Returns to St. John’s - This next January we will once again host a downlink site for the annual conference which is held each year in New York City at Trinity Church. This year’s theme will be “Reading Scripture through Other Eyes”.
     New and world-reknowned speakers will be present during this conference and we at St. John’s join others around the world in the interactive conference.
     Speakers this year are Walter Brueggermann, Mary Gordon, Teresa Okure, and Gerald West. The conference will be held Wed. evening Jan. 19th – through Friday, Jan. 21st . We will have limited seating for this event and will be inviting other churches to join in with us. If you are interested please contact the Rev. Peter Jenks.

Thanksgiving Day dinner - We are planning a Thanksgiving Day supper. Instead of us “putting on a dinner” for others, we are going to have a joined-together dinner for those who want to come. We will provide the turkey, and anyone who wants to come help, eat and share the day together are welcome. We will need people to help plan, if you are interested please contact the parish office at 354-8734. Thank you.

Christmas Fair 2010 – December 4, 8 a.m. – 1p.m. is the date & time being considered for a Holiday Fair at St.John’s. Any Co-Chairs interested in making this event happen? If one person from every committee, together, could help to continue this tradition with a few new surprises, it would be great! Please call the office to leave a brief message at 354-8734 or email St. John’s, and in the subject write: FAIR Thank you!

Budget Update: - Pledge income continues to come in above budget, thanks to the new pledges that came in earlier this year.
Income from plate and other offerings is also running above budget, though this income is more volatile and harder to predict over the whole year.
Special events income is presently running about $1800 below expectations, due to a lower than anticipated profit from the summer fair.
Taken all together, we should end up with a deficit of roughly $11,000 to $12,000, compared to an estimated deficit of $14,238 at the beginning of the year.
Larry Rotch, Finance Committee Chair

EfM
      Education for Ministry is a program offered by the Episcopal Church for people to learn more about their faith. Generally it is said that Episcopalians are a denomination that does not know her scriptures very well, even though her worship is filled with passages from the Bible.
      Education for Ministry is a four year course, broken down into one year sections. It is meant to be a shorter version of a seminary education. It is designed to familiarize us with Scripture, Church history, theology and a chance to help formulate into words exactly what it is we believe and compare it to what others say. The classes meet once a week during the academic year.
       There is a cost to this course. We are always looking for help for people who cannot afford the cost and welcome any scholarship assistance, it is always needed. Contributions can be made to St. John’s and mailed to the parish office with a note for its intent.
       There are several classes offered in our area, one on Sunday afternoon, here at St. John’s. One on Wednesday evenings at St. Thomas’ Episcopal Church in Camden and one on Monday evenings at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church in Rockland.
      For more information please contact the Rev. Peter Jenks, or Emily Rotch (845-2250) or Emily Jenks (542-3556)

Awakening Middle School Event will be at St. Luke's Cathedral in Portland this year!! Grades 6-8 will gather for a weekend of fun, faith and new friends. October 15-17.

Youth at Convention & Benefit Dinner, Friday, October 22, grades 6 -12, in Bethel, Maine. Youth serve as pages at this annual diocesan meeting. Youth and adults serve Friday dinner to benefit our international mission project.

Happening High School Retreat will be at Christ Church, Gardiner, November 19-21. A deep weekend led by high schoolers and for high schoolers. For more information contact the Rev. Peter Jenks and check the bulletin board in the Undercroft.

Outreach Grants Awarded by St. John’s
      Six grants for $1,000 each are being awarded by St. John’s to various organization in our community. The organizations were chosen by the people of St. Johns and are: Hospitality House (our local homeless shelter), New Hope for Women (a service for victims of domestic violence), Meals on Wheels (a feeding program for those who are homebound), the Knox County Health Clinic (a service for those who have no insurance or access to health care), Head Start (a program to help children in need be better prepared for school) and Trekkers (a program for youth that was started by people of St. John’s to help mentor and enable our young people to discover the joys of community service and the larger world of opportunities).
       These groups will be making presentations to us throughout the year about what is going on in their programs. We also continue to keep them in our prayers.
      There are other programs we also continue to support, such as the Knox County Teen Shelter. We also are hoping to hear a presentation by Wiley Todd, from our parish, about the school he has established in Chile.

Children’s Altar – We are asking all children, of whatever age, to bring in items from nature to be placed behind the altar with the flowers. Favorite stuffed animals are also accepted. These items should be brought in on Friday afternoon, Oct. 1st into the kitchen or on Saturday morning, Oct. 2nd , to the sanctuary before 9 a.m.

Remembering our Pets – Also on this date we will remember in our prayers with thanksgiving the pets in our lives who have been especially meaningful. Please call the parish office with the names of these pets. Thanks!

Special Eucharistic Prayer – We will also use a new trial Eucharistic Prayer during the 10 a.m. service on this Sunday.

Blessing of the Animals – we will have our annual blessing of the animals usually at noon on the day we celebrate St. Frances. Is there a better time for people and their pets? Please let the Rev. Peter Jenks know your thoughts on this before we finalize this fun event.

UTO: - The mission of the United Thank Offering is to expand the circle of thankful people through our daily practice of thanksgiving. Our many blessings can be represented in the form of daily prayers & gifts to this continuing mission of grants, which are given to those in need around the world. Blue Boxes for your daily contributions are available in the Undercroft with other informative materials on UTO. Episcopalians around the world participate in this thoughtful practice. Our collective gifts will be collected during our Fall Ingathering, which will be on St. Francis Sunday, Oct 3rd.
Blue offering boxes are available

Sunday Forums – Why do we do the things we do?
At 9 a.m. beginning on Sunday, September 19 and running through October, the Rev. Peter Jenks will host a forum about our Episcopal liturgy and the ways we do things. He will explain some of the ways and whys of our customs and then open the time for questions about our services and customs. All are welcome.

People at St. John's

Weddings - Robert Holloway and Jennifer Coosard

Baptisms - Robert Konrad Anderson

Deaths
Louise Ulbrich
George Ames

Rest eternal grant to them, O Lord;
And let light perpetual shine upon them.

Birthday List for mid-July and August
August 29 – Roberta Dawson
September 2 – Wes Todd
September 7 – Anna Carpenter
September 9- Dona Williams
September 15 – Stephen Ranney
September 18 – Ryan Carroll
September 19 – Julie & Caitlyn Carroll September 20 - Sandor Walker, Kathleen Starrs, & Ann Greenleaf
September 22 - John Higgins
September 24 - Stu Rich, Arline Greenleaf
September 26 – Phyllis Fales
We apologize if we have missed anyone. Please let us know.

Remember St. John’s and the Episcopal Diocese of Maine in your will.

The mission of this parish has been summed up in the words of Jesus when he said: “We are to love the Lord, our God, with all our heart, soul, and mind; and our neighbor as ourselves.”

Rota Schedule

JSeptember 5 – Renny Stackpole
September 12 – Sandra Orluk
September 19 – Jane Staman
September 26 – Jean Serrie
October 3 – Eliza Bailey
October 10 – Renny Stackpole

10 a.m. Lectors
September 5 – Emily Rotch & Sandor Walker
September 12 – Sue Bragg & Emily Jenks
September 19 – Jack Carpenter & Larry Rotch
September 26– Lysbeth Andrews & Susan Watkins
October 3 – Paul Neuhauser & Pen Williamson
October 10 – Dave Percival & Larry Rotch

Acolytes
We are putting together a list for the next few months, if you have dates that you cannot serve please let us know, thanks.
September 5 –
September 12 –
September 19 –
September 26 –
October 3 –
October 10–

Ushers
September 5 – Bev & Pen Williamson
September 12 – Lysbeth Andrews
September 19 – Christen & Kevin Singer
September 26 – Kathy & Jim Cuthbertson
October 3 – Paul & Mary Neuhauser
October 10 – Bonnie & Dave Percival

8 a.m. Chalice Bearers & Acolyte
September 5 – Bob Slater
September 12 –
September 19 – Lora Ludwig
September 26 – Bob Slater
October 3 –
October 10 – Lora Ludwig

10 a.m. Chalice Bearers
September 5 – Bill Goodwill
September 12 – Paul Neuhauser
September 19 – Larry Rotch
September 26 – Sandor Walker
October 3 – Emily Jenks
October 10 – Jim Cuthbertson

Intercessor Schedule
September 5 – Larry Rotch
September 12 – Lysbeth Andrews
September 19 – Chris Rector
September 26 – John Meyer
October 3 – Sandor Walker
October 10 – Emily Rotch

Altar Guild
September 4 thru 11 – Kathy Cuthbertson, Bonnie Percival, Midge Meyer
September 18 thru 25 – Elle Simons, Karen Veit, Dona Williams
October 2 thru 9 – Jeanne Bulanchuk, Pam Hansen, Marian Rector

Coffee Hour Sign-up sheet on fridge
Please note that there are openings available for you!

Wednesday Morning Prayer Officiants
September 1 – Sandor Walker
September 8 – Larry Rotch
September 15 – Deborah McKean
September 22 – John Meyer
September 29 – Peter Jenks
October 6 – Emily Rotch
October 13 – Lysbeth Andrews

For The Food Pantry
JSeptember 5 – soup
September 12 – rice
September 19 – canned stew or canned meat
September 26 – pudding
October 3 – oatmeal
October 10 – canned pasta

Parish Cycle of Prayer
September 5 – Jane Staman, Amy R. Carpenter & Anikka Reinwand, Anna, Jordan, and Mara Carpenter
September 12 – Renny, Julie, Jennifer, & Lorena Stackpole
September 19 – Stephen & Mary Lyne, Larry & Emily Rotch
September 26 – David & Bonnie Percival, Deborah Cotton
October 3 – Adele Smith & Harry Overtoon, Pam & Doug Stewart
October 10 – Gary Smith & Hazel Giberson, Nelson & Anne Smith