ST. JOHN’S EPISCOPAL CHURCH 202 Gordon Drive SE, Decatur, AL (256) 353-9615

Colorful Wall

When you see the south wall of the Parish Hall this week, you will notice some redecorating that is underway.

Stretched over the wooden symbols of our faith are long strips of sky blue paper upon which hundreds of brightly

colored pieces of paper have been fixed. Each small piece of paper represents a dream, a perception, a hope of

someone in the parish family. We are, in a sense, redecorating, but our focus is not that wall but our identity as St.

John’s.

This past Sunday was different. Instead of a sermon, I offered two brief reflections on the gospel parables of lostness

presented in the first half of Luke 15. Like the one lost sheep, each of us—and all of us together as the community of

St. John’s—has been found. And, like the one lost coin, there are opportunities hidden—sometimes in plain sight—

waiting for us to find them and claim them for our own. More importantly, during the sermon time we all had an

opportunity to write down our own perspectives on the past, present, and future of our parish. Then, in an admittedly

bottle-necked experience, we all tried to affix those responses to the sky blue paper on the walls of the nave. Some of

us enjoyed the experience. Some of us rolled our eyes and wished we had stayed home. Yet almost all of us took

part.

On Wednesday night, we will take a different approach to the envisioning process. The dreaming we did on Sunday

morning was largely silent. As I am frequently reminded by those closest to me, there is value to giving space for

listening before talking. Now, however, we need to share our dreams with each other and see what comes from the

conversation. During the program at our first Wednesday-night gathering, we will engage in a different form of

dreaming—one that allows us to share each other’s hopes and be shaped by each other’s imaginations. Although

those four brightly colored pieces of paper will be available to those who want to use them, the principal product of

this gathering will take another form.

The week of envisioning is not quite halfway over yet. Already, other smaller groups have met and done their

dreaming together—the Monday bible study, the Vestry, and the EfM community. And there are more groups still to

take pare this week—the Women’s Enrichment Ministry, Centering Prayer, and Altar Guild. The opportunity before

us (and the challenge we give to the Long Range Planning Committee) is to take the dreams of individuals, small

groups, and the entire parish family and synthesize them into an expression that we all can share. Honestly, I still

cannot see how this will turn out, but I am excited at what this process will bring.

Yours faithfully,

Evan D. Garner

If you are unable to attend any of the gatherings at St. John’s this

week, please take some time to complete the envisioning process

using the survey found here:

http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/QCCXJQ5

The Church Mouse September 17, 2013

Fall Wednesday-Night Series Begins September 18

Fall Wednesday-Night Series Begins September 18

Make plans for you and your family to attend a 5:30 p.m. dinner in the Parish

Hall and then programs begin at 6:00 p.m. for all ages.

Join us and bring a friend!

September 18 Adults, Youth, and Children continue to share dreams for St. John’s. Menu:

Chicken Tetrazzini, salad, dessert – made with love by Team 1 Altar Guild.

September 25-October 16

Adults: Learning to Say the D-Word—Led by Evan D. Garner and J. Seth Olson in the Parish Hall

Death—it happens to everyone, but no one likes talking about it. This series will examine the theological and

practical considerations associated with the end of life (e.g., hospice care, living wills, funeral plans, talking with

children & elders, etc.).

Youth: Life & Death—Youth will explore an age-appropriate series on Life and Death in the EYC room downstairs.

Children: A Date with God—The children will explore and deepen their relationship with God through artistic and

meditation stations. There will also be opportunities for the children to share their vision for St. John’s, just like the

grownups. We will also work on outreach projects and enjoy some recreation time outdoors. Come join us!

Homework Helpers

Would you be willing to give less than two hours one afternoon a week to

help a child achieve success in school? That is what Homework Helpers do

for Banks-Caddell children approximately twenty weeks a year under the

supervision of a Banks-Caddell teacher. You can see where your valuable

contribution goes! This takes place on Monday-Thursday afternoons from

2:30-4:15pm. You may volunteer for a regular shift or as a substitute. We

begin on Monday, October 7. Please contact Martha Freeman with questions

or to volunteer at 353-6739 or cookie@bellsouth.net.

The Eighteenth Sunday after Pentecost

Sunday, September 22 Daily Office and Sunday Readings (Track 2)

7:45 a.m. Childcare available through the 10:30 service

8:00 a.m. The Holy Eucharist, Rite I

8:45-10:15 a.m. Breakfast, Parish Hall

9:30-10:15 a.m., Sunday School for All Ages

10:30 a.m. Holy Eucharist, Rite II (Children’s Church)

2:00-4:00 p.m. EYC District Day at Good Shepherd, 3809 Spring Avenue, Decatur

Sunday’s Worship Team Schedule

Vestry Person

Cassandra Moore 8:00 a.m. 10:30 a.m.

Bread Baker Alana Haughaboo

LEM Lou Greene, Janet Morgan M.M. Tweedy, Huey Hall

Lectors Bob Straub

Sunday Readings (Track 2)

Alana Haughaboo

Sunday Readings (Track 2)

Acolytes Handbook Holden Kincaid S

McCauley Smith C

Ben Stoner ES, Caroline Hughes GS, Jackson

Stewart C, Nathan Stewart & Tripper Martin TB

Ushers Mike Adams David Bibb, Billy Biles, Ashton Dement,

Bingham Edwards

Children’s Church Laura Phillips, Ann Stewart

Flower ReArranger Larkin Martin

Flower Deliverers Joanne Peterson, Ann Stewart,

Danny & Janet Morgan

Childcare Mary Newman, Joanne Peterson, Karan Roberts

Backpacks Food Program

The Backpacks Food Program for Banks-Caddell is underway!

Each week, St. John's delivers 30 bags, each filled with 6 meals and 2 snacks

for students at Banks-Caddell who need extra food on the weekends. Thanks

to those who have volunteered!

Interested in volunteering to shop, pack or deliver? Sign-up:

http://www.signupgenius.com/go/20F0C49ABAA2DA31-stjohns

Questions? Contact Erika Huber (256) 565-5898 or

ehuber4404@charter.net.

St. John's Tees, Polos, & Caps

St. John's Tees, Polos, & Caps Embroidered with St. John's and the Episcopal Shield

View a description of the items available>>

A portion of the proceeds from the sale of merchandise will go to the Building Fund at St. John’s.

The Building Fund is used for the renovation and expansion of the buildings of our church,

including past and future projects.

Look for the display of sample shirts and caps in the Parish Hall.

Download Order Form>>

EYC (6th

-12th

)

Coffice continues this Tuesday, September 17, 3:00-5:00pm at Java Jaay.

Wednesday dinner & program resumes this Wednesday, September 18,

5:30-6:45pm beginning in the Parish Hall. This week is our opportunity as youth to

dream about the future of St. John’s and to have a voice in the vision of our parish!

Sunday school continues this Sunday, September 22, 9:30-10:15am in the classrooms.

District Day is this Sunday, September 22, 2:00-4:00pm at Church of the Good Shepherd, 3809 Spring

Avenue, Decatur District Day is an opportunity for youth to gather with other youth groups from

around north AL. This year’s event features a powder paint color war – if you’ve ever wanted to do

the Color Run, this is for you! We’ll also worship together and learn about upcoming events in our

diocese. You won’t want to miss it! Youth should wear a white T-shirt that can get messy if

possible. Contact Kristin if you need a ride.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Ski Trip registration opens September 30

EYC Breakfast at Timbuck2, Wednesday, October 2, 6:30am

Tailgate Party in the St. John’s parking lot, Friday, October 4, 5:30pm

Blessing of the Animals, Sunday, October 6, 4:00pm

Sawyerville 5K Fundraiser in Greensboro, AL, Saturday, October 12

Kristin Hanson • Director of Youth Ministries • (256) 353-9615 ext.104

kristin@stjohnsdecatur.org

SEPTEMBER ACOLYTE SCHEDULE

9/22 8:00 Holden Kincaid S, McCauley Smith C

10:30 Ben Stoner ES, Caroline Hughes GS, Jackson Stewart C, Nathan

Stewart & Tripper Martin TB

9/29 8:00 Sam Clay S, Emma Grace Lang C

10:30 Mitch Powell ES, Ellie Fite GS, Emily Hunt C, Ethan Thomas &

Lawson DeMent TB

From Children’s Ministries

FALL WEDNESDAY-NIGHT SERIES: A DATE WITH GOD

On Wednesday nights, Sept. 18-Oct. 23, the parish will gather together for dinner in the

Parish Hall beginning at 5:30 p.m. then programs begin at 6:00 p.m. The children will

explore and deepen their relationship with God through artistic and meditation stations. There will also be

opportunities for the children to share their vision for St. John’s, just like the grownups. We will also work on

outreach projects and enjoy some recreation time outdoors. Come join us!

JOIN US IN SUNDAY SCHOOL―SUNDAYS, 9:30 A.M.

Infants and Toddlers: Nursery care begins 7:45 a.m. through the 10:30 a.m. service.

2½yrs old (if Potty-Trained)-Kindergarten: Godly Play

1st – 3rd Grades: Episcopal Church Curriculum (ECC) Primary Cross

4th – 5th Grades: Episcopal Church Curriculum (ECC) Intermediate Cross

CHILDREN'S CHURCH NEEDS YOU!!

Children's Church (currently offered the 2nd and 4th Sunday) during the 10:30 a.m. service for 3rd grade and

under. During the 10:30 service, children (up to 3rd grade) follow the procession out during the Sequence Hymn and

return during the Peace. Two volunteers lead the children in prayers, readings, and songs (a service leaflet guides the

whole thing!). Young children staying in big church are welcome to enjoy the worship activity bag provided in the

Narthex.

Sounds like fun, right? Please think about being a part of Children's Church. The more volunteers the better!

Volunteers please call the church office to be included on this rotating schedule, (256) 353-9615.

Weekday Bible Studies

The Rector's Bible Study Mondays at 10:00 a.m. in the library with the Rev. Evan D. Garner Each class begins

with a time for prayer. Then, the class uses scripture, secondary sources, and conversation to explore our faith. This

fall, we will study Genesis 1-11. Make plans to join us Mondays, in the library. View the course schedule>>

Men's Breakfast & Bible Study Tuesdays at 7:00 a.m. in the Parish Hall led by the Rev. Evan D. Garner Breakfast ($4), fellowship, prayer, and study led by the Rev. Evan D. Garner. Participants include men from several

denominations. This fall we will examine the Book of Esther. View our course schedule>>

Women's Enrichment Ministry Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m., in the library Led by participants in the group, this

gathering is an opportunity for bible study, fellowship, and prayer. Each week this fall, we will study a different

woman of the bible in our series called “Women in the Bible, Women of the Bible” and will use Women in the Bible

for Dummies as the study book. Please contact Kristin Hanson in the church office to reserve your book (about $16).

Each session ends in time for the midday Eucharist. Bring a friend!

Centering Prayer and Lectio Divina Thursdays at 9:00 a.m. in the library led by the Rev. Seth Olson This

weekly gathering combines the practice of centering prayer with a meditative reading and study of the coming

Sunday's lectionary. You may view the schedule here>>

Find this information and more weekday opportunities on our website at

http://stjohnsdecatur.dioala.org/weekdays.html

.

Blessing of the Animals

St. John’s Episcopal Church

BLESSING OF THE ANIMALS THE FEAST OF ST. FRANCIS OF ASSISI

Sunday, October 6

4:00 p.m.

All creatures great and small are invited to attend a special blessing

on our back lawn (inside the Parish Hall in case of rain).

Suggested Donations for the Decatur Animal Services

PUPPY DRY FOOD, KITTEN DRY FOOD, CLOROX, TIDE, PAPER TOWELS…VIEW A COMPLETE

LIST OF NEEDS ON BACK OF FLYER HERE>>

Volunteers from the Decatur Animal Services will be in attendance with shelter dogs available for adoption!

Halloween Festival October 30

HELP WITH THE FUN

Volunteer Planning Meeting, Sunday, October 13, in the Parish Hall following 10:30 service.

Contact Ann or Kristin if you can help with the Carnival

ann@stjohnsdecatur.org or kristin@stjohnsdecatur.org

Save the Date for the Annual Parish Retreat

Registration information for Parish Retreat Coming Soon!

Recovery Weekend

Diocesan Department of Recovery Ministries: Recovery Weekend

September 27-29

Camp McDowell

The theme for this weekend is “Like a Child, I’m Always Learning: A Musical and Spiritual

Journey in Recovery by John McAndrew”. Recovery Ministries of the Episcopal Church is an

organization with a mission to those who, through addiction, have lost their health and freedom.

Our ministry seeks to help the addicted and those who love them connect with spiritual resources and find lasting

recovery. Scholarships are available.

View the brochure for the event>> If you need further information please contact Jim Alford at 334-215-3322.

A Pilgrimage to Italy In Search of St. Francis

A Pilgrimage to Italy In Search of St. Francis of Assisi

Then and Now June 3-12, 2014

Florence optional add-on June 12-16, 2014

We invite you to join us on a pilgrimage of discovery, fellowship, and renewal – in search of Francis of Assisi.

Pre-trip seminars Three pre-trip seminars at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in Birmingham (dates and times TBA)

will prepare pilgrimage participants by covering topics ranging from “The Meanings of Pilgrimage” to “The History

of Early Christianity in Italy” to “What to Bring to Italy”.

Pilgrimage Itinerary, Pricing, and much more info in the brochure.

To see and download the brochure pdf, click here.

St. John's Annual Parish Retreat

Camp McDowell

January 17-19, 2014

Big Dave, Hikes, Trust Swing, Bingo, Bonfire,

Sunday Holy Eucharist, Cabin Fireplace,

Saturday Evening Progressive Dinner, and more!!

The Month of September

Keep up with events and services via our social media pages:

Our red doors are open every Sunday, too.

September Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

15 Our Envisioning Begins

7:45am Childcare

8:00am Holy Eucharist I

8:45am Blueberry Pancakes

9:30am Sunday School for

All Ages

10:30am Holy Eucharist II

Cursillo Clausura #189 at

Camp McDowell

5:30pm EYC Kick-Off at

Delano Park

16

10:00am

Rector's

bible study

5:15pm

Vestry

Meeting

6:00pm

EfM

17

7:00am Men's

Brkf & Bible

8-9:30am

Yoga

3:00-5:00pm

EYC Coffice,

Java Jaay

18

10:30am Women’s

Enrichment

Ministry

12:10pm Healing

Eucharist

5:30pm Wednesday

Night Dinner &

Programs

19

9:00am Centering

Prayer

5:15pm Theology

on Tap, The Brick

20

7:00am Men's

Reunion Group

8-9:30am Yoga

1:00pm

Backpack Food

Program

21

22

7:45am Childcare

8:00am Holy Eucharist I

8:45am Breakfast

9:30am Sunday School for

All Ages

10:30am Holy Eucharist II

2:00-4:00pm EYC District

Day at Good Shepherd

23

10:00am

Rector's

bible study

6:00pm

EfM

24

7:00am Men's

Brkf & Bible

8-9:30am

Yoga

3:00-5:00pm

EYC Coffice,

Java Jaay

25

10:30am Women’s

Enrichment

Ministry

12:10pm Healing

Eucharist

5:30pm Wednesday

Night Dinner &

Programs

26

9:00am Centering

Prayer

5:00pm Bread

Workshop

5:15pm Theology

on Tap, The Brick

27

7:00am Men's

Reunion Group

8-9:30am Yoga

1:00pm

Backpack Food

Program

28

29

7:45am Childcare

8:00am Holy Eucharist I

8:45am Breakfast

9:30am Sunday School for

All Ages

10:30am Holy Eucharist II

5:30pm EYC

30

10:00am

Rector's

bible study

6:00pm

EfM

1

7:00am Men's

Brkf & Bible

8-9:30am

Yoga

3:00-5:00pm

EYC Coffice,

Java Jaay

2

6:30am EYC

Breakfast @ Tim

Buck 2

10:30am Women’s

Enrichment

Ministry

12:10pm Healing

Eucharist (lunch

afterwards)

5:30pm Wednesday

Night Dinner &

Programs

3

9:00am Centering

Prayer

5:15pm Theology

on Tap, The Brick

4

7:00am Men's

Reunion Group

8-9:30am Yoga

1:00pm

Backpack Food

Program

5:30pm Tailgate

Party, parking lot

5

View the Church Calendar:

http://stjohnsdecatur.dioala.org/calendar.html

UTO In-gathering October 13: Pick-up Your Blue Box (Narthex, Parish Hall, Office) fill

with change and bills. We will collect these on October 13 during each service. United

Thank Offering (UTO) is a ministry of the Episcopal Church for the mission of the whole

church. UTO monies support mission and ministry throughout the Episcopal Church

Birthdays & Anniversaries

09/01 Carol Gay

09/02 Larkin Martin

09/03 Ethan Thomas

09/03 Colwell Bibb

09/03 Allie Signa

09/04 Janet Morgan

09/05 Ilene King

09/05 Liza Lee Tweedy

09/05 Kate Wenzler

09/07 Ed Brown

09/09 Sara Neil

09/09 Caroline Hughes

09/10 Stella Troup

09/10 Julie Leavitt

09/10 Carrie Coxwell

09/11 Mary Ford Pheny

09/11 Candy Taylor

09/12 Walker Evans

09/14 Maria Nevares

09/15 Martha Selman

09/15 Pat Price

09/15 Mary Cornelia

Martin

09/17 Megan Snider

09/18 Eva Marie Faison

09/19 Jeannette Evans

09/19 Harry Moore

09/19 Jean Ann Anderson

09/19 Erle Hughes

09/19 Elizabeth Garner

09/19 Mac McCrary

09/20 Brandy Dinsmore

09/20 Julie Sneed

09/20 Susan Dodson

09/20 Katey Frederick

09/20 Holden Kincaid

09/21 Crawford Lang

09/22 Memory Peebles

09/23 Steve Sandlin

09/26 Frances Bradley

09/26 Nancy Hagood

09/27 Florence Turpin

09/27 Vennette

Charlton

09/28 Paul McCain

09/28 Annie Cornell

09/28 Seth Olson

09/29 Pam Howell

09/29 Melba

Middleton

09/30 Muse Reed

HHHaaappppppyyy AAAnnnnnniiivvveeerrrsssaaarrryyy!!!

09/01 Bobbie & James Gordon

09/03 Menine & David Rice

09/11 Lynn & Ken Schuppert

09/12 Karen & Jesse Sawyer

09/17 Elizabeth & Evan Garner

09/18 Vicky & James Nelson

09/19 Lucy & Paul McCain

09/20 Judy & Bob Straub

09/23 June & Steven Hall

09/25 Kappie & Evans Dunn

09/26 Judi & Randy Tardy

If your celebration is not listed here, please forgive us. Call or email us with any updates.

256-353-9615; churchoffice@stjohnsdecatur.org

Prayer List

OUR PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS

We pray for family and friends who are ill or distressed: Allison Alexander, Karen Cunningham-Becker, Mary

Bingham, Ava Campbell, Linda Engelman, Jeannette Evans, Mary Gibbs, Patricia Glomb, Sally Jo Greene, Susan

Hamilton, Steve Hammond, Jamie Harold, Tania Harris, Dick Haughaboo, Randy Haynes, Harold Henneman, Sherry

Holland, Mary Reilly Hunt, Mike Jennings, Barbara Johnson, Denise Jones, Roy Klusendorf, Karla Kohl, Anne

Lane, Jane Hollon Lee, Dena Lewis, Tim Massengale, Peter McConnell, Kim McDonough, Ruth Moore, Philip

Moss, Ross Newman, Roger Pangle, Will Parish, Ken Penegar, Barbara Perry, Joanne Peterson, Barbara Pettey,

Mary Ford Pheny, Tom Place, Bethany Pridmore, Braelyn Richardson, Donna Ross, David Sandlin, Dwight Smith,

Jeannie Smith, Nathan Smith, Leo Spain, Emma Strane, Judy Straub, Michael Terry, Frank Troup, Geraldine Tubb,

and Noa Williams.

We pray for those who serve in and with the Armed Forces, especially: Michael Blair, Steven Blair, Lindsey Cantrell,

Trey Colantonio, Chad Harper, Christopher Harwell, Gray Keenum, Mark Nelson, Jonathan Roth, and Jason Skiby.

We pray for: for Sarah Miller, our seminarian; for Good Shepherd, Decatur; Saint Michael’s and All Angels,

Millbrook; for our companion diocese of Haiti and its bishop, Zaché; for the ministry of all church musicians and

choir members; and for the Diocesan Department of Liturgy and Music.

If you are hospitalized or in need of a clergy visit, please notify the Church Office (256-353-9615). Please remember

that area hospitals do not notify us about admissions.

Our P.O. Box is closed. Please mail all correspondence to:

St. John's Episcopal Church

202 Gordon Drive SE

Decatur, AL 35601

Thank you for reading this issue of The Church Mouse!

St. John's Faithfulness

Weekly Update

as of 09/12/13

Required Weekly Received this Week Required to Date Received to Date

$11,680 $9,923 $432,160 $392,275

Current Building Fund Debt: $342,927

St. John's holds tithing—the giving of the first 10% of our financial resources to God’s work in the

world—as the expected practice for Christians. We believe that proportional giving is integral to spiritual

growth. The Rector tithes, and each member of the Vestry is either tithing or taking specific steps toward

achieving that goal. We invite all households in the parish to join us in faithful stewardship by calculating

what percentage of their resources they give to God and by developing a plan to become tithers.

*A copy of the parish’s full financial reports is available in the Church Office. If you have any questions,

please contact the Treasurer, D. Hall.

St. John’s Parish Staff & Vestry

THE PARISH STAFF Mon.-Thurs. 9:00 a.m.-Noon; 1:00 p.m.-4:30 p.m.

p 256-353-9615 | f 256-350-0514

The Rev. Evan D. Garner, Rector, ext. 102; evan@stjohnsdecatur.org

The Rev. J. Seth Olson, Curate, ext. 103; seth@stjohnsdecatur.org

Vickie Reed, Financial Administrator, ext. 101; vickie@stjohnsdecatur.org

Kristin Hanson, Director of Youth Ministries, ext. 104; kristin@stjohnsdecatur.org

Ann Stewart, Director of Communications, ext. 105; ann@stjohnsdecatur.org

Pamela Payne, Choirmaster

Foster Bailey, Organist

Ken Schuppert, Chancellor

D. Hall, Treasurer

Stan Evans, Assistant Treasurer

Joanne Peterson, Nursery Coordinator

Mary Newman, Nursery

Karan Roberts, Nursery

Viviana Velastegui, Nursery

THE VESTRY

Class of 2013 Dana Baggette; Kristen Propst; Luke Slaton; Jim Smith; John Thornton, Senior Warden.

Class of 2014 Bobby Greene, Junior Warden; Cassandra Moore; Clint Shelton; M.M. Tweedy; Renee Wenzler.

Class of 2015 Dodie Hall, Janet Morgan, Karen Sawyer, Bobby Straub, Jack Thomas, Jr.

Margret Ann Templeton, clerk for the Vestry