The Gleanings of St. John’sD E C 2 0 1 6 / J A N 2 0 1 7

Going to BethlehemWe who know Christ are called to go to Him. We are called to

also be people of love, peace, and reconciliation. We can think of

a thousand reasons that going to Christ is impractical and dan-

gerous. We are busy. But our life and our future is with Christ

whether we go to Him or not.excerpt from The Rector’s Message, p.2

St. Nicholas Day December 4Bring a donation of anew unwrappedbook, game or toy togive to St. Nicholas todeliver to a child inneed.

Annual Meeting December 11Our Annual Meetingis held immediatelyfollowing an abbrevi-ated 10:30 worshipservice.

Christmas Eve Services December 24Join us at 5:00 pm fora family-style serviceor at 10:30 pm forspecial choir musicfollowed by HolyEucharist.

The Gleanings has gone digital. Tojoin our mailing list, please send anemail to jshuttstjohns@verizon.net.

When viewing the newsletter, if theprint is too small, please note theoption to “zoom” (enlarge) at the topcenter of the viewing window usingthe “+” or “–”. You can also down-load it to your computer or print ityourself if you would rather read ahard copy. On an iPad, you can savethe PDF to your iBooks library.

I N T H I S I S S U E

Message from the Rector

Christmas Schedule

Lessons in Liturgy: Advent

Annual Diocesan Council

Youth Happenings

Come watch the Bedford ChristmasParade with us and enjoy some hotchocolate on the lawn. Dec 3 @ 11.

D A T E S T O R E M E M B E R

www . s t j o h n s b e d f o r d . d i o sw v a . o r g

2

A Message from the Rector The Very Rev. F. Wilson Brown

Dear friends inChrist,Many years ago a friend sent methis card, invitingus to consider our response toChristmas. The artwork, byJohn Hougen, isentitled “TheShepherds Debate”:

“Though the Scriptures do not record the shepherdsdebating whether to go to Bethlehem, I imagine theydid. In their debate, they might have asked whetherthe angels were real or an illusion? Would theMessiah actually come to them if He hadn’t come toMoses, Elijah, or Jeremiah? Was it necessary to trekinto Bethlehem in the night? Why not wait for some-one else to verify the news before giving it credibility?

Today, clear and compelling messages calling forPeace and Goodwill have an even more difficult timegetting through. I suspect even angels and brilliantstars would not stop the nations from war. But, as afew shepherds were able to move beyond debate,those of us who hear and see must pray, vote, andspeak for peace, lest the angels and their messagefade completely.”

~ by John Hougen, 12/2002

If we take it for what it is, the coming of Christchallenges our assumptions about power, security,and what is good in life. If we don’t sanitize thestory or make it too sentimental, we find that Godcomes among us vulnerable to share in our lives.We can and do hurt him. Even so he radiates love,peace, and reconciliation.

We who know Christ are called to go to Him. Weare called to also be people of love, peace, and rec-onciliation. We can think of a thousand reasonsthat going to Christ is impractical and dangerous.We are busy. But our life and our future is withChrist whether we go to Him or not.

God grant you a blessed, faithful, and joyful Christmas and new year,

—Wilson+continued on page 4

3

Upcoming Events & Parish NewsBedford’s Christmas Parade—December 3rd

St. John’s front lawn is a terrific place to watch theChristmas parade on December 3rd. The paradestarts at 11:00 am, so bring your lawn chairs or blan-kets to enjoy the festivities. The church will be givingaway free hot chocolate and cookies. The youth ofthe church are needed to help us serve. Wear yourmost colorful holiday outfit to celebrate the Season!

St. Nicholas Day—December 4th

On Sunday, December 4th we will be treated to avisit from St. Nicholas. Everyone is encouraged tobring a gift as a way of honoring the patron saint ofchildren. This annual gift drive will benefit theBedford Community Christmas Station. Donationsof books, toys or games should be new andunwrapped. Special needs are: Legos, dolls, art sets,pokémon toys and books. St. John’s children willhave an opportunity to visit and have their picturestaken with St. Nicholas.

Annual Meeting is December 11th

The 2016 Annual Meeting of St. John’s EpiscopalChurch will be held on Sunday, December 11th,immediately following an abbreviated 10:30 amservice. At the meeting we will hear reports, discussthe Proposed 2017 Operating Budget, and elect fivemembers to Vestry service. There will be an extend-ed Children’s Chapel with a craft for the children.Coffee hour will follow the meeting.

Adult Forum in DecemberDon Rowe will be leading the Adult Forum onDecember 4th and 11th. We will then break for theholidays and resume on January 8th with a new topic.

Confirmation Class Begins in JanuaryConfirmation Discernment Class begins January 8that 9:30 during Sunday School. The Bishop will makehis annual visitation on April 23rd, the Sunday afterEaster. Youth and adults interested in consideringbeing confirmed are invited to speak with the rectorand to plan to attend Sunday morning classesJanuary 8th through April 9th. We will explore ourfaith, the role of the ancient and current church, andour lives as followers of Christ.

Christmas ServicesSunday, December 18th

Fourth Sunday in Advent• 10:30 am Holy Eucharist Rite II

Saturday, December 24th

Christmas Eve• Our early Christmas Eve service will begin at

5:00 pm. This is a less formal, family-styleRite II Holy Eucharist Service.

• 10:30 pm Choir Music• 11:00 pm Holy Eucharist Rite II

Sunday, December 25th

Christmas Day• 10:30 am Holy Eucharist Rite II

Sunday, January 1st

New Year’s Day• 10:30 am Holy Eucharist Rite II

Friday, January 6th

The Feast of the Epiphany• 7:00 pm Epiphany Service

98th Annual Convention of the Diocese of SWVASaturday@Council Is for EveryoneJanuary 28, 9:00 am— 3:30 pm

Theme: “One in Mission: Joining the JesusMovement”

Where: Hotel Roanoke ConferenceCenter, 110 Shenandoah Avenue

Cost: There is no charge to attend the work- shops for this is a gift from the Diocese.

Come and be inspired.Register online at www.dioswva.orgor call 1-800-DIO-SWVA.

The Vestry’s monthly meeting was held onWednesday, November 16, 2016. The minutes of theOctober meeting were approved.

Treasurer's Report: J.R. Rodes submitted hisreport in writing. He noted: October’s receipts area solid recovery from September’s low. Total rev-enue Year-To-Date, was 3.74% below October’sbudget milestone of 83.3% (10/12ths). .

Stewardship Report: Steve Wandrei noted in hiswritten report that to date there are 64 pledgestotaling $216,751.00. St. John’s is still several thou-sand dollars shy of the goal for 2017, but he hopedto have a few more pledges come in.

Senior Warden’s Report: Steve Wandrei submit-ted his report in writing. He noted that theEvensong service was huge success with over 110 inattendance. He noted that the liturgy program wasalso successful and generated some good discussionpoints.

Junior Warden's Report: Jim Towner reportedthat he would like to institute a “building projectsupdate list” that would note upcoming projectsaround the building and when projects were com-pleted. The list would also allow people to haveinput on what improvements they might like to seearound the building. He will bring a proposed list ofprojects to the next meeting.

Rector's Report: Wilson submitted his report inwriting. He noted that there were several successfulprograms over the course of the previous month,including the Evensong service and the Ecumenicalprayer service at the Bower Center. He noted thatVestry members for election needed to be recruitedand that Alan Pipkin’s unexpired term had not yetbeen filled.

New Business: • Vestry retreat planning: Wilson hopes to set upan orientation type meeting as a separate sessionfrom the vestry retreat. Jim Towner suggested visit-ing other vestry meetings for ideas. Wilson will puttogether some ideas for leaders, and dates andplaces for the Vestry retreat.

• Designation of Endowment Withdrawal: TheVestry agreed that ½ the endowment withdrawalwould go to the general fund and half would go toCommunity Outreach.• Designation of Evensong Collection: The Vestryapproved the use of the collection to pay for theservice, with the remainder going into the general fund.

Unfinished Business: • The Vestry approved the following proposals forthe Kendrick Funds: $4,000. will be kept as seedmoney for regular special events/services and lec-tures. The remaining funds will be invested in theDiocesan pooled fund. • The Vestry approved the following proposal forthe Handy funds: Remaining funds in this account(following the recent roof repair) will be used forimprovements to the Church building.• Vestry Nominations: The Nominating committeeis working on this. Wilson is working on it as well.• Designation of Christmas offering: ½ of the offer-ing will go to the general fund and ½ to theOutreach committee.

Committee Reports• Liturgy: A congregational meeting was led bySteve Wandrei, Kim Nowlin and Wilson Brown.The meeting went well.• Church Growth: Martha Nowlin reported that theNewcomers dinner was successful and thankedWinston and Cathey Burks for hosting.• Community Outreach: John Waff reported thatthe Christmas shoebox initiative was a huge successwith 45 boxes total from St. John’s..The meeting closed with prayer at 7:45 pm.

Respectfully Submitted,—Jenny Shutt, Recording Secretary

The Vestry Report Jenny Shutt, recording secretary

Next meeting: Wednesday, December 21, 6:00 pm

4

5

Fellowship Blu Ayers & Julia Baker

C O M M I T T E E S

Many thanks to all the folks who put up tables, dec-orated, broke down tables, put up chairs, washeddishes, cleaned the kitchen, and provided a deli-cious repast at our annual Thanksgiving Potluck. Itwas a fun and festive. A great way to launch the holi-day season.

December Coffee Team Schedule

December 4 Hodnett

December 11 Mays

December 18 Rieley

December 25 none

January Coffee Team Schedule

January 1 Ayers

January 8 Baker

January 15 Childers

January 22 Green

January 29 Guerin

Next year's schedule is “brewing.” We would love toadd some new members to the teams. Ask aroundand we will sign you up?

Also—a reminder that ice maker is not usable

Christian Formation Kara Wagner Brown

December is a busy and fun month at St. John’s andJanuary has its own highlights, too!! Pull out yourcalendars and mark some important dates!

St. Nicholas will be visiting St. John’s on Sundaymorning December 4th. He will worship with usduring the late service, visit with the children duringChildren’s Chapel and will be in coffee hour, aswell. Please bring an unwrapped Christmas gift forsomeone in need. St. Nick will bless them and thenmake sure they get delivered to someone in need.

St. Nicholas’ wealthy parents, who raised him to bea devout Christian, died in an epidemic whileNicholas was still young. Obeying Jesus' words to“sell what you own and give the money to thepoor,”Nicholas used his whole inheritance to assistthe needy, the sick, and the suffering. He dedicatedhis life to serving God and was made Bishop ofMyra while still a young man. Bishop Nicholasbecame known throughout the land for his generos-ity to those in need, his love for children, and hisconcern for sailors and ships.

Epiphany, or the 12th day after Christmas cele-brates the arrival of the Wise Men to see the babyJesus. We will celebrate this with a Twelfth Nightpotluck & party on Thursday, Jan. 5th. Please join

us for a church family party to celebrate. We will begathering at 6:00 pm for a potluck supper. (Pleasebring something to share with the group.) Then,some crafts, activities and a retelling of theEpiphany story. We will enjoy a special Three KingsCake and crown a Queen or King of the party.Don’t miss this opportunity to join in fellowshipwith your St. John’s family.

There will be no Sunday School Classes onSunday, December 18th and 25th or January 1st. Regular classes will resume on Jan. 8th.

—submitted by Kara Wagner Brown

C O M M I T T E E S

6

Vestry Person(s) of the Month VPOM December—Steve WandreiSteven Wandrei returned toBedford thirteen years ago tojoin the firm of Radford &Wandrei where he practices lawwith his father Bob. Steve’s par-ents, Bob and Ellen Wandrei, are

long time members of St. John’s. Steve is a graduateof Virginia Episcopal School in Lynchburg, VA andthe College of William and Mary in Williamsburg.

In addition to serving on the Vestry, Steve served asa delegate to Annual Council for several years.When his senior partner allows him to take a longlunch, Steve enjoys volunteering at the Shepard’sTable with other members of St. John’s.

Steve and his wife, Marta, were married at St. John’sin February 2005. They are the very proud parentsof Connor Ethan Wandrei. Connor, who will turnone-year old on December 18th, is looking forwardto his second Christmas.

VPOM January—Wendy WittWendy was born and raised inthe Bedford area, and has been amember of St. John’s for severalyears. She attended VirginiaCommonwealth Universitywhere she earned a B.S. in

Psychology in 1995. After graduation, she workedwith a national telecommunications company as adatabase manager for three years. She took eightyears off to raise her three children—Aaron (12thgrade), Quincy (9th grade) and Finn (7th grade).Once they were all in school, she decided to returnto the workforce as a real estate agent with Keller-Williams serving the greater Bedford area.

In addition to Vestry, Wendy has taught SundaySchool and volunteers as a leader for Children’sChapel. She is also on the Altar Guild and serves ona coffee team.

Hot Chocolate at the ParadeThe Bedford Christmas Parade will take place onSaturday, December 3rd at 11:00 am We plan onceagain to give away hot chocolate and cookies as asign of Jesus’ unconditional love.

Be on the look out for the parade float with ourfriends from Main Street United Methodist Church!

December 18 (3rd Sundays with MSUMC)Youth Christmas Service Project and PartyThe youth will meet at Main Street United MethodistChurch right after the service and we will help themwith their Christmas service project. This will be fol-lowed by a Christmas party.

December 20 Water Park at MassanuttenMain Street United Methodist church has invited usto join them for a day trip to Massanutten indoorwater park on December 20th. The cost is $30 perperson. Register by Tuesday Dec 6 by contactingBeth Hicks at beth@msumcbedford.org.

Youth Group

7

Altar Guild Pat Rieley

If you would like to give memorial, honor, or thanks-giving Christmas flowers or greenery, please fill inone of the cards located at the back of the church,and send it with your $12.00 check to the office bySunday, December 18th. All donors’ names withtheir memorial or thanksgiving message will beprinted in the Christmas Eve bulletin.

We will be erecting and decorating the Chrismontree on Thursday, December 15th at 6:00 pm. Pleasejoin us. Questions: Call J.R. Rodes at 434-525-2148.

We will be preparing the sanctuary for the Christmascelebrations on Friday, December 23rd at10:00 am.Come join us and help to prepare for this blessedseason. Contact Pat Rieley at 540-587-5817.

WA N T E D : SHEPHERD'S TABLE COORDINATOR

St. John's has prepared and served meals at theShepherd’s Table for the last six years under the ableleadership of Judy Whitehead. Judy has announcedher retirement as of the first of the year. A replace-ment needs to step forward. The good news is thechurch only serves the first Friday of each month.(The announcement about the fourth Monday aswell is incorrect. That was the day the church usedto serve before being assigned the first Friday. )

The other good news is Judy has developed a greatteam of volunteers who know what they are doing.You would not be starting from scratch but pickingup and carrying on an established program. But everyteam needs a leader to coordinate the effort. TheShepherd’s Table feeds the needy in the communityand they are used to coming for a tasty dinner andseeing the smiling faces of the Saints of St. John’s.

Judy has promised to give all the help she can to thenew coordinator so there will be a smooth transi-tion. It is time to call Judy at 297-5480 and let herknow you are willing to take on the coordinator job.Remember we are instructed at the end of eachservice to go out into the world and do the work wehave been instructed to do. Now is the time to pickup the phone and say, “Here I am.”

Community Outreach Kathie Childers

C O M M I T T E E S

Next Shepherd’s Table: Friday, December 2

Lessons in Liturgy:Advent Worship

—The Very Rev. F. Wilson Brown

Advent is the beginning of the Church year. It is aseason of expectation, looking toward the comingof Jesus. It is also a season of reflection. Whatneeds to be done to prepare to “meet ourmaker?” The Church’s Advent calls for thought-ful, prayerful meditation on the coming of Christ.Here are some of the changes we have made inour worship to help set the tone:

Service MusicMagnificat in place of Gloria: In our order ofservice we sing a processional hymn, greet thecongregation, and say a Collect for Purity. Thefirst act of worship we do together is to sing asong of praise. We usually use the ancient Gloriawhich begins “Glory be to God on high.” InAdvent we have switched to using a setting of theMagnificat. It is a hymn using Mary’s words fromthe first chapter of the Gospel of Luke to sharewith her cousin Elizabeth what God has prom-ised in the coming of Jesus.

Agnus Dei as the fraction anthem: When thebread is broken during the Communion service,we always acknowledge that Christ sacrificed forus. We usually use the words; “Christ, OurPassover, was sacrificed for us…” In Advent weare using a less triumphal, more contemplativehymn. The ancient Greek Agnus Dei reminds usof the sacrificial lamb: “Jesus, Lamb of God, havemercy on us.”

Prayers of the People, Form II: This is one ofthe forms that requires silence between the peti-tions. The rubric at the beginning of prayersinstructs us that “In the course of the silence aftereach bidding, the People offer their own prayers,either silently or aloud.” We will be keepingsilence and inviting each other to add our ownprayers during that time. The lector will not be

reading our prayer list, rather we will be addingthe prayers. Please be sure to get a copy of ourprayer lists from the ushers.

Lighting the Advent WreathAdvent wreaths have come into common use inmany churches as a way of “counting down” theweeks until Christmas. As more candles are liteach Sunday we know that Christmas is nearer!

The wreath is also a wonderful teaching tool forchildren and adults. It is full of symbols to remindus of God. As with many things, there is morethan one way to interpret an Advent wreath butthe following has been used in many places overthe years

The wreath itself is a powerful symbol of God.The circle reminds us that God is eternal. Asthere is no “end” in a circle, there is no end toGod. The greenery of the wreath reminds us oflife. The evergreen branches remind us that Jesusis the source of eternal life.

There are four candles one an advent wreath, onefor every week of Advent. Four, as a number,reminds us of learning about Jesus in that thereare four gospels. As we light an additional candleeach week we remember that the light of God iscoming into the world. Three of the candles arepurple and one is pink.

Purple is both a color of royalty and penitence. Itis a royal color because, in earlier times, it wasvery expensive and the color worn by kings. It is acolor of penitence because the soldiers, as theymocked Jesus before they crucified him, drapedhim in a purple robe. Purple reminds us thatJesus is king and that we are prone to reject him.

8

9

In the first to weeks of Advent we light purplecandles. This speaks of a reflective, serious mood.At least in the church, we take some time to con-sider our great need for the coming of Jesus.

On the third week we light the pink candle toreflect a shift from somber reflection to expectantexcitement. Having considered our great need ofJesus we enter into the excitement of His com-ing! The pink candle is sometimes called thegaudete or joy candle.

The candles of the wreath are sometimes namedto tell the story of Jesus coming. The first candleis the Prophecy Candle reminding us that Jesuscoming was foretold by the Old Testamentprophets. The second candle is the Angel’sCandle remembering the angels appearing toMary and Joseph. The third is the BethlehemCandle which calls us to make room for Jesus inhearts and lives. The fourth candle is theShepherds’ candle reminding us seek Jesus in theworld around us.

There are a couple of great times to use anAdvent wreath at home. One is during familydevotions. The other is to light the wreath justbefore saying a mealtime blessing. Following aresome possible prayers for use on the weeks ofAdvent:

1 Advent: The Prophecy Candle - HopeAlmighty God, through your prophets you havetaught us to hope for the coming of a Savoir forall the world; help us to prepare so that, at Jesus’coming, we will be ready to joyfully greet ourLord and Savior. This we pray in Jesus’ name.

Amen.

2 Advent: The Angels’ Candle - LoveGracious God, you sent your angels to tell Maryand Joseph of the coming of your Son, fill us withthe hope of your promise and make us ready toreceive Jesus into our hearts, our homes, ourcommunity, and our nation through the sameJesus Christ our Lord.

Amen.

3 Advent: The Bethlehem Candle - JoyO God, our Father, who did send your son tosave the whole world, we pray you to bless allwho work for you. Make us glad to help in yourwork so that all people everywhere may learn toknow your love and to share with us the joy thatcomes through our Savior Jesus Christ.

Amen.

4 Advent: The Shepherds CandleLord Jesus, the Son of God our Father, born in astable among the oxen and the sheep becausethere was no room in the inn; come into ourhearts and dwell there forever. Call us as theangels call the shepherds and send us to makeyour love known to the world.

Amen.

10

An Invitation There is growing interest in the Wednesday mid-week service and this is an invitation to others tojoin us on the Wednesdays in December as weobserve Advent and come to Christmas.

Those of you who have attended a mid-week serv-ice know it begins at 12:15 pm with the Rectorusing Rite II Holy Communion. On the 1st and 3rdWednesdays during the service there is an addedHealing Service (a typed form with openings forindividuals to say names aloud).

At the end of the Healing Service those desiring itcome to the altar rail to be anointed on the foreheadwhile the Rector gives a blessing. The person kneel-ing does not say anything at this time.

Because of the many Feast Days in the EpiscopalChurch, the Wednesday service always has a specialreading and the Rector’s Homily always focuses onthe reading.

For example, on November 30th thereading was for Andrew the Apostle.Most references to Andrew in the NewTestament simply include him on a listof the Twelve Apostles. His feast is

taken in the West to be the beginning of the ChurchYear. The First Sunday in Advent is defined to bethe Sunday on or nearest his feast or be defined asthe fourth Sunday before Christmas Day.

The following are examples of the readings throughDecember:

December 7: St. Nicholas

December 14: St. John of the Cross

December 21: St. Thomas (major feast day)

December 28: Holy Innocents (major feast day)

Midweek Worship Service Rebecca Mays

S P E C I A L R E P O R T

Don’t forget to bring donations (macaroni & cheese boxes, canned fruitin juice, hamburger helper) for BedfordChristian Ministries’ food pantry.

11

Alternative Giving Kathie Childers

S P E C I A L R E P O R T

A PLEA FROM UNCLE FREDI know I mentioned this to you last year but I'mnot sure you were listening. PLEASE don't wasteyour time and money getting something for me forChristmas that I don't want, don't need, can't use,and won't wear. If I really want it, I've probablyalready gotten it for myself. Most of us don't needall the stuff we already have. Don't even think ofthose gift card things. Do you know a big percent-age of those things never even get used? Last year I suggested you consider alternative giving; youknow, making a donation to a charity in my honor.Please give that idea serious consideration this year.Nothing would mean more to me than receiving acard from you saying you'd made a donation in myhonor. You can pick the charity. There are a lot ofgood ones out there and they all need as much sup-port as they can get. What would be more in thespirit of Christmas than giving to those in need?Look at this list of charities, pick one, and do methe honor of making a donation in my name. Therereally is nothing I would like more. Last year Iasked. This year I'm pleading. Hopefully next year,I can just say thank you.

Love, Uncle Fred

These ideas for alternative giving are supplied toyou buy the Outreach Committee. There aremany more worthwhile charities for your considera-tion. We hope you will consider some alternativegiving this Christmas.

Click the following websites below for more infor-mation or to make a donation:

r Habitat for Humanity

r Society of St. Andrew

r Boys' Home

r Bedford Ride

r Bedford Humane Society

r Alex's Lemonade Stand

r St. Jude's

r Rwandan HUGS

r Bedford Domestic Violence Services

r Bedford Christian Ministries

r Bedford Community Christmas Station

Parish Concerns Rebecca Mays

Parish Concerns would welcome muffins and cook-ies as well as small casseroles and soups for thefreezer. I’m wondering if there is anyone able orwilling to make a dessert or muffin which is sugar-free? We have not ever had requests for sugar freebut having one or two items on hand would give usa new item to offer.

When filling out the label to attach to the freezercontainer would you please use your initials or yourname so we could contact you if there were ques-

tions. It would also allow me to thank you for cook-ing or baking or making a donation. As of this writ-ing, I know we have had food donations from ReneeVest, Marge Rucker, Jo Kissenberth, and MarySiegel and there are others whom need to bethanked.

Another favor: We need help defrosting the twofreezers in the rear pantry in January. Willing volun-teers should call Rebecca at 586-6799 or email bedfordgal@gmail.com. Thank you!

12

Prayer List Name Prayer Concern Relation to St. John’s Ben Mays cancer Son of Bill MaysBeverly Briggs kidney issues Sister of Nancy StrachanElizabeth Everidge arthritis Sister of Mary Ann WilsonTom Brace cancer Brother in law of Mary SiegelMargaret Brace lupus Sister of Mary SiegelRon Beach lymphoma Friend of Janet HardisonDanny Morgan stroke Friend of Nancy JohnsonBettie Leonard paralyzed Friend of Nancy JohnsonJacqueline Ellege cancer Friend of Sherri HodnettMarilyn Rowe stroke Member of St. JohnsEd Cobb stroke Friend of Jim VestTed Green encouragement Member of St. John’sKathy Updike brain cancer Mother of Heather GarrettLaura Rodes cancer–clinical trial Member of St. John’sBill Mays healing of lung Member of St. John’sHelen Marie Graves brain cancer God Daughter of Nancy StrachanLeslie Tomlin healing Sister of Jenny GreenEdie Spencer heart attack Sister of Janet HardisonWayne McRae open heart surgery Friend of Mary and Charles SiegelCynthia Daniello surgery Member of St. John’sAnnette Kendall breast cancer Member of St. John’sChris Nelson illness Member of St. John’sJim Hueber recovery from heart surgery Member of St. John’sSusan & Kevin Thomas healing Friends of Cathey BurksPeyton Brown cancer Member of St. John’s Mary Catherine Stout health concerns Cousin of Ellen WandreiRobert Steiner recuperation from illness Father of Cathey BurksKara Wagner Brown recovery from hip replacement Member of St. John’sDiane Murphy severe back pain Family member of Barbara MurphyTammy Callen lymphoma Friend of Liz NelmsAlan Pipkin pancreatic cancer Member of St. John’sPat Goodman eye surgery Friend of Nancy StrachanAlica Hicks colostomy Sister of Linnette HealyTom McAllister depression Relative of Mary SiegelJay McDaniel health concerns Brother of Bruce McDanielMarian Guckert fractured back Friend of Revelle HamiltonRuth Bazemore peaceful passing Friend of Nancy StrachanBen Mayhew coma Friend of Liz NelmsEsnidia Rinaldi pancreatic cancer Friend of Carol CrossDonald Reinheart cancer Friend of Carol CrossSherri Hodnett recovery from surgery Member of St. John’s

Continued on next page

13

Prayer List (continued) Continued from previous page

Brenda Church healing Member of St. John’sShannon McGuirk ear implant Member of St. John’sMike Moldenhauer recovery from Surgery Member of St. John’sJoanne Schaper cancer Sister of Gail GuerinArnold Sgalio illness Friend of Rick GuerinRita Walker cancer Friend of Gail GuerinKimberly Wandrei breast surgery Daughter in law of Bob & Ellen WandreiJenny Green recovery from infection Member of St. John’sRandee Beckman broken leg and ankle Member of St. John’sStephanie Sue Kennedy recovery from surgery Sister of Linnette HealyFelix Shamba surgery Friend of Nancy StrachanKabuga famine Friend of Nancy StrachanGlenn Ayers recovery from surgery Member of St. John’s

Elderly Homebound Tempe Davis Ella Justice Virginia Philbrick Louise Robertson Nina West Cynthia Daniello Val Walker

Serving in the U.S. Military Jake Chris Woodward (Coast Guard) Ben Melton (Ft. Bragg, NC) John Bailey P.J. Walerko (Okinawa) Jeff Henderson Nicholas Sites (Navy)

The Bedford Community For the work of the Salvation Army this holiday season.

Diocese of SW Virginia For Hope, as we light the first candle on our Advent wreath.

Diocese of Leeds For our companion parish, St. James, Crossroads; Peter, their priest, and his wife Eileen

Our Country & the World Victims of fire, floods, and tragic shootings. And for the people of Rwanda who are affected by the famine.

Daughters of the King Louise Pipkin, presidentContact Joyce Moorman with prayer requests

Fall AssemblyKay Waff, Rebecca Mays, Joyce Moorman and Iattended the Fall Assembly on November 5th at St.James in Roanoke and heard Martha Bourlakisspeak. She was lively in getting us to participate inan examination of the meanings and implications ofthe words “daughter” and “king.” It was a veryenjoyable day with a lovely catered lunch and thenHoly Eucharist. We sat together with the Daughtersfrom St. Stephen’s, Forest which included HelenAnn Spessard. It was very nice to be with her again.

There was some unexpected (by me) news thatKaren Joy Kelly will be moving back to Michigan.

She has sold her house in Wyndhurst, Forest whichcloses Jan. 30. Then she’ll move to a beach town inMichigan having bought a house with her daughter.Her final services will be Christmas. She will bemissed by many.

Bruce Brinkman celebrated Holy Eucharist with us,as his new wife, Susan is a Daughter of the Kingfrom Rocky Mount. He was there providing hertransportation. It was good to see him too andreceive his current jabs about Baylor and theUniversity of Texas.

14

Around St. John’s

Sunday, November 6, 2016 was a memorable All Saints’Day at St. John’s. The celebrant at the 10:30 servicewas The Rev. Tom Mustard, our Rector-Emeritus.The highlight of the day, however, was the 5pmservice of “Choral Evensong for the Solemnity ofAll Saints” which brought together a choir of 23voices – women & men from area churches joiningour choir being directed by Steven R. Lawrence.C.W. Markham served as cantor singing parts ofthe service and Johnson Scott playing the organ.Music for the service included “Evening Canticlesin D, Grayston Ives & “O How Amiable” by RalphVaughan Williams. The Rev. Tom Mustard was thepreacher & spent a few moments wanting to clarifythe definition of “Rector Emeritus” which he saidmeant you were old!Our church was full with both familiar and newfaces all of whom were touched by the beauty of thesolemn service & wishing to express gratitude to St.John’s for providing such a meaningful beginning tothe Advent season. Many strongly urged our SeniorWarden and other Vestry members to continuehaving Choral Evensong as a tradition! B

Our good wishes to Sis Amparan as she recoversfrom having surgery before Thanksgiving; herdaughter Maria Bass says she is doing well & is a“real trooper!” B

Also at Westminster Canterbury is Jenny Greenwho has recovered from her bout of surgery and wehope she has regained her strength in order to enjoythe holidays. B

Mary Jean Garrett has moved to WestminsterCanterbury in Lynchburg and we wish her well asshe get acquainted with friends & with Lynchburg.Her new address is : Westminster Canterbury, 501VES Road, Apt. W322, Lynchburg, VA 24503 B

Betty Hueber is awaiting a date for her secondcataract surgery with Dr. Moss. We trust she’ll getalong well as she did with cataract #1. B

Val Walker is now at English Meadows (The ElksHome) in Bedford and can receive visitors. Val is inMemory Care unit #H124. B

Kelly (McGuirk) Butler is now the nurse to Dr.Todd Dehli at Centra Medical Group Village inMoneta. We wish her much success. B

Peggy (Noel) Jeffries has recently sold her cottageand her mother’s home (Margaret Noel) on AvenelAvenue located next to the Avenue mansion. Peggyhas moved to Buckeye, Arizona to be near her twograndchildren and her son & family. We hope tohear from Peggy once she is settled. We wish hermuch happiness in her new home. B

Glenn Ayers has had successful surgery for a sub-dural hematoma at Lynchburg General Hospital inmid-November and is now receiving rehab atVirginia Baptist Hospital. We wish him successwith his rehab and a return home before long. B

We rejoice with Rick & Gail Guerin and family onhis forthcoming retirement from C.B. Fleet inLynchburg; his last day will be 12/31/16. He isvery excited and his plan is to farm full time. B

15

Around St. John’s (continued)

Mary Anne Eubank had some help with the organfrom her granddaughter Hattie (pictured above) ona recent Sunday morning at St. John’s. BThe St. John’s family sends our best wishes andcongratulations to Brenda & Mike Arbogast on thebirth of Emerson Claire DiMarcantonio onNovember 1, 2016 to their youngest daughter,Laura & husband, Brian who live in Denville, N.J.Brenda & Mike were in New Jersey for the birthand enjoyed a nice week afterwards with the family.Unfortunately, it is a long trip to go to New Jerseyevery time they want to see their granddaughter,but Brenda has overcome her resistance to technol-ogy and become an avid facetime user.Emerson joins the Arbogast’s other grandchildrenMichael & Daniel Eubank whose mother isJoAnna Eubank of Evington, VA. B

Cathey & Winston Burks are proud first-timegrandparents! Their children, Anna & PatrickBolling welcomed baby Richard Onex Bolling, II,into the world on Monday, November 7th atVirginia Baptist Hospital. Baby Onex is named afterPatrick’s grandfather, Richard Onex Bolling ofBedford who died in September, 2010. All is welland Anna, Patrick and Onex (and dog Delta) are all

settled in at home in Lynchburg. Cathey & Winstonare already in the routine of Sunday evening visitsjust to sit, hold and adore their beautiful Grandson! Other news from the Burks—Watts Burks isengaged! He asked his long time wonderful girl-friend, Liza Mackey, to marry him on November23rd and she said YES! 2016 has really been aneventful HAPPY year for the Burks! Kate andBrian's wedding, puppies, a grandson and now anengagement! Life is good! B

Revelle Hamilton enjoyed a visit with Lee Walkerand her husband, Glenn Weber, duringThanksgiving week. They enjoyed a performanceby the Knoxville Choral Society while she was there.Lee especially enjoyed visiting with St John’s con-gregation while she was in Bedford.

Revelle has artwork currently inthe H20 exhibit at The BowerCenter and also has small works on“The Giving Tree” which is cov-ered with tiny paintings and minisculptures by Bedford artists. B

Join the Bedford Community Orchestra for a nightof holiday music on Saturday, December 17th at theBedford Middle School. Among the musicians willbe Kara Wagner Brown and Karen Nichols.Suggested donation is $10/adults, $5/under 12.Come enjoy a wonderful evening of your favoriteholiday tunes! www.BedfordCommOrch.org B

Need Christmas Cards? St. John’shas multi-use cards featuring ourstained glass windows. The cardsare blank inside and are sold (withenvelopes) in bunches of 10 for$7.50. The price includes VA salestax of $0.38. You can stop by theoffice anytime and pick yours up,or you can order online atwww.stjohnsbedford.dioswva.org.

Please send your contributions to “Around St. John’s” to Chandra Schmehl at stjohnsnewsletter@verizon.net.

16

December 2016C A L E N D A R

SUNDAY WEDNESDAYMONDAY TUESDAY THURSDAY FR IDAY SATURDAY

1 2 3

4 5 6 7 8 9 10

11 12 13 14 15 16 17

18 19 20 21 22 23 24

Advent Two

8:00 am Holy Eucharist Rite I 9:30 am Sunday School 10:30 am Holy Eucharist Rite II with St. Nicholas 11:30 am Morning Social Hour

Advent Three

8:00 am Holy Eucharist Rite I 9:30 am Sunday School 10:30 am Holy Eucharist Rite II Children’s Chapel and Annual Meeting 11:30 am Morning Social Hour 2:00 Girl Scouts

Advent Four

8:00 am Holy Eucharist Rite I 9:30 am No Sunday School 10:30 am Holy Eucharist Rite II 11:30 am Morning Social Hour noon Youth Group

Christmas Day

8:00 am no service 10:30 am Holy Eucharist Rite II

12:15 pm Holy Eucharist

1:00 pm DOK Meeting

Shepherd’s Table

8:00 pmN.A. Meeting

8:00 pmN.A. Meeting

8:00 pmN.A. Meeting

8:00 pmN.A. Meeting

8:00 pmN.A. Meeting

BIRTHDAYS BIRTHDAYS BIRTHDAYS ANNIVERSARIES

B I R T H D A Y S & A N N I V E R S A R I E S

25 26 27

12:15 pm Holy EucharistHealing Service

7:00 pmAdult Choir

7:00 pmAdult Choir

7:00 pmAdult Choir

7:00 pmAdult Choir

Dec 2 Dick ThomasDec 3 J.R. RodesDec 4 Marjorie BakerDec 5 Jacob SensenigDec 6 Aaron PlattusDec 7 Katrina AyersDec 7 Kate Burks McNeelyDec 10 Bill Jackson

Dec 10 Charles SiegelDec 11 Chris BassDec 11 Elizabeth JohnsonDec 12 James Frye AyersDec 12 Val WalkerDec 14 Catherine OlsonDec 14 Wilson BrownDec 15 Carter GarrettDec 15 Phillip Waff

Dec 18 Shirley MustardDec 20 Allison SitzlerDec 20 C.W. MarkhamDec 22 Nicholas BrownDec 28 Keith AyersDec 28 Jacob ChurchDec 29 Evelyn E. JohnsonDec 30 Gail Thomas

Dec 13 Garry & KimHoward

Dec 20 Katy & Darren Craig

Dec 24 Amp & Sis Amparan

Dec 26 Alan & LouisePipkin

Dec 29 Dave & KaraSensenig

6:00 pmVestry Meeting

5:00 pmFree ClinicWellness Class

5:00 pmFree ClinicWellness Class

5:00 pmFree ClinicWellness Class

28 29 30 31

12:15 pm Holy Eucharist

12:15 pm Holy EucharistHealing Service

St. Nicholas Day

11:00 amBedford Christmas Parade

ChristmasEve

5:00 pm Family Service10:30 pm Music11:00 pm Christmas EveService

New Year’sEve

5:00 pmFree ClinicWellness Class

5:00 pmFree ClinicWellness Class

10:00 amDecorating forChristmas

6:00 pm Decorating theCrismon Tree

(Church office closed)

17

January 2017C A L E N D A R

SUNDAY WEDNESDAYMONDAY TUESDAY THURSDAY FR IDAY SATURDAY

1 2 3 4 5 6 7

8 9 10 11 12 13 14

15 16 17 18 19 20 21

22 23 24 25 26 27 28

New Year’s Day

8:00 am no service 10:30 am Holy Eucharist Rite I 11:30 am Morning Social Hour

Epiphany One

8:00 am Holy Eucharist Rite I 9:30 am Sunday School 10:30 am Holy Eucharist Rite II Children’s Chapel 11:30 am Morning Social Hour 2:00 Girl Scouts

Epiphany Two

8:00 am Holy Eucharist Rite I 9:30 am Sunday School 10:30 am Holy Eucharist Rite II 11:30 am Morning Social Hour noon Youth Group

Convocation Meeting in Amherst

Epiphany Three

8:00 am Holy Eucharist Rite I 9:30 am Sunday School 10:30 am Holy Eucharist Rite II Children’s Chapel 11:30 am Morning Social Hour 2:00 Girl Scouts

Epiphany Four

9:30 am Sunday School 10:30 am Morning Prayer 11:30 am Morning Social Hour

Diocesan Council / Youth@Council

12:15 pm Holy Eucharist

1:00 pm DOK Meeting

8:00 pmN.A. Meeting

8:00 pmN.A. Meeting

8:00 pmN.A. Meeting

BIRTHDAYS BIRTHDAYS BIRTHDAYS ANNIVERSARIES

B I R T H D A Y S & A N N I V E R S A R I E S

29 30 31

12:15 pm Holy EucharistHealing Service

7:00 pmAdult Choir

7:00 pmAdult Choir

7:00 pmAdult Choir

7:00 pmAdult Choir

7:00 pmAdult Choir

Jan 01 Giselle RoweJan 02 Jacob WaffJan 03 Sherri HodnettJan 04 Blu AyersJan 04 Lois ChambersJan 05 Mary Anne EubankJan 05 Ryan RodesJan 07 Gordon EubankJan 07 Betty Hueber

Jan 08 Jo BellJan 08 Melissa AyersJan 08 Linwood HodnettJan 10 Betsy HanningJan 13 Ryan DempseyJan 16 Linnette HealyJan 17 Gin McCabeJan 18 Les DuncanJan 20 Anne Burnley

Gowen

Jan 23 Don RoweJan 25 Watts Burks, IVJan 25 Winston BurksJan 25 Ella SchmehlJan 26 Cory WatkinsJan 29 Laura MasonJan 29 Barbara Murphy

Jan 02 Philip & Julia Baker

Jan 02 Chris & Maria Bass

Jan 03 Mike & Pat Rieley

Jan 10 Dick & JudyWhitehead

Jan 25 Greg and MegBaltad

Jan 30 Bob and MimiCopenhaver

6:00 pmVestry Meeting

5:00 pmFree ClinicWellness Class

5:00 pmFree ClinicWellness Class6:00 pm

Epiphany Party& Potluck

5:00 pmFree ClinicWellness Class

5:00 pmFree ClinicWellness Class

1 2 3 4

10:00 amPEO Meeting

7:30 amYouth Breakfast

12:15 pm Holy Eucharist

12:15 pm Holy EucharistHealing Service

7:00 pm Epiphany Service

Epiphany

Diocesan Council / Youth@Council

(Church office closed)Shepherd’s Table

Ash Wednesdayis March 1

18

The StaffThe Very Rev. F. Wilson Brown, Jr. . . . . . . . . Rector . . . . . . . . . .email: wbrownstjohns@verizon.net

The Rev. Carol Cross . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Deacon

The Rev. Kay Waff . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Deacon

Mary Anne Eubank . . . . . . . Organist/Choir Director

Jenny Shutt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Administrative Assistant . . . . . . . . . . . . .email: jshuttstjohns@verizon.net

Madalin Danieley . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Nursery Attendant

Tracey Goff . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sexton

Sunday Services8:00 am . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Holy Eucharist Rite I9:30 am . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sunday School/Choir Practice . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .classes for preschool through high school . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . and Adult Forum10:30 am . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Holy Eucharist Rite II . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(1st Sunday, Rite I)11:30 am . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Morning Social Hour

Wednesday Service12:15 pm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Holy Eucharist Rite II . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(Healing Services 1st & 3rd Wednesdays)

How to Contac t Us : 314 North Bridge Street Bedford, VA 24523

540-586-9582email: jshuttstjohns@verizon.net wbrownstjohns@verizon.net

www . s t j o h n s b e d f o r d . d i o s w v a . o r g

St. John’s Episcopal Church

The Vestry 2016Steve Wandrei . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Senior WardenJim Towner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Junior WardenKim Nowlin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Clerk of the VestryJ.R. Rodes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . TreasurerPete Thomas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Asst. Treasurer

Members: Julia Baker Cathey Burks Carter Garrett Martha Nowlin Don Rowe John Waff Wendy Witt

Vestry Person of the Month for December: Steve WandreiVestry Person of the Month for January: Wendy Witt

Submit Newsletter articlesto Chandra Schmehl by email at stjohnsnewsletter@verizon.net

February Deadline: Sunday, January 22, 2017