C ROSSI NGS O C T O B E R 2 0 1 3

S T . J O H N O F T H E C R O S S

- - E P I S C O P A L C H U R C H

574.848.7114 | stjohnsbristol@gmail.com | www.stjohncec.org

Fall Activities

My friends in Christ,

There are times when I sit on the dock and look

out at on the water and it is very still. This

typically happens late in the day and when the

reflections are stunning. I call it ‘mirror time’.

The reflection truly looks like a mirror image of

the landscape. For this to take place, the sun

has to be just right and the water as still as can

be. It doesn’t happen every night… but when it

occurs it takes my breath away.

Mirror time – when the reflections are just as

brilliant on the water as it is looking at the actual

houses and trees. It is the way the sun reflects

off the windows as well as the way it lights up

the colors on the trees. Beautiful images are

always difficult to put into words, and one way I

can sum up all that beauty is: Mirror time.

That is when I realize that not every moment in

my life is an absolute 100% reflection of God’s

love and grace. If it were, I wouldn’t be human.

But as often as possible I try to reflect the love

that God has shown and given to me. To be that

reflection of God’s love is being aware of our

time, treasures and talents. When we look at

things in that reflective mindset, we can see that

all we have is really God’s. It isn’t given to us

because of our achievements or what we do or

who we are, but rather it is given out of God’s

love and grace. There is a story written by

Bishop Greg Rickel that reminds me about God’s

generosity in this newsletter, please take a

moment to read it.

All that we have God has given us. For the

ministry to continue in Bristol, Indiana, through

the parish of St. John of the Cross Episcopal

Church, it will take all of us. Each and every one

of us… We must work on our invitation. We

must always provide hospitality. We must be

willing to share our faith with others. This year I

ask that you consider your giving, your pledge,

your stewardship, remembering that all you

have been given is by the grace of God. As you

prayerfully consider your pledge this year I pray

that it will be a mirror image of God’s gift to you.

Amen.

With my gratitude for all that you are and for all

that you do, I am

Your servant in Christ,

Carol+

One day, while walking through the downtown, a man sees in a store

window the most beautiful, the largest, most magnificent pearl he has

ever seen. Instantly he knows he must have it. So he enters the store and

an old guy enters from the door to the rear of the showroom.

The man addresses the storekeeper, “I want that pearl. How much is it?”

The storekeeper says, “How much you got?”

“Well I have $300.00 in my pocket.”

“Good. I’ll take that. What else you got?”

“Well I have a Chevy Suburban outside, low mileage, about two years old, paid off.”

“Good, I’ll take that too. What else you got?”

“Well, I have two CDs worth about $18,000.”

“Good,” says the storekeeper, “I’ll take those too. What else you got?”

This goes on and on. The man gives away his house, his property, even his family. Until finally the

storekeeper says, “OK, here. The pearl is yours.”

The man turns to leave the store. But as he is walking out the storekeeper stops him and says, “Hey, you know

what? That family of yours? I don’t need a family. So I’m going to give them back to you. But remember, they

are mine now, not yours. You must take good care of them. And that house in Connecticut, well, I don’t need

a house so you can have that back too. Although it does belong to me, I just want you to care for it. And as

for the CDs and the stocks and the Suburban and even this $300, you can have it all back too. But remember,

it is all mine. Take it. Use it wisely. Care for it for me.”

So the man left with everything he had when he walked into the store – plus the great pearl. But there was a

difference. He walked into the store owning everything he had. He walked out owning nothing. Instead,

everything he had before was now a gift. That is Christian stewardship…

+Bishop Greg Rickel --Diocese of Olympia

SHARING FAITH

Please join us for an evening of Faith Sharing on Sunday, October 13th from 5-6:30 p.m. in the parish hall.

Each of us has our own personal faith story and sharing these stories of our faith helps us and others to

recognize how God has worked in our lives. This night of listening and sharing can strengthen your

community bonds and your faith. On this evening of Sharing Faith, it is our hope that you will experience a

deeper understanding of your own faith as a Christian disciple. The meal will be provided and there is nothing

to bring but yourself and your story. For questions call Laura Barnett 574-534-0015.

READING AHEAD FOR OCTOBER October 6, 2013 Proper 22 Habakkuk 1:1-4, 2:1-4 The prophet complains bitterly to the Lord about the injustice and violence in the

world. God answers that justice will come in time; meanwhile, the righteous will live by faithfulness and loyalty.

Psalm 37:1-10 A psalm of advice to the wise, instructing them to avoid evil and to wait patiently on the Lord. The Lord will cut off the wicked.

II Timothy 1:1-14 The opening letter of Paul to his friend and coworker Timothy, whom he keeps always in his prayers.

Luke 17:5-10 Jesus tells of the disciples of faith’s great power, and reminds them that servants must not expect special privileges or thanks for merely doing their duty.

October 13, 2013 Proper 23 Jeremiah 29:1, 4-7 The prophet offers counsel from Jerusalem to the elders, priests and prophets who

are in exile in Babylon. Psalm 66:1-12 A hymn of praise and thanksgiving to God who rules in majesty and delivers God’s

people. 2 Timothy 2:8-15 Paul encourages Timothy to be faithful just as God remains faithful despite the

suffering and risks. Luke 17:11-19 Jesus heals ten lepers and only one (a Samaritan) returns to give thanks. October 20, 2013 Proper 24 Jeremiah 31:27-34 The prophet foresees a new covenant which God will make with the Lord’s own

people; a covenant written not on tablets of stone, but on human hearts. Psalm 119:97-104 A celebration of wisdom that comes from the meditation upon God’s law. 2 Timothy 3:14-4:5 Paul encourages Timothy to continue calmly and diligently with his ministry,

teaching from the scriptures and preaching the word of God. Luke 18:1-8 The parable of the woman and the unjust judge. October 27, 2013 Proper 25 Joel 2:23-32 The prophet has a vision of great abundance and happiness. Psalm 65 A psalm of praise and thanksgiving to the Lord, who creates the earth and causes it

to flourish. 2 Timothy 4:6-8, 16-18 Paul, who believes that his death is near, closes his letter to Timothy and looks

forward with great faith to the heavenly kingdom. Luke 18:9-14 The parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector. November 3, 2013 All Saints Day Daniel 7:1-3, 15-18 Daniel has a troubling dream full of visionary symbols. Psalm 149 The psalmist calls God’s people to sing praise to the Lord. Ephesians 1:11-23 God has marked those who follow Christ for the divine purpose and has sealed

them with the promised Holy Spirit. Luke 6:20-31 Jesus turns the worldly order upside down once again as he shows that things are

reversed in God’s rule.

VESTRY NEWS

First, let us wish Phil & Fran Eddy well as they move to Florida. We will miss them tremendously. Lynne Barnaby is also relocating but will be stopping in to see us as much as possible. Both have served St. John’s well and graciously as part of the Vestry and we all extend our thanks to you both. The Vestry has received and accepted Phil’s and Lynne’s resignations effective as of now. In situations like this, the remaining Vestry may appoint person(s) to fulfill those positions until the next Annual Meeting. I am pleased to announce that Jon Smoker and Bill Walters have both agreed to serve from now until that January 2014 Annual Meeting. Both have served as Vestry members previously and we look forward to their participation. This puts us in the unique position of needing quite a complement of persons to run for elections in January. Open positions will be Jr. Warden (a one year term, and you must have been a member of the Vestry at some point previously). One Vestry position for 1 year (fulfilling the remainder of Phil Eddy’s term) and 2 persons for 2-yr terms, as Lynne leaves the Vestry, and Terry Miller comes to the close of his 2 year term, and we offer our thanks for his insight and assistance during these two years. Please consider offering your name as a candidate for a position on the Vestry. Please contact Deb Walters or Rev. Carol and let them know of your interest or questions. If you wish to be a candidate, we will also need a short biography by Jan. 10th for inclusion in the Annual Report.

OCTOBER BIRTHDAYS AND ANNIVERSARIES

10/2 Georgia King Evans 10/11 June Thompson 10/14 Jim/Lisa Mast 10/14 Chuck/Carol Fleming 10/17 Carol Smoker 10/21 Doug/Julie Weaver

10/22 Michelle Dixon 10/24 Steve Streeter 10/29 Nancy Butler 10/30 Brooke Fingerle 10/30 Kenneth Storey

LAY MINISTER SCHEDULE DATE 1ST READER 2ND READER PRAYERS CHALICE 1 CHALICE 2 WELCOMERS 10/6 Ross Miller Steve Streeter Sue West Cindy Keck Steve Streeter Terry Miller 10/13 Deb Walters Joe Bean Mary Ann Bean Bob Dixon Deb Walters Nancy Butler 10/20 Ross Miller Steve Streeter Bob Hatley Steve Streeter Cindy Keck Bob Dixons 10/27 Larry Smith Sue West Gigi Smith Cindy Keck Deb Walters Walters 11/3 Steve Streeter Julie Streeter Terry Scott Steve Streeter Bob Hatley Bryan Dixons Please notify Sue West if you cannot serve when scheduled (266-5450) or inform her of your replacement. Also, please let her know of any change of address, phone, or e-mail address. ALTAR MINISTRY COFFEE HOSTS COUNTERS 10/6 Cyd Sunday Bill & Deb Walters Joe Bean/Bruce Krueger 10/13 Nancy Butler Flemings Deb Walters/Jerry McCarthy 10/20 Kay Streeter Joy Stutzman Terry Miller/Cindy Dixon 10/27 Sue Glaser Sue Glaser Joe Bean/Jerry McCarthy 11/3 Cyd Sunday Mark & Anne Reverman Dave Streeter/Bruce Krueger

THANKS

To all who helped with the Barth funeral meal (many appreciative comments were received)

To Ben Haas and all his “picture taking” work for St. John of the Cross

To all who helped load the back packs recently

To all who helped with the Community Meal on September 29th

To all who continue to support our outreach to the Bristol Food Pantry

Thank-you for all the school supplies for Back Packs for Bristol Elementary School students used throughout the school year. They were very much appreciated.

NEW ADDRESSES

Phil and Fran Eddy Lynne Barnaby 17290 N.E. 22nd Ct. 6863 Brightwood Ct. Citra, Fl 32113-2518 Waterford, MI 48327

OCTOBER

SUN MON TUES WED THURS FRI SAT

1 2 Carol's office hrs by appt 6 pm Evening Prayer

3 4 5

6 9:30 am Holy Eucharist

Food Pantry Sunday

7 8 9 Carol's office hrs by appt 6 pm Evening Prayer

10

11 12 Annual Diocesan Festival Day - Camp Mack

13 Blessing of the Animals Loveway - 10:30 am

5-6:30 pm Dinner / Sharing Faith

14 15

16 Carol's office hrs by appt 6 pm Evening Prayer

17 18 19

20 9:30 am Holy Eucharist

21 22 23 Carol's office hrs by appt 6 pm Evening prayer

24

25 26 Diocesan Convention St. Anne’s, Warsaw

27 9:30 am Holy Eucharist

28 29 30 Carol's office hrs by appt 6 pm Rite 1 Eucharist

31 Noon Friendship Luncheon Bring a dish to share

TRUNK OR TREAT (approx 5-7 pm) 6 pm Peel apples

1 9 am Bake strudels

2 9 am Bake strudels

3 9:30 am Holy Eucharist

4 5 6 Carol's office hrs by appt 6 pm Rite 1 Eucharist

7 8 9 Sugar & Spice Bazaar 9 - 2

TRUNK OR TREAT Wednesday, October 31st (exact times

will be announced) Location: St John of

the Cross Parking lot. Be a part of a

unique Trick or Treat opportunity for

local children. Decorate your truck or car for Halloween and then fill

your Trunk with Treats...park in the SJOC parking lot and let the Trunk or

Treat begin! Prizes awarded for best decorated vehicle. Want to be a

trunker? Contact Kenneth Story via e-mail at kasjunior@comcast.net or

by phone at 574-596-8708.

SUGAR 'N’ SPICE BAZAAR

St John's Sugar ‘N’ Spice Christmas Bazaar is set for Saturday, Nov. 9th from 9-2. We will be making our

popular strudels again this year! We are taking donations for the fruit for the strudels (apples have

already been donated).

Schedule for Strudel Baking Preparation:

-Peel apples on Thurs., Oct. 31st at 6 p.m.

-Bake Apple strudels on Fri., Nov. 1st at 9 a.m.

-Bake Cherry and Blueberry on Sat., Nov. 2nd at 9 a.m.

-Wrap on Sun., Nov. 3rd after church

There will be 4 gift baskets to raffle off: a Wine & Cheese Basket, a Kids Basket, a Movie Night Basket and a

Spaghetti Dinner Night Basket. We are looking for donations of 4 large baskets or nice boxes for the gift

baskets. See the lists at church for all the items needed to fill these baskets. We are also looking for about 10

items for a Silent Auction. These should be items you yourself would want to bid on. The items can be new,

slightly used, collectibles, antiques, decorative paintings, prints, jewelry, furs, or other unique items. All

items will have a minimum bid.

We have several vendors interested in renting a table ($20 per table). If

you would like to participate by having a table to sell your crafts or

donating your crafts for the benefit of SJOC, please let us know; we

would love to include you at the bazaar.

Parishioners will be called for cookies, candies, pies, breads, rolls,

jellies, and other baked goodies to be brought to church on Friday night

before the bazaar.

See the sign-up sheets in the Fellowship Hall. If you have questions

please call or email Cindy Keck. keckin2k@comcast.net or 574-848-7255.

BLESSING OF THE ANIMALS

Our service on Sunday, October 13th will be held at LoveWay

Therapeutic Riding Stables, at 10:30 a.m. This will be a combined

service with the Cadets from Howe Military Academy. Please bring

your pets!

DIOCESAN ANNUAL CONVENTION

On Saturday, October 26th at St. Anne's Warsaw, the Diocesan Convention will be held. Delegates include

Deb Walters, Sharon Pedler and Bruce Krueger. Registration starts at 7:30 a.m. with Eucharist at 9 a.m.

Meetings will conclude around 3:30 p.m.

REMINDERS

Sun., Dec. 1 at 3 p.m. -- Christmas caroling at Jan Riley's apartment complex. Bring along your friends and

family as we provide special music with flute, guitar, and voices.

DIOCESE FESTIVAL DAY – October 12, 2013

At Camp Mack -Milford, IN

Friends, Music, Worship and FUN

Activities include: Music, Hikes, Labyrinth, Crafts, Games, Art, Discussion, Prayer

10 a.m. Registration, 11 a.m. Eucharist, 12 p.m. Lunch, 1-4 p.m. Games

Main dish and drinks included. Bring a side dish to share.

$10 per person or $25 per family. RSVP to Diocese office - 574-233-6489

“Let truth be told, let love be lived, let hope be real, let peace be lasting.”

It might be called a mantra, a sacred saying to roll around in your mind until it

becomes second nature, but I share it for more than personal use.

This little saying danced across my prayers and kept repeating itself.

It is a quiet chant for all of us who live in anxious times.

Please accept the invitation to pray it today before the sun sets where you are.

It is our common call to heal the world around us.

The Rt. Rev. Steven Charleston