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CONGRATULATIONS!
To Our Very Own Resident Priest
The Rev. Canon Jerrick F. Rayside
For Making Canon of St. George's Cathedral, Guyana
Happy Birthday The Rev. Canon Jerrick F. Rayside
St. John's
would like to wish a very HAPPY BIRTHDAY
To Our Very Own Resident Priest
The Rev. Canon Jerrick F. Rayside
Resident Priest
The Rev. Canon Jerrick F.
Rayside
Telephone: (718) 525-7879
Sunday, February 9th, 2014
THE THIRD SUNDAY AFTER THE EPIPHANY
St. John's Episcopal Church, Springfield Gardens, NY would like to extend a special
congratulations to our very own Resident Priest, The Rev. Canon Jerrick F. Rayside whom was made 'Canon' in his
native home of Guyana in December 2013. The now Rev. Canon Jerrick F. Rayside was installed as Canon of St. George's Cathedral
on February 2nd, 2014. Congratulations again Rev. Canon Jerrick F. Rayside and God Blessings!
The Gospel John 14:8-17 (25-27)
Philip said to Jesus, "Lord, show us the Father, and we will be satisfied."
Jesus said to him, "Have I been with you all this time, Philip, and you still do not know me? Whoever has seen me has
seen the Father. How can you say, `Show us the Father'? Do you not believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in
me? The words that I say to you I do not speak on my own; but the Father who dwells in me does his works. Believe me that
I am in the Father and the Father is in me; but if you do not, then believe me because of the works themselves. Very truly,
I tell you, the one who believes in me will also do the works that I do and, in fact, will do greater works than these, because
I am going to the Father. I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If in my
name you ask me for anything, I will do it.
"If you love me, you will keep my commandments. And I will ask the Father,
and he will give you another Advocate, to be with you forever. This is the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive,
because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, because he abides with you, and he will be in you."
["I
have said these things to you while I am still with you. But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my
name, will teach you everything, and remind you of all that I have said to you. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to
you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid."]
Get Ready For Harvest Sunday 2015
Harvest Sunday, November 22, 2015 Please contact the Stewardship Committee to Sign-up
for Harvest Donations Flyers will be posted soon! Healing Mass
October 25th,
2015
Healing Mass, Sunday, 10/25 Heavenly Father, giver of life and health: Comfort and relieve your sick
servants, and give your power of healing to those who minister to their needs, that those for whom our prayers are offered
may be strengthened in their weakness and have confidence in your loving care; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and
reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. (Book of Common Prayer)
GALLERY PICTURES
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Season of Advent
Many Christians in the United States attend a church service on the first Sunday of Advent and may engage in activities
such as special prayers and contributing to ideas on enhancing peace. Many Advent traditions are observed in the United States
in the prelude to Christmas Day. For example, the Advent wreath is becoming increasingly popular in the United States. The
wreath can be seen in various churches across the nation around this time of the year. Advent calendars of all designs are
also given as gifts at this time of the year. The calendars feature openings
in the form of windows or doors that are numbered to count the days to Christmas. Calendars may contain chocolates, toys,
or candy and are given to children as a fun way to observe the Christmas countdown. Some traditional Advent calendars show
24 days but many Advent calendars showing 25 days, with the last opening on Christmas Day. The church year begins in September
1 in many eastern Christian churches, so Advent begins at a different time to when it starts in the western churches. The
eastern equivalent of Advent is called the Nativity Fast, which runs for 40 days. Source:
http://www.timeanddate.com/holidays/us/first-sunday-advent
"Maundy Thursday" Service April 13th @ 7:00PM
John 13:1-17, 31b-35
(White is appropriate at the Eucharist)
Before the festival of the Passover, Jesus knew that his hour had come to depart from this world and go to the Father. Having
loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end. The devil had already put it into the heart of Judas son of
Simon Iscariot to betray him. And during supper Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that
he had come from God and was going to God, got up from the table, took off his outer robe, and tied a towel around himself.
Then he poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples' feet and to wipe them with the towel that was tied
around him. He came to Simon Peter, who said to him, "Lord, are you going to wash my feet?" Jesus answered, "You
do not know now what I am doing, but later you will understand." Peter said to him, "You will never wash my feet."
Jesus answered, "Unless I wash you, you have no share with me." Simon Peter said to him, "Lord, not my feet
only but also my hands and my head!" Jesus said to him, "One who has bathed does not need to wash, except for the
feet, but is entirely clean. And you are clean, though not all of you." For he knew who was to betray him; for this reason
he said, "Not all of you are clean." "Easter Sunday" Service April 16th @ 9:00AM
Matthew 28:1-10
After the sabbath, as the first day of the week was dawning, Mary
Magdalene and the other Mary went to see the tomb. And suddenly there was a great earthquake; for an angel of the Lord, descending
from heaven, came and rolled back the stone and sat on it. His appearance was like lightning, and his clothing white as snow.
For fear of him the guards shook and became like dead men. But the angel said to the women, "Do not be afraid; I know
that you are looking for Jesus who was crucified. He is not here; for he has been raised, as he said. Come, see the place
where he lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciples, `He has been raised from the dead, and indeed he is going ahead of you
to Galilee; there you will see him.' This is my message for you." So they left the tomb quickly with fear and great
joy, and ran to tell his disciples. Suddenly Jesus met them and said, "Greetings!" And they came to him, took hold
of his feet, and worshiped him. Then Jesus said to them, "Do not be afraid; go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee;
there they will see me." Good Friday
April 3rd
John 18:1-19:42
(Black may be used)
Jesus went out with his disciples across
the Kidron valley to a place where there was a garden, which he and his disciples entered. Now Judas, who betrayed him, also
knew the place, because Jesus often met there with his disciples. So Judas brought a detachment of soldiers together with
police from the chief priests and the Pharisees, and they came there with lanterns and torches and weapons. Then Jesus, knowing
all that was to happen to him, came forward and asked them, "Whom are you looking for?" They answered, "Jesus
of Nazareth." Jesus replied, "I am he." Judas, who betrayed him, was standing with them. When Jesus said to
them, "I am he," they stepped back and fell to the ground. Again he asked them, "Whom are you looking for?"
And they said, "Jesus of Nazareth." Jesus answered, "I told you that I am he. So if you are looking for me,
let these men go." This was to fulfill the word that he had spoken, "I did not lose a single one of those whom you
gave me." Then Simon Peter, who had a sword, drew it, struck the high priest's slave, and cut off his right ear.
The slave's name was Malchus. Jesus said to Peter, "Put your sword back into its sheath. Am I not to drink the cup
that the Father has given me?" Maundy Thursday
April 2nd
John 13:1-17, 31b-35
(White is appropriate at the Eucharist)
Before the festival of the Passover, Jesus knew that his hour had come to depart from this world and go to the Father. Having
loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end. The devil had already put it into the heart of Judas son of
Simon Iscariot to betray him. And during supper Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that
he had come from God and was going to God, got up from the table, took off his outer robe, and tied a towel around himself.
Then he poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples' feet and to wipe them with the towel that was tied
around him. He came to Simon Peter, who said to him, "Lord, are you going to wash my feet?" Jesus answered, "You
do not know now what I am doing, but later you will understand." Peter said to him, "You will never wash my feet."
Jesus answered, "Unless I wash you, you have no share with me." Simon Peter said to him, "Lord, not my feet
only but also my hands and my head!" Jesus said to him, "One who has bathed does not need to wash, except for the
feet, but is entirely clean. And you are clean, though not all of you." For he knew who was to betray him; for this reason
he said, "Not all of you are clean." Ash Wednesday Service February 10th @ 7:00PM
Holy
Saturday
Easter Vigil, 4/4
John 19:38-42
After these things, Joseph of Arimathea, who was a disciple
of Jesus, though a secret one because of his fear of the Jews, asked Pilate to let him take away the body of Jesus. Pilate
gave him permission; so he came and removed his body. Nicodemus, who had at first come to Jesus by night, also came, bringing
a mixture of myrrh and aloes, weighing about a hundred pounds. They took the body of Jesus and wrapped it with the spices
in linen cloths, according to the burial custom of the Jews. Now there was a garden in the place where he was crucified, and
in the garden there was a new tomb in which no one had ever been laid. And so, because it was the Jewish day of Preparation,
and the tomb was nearby, they laid Jesus there.
Celebrate
Lent
So we, who are many, are one body in Christ, and individually
we are members one of another - Romans 12:5
Few passages from scripture describe
better the ethos of Episcopal Relief & Development than Paul's Letter to the Romans. It takes all of us, working together
as one body in Christ, to heal a hurting world. This was brought home to me vividly during a program visit I made to Myanmar
in February of last year.
I had the honor of visiting a demonstration farm where about thirty students who had come from
around the country were sitting in rapt attention under a shed listening to elderly men and women share their expertise in
soil and crop management and animal husbandry.
Their teachers were passing along knowledge that had been lost during
Myanmar's dark years of civil and political unrest. The teachers were sharing how to rotate crops, how to use natural
pesticides and fertilizers and how to breed animals.
This knowledge that had been lost was being recovered and passed
along for the glory of God.
As one body in Christ, all of us have a role to play, just as the elderly teachers in Myanmar,
in healing a hurting world.
What role will you play this Lent? -Robert W. Radtke
The Liturgy of the Palms Gospel:
Luke 19:28-40
After
telling a parable to the crowd at Jericho, Jesus went on ahead, going up to Jerusalem. When he had come near Bethphage and
Bethany, at the place called the Mount of Olives, he sent two of the disciples, saying, "Go into the village ahead of
you, and as you enter it you will find tied there a colt that has never been ridden. Untie it and bring it here. If anyone
asks you, 'Why are you untying it?' just say this, 'The Lord needs it.'" So those who were sent departed
and found it as he had told them. As they were untying the colt, its owners asked them, "Why are you untying the colt?"
They said, "The Lord needs it." Then they brought it to Jesus; and after throwing their cloaks on the colt, they
set Jesus on it. As he rode along, people kept spreading their cloaks on the road. As he was now approaching the path down
from the Mount of Olives, the whole multitude of the disciples began to praise God joyfully with a loud voice for all the
deeds of power that they had seen, saying, "Blessed is the king
who comes in the name of the Lord! Peace
in heaven,
and glory in the highest heaven!" Some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to him, "Teacher,
order your disciples to stop." He answered, "I tell you, if these were silent, the stones would shout out."
Gospel
Mark 13:24-37
Jesus said to his disciples, "In those days, after that suffering, the sun will be darkened,
and the moon will not give its light,
and the stars will be falling from heaven, and the powers in the heavens will
be shaken.
Then they will see `the Son of Man coming in clouds' with great power and glory. Then he will send out
the angels, and gather his elect from the four winds, from the ends of the earth to the ends of heaven.
"From the
fig tree learn its lesson: as soon as its branch becomes tender and puts forth its leaves, you know that summer is near. So
also, when you see these things taking place, you know that he is near, at the very gates. Truly I tell you, this generation
will not pass away until all these things have taken place. Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.
"But about that day or hour no one knows, neither the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. Beware, keep
alert; for you do not know when the time will come. It is like a man going on a journey, when he leaves home and puts his
slaves in charge, each with his work, and commands the doorkeeper to be on the watch. Therefore, keep awake-- for you do not
know when the master of the house will come, in the evening, or at midnight, or at cockcrow, or at dawn, or else he may find
you asleep when he comes suddenly. And what I say to you I say to all: Keep awake."
The
First
Sunday of Advent
Many Christians in the United States attend a church service
on the first Sunday of Advent and may engage in activities such as special prayers and contributing to ideas on enhancing
peace. Many Advent traditions are observed in the United States in the prelude to Christmas Day. For example, the Advent wreath
is becoming increasingly popular in the United States. The wreath can be seen in various churches across the nation around
this time of the year.
Advent calendars of all designs are also given as gifts at this time of the year. The calendars
feature openings in the form of windows or doors that are numbered to count the days to Christmas. Calendars may contain chocolates,
toys, or candy and are given to children as a fun way to observe the Christmas countdown. Some traditional Advent calendars
show 24 days but many Advent calendars showing 25 days, with the last opening on Christmas Day. The church year begins
in September 1 in many eastern Christian churches, so Advent begins at a different time to when it starts in the western churches.
The eastern equivalent of Advent is called the Nativity Fast, which runs for 40 days.
Source: http://www.timeanddate.com/holidays/us/first-sunday-advent Third Sunday
of Advent
Gospel: Matthew 11:2-11 When John heard in prison what the Messiah was doing, he sent
word by his disciples and said to him, "Are you the one who is to come, or are we to wait for another?" Jesus answered
them, "Go and tell John what you hear and see: the blind receive their sight, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed,
the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the poor have good news brought to them. And blessed is anyone who takes no offense
at me." As they went away, Jesus began to speak to the crowds about John: "What did you go
out into the wilderness to look at? A reed shaken by the wind? What then did you go out to see? Someone dressed in soft robes?
Look, those who wear soft robes are in royal palaces. What then did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more
than a prophet. This is the one about whom it is written, ‘See, I am sending my messenger ahead
of you,
who will prepare your way before you.' "Truly I tell you, among those born of
women no one has arisen greater than John the Baptist; yet the least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he."
Fifth Sunday of Advent "Fill
Us With Christ"
White is the color of Advent representing purity and light. Christ is the sinless, spotless, pure Savior. He
is the light come into a dark and dying world. Also, those who receive Jesus Christ as Savior are washed of their sins and
made whiter than snow. The Christ Candle is the fifth Advent Candle, positioned in the center of the
wreath. This Advent Candle's color is white. Spiritually preparing by focusing on the colors of Advent
in the weeks leading up to Christmas is a great way for Christian families to keep Christ the center of Christmas, and for
parents to teach their children the true meaning of Christmas.
The Gospel: Luke 2:1-14(15-20)
In those days a decree went out from Emperor Augustus that all
the world should be registered. This was the first registration and was taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria. All went
to their own towns to be registered. Joseph also went from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to the city of David
called Bethlehem, because he was descended from the house and family of David. He went to be registered with Mary, to whom
he was engaged and who was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for her to deliver her child. And she gave
birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in bands of cloth, and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them
in the inn.
In that region there were shepherds living in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. Then
an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel
said to them, "Do not be afraid; for see-- I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: to you is born
this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign for you: you will find a child wrapped
in bands of cloth and lying in a manger." And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising
God and saying, "Glory to God in the highest heaven,
and on earth peace among those whom he favors!"
[When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, "Let us go now to Bethlehem
and see this thing that has taken place, which the Lord has made known to us." So they went with haste and found Mary
and Joseph, and the child lying in the manger. When they saw this, they made known what had been told them about this child;
and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds told them. But Mary treasured all these words and pondered them in
her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.]
Monthly
Clergy Meeting
Clergy in the Jamaica DeaneryThe Monthly meeting for all the Clergy in the Jamaica
Deanery was held on Tuesday, June 3rd, 2014 at 10 AM. This Meeting was held at St. John's Episcopal Church 137-67 Belknap Street Springfield Gardens, NY 11413 CLICK HERE For More Pictures
Supporting
Our Resident
Priest
St. John's Episcopal Church Warden, Cynthia Stephens presented to the The Rev.
Canon Jerrick F. Rayside a donation from the congregation in support of his installation as Canon on February 2nd,
2014. Congratulations again to The Rev. Canon Jerrick F. Rayside we are very proud of you!
Ascension
Day Service
May 29th @ 7:30 PM
CLICK HERE FOR MORE PICTURES
St. John's Episcopal Church hosted Ascension Day Jamaica Deanery Service on May 29th @ 7:30 PM. We would like
to thank all the parishioners that turned out for fellowship on this special occasion. Special thanks to the visiting
Priests (Father Darryl James, Father Dennison Richards and Deacon Charles Nelson whom served on the Altar alongside
St. John's Resident Priest, The Rev. Canon Jerrick F. Rayside. Also, in attendance were Father Steve Foster and Dean
Mastine Nisbett.
The Ascension of Jesus is the Christian teaching found in the New Testament that the resurrected Jesus
was taken up to Heaven in his resurrected body, in the presence of eleven of his apostles, occurring 40 days after the resurrection.
In the biblical narrative, an angel tells the watching disciples that Jesus' second coming will take place in the same
manner as his ascension. The canonical gospels include two brief descriptions of the ascension of Jesus in Luke 24:50-53 and
Mark 16:19. A more detailed account of Jesus' bodily Ascension into the clouds is then given in the Acts of the Apostles
(1:9-11). The ascension of Jesus is professed in the Nicene Creed and in the Apostles' Creed.
Since the first Sunday in October 2003,
St. John's has been led in worship
and
spiritual
guidance by
Father Jerrick F. Rayside
St. John's Episcopal (Anglican) Church Welcomes You. Please feel free to contact our
Resident Priest, Father Jerrick
Rayside for any religious counseling and/or guidance.
ADVENT SEASON
FIRST DAY OF ADVENT
SUNDAY,
DECEMBER 1ST, 2013
The Rev. Canon Jerrick F. Rayside
The
season of Advent, the time of preparation for the coming of Christ at Christmas and the start of the liturgical year in the
Roman Catholic and Episcopalian Church, begins on a different date each year. Advent 2013 begins on the First Sunday
in Advent, December 1, 2013. Please join us to celebratev advent season each Sunday at our 9am Mass. Almighty God, give
us grace to cast away the works of darkness, and put on the armor of light, now in the time of this mortal life in which your
Son Jesus Christ came to visit us in great humility; that in the last day, when he shall come again in his glorious majesty
to judge both the living and the dead, we may rise to the life immortal; through him who lives and reigns with you and the
Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
HEALING SERVICE
NOVEMBER 17TH, 2013
The Rev. Canon
Jerrick F. Rayside
On Sunday, November 17th, The Rev. Fr. Jerrick Rayside held a healing service.
Prayers and anointment for the healing of the body, mind and spirit was offered. The Service of Healing utilizes an ancient
rite of the church: laying on of hands and anointing with oil for healing. Prayers and anointing may be for the person present
or as an intention for someone else. "Psalm 107:19-21: Then they cried to the LORD in their trouble, and he saved them
from their distress. He sent forth his word and healed them; he rescued them from the grave. Let them give thanks to the LORD
for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for men."
CLICK HERE FOR MORE PICTURES
Eastertide
(Easter Season)
Eastertide (or the Easter Season, Paschal Time, Paschal Tide or Paschaltide) is a festal season
in the liturgical year of Christianity that begins on Easter Sunday. Eastertide is the period of fifty days from Easter Sunday
to Pentecost Sunday. It is celebrated as a single joyful feast, indeed as the "great Lord's Day". Each Sunday
of the season is treated as a Sunday of Easter, and, after the Sunday of the Resurrection, they are named Second Sunday of
Easter, Third Sunday of Easter, etc. up to the Seventh Sunday of Easter, while the whole fifty-day period concludes with Pentecost
Sunday. Source: Wikipedia
Passiontide
5th Sunday Of Lent
Passiontide (in the Christian liturgical year) is a name for the last two weeks
of Lent, beginning on the Fifth Sunday of Lent, long celebrated as Passion Sunday, and ending on Holy Saturday. In the Roman
Catholic Church, and in Anglo-Catholic churches, all crucifixes and images may be covered in veils (usually violet, the color
of vestments in Lent) starting on Passion Sunday: "The practice of covering crosses and images in the church may be observed,
if the Episcopal conference decides. The crosses are to be covered until the end of the celebration of the Lord's passion
on Good Friday. Statues and images are to remain covered until the beginning of the Easter Vigil."(Specifically, those
veils are removed during the singing of the Gloria.) The veiling was associated with Passion Sunday's Gospel (John 8:46-59),
in which Jesus "hid himself" from the people. Source: Wikipedia CLICK HERE For MORE PICTURES
Baptism is a Christian rite of admission almost invariably with the use of water, into the Christian
Church generally and also a particular church tradition. Baptism has been called a sacrament and an ordinance of Jesus Christ.
In some traditions, baptism is also called christening, but for others the word "christening" is reserved for the
baptism of infants. The New Testament reports that Jesus was baptized. The usual form of baptism among the earliest Christians
was for the naked candidate to be immersed totally (submersion) or partially (standing or kneeling in water while water was
poured on him or her). While John the Baptist's use of a deep river for his baptism suggests immersion, pictorial and
archaeological evidence of Christian baptism from the 3rd century onward indicates that a normal form was to have the candidate
stand in water while water was poured over the upper body. Other common forms of baptism now in use include pouring water
three times on the forehead. Source: Wikipedia Click Here For More Pictures
Click Picture Above To View Video or View Video Here Pentecost Sunday is one of the most ancient feasts of the Church, celebrated early enough to be mentioned in the
Acts of the Apostles (20:16) and St. Paul's First Letter to the Corinthians (16:8). It is the 50th day after Easter (if
we count both Easter and Pentecost), and it supplants the Jewish feast of Pentecost, which took place 50 days after the Passover
and which celebrated the sealing of the Old Covenant on Mount Sinai. Why wear red on Pentecost Sunday? Red is the liturgical
color for this day. Red recalls the tongues of flame in which the Holy Spirit descended on the first Pentecost. The color
red also reminds us of the blood of the martyrs. These are the believers of every generation who by the power of the Holy
Spirit hold firm to the true faith even at the cost of their lives. So in keeping with tradition St. Episcopal Church congregation
wore red on Pentecost Sunday, May 19th, 2013 @ 9am Mass. To View Pentecost Sunday Pictures Click Here The Season
of Advent
The season of Advent, the time of preparation for the coming of Christ at Christmas and the start of the liturgical
year in the Roman Catholic Church, begins on a different date each year. When does Advent 2016 begin? Advent 2016 begins on
the First Sunday in Advent, November 27, 2016. Please join St. John's Episcopal Church on Advent Sundays for our
9am Mass. Almighty God, give us grace to cast away the works of darkness, and put on the armor of light, now in the time of
this mortal life in which your Son Jesus Christ came to visit us in great humility; that in the last day, when he shall come
again in his glorious majesty to judge both the living and the dead, we may rise to the life immortal; through him who lives
and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
Because the Episcopal Church welcomes many different points of view, the sermons offered during an
Episcopal service may vary widely from congregation to congregation. And it's not just the clergy who preach; in many
small congregations, lay leaders deliver the sermons more often than not. To assist these small congregations, the Episcopal
Church offers new sermons each week for Sundays and major feast days throughout the year. The idea of supplying congregations
with sermons or homilies dates back to the Articles of Religion, which were established during the English Reformation in
the sixteenth century. http://www.episcopalchurch.org/page/sermons
The season of Advent, the time of preparation for the coming of Christ at Christmas and the start
of the liturgical year in the Roman Catholic Church, begins on a different date each year. When does Advent 2012 begin? Advent
2012 begins on the First Sunday in Advent, December 2, 2012. Please join St. John's Episcopal Church on Advent Sundays
for our 9am Mass. Almighty God, give us grace to cast away the works of darkness, and put on the armor of light, now in the
time of this mortal life in which your Son Jesus Christ came to visit us in great humility; that in the last day, when he
shall come again in his glorious majesty to judge both the living and the dead, we may rise to the life immortal; through
him who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
Fourth Sunday of Advent "Fill Us With Love"
The Gospel: Matthew 1:18-25
Now the birth of Jesus the Messiah took place in
this way. When his mother Mary had been engaged to Joseph, but before they lived together, she was found to be with child
from the Holy Spirit. Her husband Joseph, being a righteous man and unwilling to expose her to public disgrace, planned to
dismiss her quietly. But just when he had resolved to do this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, "Joseph,
son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife, for the child conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will
bear a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins." All this took place to fulfill
what had been spoken by the Lord through the prophet:
"Look, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son,
and they shall name him Emmanuel," which means, "God is with us." When Joseph awoke from sleep, he did
as the angel of the Lord commanded him; he took her as his wife, but had no marital relations with her until she had borne
a son; and he named him Jesus.
Plaque Dedication Blessing
St. John's Episcopal Church
held it's 85th Anniversary Donors Plaque dedication ceremony during our Sunday Mass on October 28th, 2012. Thanks to all
our parishioners who were 85th anniversary donors, your dedication to our church is truly appreciated. "God bless those
who planted the seed, And those who gave to every need, And those who labored, with such care, To build this church, God's
House of Prayer. May we follow their example bright, Generously live, do what's right, Like them, may we, give God our
best, So our souls can find his rest."
St. John's Episcopal
Church celebrated Harvest Festival on Sunday, November 18th. St. John's "Little Angels" took part in the
harvest festival by performing a liturgical dance. We then met in the undercroft for a special harvest coffee hour get
together and to purchase special baked goodies organized by the Stewardship Committee: cakes, pies, home made breads,
ginger drinks etc. Thanks to everyone for participating and making this Sunday a special Harvest Sunday! Click Here For More Pictures
"Sacraments are outward and visible signs of inward
and spiritual grace" (Book of Common Prayer, p. 857). Besides baptism and the Eucharist
(Holy Communion), the church recognizes other spiritual markers in our journey of faith. These include:
•Confirmation (the adult affirmation of our baptismal vows), pp. 413-419, Book of Common Prayer
•Reconciliation of a Penitent (private confession), pp. 447-452, Book of Common Prayer
•Matrimony (Christian
marriage), pp. 422-438, Book of Common Prayer
•Orders (ordination to deacon, priest, or bishop), pp. 510-555,
Book of Common Prayer
•Unction (anointing with oil those who are sick or dying) pp. 453-467, Book of Common Prayer
These help us to be a sacramental people, seeing God always at work around us.
Source:
Sacraments
Crossing, Bowing and/or Genuflecting
What about all of this crossing, bowing and genuflecting? In Christian practice the acts of bowing,
crossing and genuflecting vary. They even vary among individuals; you will see the various members of St. John's are not
uniform in the following customs. Nevertheless these are the general rules to keep in mind. Crossing: The sign of the cross
or blessing oneself or crossing oneself, is a ritual blessing made by members of many branches of Christianity. This blessing
is made by the tracing of an upright cross or + across the body with the right hand, often accompanied by spoken or mental
recitation of the trinitarian formula. Bowing or Genuflection: bending at least one knee to the ground in the presence of
the Cross or altar, upon entering the sanctuary or approaching the altar. In the Letter to the Philippians chapter 2, verse
10, Paul writes "at the name of Jesus every knee should bend". Genuflection (sometimes spelled genuflexion) is an
action which involves "touching a knee briefly to the floor while holding the upper body upright, and then returning
to a standing position.
Why Do We Kneel In Church?
It is pretty simple really. When we are in Church, we are in the presence
of the King of Kings; so, we should act like it. In that light, would a sweeping mindless and lighting fast non-committal
bend or quick jerk of the knee toward the floor suffice? The key question for all of us really is, what would we do if we
really believed what we were in the presence of God Almighty? As with everything in our lives, we can use our circumstances,
our gifts, our work, or any capability we have to bring us closer to God. The key is the disposition of our hearts and the
commensurate exercise of our will. Here's a proposed approach for the next time we walk into a Church:Approach the sanctuary
slowly - don't rush in to find a seat - instead enter in to worship. Recognize where you are and focus on that reality.
Look to the tabernacle and acknowledge you are before the King of Kings. Move your body in a way that expresses what is real
in your heart and mind - or at least what you desire to be real. Stop and kneel - right knee - all the way down to the floor
and pause for a second. Say a prayer honoring Him - the "glory be" is good prayer, or just say "thank you
Lord, help me know and honor you." Make the sign of the cross, and slowly rise and then kneel again in the pew to further
prepare your heart for your encounter with God. Source: Dan Burke
Jesus said, "I came to bring fire to the earth, and how I wish it were already kindled! I have a baptism with which
to be baptized, and what stress I am under until it is completed! Do you think that I have come to bring peace to the earth?
No, I tell you, but rather division! From now on five in one household will be divided, three against two and two against
three; they will be divided:
"Father against son and son against father, mother against daughter and daughter against
mother, mother-in-law against her daughter-in-law and daughter-in-law against mother-in-law."
He also said to the
crowds, "When you see a cloud rising in the west, you immediately say, `It is going to rain'; and so it happens.
And when you see the south wind blowing, you say, `There will be scorching heat'; and it happens. You hypocrites! You
know how to interpret the appearance of earth and sky, but why do you not know how to interpret the present time?"
"It is a commentary on the creeds, but is not meant to be a complete statement of belief and
practices; rather, it is a point of departure for the teacher" (Book of Common Prayer, p. 844). Offered in a question-and-answer
format, the Catechism found in the back of the Book of Common Prayer (pp. 845-862) helps teach the foundational truths of
the Christian faith. Outline for instruction in the Christian faith presented in a question and answer format. The Catechism
appears in the BCP as "An Outline of the Faith" (pp. 845-862). Although the Catechism serves as a commentary on
the creeds, it is not intended to be a complete statement of belief and practice. It provides a brief summary of the church's
teaching. The Catechism is intended to serve as a point of departure for discussion by the catechist (lay or ordained) with
those who seek to understand the beliefs and practices of the Episcopal Church. Source: http://www.episcopalchurch.org/page/catechism
The Old
Testament
Jeremiah 23:23-29
Am I a God near by, says the LORD, and not a God far off? Who can hide in secret places so that I
cannot see them? says the LORD. Do I not fill heaven and earth? says the LORD. I have heard what the prophets have said who
prophesy lies in my name, saying, "I have dreamed, I have dreamed!" How long? Will the hearts of the prophets ever
turn back-- those who prophesy lies, and who prophesy the deceit of their own heart? They plan to make my people forget my
name by their dreams that they tell one another, just as their ancestors forgot my name for Baal. Let the prophet who has
a dream tell the dream, but let the one who has my word speak my word faithfully. What has straw in common with wheat? says
the LORD. Is not my word like fire, says the LORD, and like a hammer that breaks a rock in pieces?
Spiritual Growth "Lord, make us instruments of your peace. Where there is hatred, let us sow love" (Book
of Common Prayer, p. 833). The promises we make in our Baptismal Covenant are reminders that we are not yet perfect,
that we are called to move deeper in our faith and make a difference in our world. We do so together as the church, always
professing that we will indeed live into our baptismal vows as followers of Christ, but always "with God's help."
- http://www.episcopalchurch.org/page/spiritual-growth
All the tax collectors and sinners were coming near to listen to Jesus. And the Pharisees and the scribes were grumbling
and saying, "This fellow welcomes sinners and eats with them."
So he told them this parable: "Which one
of you, having a hundred sheep and losing one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the wilderness and go after the one
that is lost until he finds it? When he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders and rejoices. And when he comes home, he
calls together his friends and neighbors, saying to them, `Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep that was lost.'
Just so, I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons
who need no repentance.
"Or what woman having ten silver coins, if she loses one of them, does not light a lamp,
sweep the house, and search carefully until she finds it? When she has found it, she calls together her friends and neighbors,
saying, `Rejoice with me, for I have found the coin that I had lost.' Just so, I tell you, there is joy in the presence
of the angels of God over one sinner who repents."
Jesus said to the disciples, "There was a rich man who had a manager, and charges were brought to him that this man
was squandering his property. So he summoned him and said to him, `What is this that I hear about you? Give me an accounting
of your management, because you cannot be my manager any longer.' Then the manager said to himself, `What will I do, now
that my master is taking the position away from me? I am not strong enough to dig, and I am ashamed to beg. I have decided
what to do so that, when I am dismissed as manager, people may welcome me into their homes.' So, summoning his master's
debtors one by one, he asked the first, `How much do you owe my master?' He answered, `A hundred jugs of olive oil.'
He said to him, `Take your bill, sit down quickly, and make it fifty.' Then he asked another, `And how much do you owe?'
He replied, `A hundred containers of wheat.' He said to him, `Take your bill and make it eighty.' And his master commended
the dishonest manager because he had acted shrewdly; for the children of this age are more shrewd in dealing with their own
generation than are the children of light. And I tell you, make friends for yourselves by means of dishonest wealth so that
when it is gone, they may welcome you into the eternal homes.
"Whoever is faithful
in a very little is faithful also in much; and whoever is dishonest in a very little is dishonest also in much. If then you
have not been faithful with the dishonest wealth, who will entrust to you the true riches? And if you have not been faithful
with what belongs to another, who will give you what is your own? No slave can serve two masters; for a slave will either
hate the one and love the other, or be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and wealth."
Palm
Sunday
Palm Sunday April 13th
Palm Sunday, the final Sunday before Easter Sunday, marks the beginning
of Holy Week. Christian churches distribute palms (and sometimes pussy willows) on Palm Sunday to commemorate Christ's
triumphal entrance into Jerusalem, when palm branches were placed in His path, before His arrest and Crucifixion on Good Friday.
Please join us at St. John's St. John's Episcopal (Anglican) Church, Springfield Gardens, NY 11413 to celebrate Easter.
Stations of
The Cross
"St. John's will be hosting Stations of the Cross every Friday at 7PM until Good Friday."
Stations of the Cross refer to a series of artistic representations, often sculptural, depicting Christ Carrying the Cross
to his crucifixion. Most Episcopalian or Catholic churches contain Stations of the Cross, typically placed at intervals along
the side walls of the nave; in most churches, they are small plaques with reliefs or paintings. The tradition of moving around
the Stations to commemorate the Passion of Christ began with St. Francis of Assisi and extended throughout the Roman Catholic
Church in the medieval period. It is most commonly done during Lent, especially on Good Friday. The object of the Stations
is to help the faithful to make a spiritual pilgrimage of prayer, through meditating upon the chief scenes of Christ's
sufferings and death. It has become one of the most popular devotions for Episcopalians and is often performed in a spirit
of reparation for the sufferings and insults that Jesus endured during His Passion. Source: wikipedia
The liturgical celebrations of Pentecost in Western churches are as rich and
varied as those in the East. The main sign of Pentecost in the West is the color red. It symbolizes joy and the fire of the
Holy Spirit. Priests or ministers & choirs wear red vestments, and in modern times, the custom has extended to the lay
people of the congregation wearing red clothing in celebration as well. Red banners are often hung from walls or ceilings
to symbolize the blowing of the "mighty wind" and the free movement of the Spirit.
They may depict symbols
of the Holy Spirit, such as the dove or flames, symbols of the church such as Noah's Ark and the Pomegranate, or especially
within Protestant churches of Reformed and Evangelical traditions, words rather than images naming for example, the gifts
and Fruits of the Spirit. Red flowers at the altar/ preaching area, and red flowering plants such as geraniums around the
church are also typical decorations for Pentecost masses/services. These symbolize the renewal of life, the coming of the
warmth of summer, and the growth of the church at and from the first Pentecost. Source: wikipedia
Easter is a Christian festival and holiday celebrating the resurrection of Jesus Christ on the third
day after his crucifixion at Calvary as described in the New Testament. Easter is the culmination of the Passion of Christ,
preceded by Lent, a forty-day period of fasting, prayer, and penance. The last week of Lent is called Holy Week, and it contains
the days of the Easter Triduum, including Maundy Thursday (also known as Holy Thursday), commemorating the Last Supper and
its preceding foot washing, as well as Good Friday, commemorating the crucifixion and death of Jesus. Easter is followed by
a fifty-day period called Eastertide, or the Easter Season, ending with Pentecost Sunday.
Ascension
Day Service
May 29th @ 7:30 PM
CLICK HERE FOR MORE PICTURES
St. John's Episcopal Church hosted Ascension Day Jamaica Deanery Service on May 29th @ 7:30 PM. We would like
to thank all the parishioners that turned out for fellowship on this special occasion. Special thanks to the visiting
Priests (Father Darryl James, Father Dennison Richards and Deacon Charles Nelson whom served on the Altar alongside
St. John's Resident Priest, The Rev. Canon Jerrick F. Rayside. Also, in attendance were Father Steve Foster and Dean
Mastine Nisbett.
The Ascension of Jesus is the Christian teaching found in the New Testament that the resurrected Jesus
was taken up to Heaven in his resurrected body, in the presence of eleven of his apostles, occurring 40 days after the resurrection.
In the biblical narrative, an angel tells the watching disciples that Jesus' second coming will take place in the same
manner as his ascension. The canonical gospels include two brief descriptions of the ascension of Jesus in Luke 24:50-53 and
Mark 16:19. A more detailed account of Jesus' bodily Ascension into the clouds is then given in the Acts of the Apostles
(1:9-11). The ascension of Jesus is professed in the Nicene Creed and in the Apostles' Creed.
Pentecost
Sunday
St. John's celebrated Pentecost on Sunday, June 8th. The congregation turned out to service
dressed in red to symbolize the love of the Holy spirit. The color of the vestments worn by priests on Pentecost is red,
to symbolize the love of the Holy Spirit, or the tongues of fire that appeared over the heads of the apostles on Pentecost.
And don't just stop at wearing red. Use a red tablecloth for dinner, eat off red paper plates, eat red foods, etc. See
how many ways you can incorporate the color red in your celebration. The symbols of Pentecost are wind, fire and a dove.
CLICK HERE For More PicturesPrayers For
Bishop
Provenzano & Canon Betit
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Prayers For Bishop Provenzano and Canon Betit: Bishop Provenzano and Canon
John Betit are recovering from an automobile accident that occured while returning home from a diocesan pre-convention meeting
in Brooklyn. Bishop Provenzano was released from the emergency room early Friday morning and is recovering at home. Canon
Betit was released from the emergency room and is now home recovering as well. The Bishop said he is "holding in
prayer Canon Betit and the driver of the other car,". Office meetings previously scheduled for Friday with the Bishop
or Canon Betit have been postponed. Please see link below from the Diocese of LI for the latest updates. Source:
http://dioceselongisland.org/news_spotlightDetail.php?Bishop-Provenzano-and-Canon-Betit-recovering-from-Thursday-evening-automobile-accident-70
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