ST. JOHN ORTHODOX CHURCH

 

1663 TUTWILER AVENUE

MEMPHIS, TN 38107

(901) 274-4119

www.stjohnmemphis.org

 

V. Rev. Fr. John Troy Mashburn, Jr.                                   Rev. Fr. Nicholas Meyers

Pastor                                                                          Assistant Pastor

 

    V. Rev. Fr. Basil Cushman                                                Rev. Fr. Donald Berge

Associate Pastor                                                                     Attached

 

GREAT VESPERS                       ORTHROS and CHURCH SCHOOL    DIVINE LITURGY

Saturday, 6:00 p.m.                                    Sunday, 9:00 a.m.                      Sunday, 10:00 a.m.

 

Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America

“…the Disciples were called Christians first in Antioch!”

Acts 11:26

 

Twenty-Third Sunday after Pentecost

November 23, 2008

Epistle:  Ephesians 2:4-10         Gospel:  Luke 12:16-21

                                                                                                                               

The Holy Bread for Eucharist is offered this morning by Mindy Williams.

 

Welcome to all those visiting St. John Orthodox Church.  We are honored by your presence.  It is our sincere desire that your participation today in the Divine Liturgy will draw you closer to Christ and His Church.

 

If you are from a non-Orthodox background you may see new things such as icons, incense, the sign of the cross, the veneration of saints, and a great deal of standing.  These can be perplexing to the uninitiated eye.  Rest assured that everything we do has a solid biblical foundation and a long history among Christian people.  Please feel free to participate where you feel comfortable, and feel equally as free only to observe when you prefer.

 

The Orthodox Church understands the Eucharist, or Lord’s Supper, to be – among other things – the paramount expression of Christian unity.  While it is our deepest hope that Christendom will one day fulfill Christ’s desire for true unity among all those who claim His name (John 17:21), the unfortunate reality of our day is that the various segments of Christendom are not unified with the historic Orthodox faith.  Since participation in the Eucharist expresses a unity with all the dogma and practice of the Orthodox Church, non-Orthodox guests do not receive Holy Communion.  The Holy Eucharist is reserved for those members of the Orthodox Church who have prepared themselves by prayer, fasting, and recent confession.  All visitors and unprepared Orthodox are invited to partake of the blessed bread as they come forward to venerate the cross at the end of the Liturgy.  Thank you for your understanding.

 

 

 

 

ST. JOHN CALENDAR                                             November 23rd – November 30th (Nativity Fast)

Sunday            - Teen Group – St. Nicholas Play Practice, 5:00 p.m.

- Young Adult Group, at Fr. John & Kh. Pamela’s home, 7:00 p.m.

Monday          - First Hour, 6:45 a.m.

                        - Advent Paraklesis, 7:00 p.m.

Tuesday          - Third Hour, 9:00 a.m.

                        - Men’s Lunch, 11:45 a.m.

- No Choir Practice

- Catechumen/Inquirer’s Class, 7:00 p.m.

Wednesday     - Third Hour, 9:00 a.m.

- Vespers, 5:30 p.m.

- No Dinner or Teaching this week

Thursday        - Office Closed

Friday             - Office Closed

Saturday         - Ninth Hour and Great Vespers, 5:50 p.m.

Sunday            - Church School, 9:00 a.m.

- Orthros, 9:00 a.m.

                        - Divine Liturgy, 10:00 a.m.  

 

Schedule for Divine Liturgy                                                Sunday, November 30th    

PRIEST:                       Fr. Nicholas                             HOMILY:        Fr. Nicholas

DEACONS:                 Dns. Charles & Tim                  READER:        John Cameron

HOLY BREAD:           Anne Dugan                             USHER:           John Sneed

ALTAR SERVERS:     Joshua, J. Morgan, Misha, Joe

COFFEE HOUR:         Massouhs

TUPELO:                     Dn. Charles

 

Wednesday night service – This Wednesday we will not have a dinner or teaching following Vespers. We will still have Vespers at 5:30 p.m.

 

Upcoming memorials on December 7:

            Marguerite Farha (Kim and Terry’s grandmother) – 3 year memorial

            Emily Day (Kim and Terry’s aunt) – First year memorial

                                               

 

CAROLING – Mark your calendars! We will again be singing Christmas carols at Kings Daughter’s & Son’s Home in Bartlett. Join us at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, December 11th. This is a very nice alms-giving activity for the Nativity season.  Please join us!!

 

COMMEMORATIONS

 

Nov. 23:  Gregory, bishop of agrigentum; Amphilokios, bishop of Iconium; Ischyrion, bishop in Egypt and hermit of Sketis; Venerable Sisinios the Confessor of Kyzikos; Dionysios, patriarch of Constantinople; repose of Alexander Nevsky, prince of Novgorod; Metrophanes, first bishop of Voronezh.

 

Nov. 24:  Clement, pope of Rome; Hieromartyrs Peter, archbishop of Alexandria, and Hermogenes, bishop of Agrigentum; Martyrs Philomenos and Alexander of Corinth.

 

Nov. 25:  Great-martyrs Katherine the all-wise of Alexandria and Mercurios of Caesarea in Cappadocia; Martyr Mercurios of Smolensk.

 

Nov. 26:  Venerable Alypios the Stylite, Stylianos of Paphlagonia and Nikon the preacher of repentance; New-martyr George of Chios; repose of Innocent, first bishop of Irkutsk.

 

Nov. 27:  Great-martyr James the Persian; Venerable Palladios of Thessalonika; Venerable Nathanael of Nitria; James, bishop of Rostov.

 

Nov. 28:  Venerable-martyr Stephen the New; Martyr Irinarchos of Sebaste and those with him.

 

Nov. 29:  Martyrs Paramon of Bithynia and Philoumenos of Ancyra; Venerable Akakios of Sinai; Hieromartyr Dionysios, bishop of Corinth; Urban, bishop of Macedonia; Nicholas, archbishop of Thessalonika.

 

Nov. 30:  Apostle Andrew the First-Called; Frumentios, archbishop and enlightener of Ethiopia; Alexander, bishop of Methymna.

 

**For reading material on the saints for this week, visit the display in the church library.

 

 

DAILY SCRIPTURE READINGS       November 23 – November 30

Sunday                         Ephesians 2:4-10                                  Luke 12:16-21

Monday                       I Thessalonians 2:20-3:8                       Luke 17:20-25

Tuesday                       I Thessalonians 3:9-13                          Luke 17:26-37

Wednesday                  I Thessalonians 4:1-12                          Luke 18:15-17, 26-30

Thursday                      I Thessalonians 5:1-8                            Luke 18:31-34

Friday                          I Thessalonians 5:9-13, 24-28             Luke 19:12-28

Saturday                       II Corinthians 11:1-6                            Luke 10:19-21

Sunday                         Ephesians 2:14-22                                Luke 13:10-17

 

Pray for our catechumens:  In Memphis - James Pritchard, Leland & Courtney Murphree (Mary Charlotte), Gary & Cindy Karnaghon, Larry Ichniowski, Kinney Graham, Maria Cartagena, Maria Brackey, Lisa Martin, Barbara McWilliams, and Jill Healy.

In Tupelo - Shane Davis, Justin & Tifphanie Franks (Paris), Justin & Brandy Williams, Leah Hardy, Adam Clay, Casey & Jessica Hardy (Davis) and Justin Stevens.

 

Please remember in your prayers: His Eminence, Metropolitan PHILIP, His Grace, Bishop ANTOUN, Archimandrite Roman Braga, Rev. Fr. Mikhail & the faithful of Spaso-Pargolovo (St. Petersburg), Buddy Taylor, Margaret Layman, Chris Hodges, Judy Smith (Julie Sanderlin’s mother), Shirley Gore (Judy Terry’s mother),  Stephen Wright, Linda Starr (friend of Mary Ann Coccaro), Effie Johnson (Kh. Susan’s mother), Mary Clark, Joy White (pregnant), Jodi Yzaguirre (pregnant), Alicia Stickle (pregnant), Ann Hicks (Dianna Hildebrand’s mother), Sue Ingram, Alexandra Dense, Polly Scrantom (Billy’s mother), Ted & Patty Greathouse (Shelley Snowden’s parents), Laura Greathouse, Reuben & Earlene Snowden (Gene’s parents), and Joyce Bittle.

 

- ALMS-GIVING -

FOOD PANTRY – There have been large donations to the food pantry in the last couple of weeks. Thank you to all who have chosen to give alms in this way, your gifts will be a great blessing to those who will receive from the food pantry.

 

OTHER CONTINUING ALMS-GIVING OPPORTUNITIES

Diocese of Miami and the Southeast Mission Fund

Michael Bittle Fund – Holy Trinity Orthodox Church – Little Rock, AR

St. Paul Mission Station – Tupelo, MS

St. John’s Alms Fund   and    St. John’s Camping Fund

 

Christmas shopping on your mind?  Shop at the St John Bookstore soon.

 

Check mark symbol   BOOKS – with many new titles of books

Check mark symbol   ICONS – a bountiful selection

Check mark symbol   MUSIC CDs – ask Sh. Corinne Elliott for recommendations

Check mark symbol   CHILDRENS BOOKS – look for these new titles:

            Children’s Bible Reader – It is Orthodox with beautiful iconographic illustrations.

            The Miracle of St. Nicholas by Gloria Whelan (look for review in coming Evangelist)

Check mark symbol   2009 CALENDARS – marked with the Church’s feast & fasting days

Check mark symbol   GIFT CERTIFICATES to the St. John Bookstore – These gifts give in two ways!

They would provide an opportunity for the recipient to purchase an edifying

book, CD or icon and at the same time support the ministry of this parish. To

purchase a gift certificate just contact Meribeth Harvey in the church office.

 

 

Antiochian Women of St. John’s Calendar

 

~ Baby Shower ~

for Alicia Stickle at the home of Kh. Pamela Mashburn

Sunday, December 7th after coffee hour (see elsewhere in the bulletin for details)

 

~ Secret Sisters ~

The ever popular Secret Sisters is returning. Forms will be given out in a few weeks so we can

begin in January. See Sh. Corinne Elliott or Judy Terry if you have any questions.

 

~ Women’s Teaching ~

Upcoming Date ~ December 4

 

~ Book Club ~

The AWSJ Book Club will not meet in December but will resume in January.

January ~ at Kh. Pamela Mashburn’s home ~ The Hiding Place by Corrie TenBoom

February ~ The Purple Mantle

 

SAVE THE DATE ~ Friday & Saturday, January 30th~31st, 2009

AWSJ WOMEN’S RETREAT ~ Fr. Stephen Rogers

 

Apartment for Rent - The first-level apartment in the duplex next door is available for rent. It has two bedrooms, an office and one bathroom. If you are interested or have any questions, please contact the church office.

 

After a long hiatus, the Sons of Thunder Literary Club for Men will soon begin meeting once again.  We would like to invite any person interested.  Our next meeting is scheduled for (note date change), Thursday, December 18th, at 7:00 p.m. We will meet at the home of Mitchell Childress, 671 Philadelphia, Memphis.  The members of the club have a choice in what to read for this meeting:  Putin: Life in a Failing Democracy by Anna Politkovskaya, and/or Inside Putin's Russia: Can There Be Reform Without Democracy? by Andrew Jack. If you are interested in joining us, please contact Caleb McGee: 

 

~ HOLIDAY BASKETS ~

Thank you to all who participated in this alms-giving opportunity!

 

Bulletin Boards – Remember to check the bulletin boards!!

 

LIBRARY LINES – This week we commemorate three saints; two wise in the world’s eyes and one “fool.”

From early childhood, St. Katherine (11/25) was recognized for her intellect and was instructed by her mother’s spiritual father. When grown, she refused marriage and sought to unite herself to her heavenly Bridegroom. She boldly and eloquently defended her Faith before Emperor Maximian and was tortured and martyred with 200 others who professed Christ because of her courageous testimony.

St. Innocent, (11/26) was a highly educated man. Besides being tonsured in 1710, he was also a professor of theology and a naval chaplain. In 1721 he was consecrated as a bishop and attached to a mission in China.  Although denied entrance to the country he ministered on the border. He served his people under harsh living conditions and concentrated his efforts on two schools he opened. Due to the severe climate and illnesses, he reposed at age 51. Ironically, his relics were removed from their shrine after the Russian Revolution. They were moved to a museum and displayed as “mummified remains of an unknown man.”  Today they are venerated by the faithful in Irkutsk.

St. Alypius (11/26) is one several saints considered “fools-for Christ.” He yearned for the solitary life from his youth but was not given the blessing to live so. He had a vision of St. Euphemia and built a church in her name. There, he erected a pillar and spent a life of prayer and teaching for fifty-three years.

See icons of these saints and their stories in St John Library.

 

Teen Group Events

 

Today, November 23rd - St. Nicholas Play Practice, 5:00 p.m.

 

Next Sunday, November 30th – Play Practice & Bible Bowl

 

St. Nicholas Play moved to December 10

Our annual play to remember the Great Wonderworker, St. Nicholas, will follow vespers and our parish meal on Wednesday, December 10 instead of the evening of December 5.  Due to schedule conflicts, this will free up many of our “cast members.”  Mark your calendars.  We will still have vespers the evening of December 5, but without the play.

 

Thank you “Caitlyn and those with her” (A familiar phrase in hagiagraphical writing) – Many thanks to Caitlyn and those who regularly help her clean up on Wednesday evenings after our meal.  We could use more hands.  If you are interested, please contact her directly, or the office.

 

 

The Nativity Fast continues - This fast is divided into two periods.  The 1st period is November 15th through December 19th when the traditional fasting discipline** is observed with katalysis (relaxation) for wine and oil on Tuesdays and Thursdays, and for fish, wine and oil on Saturdays and Sundays.  The 2nd period is December 20th through 24th when the traditional fasting discipline** is observed with katalysis for wine and oil only on Saturday and Sunday.  ** (Refraining from eating meat, poultry, eggs, dairy, fish, wine and oil.  Shellfish is traditionally permitted. It is good to moderate the amount of food we consume on these days [consider eating smaller portions] and to refrain from eating between meals.)

 

NURSERY – There is a small group of people who have volunteered to be responsible for the monthly cleaning of the nursery. In order to help maintain a clean, healthy environment for our children, this group will disinfect the toys, dust and clean the floor on a monthly basis. In light of this offer to help, we ask that all parents make a great effort on Sundays to keep the nursery orderly. Your help on Sundays will make their monthly task lighter. Below are the reminders that are posted in the nursery:

  • Keep all food and drinks outside the nursery area.
  • Put away any toys you take out.
  • Always share and be kind.

 

An opportunity to serve - We need someone, or several individuals who would function as a team, to take responsibility for the care and maintenance of the kitchen.  Men and women can apply!!  Basically, this involves cleaning counter tops, putting away dishes where they belong, throwing out unlabelled and expired food in the refrigerator, cleaning the refrigerators and freezer as needed, and periodically doing a “deep cleaning.”  If you are interested, please contact Meribeth in the office. 

 

Work day at the church – We are planning a "clean-the-nave-day" on Saturday, December 13th.  We will work from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm.  Everyone should bring a brown bag lunch.  If you can work even part of the time, please email Karen Bell.

 

Pro-life Corner – Section 6 of the Freedom of Choice Act (FOCA) provides that the Act “applies to every Federal, State, and local statue, ordinance, regulations, administrative order, decision, policy, practice, or other action enacted, adopted, or implemented before, on, or after the date of enactment of this Act.”  This act could not be more sweeping, invalidating decades of previously enacted law and court decisions, including those of the Supreme Court. One such effect would be to invalidate any restrictions on partial-birth abortions.

 

Worship and liturgical reminders

 

On preparation for receiving the Holy Mysteries of the Eucharist – There are good traditions to follow in making sure you’re ready to receive the Holy Mysteries.  While these are not laws, they do enable us to approach the Gifts so that they my purify us rather than cause us sickness: 

(1) Was I on time? 

(2) Did I fast from midnight before? (if there are medical issues or other issues with this, discuss them with the priest, as many of you have over the years)

(3) Did I read the prayers of preparation for Holy Communion? (see the little red prayer book)

(4) Have regularly confessed?

(5) Will I remain for the thanksgiving prayers following the Liturgy? 

 

Remember, our life is a journey to meet God, and we prepare as we go.  We should prepare ourselves, as well, for each meeting with Him in the Holy Mysteries.

 

For some reason, we seem to have a number of people (of all ages) who have taken to getting water during the liturgy itself, and this is inappropriate.  Again, if there are medical reasons, please discuss them with the priest. - Fr John Troy

 

Flowers in the nave – A nice parochial tradition we have is to place flowers before the icons of the saints.  Many times parishioners will do so for their own name day, or for one of the greater or lesser feasts.  Anyone may bring a vase of flowers to set in front of the icons on any given Sunday or on other days as well!

 

Saturday morning, December 6 - We will celebrate the Divine Liturgy for St. Nicholas on Saturday morning, December 6.  This is also the morning of The St. Jude Memphis Marathon.   Runners will proceed down North Parkway, through Overton Park, down Poplar, and back down North Parkway again.  Between about 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. driving plans using these streets and much of Midtown will be affected. You may have to use Jackson to reach the church if you are outside Midtown.  If in Midtown, consider leaving earlier or later, or going to Cleveland and heading north to Jackson, then east before trying to make your way south. This will keep you from having a long wait to cross a line of runners. You can see the course map at:  http://www.stjudemarathon.org/docs/CourseMap2008.pdf.

 

Holiday Safety Tips

From: Colonel Billy Garrett         - Union Ave. Station

In an effort to keep Midtown shoppers safe this holiday, I have prepared a list of tips that I hope will be helpful.  Enjoy your holidays and be safe. Remember, we should NEVER live in fear.   

  • Plan to make your trip during the daytime. If you must shop at night, go with a friend.
  • Pick well lit parking spaces to park.
  • Park as close to the front entrance as possible. (Decreasing the time you spend going to and from the store makes it more difficult for you to become a target).
  • Be aware of your surroundings.
  • Lock your car, set your alarm.
  • Don’t leave valuables or packages in plain view.
  • Don’t leave GPS devices visible in your car. Put them in your purse, or glove box. 
  • Never leave laptops or cell phones in your car.
  • Consider purchasing electronic tracking devices for your laptops (for example LoJack tracking systems and other similar products).
  • Consider purchasing tracking devices for loved ones to carry with them or in their vehicle. Certain GPS devices and Cell Phones have this technology; ask about different products that provide this service.
  • Put packages in the trunk.
  • As soon as you get into your vehicle, lock the doors.
  • When returning to your car, walk with your keys in your hands.
  • Give a general check around your vehicle when returning. If you see anything suspicious, simply turn around and go back inside the store.
  • If approached by someone you don’t know who is panhandling or otherwise annoying you, turn around and walk away. Do not engage in conversation.
  • Don’t carry or show a lot of cash.
  • Only leave your car key with a parking attendant (not all of your keys).
  • Keep handbags and pockets closed, buttoned or zipped up.
  • If your purse is a shoulder strap, CARRY IT OVER YOUR SHOULDER!

 

 

Baby Shower for Alicia Stickle

Sunday, December 7th

After Coffee Hour

At the home of Kh. Pamela Mashburn

If you are interested in contributing to the group gift, please contact Claire van Drimmelen.

Alicia is registered at Babies R Us and Target.