IInntteerr hhaannggee - stjohnswv.org archive/Interchange 2018-01-0…a pastoral exhortation, or an encounter with the person of Jesus, there comes a radical shift in values and life

Ray Lowther conducts the St. John’s Bell Choir, l-to-r: Dan Faber, Carrie Swing, Ray Lowther (directing), Brenda Vanderford, Wayne Gorrell, Janet Richardson and Dale Snyder. More photos by Bob Rosier inside.

It is with deep love and appreciation that I express my

gratitude to our Sr. Warden Emeritus Ray Lowther. He

has been a rock for the rector, a cheerleader and source of

encouragement through thick and thin, not to mention the

musical expertise he brings to the bell choir, to the 2017

Diocesan Convention, and to W.Va. K-12 schools through

his position at the West Virginia Department of

Education. His wisdom and assistance on the vestry for

another year is an added bonus. Ray, thank you for a

wonderful year!

Please welcome your new senior warden, Travis

Baldwin, a compassionate soul who is a father, grandfather,

teacher, leader, social activist, facilitator for

Integrity/SAGA, J2A instructor and coordinator of lectors

and Eucharistic ministers. I am grateful that he accepted the

position and look forward to working with him in the

coming year on the vestry and in Adult Forum, where he

presents Rob Bell's films about seeing everyday life

through the lens of Jesus.

A huge thank you also to Christine Teague who has

done a wonderful job of taking and distributing minutes to

the meetings this past year. An extra special thank you

since she has agreed to do it again this year! Christine has a

doctor of pharmacy degree and has offered to teach the use

of Naloxone, a detox for opiates, on January 27, when we

present the documentary, "Heroin(e)," in partnership with

the W.Va. Council of Churches. Christine is the director for

the CAMC Ryan White program.

Your new junior warden is Kris Morris. Welcome,

Kris, and thank you for jumping into the property liaison

position. St. John's has accomplished much toward

restoration of the building and we have much, yet, to do.

Kris adds a wonderful voice to the choir and a touch of

wisdom, humor and enthusiasm to the Education for

Ministry class. Kris is creative and caring and works at the

Charleston House Hairstyling Shop, helping others feel and

look their best. Welcome to the vestry, Kris! ~ Marquita+

St. John’s Episcopal Church 1105 Quarrier Street Charleston, WV 25301

Jan. 20 – Feb. 28, 2018, Vol. 58, No.1

Saint John’s

IInntteerr hhaannggee CC

St. John’s Mission Statement: We reach out to the world in Christ’s name in the

hope that all might find a home in God’s healing love.

Seek • Love • Serve

SCHEDULE OF WORSHIP

Sundays of January 28 and February 4,

11, 18 and 25, 2018

4th through last Sundays after Epiphany

and first two Sundays of Lent

8:00 a.m. Holy Eucharist

9:00 a.m. Adult Bible Study: Exodus and lectionary

study, room 209

9:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m., Nursery open

9:30 a.m., Adult Forum, room 109, see listing below

9:30 a.m., Godly Play, room 299

9:30 a.m., Journey to Adulthood, (J2A), room 223

10:30 a.m. Holy Eucharist, with choir

Adult Forums for January and February Jan. 28 – Fasting as a spiritual practice, led by Una Karner and

the Rev. Marquita L. Hutchens

Feb. 4 – The social justice journey in West Virginia, led by

Margaret Pomponio with a guest speaker

Feb. 11 – Exploring today's world through the lens of Jesus, the

“NOOMA Series” by Rob Bell, led by Travis Baldwin

Feb. 18 – Great church, great people, “Great Courses,” led by the

Rev. Kent Higgins

Feb. 25 – The spiritual journey led by Una Karner and the Rev.

Marquita L. Hutchens

January 21 – Epiphany III: Jonah 3:1-5, 10 - Psalm

62:6-14 - 1 Corinthians 7:29-31 - Mark 1:14-20 “All the

readings for this Sunday remind . . . the church that with the Epiphany of

God, whether that takes the form of prophetic call, a prayerful reflection,

a pastoral exhortation, or an encounter with the person of Jesus, there

comes a radical shift in values and life orientation. Life does not

continue the same. Jonah was the instrument of that change in Nineveh.

Psalm 62 affirms trust in God and immediately recognizes the transient

value of material goods. Paul reminds the Corinthian church that the

surpassing worth of Christ relativizes all other values. And when

fishermen are called by Jesus of Nazareth, Mark says they left

everything behind.” (Craddock, 83)

January 28 – Epiphany IV: Deuteronomy 18:15-20 -

Psalm 111 - 1 Corinthians 8:1-13 – Mark 1:21-28

“Today’s lections present us with an array of ways that God is among

us, finally coming to expression in Jesus Christ. Psalm 111 recites the

activities of God that Christians associate with the activities of Jesus.

Deuteronomy 18 speaks of a prophet arising from among the people, a

prophet Christians identified as Jesus. Paul writes to the Corinthians

about the role of the living Christ in the church to create love, patience,

unity and humility. Finally, the Gospel of Mark presents Jesus in two

roles not only prominent in Mark but also sometimes joined as two

aspects of one ministry: the teacher and the exorcist.” (Craddock, 88)

February 4 – Epiphany V: Isaiah 40:21-31 - Psalm

147:1-12, 21c - 1 Corinthians 9:16-23 - Mark 1:29-39

“Even though the time of Epiphany, the time of divine revelation to the

world, is not far behind us, the lessons today remind us of another

dimension of life and of the Scriptures—divine concealment. Some

experiences, even to the faithful, are difficult to understand. In the

context of wonder at God’s majesty, Isaiah 40 marvels that God’s way

is hidden, and the psalmist praises the God who made all things and

cares for the nameless and forgotten of the earth. Paul engages the

Corinthians in a discussion of servitude and freedom that is very difficult

to follow, and Mark punctuates his account of Jesus’ ministry with one

of many statements about the secrecy of Jesus and the confusion of his

disciples.” (Craddock, 93)

February 11 – Last Sunday After the Epiphany: 2

Kings 2:1-12 – Psalm 50:1-6 - 2 Corinthians 4:3-6 -

Mark 9:2-9 “The Last Sunday after the Epiphany always centers on

the Transfiguration, and the texts for today dramatically point to the

pivotal event in the ministry of Jesus. The Gospel record is Mark’s brief

but forceful account, and it is the Gospel text that attracts to itself the

other readings. Elijah appears with Jesus on the mountain; 2 Kings 2

tells of Elijah’s glorious ascent to heaven. Psalm 50 speaks of the

appearance of God attended by fire and storm. And Paul in 2

Corinthians 4 uses the imagery of Old Testament theophanies and of the

Transfiguration to speak of God’s presence in Christ and of Christ’s

presence in us, veiled in flesh to be sure, but glorious nonetheless.”

(Craddock, 123)

February 14 – Ash Wednesday: Isaiah 58:1-12 -

Psalm 103:8-14 - 2 Corinthians 5:20b-6:10 - Matthew

6:1-6,16-21 “The texts for Ash Wednesday initiate the Season of

Lent with calls to confession and repentance, prayers for forgiveness,

and admonitions to engage in fasting. They also caution people not to

display their acts of contrition before others, but only before God . . . In

the Old Testament reading from Isaiah, the people of Israel are

confronted with their rebellion and their propensity to fast as a public

display rather than as an expression of penitence. The responsorial

psalm, one of the penitential psalms, is a confession of sin with the goal

of restoration to the joy of salvation. The epistolary reading is likewise a

call to be reconciled to God. The Gospel text sounds the warning about

doing alms or fasting in order to impress others with one’s

righteousness.” (Craddock, 128)

February 18 – Lent I: Genesis 9:8-17 - Psalm 25:1-9 - 1

Peter 3:18-22 - Mark 1:9-15 “The Old Testament readings for

the Second through the Fifth Sundays in Lent provide a survey of much

of the Old Testament story . . . With one exception, the texts concern

covenants, beginning this week with the covenant with Noah and next

week the one with Abraham. Then follows Exodus 20:1-17, the

Decalogue, which is at the heart of the covenant at Sinai. The reading

from Numbers on the Fourth Sunday in Lent reports Israel’s

querulousness that prompted the Lord to send poisonous snakes as

punishment, and the story of the curative bronze snake—a story about

covenant breaking, in a roundabout way. The final reading is Jeremiah’s

promise of a new covenant, written on the heart. In the other readings

for today, Psalm 25, a psalm of lament, is both an expression of trust and

a prayer for grace and mercy. The epistolary text from 1 Peter gives

expression to the theme of suffering, as experienced by both Christ and

Christians. The Gospel text gives the remarkably compact version of

Jesus’ baptism, temptation and inaugural preaching in Galilee for which

Mark is well known.” (Craddock, 136)

February 25 – Lent II: Genesis 17:1-7, 15-16 - Psalm

22:22-30 - Romans 4:13-25 - Mark 8:31-38 Today’s Old

Testament reading is closely linked with the epistolary reading from

Romans; indeed, the account of God’s covenant with Abraham in

Genesis 17 is specifically cited by Paul and functions centrally in his

overall argument for Abraham as the paradigm of faith for believers in

every generation. A central element in the psalm is the promise that all

the nations will eventually turn to the Lord and worship him, also is

critical point in Paul’s argument. The . . . Gospel reading is Mark’s

account of the first passion prediction followed by Jesus’ instructions

concerning discipleship . . .” (Craddock, 142)

References: http://www.lectionarypage.net/#january and follow links to

February for the lectionary pages by Fred Craddock et al., Preaching

Through the Christian Year B

The Rev. Marquita L. Hutchens,

Rector

LECTIONARY SCRIPTURES

AND COMMENTARY

Scriptures for Sundays

In Year B, January-February 2018

Page 2

By Ray Lowther, senior warden

January 2018 from the

outgoing senior warden

Although my term as senior warden

has come to an end, I want to keep communication to you, the

parishioners and friends of St. John’s, alive through this

month of transition. I am certain Mother Marquita will share

this information with you before you read this in the

“Interchange.” We are pleased to announce that Travis

Baldwin has accepted the position of senior warden. Travis

was our junior warden last year and many of you know him

from his active presence in the life of St. John’s. He is a

graduate of EfM (and was encouraging to me when I was

considering EfM); is a lector and Eucharistic minister (and

does a monumental job, exceptionally, of scheduling lay

readers and EMs for our services); maintains a leadership

presence with Integrity/SAGA; and, most importantly, has a

deep love for St. John’s. We are fortunate to have him step

forward as senior warden.

Kris Morris, one of our newly elected vestry persons

will be junior warden. I have known Kris for quite a long

time. He was a student of mine in elementary and high school

in Ohio when I taught. Do I dare mention how many years

ago?! Kris brings a long standing relationship with St. John’s

having previously attended and sung in our choir and recently

returned again, singing in the choir and beginning the journey

of EfM. Kris is enthusiastic about assuming the

responsibilities of junior warden, and I am confident in his

abilities and perspective.

Once again we are favored that Christine Teague has

agreed to continue as vestry clerk. Of the many boards and

committees I’ve sat on throughout my professional career, the

accurate work of the “minutes taker” is critical. Christine is

second to none. I appreciate her thoroughness – dotting every

“i” and crossing every “t” – and seeing that the minutes are to

the vestry promptly. When I learned that she agreed to

continue as clerk I shouted a loud “alleluia” - “Thanks be to

God!”

Julia Beury will return as the treasurer. Julia’s expertise

and professionalism have made the accounting of our

financial resources clearer and easier to read and understand.

This was a monumental undertaking and has been a yearlong

task. We are indebted to Julia for her dedication and efforts.

An outstanding leadership team is in place, and I

encourage you to bring your concerns and thanks to them. We

are in a good place at St. John’s as our new vestry takes their

seats at the January 22 meeting. Take a moment to introduce

yourself, encourage them, and lift them in prayer as they

represent you this year: Fred Boothe, Matt Brown, Cynthia

Melton, Christy Morris, Margaret Pomponio, Jessie Reckert,

Rose Smith and Dale Snyder. Where we are today is the result

of the contributions, dedication and leadership of previous

vestry members but especially our retiring vestry persons:

Mary Fitzgerald, Robin O’Brien and Bren Pomponio. Many

thanks. I know that the vestry’s effectiveness would not be

possible without the guidance, openness and love of our

rector, Mother Marquita. Her love for the St. John’s “flock” is

felt not only every Sunday but every day. Truly, we are

blessed. Please remember and continue to uphold these

persons in prayer.

As you know, my thoughts through this column to you

this past year have ended with reference to a hymn or song.

This one is no exception. I am paraphrasing the following

from a source I use during my prayers and meditation; it says

it best. “I invite you to sing with me. Our song has no melody,

and you can sing where you are right now. It is a breathing

song – ancient, universal and often goes unnoticed. But it is a

song that unites us, breaking up the indifferent pace and

drawing us closer to the One who paused to sing, ‘When they

had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives (Mark

14:26).’” Thanks to each of you for singing along with me.

Amen

In Memoriam

We extend our deepest sympathy to Gwyneth Owen and

Robert Crow on the death of their son, Galen Owen

Crow, 23, who departed this life on Dec.9, 2017. A

funeral service was held at St. John’s on Dec. 19.

We are sad to report the passing of Julianne

Kemp, long time parishioner of St. John’s, editor of the

“Interchange,” member of the Altar Guild, greeter and

loving friend to many, departed this life on Jan. 16, 2018.

Services to be announced.

Our prayers also go out to Norm and Beverly

Steenstra, upon the death of their son, Zachary Ryan

Steenstra, who departed this life on Dec. 15, 2017. A

celebration of life was held for Zach on Jan. 6, at

Coonskin Park Clubhouse.

Father of all, we pray to you for Galen, Julie,

Zach and for all those whom we love but see no

longer. Grant to them eternal rest.

Let light perpetual shine upon them.

May their souls and the souls of all the departed,

through the mercy of God, rest in peace.

December 2017

New vestry members are Fred Boothe, Margaret

Pomponio, Jessie Reckart and Rose Smith.

Convention delegates are Donna Hamra, Ray Lowther

and Doris Redfield.

Alternates are Matt Brown, Aaron Gumm and Beth

Marquart.

~ The Rev. Marquita L Hutchens, Rector

Page 3

By Helen Van Koevering

This year’s Women’s Ministries Convention on Sept. 8-9 was

both an experiment and an exploration. We experimented with

a new location in South Charleston in an attempt to include

women for whom the usual venue, Peterkin, is out of reach;

and we explored the theme of Eucharisteo (Greek for giving

thanks) with the Rev. Helen Van Koevering. The weekend

began with a meal in Eucharistic form that has been practiced

in some places as “dinner church.” We followed our theme of

thankfulness for those people and situations that have shown

us Love’s way and healing through art, story and creativity.

Forty women from around the diocese, including several from

St John’s, made a beautiful collage tree from our reflections,

and we ended with a healing Eucharist service.

BOOK CLUB RESOURCES AVAILABLE

FOR LENTEN STUDIES There are two catalogs of resources available for Lenten

studies in the church office. One is “Lent & Easter

Resources 2018,” from Church Publishing, and another is

the “Cokesbury Small Group” catalog. Visit our office at

St. John’s to see the catalogs, or go online to see more at

www.churchpublishing.org/ and www.cokesbury.com.

Forward Movement (publisher of “Forward Day by Day”)

also has resources at www.forwardmovement.org as well

as a Lent–Easter reading program called, “The Good Book

Club” at www.goodbookclub.org.

THANK YOU, THANK YOU FOR YOUR HELP

IN OUR JOURNEY OF GENEROSITY 2018

Our Festival of Ingathering was a wonderful

time and a remarkable success. It provided

each of us a special time to focus on our

blessings as well as the needs of our church

and community. Many rose to the occasion

not in the form of a burnt offering as the

Hebrews did in the original Festival of the

Ingathering but in the form of a pledge. A

pledge that you will support St. John’s with

either with your time, talents or your funds.

We need but to look around us to see the beauty of the building, to

hear to glory of the music, to gain insight from the message – to

know that we each have a mission to make sure that St. John’s

continues to minister to us and this community. The

Stewardship Committee wants to thank each of you for

your generous pledge to St. John’s Annual Pledge

Campaign for 2018. Your giving is a wonderful reflection

of God’s call to live generously. We are so grateful for

your support of our ongoing ministry together. Each of

you, regardless of the size of your pledge, is furthering St.

John’s Episcopal Church to be a transformative force in

our community. After the harvest comes the sowing of the

seed. “Still other seed fell on good soil, where it produced

crop—a hundred, sixty, or thirty times what was sown.”

(Matthew 13:8) May our seeds fall on good soil and

produce an unbelievable year of generosity. Our exciting

mission has just begun. Thank you.

~Fred Boothe, Doris Redfield and Bren Pomponio

“MOTHERLESS” DOCUMENTARY Inclement weather has postponed this event;

rescheduled date and time to be announced.

“Motherless” is a brief documentary on the stories of four now-adult

children whose mothers died due to complications from illegal

abortions prior to Roe v. Wade. A discussion panel will follow the

film, and dinner and childcare will be provided. The event is free

and open to the public; it is co-sponsored by W.Va. Free, Planned

Parenthood, St. John’s and Unitarian Universalist Congregation

(UUC) of Charleston.

Let’s Celebrate! Pray for the lives and ministries of those celebrating birthdays in

late January and birthdays in February:

Jan. 22 – Andrew Janeshek, Stephen Lewis, Doris

Redfield; Jan. 24 – Alice Hypes; Jan. 25 – Hunter Birckhead;

Jan. 26 – Molly John, Olive Meyer, Guy Vitaglione; Jan. 29 –

Mary Anne Maul, Joan McDonald ; Jan. 30 – Brandon

Ramsey; Jan. 31 – Rob Lannan; Feb. 1 – Raymond Lowther;

Feb. 2 – Twyla Harrison Katherine McCabe; Feb. 3 – Gigi

Janeshek, Cameron Jarvis, Dominque Tyson; Feb. 4 – Dianna

Canfield, Judith Wellington; Feb. 6 – Robert Jones; Feb. 10 –

Diana Masso; Feb. 11 – Penny Kehde; Feb. 12 – Corey Farris;

Feb. 14 – Andrew Crow, Page Hamrick, Libby Stultz; Feb. 15

– Adrienne Walker; Feb. 18 – Susan Latimer, Thomas

Nelson, Steve Thomas; Feb. 19 – Carolyn Baird, Jesse

Snyder; Feb. 20 – Ellen Archibald; Feb. 21 – Anil Kuruvilla,

Blake Lewis; Feb. 22 – Mary Coburn, Margaret McEwuen,

Camden Ratrie; Feb. 23 – Carter Blundon, Lesley Ofsa; Feb.

26 – Linnsey Amores, Maurice Ofsa; Feb. 28 – Forrest Akers.

THERE IS A TIME FOR EVERY SEASON

This issue of “Interchange” was published with efforts of

Pat Hammer, Bob Rosier, Mel Cann, and the preliminary

work of Julianne Kemp, whom we will dearly miss.

Deadline for the March issue, will be Wednesday, Feb. 21,

at 4 p.m.

Reminders to regular contributors will be sent in

advance if possible, and we request that submissions be

sent to both [email protected] as editor and to St.

Johns at [email protected], thanks.

Page 4

Page 4

REMEMBERING By Dana Robin O’Brien

A few months back, Pat Hammer asked me to write a little

something for the “Interchange” about my experiences at St.

John’s, specifically, “How I see or feel God at St. John’s.” I never

did. The task got away from me. I was reminded of that task on

Sunday, Nov. 26, but in a different way. Upon learning about

Quentin Nix’s passing, and while sitting at Adult Bible Study

(formerly known as Adult Lectionary) with Pat as our leader, I

realized all the “Greats” that had been instrumental in my joining

St. John’s have passed.

Thus, I am now writing about the “Greats” and how I

experienced the love of God through each of them. Liz Nix and

Mildred Howie took me under their wing when I wandered

upstairs five years ago to see what Lectionary was all about. I had

been visiting St. John’s and other churches, looking for a church

home. Everyone in that small group was ever so nice and

welcoming with coffee, conversation and then the wonderful

lessons.

The group was comprised of Mildred and Harold Howie,

Liz and Quentin Nix, Mary Knighton, Parker Smith, Eugene

Hunter, Parrish Thompson, myself and the occasional visitor,

such as Father Jupin, Gale and Kent Higgins, Phyllis Atwood,

Libby Stultz, adult children of the Nixes’ or the Howies’. (I

apologize if I am leaving anyone out). Though I felt so welcomed,

I had never experienced such a Bible Study. This Bible Study did

not have a leader per se…. everyone had their role, a group effort.

This Bible Study would take Sunday’s bulletin, begin with the

collect, (usually Quentin would read), and then around the table

we would go, each taking a turn, diving into the lessons, the

Gospel, the psalms, and ending in prayer.

I grew to love this format and the discussions we had.

Before the lessons, we began the morning with coffee and

goodies that each of us would bring and catching up on our

previous week. This ritual of fellowship prior to the lessons was

an integral part of our study. Harold Howie would always pour

our coffee – a gentleman. During one of the lessons, we

discovered he and I were fifth or sixth cousins! Mildred and I

would take turns bringing treats to go along with our coffee. I

actually began drinking coffee for the first time in my life with

these lovely people.

The “gentlemen’s” banter between Parker, Eugene, Quentin

and Harold as they discussed historical facts, getting out our maps

to double check the borders and boundaries of the areas

mentioned in our studies and the Bible. As the gentlemen were

bantering about facts and faith, Mildred would always bring the

lessons back to having blind faith, just smiling, and wondering

why we needed to debate or talk about “such things,” “just

believe,” she would say, with Liz, Mary and myself agreeing.

Often, one of the ladies would share a personal life lesson

that pertained to our Bible lesson or verse. This was a bonded

group, but welcoming group, loving God and each other, and

others through the lectionary lessons. I grew as a Christian

because of this group. I joined St. John’s basically because of this

group of Greats, and their love of God and St. John’s Church. Liz

and Mildred had many positive and endearing stories of their

ministries in the church over the years.

The group has changed over the past two years to

adifferent group of people, different leaders, and to different

formats. For the past two years, the format no longer covers the

lectionary or the morning lessons for that day. The group has

evolved into more of a Bible/book study. There is still good

conversation and love while learning about our God through other

books chosen by the group, along with reading books of the

Bible. Adult Bible Study is currently led by Pat Hammer, and the

attendees have been Mary Fitzgerald, Parrish, Steve Thomas,

Keith, Nathan Smith, myself and the occasional newcomer.

With that being said, the group will soon return to the

lectionary format, while adding in other books of interest. I

personally believe adult Bible Study of any kind is important for

my “walk” with God, for my growth as a Christian. I highly

encourage others to join us. We meet from 9 to 10 a.m. (If you

have other duties, like Adult Forum, Godly Play or J2A, we don’t

mind if you leave at 9:25 or 9:30!) Please join us! There is always

coffee and the occasional treat!

To the “Greats” of Adult Lectionary who welcomed me to

your group and to your church: Liz, Mildred, Harold, and

Quentin, I miss you dearly. I miss your wisdom, your shared life

lessons, your grace, your dignity and mostly, your blind faith.

ADVENT MOMENT Acolyte MacKenzie Jones, left, carried the torch for lector

Christine Teague to use when lighting the third candle on our

Advent wreath, Sunday, Dec. 17. The Advent banner

depicting the wreath can be seen in the background.

Photo by Bob Rosier

American Red Cross Blood Drive

St. Matthew's Episcopal Church, 36 Norwood Road, Charleston, in

Mathes Hall, and the American Red Cross will host a blood drive on

Monday, Feb. 19, from 1:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. For more information,

contact Kimberly Javins at (304) 343-3837. Go to

www.redcrossblood.org to schedule an appointment time if you

choose. The need for blood is constant and only volunteer donors

can fulfill that need for patients in our community. Nationwide,

someone needs a unit of blood every 2 to 3 seconds and most of us

will need blood in our lifetime. Thank you for supporting the

American Red Cross blood program! Page 5

PRESIDING BISHOP CURRY ON

HUMAN TRAFFICKING

“Trafficking in persons is a crime

that goes against the most basic

tenets of our faith”

Episcopal Church Presiding Bishop and

Primate Michael B. Curry has issued the

following statement on Human

Trafficking:

“As we observe National Human

Trafficking Awareness Month 2018, it is important that we recognize

trafficking in persons is a crime that goes against the most basic tenets of

our faith. It is also, unfortunately, all too common and puts millions in

danger every day.

“Human trafficking manifests itself in a variety of ways and in a

variety of industries from personal servitude to agriculture to hotels and

hospitality or to commercial sex work. But what we know for sure is

that in order for this crime to occur, perpetrators must devalue and

dehumanize another person.

“We must be clear that all human beings are made in God’s

image and each deserves a life free from violence or threat of violence,

exploitation and coercion. We must also condemn structures and

systems that make it all too easy for such evil to occur.

“I commend the work of dioceses, congregations and individuals

across our Church and the Anglican Communion who are partnering to

build awareness, support survivors, and protect against human

trafficking. I urge all who follow Jesus to commit to further developing

loving, liberating and life-giving relationships with God and one

another.”

The Office of Government Relations encourages Episcopalians

to take action to fight human trafficking through the Episcopal Public

Policy Network. The Action Alert on human trafficking encourages

Congress to pass the Trafficking Victims Protection Act (TVPA).

PRESIDING BISHOP: A CALL TO PRAYER, FASTING, AND ADVOCACY

Episcopal Church Presiding Bishop Michael Curry has presented a

video, “For Such a Time as This: A Call to Prayer, Fasting, and

Advocacy,” noting that we remain in a time for prayer, fasting and

advocacy in support of policies that provide opportunities for, and

respect to, the dignity of people struggling with poverty.

First launched in May 2017, Presiding Bishop Curry joined

Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton of the Evangelical Lutheran

Church in America (ELCA) in “For Such a Time as This,” which

calls for fasting on the 21st of each month through December 2018,

at which time the 115th Congress will conclude.

The 21st of each month is targeted because by that time each

month, 90% of SNAP (formerly food stamp) benefits have been

used, thereby causing the last week of the month to be the hungry

week in America. Current focus of “For Such a Time as This” is the

United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals, which aim to end

poverty and hunger, reduce inequality, ensure quality education,

create opportunities for work, care for creation, and promote a

peaceful and just global community.

The new video by Presiding Bishop Curry can be viewed

at https://www.episcopalchurch.org/library/video/pray-fast-act. Adult Forum will help us understand the ancient practice of

fasting, with the Rev. Kent Higgins discussing the theological basis

of fasting today, and Una Karner and the Rev. Marquita L.

Hutchens discussing spiritual aspects on Sunday, Jan. 28. A 24-hour

fast is safe and not as difficult at you may think.

EARLY JANUARY HUMAN TRAFFICKING EVENT On Jan. 9, the YWCA of Charleston hosted a Human Trafficking

Awareness Event at St. John's. Survivor-Advocate Angie Conn,

Delegate Barbara Evans Fleischauer and U.S. Dept. of Homeland

Security Special Agent Brian Morris discussed the scourge of

human trafficking in W.Va. Following the panel discussion led by

Jennifer Goddard, local women led us through a candlelight vigil to

music by Amanda Bridgette from her play, "Sins of A Savior." To

learn more about the W.Va. Human Trafficking Task Force and

what you can do to help, visit www.stophumantraffickingwv.org.

RESOURCES AND UPCOMING EVENTS ON HUMAN TRAFFICKING Human Trafficking Task Force launches new website. Twenty-one cases of human trafficking were reported to the National

Human Trafficking Resource Center Hotline out of West Virginia in 2016, but the state's U.S. attorneys believe the problem is

actually much larger. Learn more at this new website: www.StopHumanTraffickingWV.org.

Response to victims of human trafficking, Tuesday Jan. 30, 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., St. Joseph Retreat Center, Wheeling.

This training, sponsored by Sisters of St. Joseph Health and Wellness Foundation, Youth Services System, and W.Va. Human

Trafficking Task Force, will cover legal and behavioral aspects of human trafficking; W.Va. protocol for criminal and services

response; interviewing and assessing potential survivors; and working together to provide comprehensive, victim-centered

services. For more information, call 304-232-8160, ext. 112.

Human Trafficking and the Opioid Crisis webinar, Wednesday, Jan. 31, 1 - 2:30 p.m. Discussion will center on trauma-

informed approaches to human trafficking and substance use screening, the role of substance use for individuals at risk of

trafficking and survivors of trafficking, treatment options for dependency, and the underlying issues that put victims and survivors

at risk. Sponsored by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services

Administration. To register visit https://humantraffickinghotline.org/events/human-trafficking-and-opioid-crisis-webinar.

Pictured are Jennifer Goddard, Amanda Bridgette, Angie Conn, Delegate Barbara Fleischauer

and Debby Weinstein, director of the YWCA. Photo & story by Donna Hamra

Page 6

WHY IS THE EPISCOPAL CHURCH INTERESTED

IN ANTI-RACISM TRAINING?

IT'S A LONG STORY.

At the 128th Diocesan Convention in 2006, the Diocese of West

Virginia committed to working to end institutional and other forms

of racism in this Diocese and asked that each congregation commit

itself to the work of overcoming the sin of racism through dialogue

and training offered by the Commission on Racism and Diversity

(CORD). It was decided that the lay and ordained leadership of the

Diocese, including all ordained persons, professional staff, and those

elected or appointed to positions of leadership on committees,

commissions, agencies and boards are required to take anti-racism

training.

An anti-racism training session, originally scheduled for Jan.

13 but cancelled due to inclement weather, is now scheduled for

Saturday, Feb. 3, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. at St. Mark’s Episcopal

Church, 405 B Street, St. Albans. The registration fee is $15 per

person and covers lunch and training materials.

According to Mollie Bailey at the W.Va. diocese, if you were

scheduled to attend the training in Beckley on Jan. 13, you will be

automatically registered for the Feb. 3 training in St. Albans, unless

she hears from you that you are unable to attend. New registrations

are also welcome.

To register, please send your registration fee, along with your

name, email and/or phone number, and church name, to: Diocese of

WV, P.O. Box 5400, Charleston, WV 25361. (Checks are payable

to Diocese of WV, with CORD in the memo line.) Registration

deadline is January 26. ~ Mollie Bailey, at [email protected]

Naloxone Training and Substance Use

Panel Discussion Scheduled for Saturday, Jan. 27 in Hunter Hall at 3 p.m., there will

be a free screening of “Heroin(e),” and a Naloxone Training and

Substance Use Panel discussion. The seating for this three-hour

event is first come first serve. Prior to the film, there will be a

Naloxone training. The training is free, but you must register by

calling Candice Maxwell at (304) 989-3077. After the film and a

brief intermission, there will a panel discussion around substance

use, recovery, and the epidemic West Virginia is currently facing.

The audience will have a chance to ask questions

For those who have not seen the Netflix documentary

“Heroin(e),” directed by Peabody award-winning filmmaker Elaine

McMillion Sheldon, the film documents three women in

Huntington, W.Va. as they fight the opioid epidemic in a city with

an overdose rate 10 times the national average. Fire Chief Jan Rader

spends the majority of her days reviving those who have overdosed;

Judge Patricia Keller presides over drug court, handing down

empathy along with orders; and Necia Freeman of Brown Bag

Ministry feeds meals to the women selling their bodies for drugs.

The film shows how the chain of compassion holds one town

together.

Participants will receive information about Naloxone and how

to dispense it in its various forms. St. John’s parishioner and

Naloxone trainer will be Christine Teague, Pharm.D., the program

director for the CAMC Ryan White program and a clinical

pharmacist specialist at CAMC. She received the Pharm.D. degree

from the Medical College of Virginia and earned a master of

science in public health from West Virginia University. Dr. Teague

is also certified in infectious disease pharmacotherapy.

SKINNER ORGAN TO BE RESTORED By David Morton

Presently the organ is suffering due to the recent unfavorable

weather conditions, as are many organs on the East Coast. The result

is a phenomenon called “ciphering,” which causes the pipes to make

random, spontaneous sounds. Given the unpredictability of its

performance, we have been using the piano for some Sunday

services.

Furthermore, the long-awaited organ restoration project has

begun! This extensive process will be performed in phases. The first

phase will begin with the removal of some of the organ components

for servicing. Muller Organ picked these up on Wednesday, Jan. 17.

During the various phases of the restoration, the organ will not

always be available for our service. So over the next several months,

we will at times use the piano or another organ to accompany our

wonderful choir.

Your patience and forbearance during this process will be

very much appreciated. And the generosity of those who are making

this essential restoration possible fills all of us with immense

gratitude. Our Skinner organ is a marvelous asset to St. John’s and

our community. As stewards of such a treasure, it is our privilege to

preserve it for the generations to come.

THE BELL CHOIR Our Bell Choir, under the direction of Dr. Ray Lowther, presented several selections before and during the Dec. 17 service of Lessons and Carols. Captions and photos by Bob Rosier

L-to-r, Wayne Gorrell, Janet Richardson, Dale Snyder, Olive Meyer, Mike Klausing, Ray Lowther (directing), Leota Bohnert, and Kirk King; see also photo on cover.

Page 7

Jan.9 Human trafficking event at St. John’s. “It was standing room only as we learned about the growing problem of human trafficking in West Virginia.” Caption and photo by Donna Hamra

RECTOR

The Rev. Marquita L. Hutchens

STAFF

David Morton Director of Music and Choirmaster

Linda Workman Parish Administrator

Daniel Faber Organist

James Webb Sexton

VESTRY

Travis Baldwin

Senior Warden

Kris Morris Junior Warden

Julia Beury Treasurer

Christine Teague

Clerk

Matt Brown ‘18 Ray Lowther ‘18

Christy Morris ‘18 Cindy Melton ‘19 Dale Snyder ‘19

Christine Teague ‘19 Fred Boothe ‘20

Margaret Pomponio ‘20 Jessie Reckart ‘20

Rose Smith ‘20

MINISTRY CONTACTS

Acolyte Masters Matt Brown

Brian MacAulay

Altar Guild Karon Myers

Carter Blundon

Archives Mary Fitzgerald

Bell Choir

Ray Lowther

Christian Formation

Godly Play and Nursery

Maggie McCabe

Journey to Adulthood Robin O'Brien

Adult Bible Study Pat Hammer

Adult Forum The Rev. Marquita L.

Hutchens

Communications

St. John’s Interchange

Melora Cann

This Week at St. John's and Announcements

Patricia Hammer

Sunday service booklet

Linda Workman

Facebook and Website Jon Amores

Blaine Mullins

Compassionate Cities / Interfaith

Jon Amores

Eucharistic Ministers and Lectors

Travis Baldwin

Eucharistic Visitors TBA

Greeters

Dwight Foley Knitting Group

Mary Ann Deisen

Manna Meal

Bren Pomponio

Newcomers and Pastoral Care

Diane Hendricks

Op Shop / Back Door Thrift Shop

Cindy Melton

Outreach Donna Hamra Christy Morris

Parish Life Becky Burns

Photographer TBA

Property

Mike Klausing

Reading Camp Melinda DiCarlo Christy Morris

Margaret Lieberman Jeannine Boothe

Integrity / Straight and Gay Alliance

Travis Baldwin

Stewardship Fred Boothe

Doris Redfield Bren Pomponio

Taize

Ray Shackleford

Ushers TBA

Verger

Bob Westmoreland

Women in Faith, Fun and Fellowship

Mary Ann Deisen

Worship and Sacramental Services The Rev. Marquita L.

Hutchens

ST. JOHN’S EPISCOPAL CHURCH, CHARLESTON, WV

Established 1837 ~ Present Building consecrated 1901 ~ A Jubilee Center since 1985

Please address correspondence to: 1105 Quarrier Street, Charleston, WV 25301-2493 Email [email protected] / Telephone 304-346-0359 / Facsimile 304-342-2810

Website http://www.stjohnswv.org/ https://www.facebook.com/St John’s Charleston

Manna Meal has been feeding the less fortunate for 40 years. Employees have diligently served two meals a day, 365 days a year, which is about 400 meals a day. They host a volunteer appreciation party and a Christmas party for the Manna Meal clients, but they are always working and don't get to have any fun, themselves. So, Outreach at St. John's was honored to host a party for the Manna Meal employees and their guests on Dec. 10 in the conference room at Charleston Newspapers. There was plenty of food and fun – with a special thank you to Mike Pushkin for performing for us. We will definitely make this an annual event!

Photos (above) L - r: 1. Seated: James Martin, Tony Henderson, Luke Rodecker, Jesse Belcher, Molly Linehan. Background: Mary Anne Maul, Parrish Thompson, Jake Jarvis, Melinda DiCarlo, Country; 2. Mike Pushkin provided the entertainment; 3. Pictured are Luke Rodecker, Jesse Belcher, Molly Linehan, Robin O'Brien, Christy Morris, Jake Jarvis, James Martin, Tony Henderson; and, 4. Pictured are James Webb, Kathy Curry, Country, Anita Thompson.

story and photos by Donna Hamra

Story and photos by Bob Rosier

On Saturday, Jan. 6, the Day of the Epiphany, a host of Altar Guild members, assisted by other parishioners, removed all things Christmas from the nave, chapel, chancel and sanctuary and then cleaned up where Yuletide decorations had been and readied the altar for Epiphany. In the photos on the left, l-r: The Epiphany banner has already replaced the Christmas one, while figurines from the crèche are being boxed for safe keeping until next Advent. Olive Meyer vacuumed carpets in the chapel and nave after all decorations had been removed. Aaron Gumm (left) and Mike Klausing just put the Advent wreath in storage.

And a thank-you note…

…from Carter Blundon to all those who

helped put up and take down decorations for

Christmas at St. John’s, including:

Sue Nelson, Caitlyn Nelson, Michelle Lewis,

Carrie Swing, Aaron Gumm, Raymond Smith,

Diane Thorpe, Margaret Lieberman, Beth

Marquart, Ray Lowther, Doris Redfield, Linda

Workman, Olive Meyer, Mike Klausing, Daniel

Miller, Robert Jones, Karon Myers, Jessie

Reckart, and Maggie McEwuen.