Town Hall with Bishop Haynes: As the pandemic continues to rage around us we are growing weary. We long for a place of rest, refreshment and rejuvenation. The Bishop and the Diocesan staff would like to invite you to a Town Hall meeting where you can do just that. This town hall meeting will be held via Zoom and is scheduled for Thursday, January 14 from 6-8pm. The meeting format will be a brief presentation by Bishop Susan and members of the Diocesan staff, followed by questions and answers. There will also be a time of scripture reading and prayer. Click here to get the log in information for this Zoom gathering.
Annual Meeting: Our Annual Meeting will be held on January 24 at 10:30am over Zoom. More information will be sent out on how to participate. We currently have three nominations for three slots on our vestry. Their names and information will be sent out on January 15.
“Double Blessing” Food Drive Wrapping Up: For everyone who collected food at home during the “12 days of Christmas JOY”: THANK YOU! My goal is collect all the items together on or before the Sunday, January 17, so all the items can be delivered to the H.E.L.P. food pantry that week. In following the theme of Epiphany now is the time to “reveal” what you have collected by dropping them off at St. John’s parish hall (for safety, car side drop off can also be scheduled with the office). If you missed the previous announcements and still want to help, the Calendar and “Guide to JOY” are attached. Questions? Contact: gro.notpmahsnhojts@kram.
H.E.L.P. Pantry Most-Requested List: Due to the added financial burdens as a result of the worldwide pandemic, more families are seeking food assistance and pantries nationwide are struggling to keep up with the increased need. Locally, H.E.L.P. compiled a list of most needed items: Canned Fruit, Macaroni & Cheese, Canned Pasta Meals, Apple Sauce, Crackers, 1lb. bags of Rice, Juice, Dry Milk, Dry Beans, Pork & Beans, and Cereal. St. John’s serves as a donation/delivery point for H.E.L.P if you would like to add your support to their pantry needs. Questions? Contact: gro.notpmahsnhojts@kram.
Pledge Envelopes: Thank you to those of you who have already pledged. If you have requested envelopes, there are three options for you to receive them:1.) You can pick them up after Sunday morning’s online service in the church parking lot where we will also be offering drive up communion.2.) You pick them up in the parish house during regular office hours (9am-3pm weekdays).3.) We can hand deliver them if you are a Hampton resident. Please contact the church office if you are interested in this option.
Vestry Nominations: If you would like to nominate someone for the Vestry of St. John’s Church, prior to the Vestry Elections on Sunday, January 24, 2021 at the Annual Meeting, please fill out this form. This year we will be electing three persons to serve a three-year term from 2021-2024. There will be no nominations from the floor. We ask for these nominations in advance so we can get information on the candidates to the parish ahead of time. You may nominate yourself. Nominees for Vestry must be active, confirmed, pledging members of the congregation. The deadline for submission is Wednesday, January 13, 2021.
Memorial Monument Modification Special Committee Update: Under the Chairmanship and leadership of Linda Curtis, the Committee had three meetings prior to Christmas. We have heard from Hampton African American leaders, both clergy and lay, and have additional meetings scheduled where we have invited Episcopalians from Emmanuel and St. Cyprians and local citizens. The Committee’s charge is to present a recommendation to the vestry, where the final decision will be made. To accomplish this task, we seek to examine and explore all aspects of this memorial, and as such, we are seeking input not only from our parishioners, but also from others with a variety of viewpoints and opinions. In addition to Linda Curtis, the Committee members are David Bishop, Heidi Wallace, Jay Hogg, Phyllis Henry, Susan Edmonson and William Hudgins. We are interested to hear from you, so please feel free to contact a member of the committee. We appreciate and highly value your support and prayers as we move forward. – Charlie Edmonson, Senior Warden