Two Book Studies: See below for information on two book studies that the diocese is hosting over the next months: Living into God’s Dream: Dismantling Racism in America edited by Catherine Meeks. This accessible collection of essays presents a variety of voices combining personal stories and theoretical and theological reflection. It includes examples of the work of dismantling racism and methods for creating the much-needed “safe space” for dialogue on race to occur. Its aim is to demonstrate the ways in which a new conversation on race can be forged. This book is will resonate for all, and is especially relevant for those beginning to explore racial justice work. The book study group will meet on Tuesday evenings, beginning March 16 (with no meeting March 23) at 7pm via Zoom. Click here to register for this group. Space is limited to 12 participants. Please note, if you want to learn about Dr. Meeks’ work, the Diocese of Southern Virginia is co-sponsoring Catherine Meeks upcoming virtual speaking engagement at the Lemon Project Symposium at William & Mary on March 26 and 27. White Too Long: The Legacy of White Supremacy in American Christianity by Robert P. Jones. (Samantha is leading this with Lisa Green of St. Martin’s). This book study group will meet on Mondays, 7-8pm, March 15 through May 10 on Zoom (with no meeting April 5). In this powerful combination of history, social science, and heartfelt memoir, Robert P. Jones explores the unholy relationship between American Christianity and white supremacy. At this pivotal cultural moment, we need to confront this painful reality, accept responsibility for the past and work toward a more just future, reckoning with this legacy for the sake of our own souls, our faith, and our country. As this is a challenging book, prior participation in Sacred Ground or other antiracism training or reading is desirable. Click here to register for this group.
Learn about the Chesapeake Bay Foundation: The St. Anne’s Guild invites you to join us as we host the Hampton Roads Director of the Chesapeake Bay Foundation, Christy Everett, as our guest speaker to our next virtual meeting on April 6 at 10:30am. You do not have to be a St. Anne’s Guild member to attend the lecture. Topics will include the great work being done in our area, and the Brock Environmental Center—an innovate example of an environmentally sensitive and smart building. Send Linda McMahon (moc.liamg@nwodhsalps.adnil) an email to let her know you want to join the session, and she will ensure you get the link.
Easter Flowers: Forms are now available for Easter flower memorials. Click here for a .pdf version that you can print at home and return to the parish hall in person or by mail. Or click here to submit an online version of the form.
Confederate Memorial Update: The committee met again on March 10. They have completed the bulk of their work and are in the final phases. They hope to make a recommendation to the vestry by April. If you have questions or comments, contact the chair, Linda Curtis at moc.liamg@anansitrucl. Please remember that the Vestry will make the final decision.
Regathering: As many of you know, we have been asked to use the percent positivity rate of COVID tests in our region using the Virginia Department of Health metrics. The diocese determined that we must have 2 weeks at 8% before we can regather. The good news is that instead of using the numbers for Hampton, we are able to use the numbers for the Peninsula, which are currently at 9.1%. If we can reach 8% by March 17 and maintain that, we can open for Easter. If we can’t, we will have our outdoor services.
Team Up 2 Clean Up: We need YOU to help us keep St. John’s clean and beautiful! Individuals and families are welcome to “team up 2 clean up” by joining our St. Anne’s Guild members in the Great American Cleanup on Saturday, March 27. This is the nation’s largest community improvement program which takes place each year in approximately 20,000 communities nationwide. The Great American Cleanup is an opportunity to transform our St. John’s community into a beautiful, healthy space. Beautiful places are environmentally healthy, socially connected and economically sound. They’re better to raise a family, start a business or go to church. All volunteers must be masked and remain socially distanced. We are limited to a total of 25 participants to work our designated area. If interested in participating, please connect with Linda McMahon at moc.liamg@nwodhsalps.adnil.
Book Club: The Book Club is still meeting on Mondays from 5:30-6:30pm. We will start with The Greatest Beer Run Ever, a Memoir of Friendship, Loyalty, and War by John “Chick” Donohue and J.T. Molloy. It is a light, fast read and we anticipate being done in two weeks. The next book will be Veritas, A Harvard Professor, A Con Man and the Gospel of Jesus’s Wife by Ariel Sabar. Anyone interested in joining should contact Linda McMahon at moc.liamg@nwodhsalps.adnil for the link.
Lent Madness: is an online Lenten devotion that’s fun and engaging. 32 saints face off in a basketball-style bracket, and people vote for which saint deserves the Golden Halo. It’s a bit silly, but through the season we learn about the way Christ’s love shines in the lives of ordinary people. You can find more information about Lent Madness and how to participate here.
Lenten Book Study: Forgiveness: A Lenten Study by Marjorie J. Thompson: As the author notes, “Forgiving others and humbly asking for forgiveness are central disciplines for all Christian believers.” This brief book and study guide provides a framework for the topic using biblical examples and real-life situations. Lent is an appropriate season to deepen our understanding and practice of forgiveness, and this study provides a solid foundation. We will meet via Zoom on Thursdays at 7pm. Use this link. You can find either paperback or a kindle version on Amazon here. Questions? Please contact the office: 757-722-2567 or gro.notpmahsnhojts@eciffo.
Limited Access to Office: In accordance with COVID-19 guidelines and an uptick in numbers, the church office will be open by appointment only. If you would like to make an appointment, please call the office at 757-722-2567 or e-mail us at gro.notpmahsnhojts@eciffo.
H.E.L.P. Pantry Most-Requested List: Due to the added financial burdens as a result of the 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.
COVID Vaccine: You can visit the state health department website to find out when you will be eligible to get a COVID-19 vaccination. Answer a few questions about where you live and work, and you can find out which phase of the vaccination campaign you fall into. You can also sign up to be notified by text or email when your phase is being vaccinated. Go online for more information on the different phases.
Pledge Envelopes: If you would like to come pick up your pledge envelopes, please call the church office to arrange a time for pick up. If you cannot get to the church and live in Hampton, we will deliver it.