Weekly Announcements, March 5, 2021

March 5, 2021

New Recording Equipment: As you may notice in this week’s service video, we are using a new camera, microphone and lights to record the liturgy. This equipment was purchased to improve the current quality of our recording, as well as to provide high quality videos and live streamed content after the pandemic is over. We hope you take note of the change. We’d love to hear any feedback you have about the new set-up!

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: The committee met again on March 3. They have completed the bulk of their work and are in the final phases. They hope to make a recommendation to the vestry by May. 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.

Zoom Yoga with Lenten Themes: THERE WILL BE NO ZOOM YOGA THIS SUNDAY. It will resume next Sunday at the regular 4pm time. Register in advance for this meeting using this link. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

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.