Today is the Feast Day of David Pendleton Oakerhater, Deacon and Missionary. David Oakerhater was born around 1850, and was a warrior and leader of the Cheyenne Indians of Oklahoma. He fought against the United States government over Indian land rights. Oakerhater was taken prisoner in 1875 and sent to a military post in Florida, where he learned English, taught archery and art, and encountered the Christian faith. After release, Oakerhater went North to study for the ministry, was baptized and ordained to the diaconate. Oakerhater returned to Oklahoma in 1881 and founded schools and missions, working among Native American people. He died on August 31, 1931. Upon his return to Oklahoma as a missionary Oaketer said, “You all know me. You remember when I led you out to war I went first, and what I told you was true. Now I have been away to the East and I have learned about another captain, the Lord Jesus Christ, and he is my leader. He goes first, and all He tells me is true. I come back to my people to tell you to go with me now in this new road, a war that makes for peace.” We thank God for the example of David Oakerhater today, and make Jesus first, our captain for peace as we turn to our corporate prayers …
Happy Birthday this week and next to Norm Jacob on August 29, Alexis Lee on August 30, Jan Wells on August 31, Kayode Lewis on September 3, Solomon Mgbaja on September 6, Paula Green and Kavita Ramkissoon on September 7, and Rick Reynolds on September 9. Happy Anniversary next week to Henry & Michelle Bascom on September 7, Ira and Clara White (65th Anniversary!) on September 8, and Michael & Paula Green on September 9.
Your prayers are requested for our sick, shut-in or troubled parishioners.
We give thanks for the birth of Logan Michael Pfennig, grandson of Martha and William Gordon, born on August 26, at 4:36pm, weighing in at 6 pounds 11 oz and 18 1/2 inches long. Martha reports that “everyone is doing well.” Thanks be to God, and please keep the Pfennig/Gordon family in your prayers.
We ask your prayers for those serving in our armed forces, especially: Sandy Myers, friend of Karen Patterson who is serving in Afghanistan, and John Roberts, Nancy Ward’s nephew who was deployed to Pakistan.
We ask your prayers for the parents and children who use the Transfer Center here at St. John’s every other Friday and Sunday, as well as participants in the Transitional Housing program.
September 5 8 am Holy Eucharist Rite I in the Nave, and 10 am Holy Eucharist Rite II in the Nave.
September 7 7 pm, Knitting Circle, Church Parlor. All handcrafters are encouraged to participate.
Thanks for Your Participation in the Youth Led Service Last Sunday: Last Sunday, August 29, we had a great youth-led worship during our 10 am service. Thanks for your participation in the sermon at both the 8 and 10 am services. The Vestry will review all of your wonderful ideas at our next meeting on September 15.
Robin Returns on September 12 – If You Have Questions, Send Them In: What was it like to be in Haiti after the earthquake? How did you see God at work in Haiti? Have these questions and others been looming large on your mind as we all anticipate Robin’s return this month? If you have burning questions for Robin related to her mission trip to Haiti, please send them to the Church Office by reply email or call them in at (301) 937-4292. We will incorporate your questions and others into the sermon on September 12, when Robin returns to St. John’s. We look forward to her return and hearing more about Haiti!
Save the Date for Family Fun Night: Our next Family Fun Night will be held on Saturday, September 18, from 6 to 9 pm. Everyone is encouraged to bring their favorite appetizer or dessert. Mark your calendars, as we gear up for a great time.
Thanks from Pauline Grant: A note of appreciation from parishioner Pauline Grant follows, “Many thanks to everyone that visited, brought flowers, balloons and gifts. Also, I have so enjoyed all the lovely cards. I feel blessed. I appreciate everyone’s prayers and thoughtfulness. A special thank you for Reverend Paula’s support. God’s blessings on my church family.”
Prayer Cards in the Narthex: Prayer Cards have been placed on the glass table in the Narthex for you to make prayer requests to the Intercessors Prayer Group or directly to the rector. If you would like the Intercessors Group to pray for you, one you love, or a particular issue, please complete the card and place it in the wooden box next to the cards. The rector and leaders of the Intercessors Group will check the box for your prayers. Prayers can be made in name, or anonymously.
Prayer List Updates:Please let the Church Office know whether or not those we have listed on the prayer list should remain on the prayer list. Our prayer list has become very extensive. We are happy and called to continue praying for those in need; however, it is important to know the status of the persons listed. Please contact the Church Office by reply email or by calling the Church Office at (301) 937-4292 and let us know the status of the persons you’ve included in prayer. We will keep listed persons on the prayer list for 8 weeks, and then remove their names unless otherwise notified.
Shepherding Forms: The rector maintains “Shepherding Forms” which provide for contact information on all members of the church, as well as ministry and pastoral requests. Many members of St. John’s have not completed “Shepherding Forms.” Forms can be found on the Narthex bulletin board. Please complete a Shepherding Form for you and your family members if you have not already done so, and put them in the rector’s box so accurate contact and spiritual information can be maintained for pastoral purposes.
St. John’s This Week Will be on Hiatus the week of September 5 -11.
Do you have news to share with the St. John’s community? E-mail the Church Office at stjohnsbeltsville@verizon.net.
Peace & Blessings,
Paula+
Regular church office hours are Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. until 12:00 noon. In case of emergency after regular office hours, please contact the Rector at (202) 722-2298. The Rector will be out of town September 6 – 9. If you have a pastoral emergency after regular Office hours during her time away, please call Senior Warden Linda Reynolds at (301) 345-2614.