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Today is the feast day of Anskar of Scandinavia, who was Archbishop of Hamburg, and Missionary to Denmark and Sweden. Anskar was born in Corbie, France in 801, and educated in the monastic school there. He was made master of a new monastery school in Germany, and there felt called to missionary work. He went to Denmark on the invitation of the King, and eventually went to Sweden also undertaking missionary work. Although his efforts were limited in his lifetime, three generations later there was a rich harvest of conversion which has been attributed to the seeds sown by Anskar. Today, Anskar is looked upon by Scandinavians as their apostle. We honor Anskar this day, remembering the seeds sown today might not take root for years to come, and yet in God’s time, they can flourish and bloom beyond our expectations. One way we sow the seeds of faith is through prayer, so let us turn now to our corporate prayers …

Happy Birthday This Week to David John Stefany and Justina Orafu on February 1, LeeAnn Holden-Martin on February 2, Laurie Jo Levine on February 6,

Your prayers are requested for our sick, shut-in or troubled parishioners: Charles Nweke, Joann Sutton, Stan Marshall, Theresa Derenberger; Anne Holland; Joecille Morris; Pauline Grant; Olga Allen; Dorothy Rittenhouse; Bob Osborne; and Maryalice Thomas.

We pray for our friends and loved ones who are ill or in need: Charlie Walthall; Carl Obecny, husband of Joan Obecny; Daniela Bals Roland, daughter of the late Marge & John Bals; Nancy Sandy and Patty Cutright, friends of Mahadeo & Shanty Ramkissoon; Victor Revron, son-in-law of Bob & Joan Osborne; Darlene, Malou, Cristina, Nelda and Folen, friends of Stan & Jacinta Marshall; Roland Beard, father of Leslie Roper, and Linda Beard, sister-in-law of Leslie Roper; Cameron, friend of Deb Stefany; Juan, friend of Stan & Jacinta Marshall; Grace & George Albrittain, parents of Barbara Neitzey; Barbara Shank, aunt of Pam Piper-Yeung; Edna Gilliam friend of Mike Green; Willie Clark, father of Paula Green; John Clarke, father of Mae Clarke; Phyllis Davy, mother of Errol Archer; Kevin Wells, relative of Rex and Jan Wells; Mary Downs, friend of Lori Allen; Lynn Griffin; Frances Humphrey, participant in the Transitional Housing program; Marybelle Small, friend of Eleanor Clark; Andy Britton, son of Paulette Colburn; Scott Wetzel, friend of the Abe family; Cubby LaHood, friend of Karen Patterson; Carole Garel, cousin of Yvonne Brooks; Mary “T” Tschabrunn, friend of Peggy Hall & Nancy Ward; Marj Gross, friend of Pat O’Bryhim; Ryan Diviney (who remains in a coma in Atlanta), great-nephew of Doris Roberts; Kareen Dixon, co-worker of Ismay Hutson; Judy Brock, cousin of Liz Campbell; Midge Olsen, mother-in-law of Pastor Kermit Medeberg; Laird White, son of Ira and Clara White; Chau, friend of Emily Romani; and, Steve Thaxton, friend of the Ziepolt family.

We ask your prayers for the people of Haiti: “Eternal God, our Rock and our Refuge, we turn to you aching and tender as we offer our prayers for the people of Haiti. We pray for the dying and those who have died, may death have dignity, may mercy be abundant. We pray for those who lost family, friends, and possessions, for those whose lives are blighted with suffering. Do not be far from those who cry out to you: We pray for all rescue workers, caregivers, and peacekeepers; may their hands be steady and their resolve be sure. Fill them with your grace and courage. Guide us in all that we undertake on behalf of the people of Haiti. May we respond with generosity and compassion as we work to alleviate suffering and rebuild lives. You O God; shall be our faithfulness, for You are the Rock of our salvation. We ask all this in the name of your Son, who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns, one God forever and ever. Amen.” (Collect from the Washington National Cathedral prayed at the request of the Bishop of Washington.)

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.

February 7
8 am Holy Eucharist Rite I in the Nave, and 10 am Holy Eucharist Rite II in the Nave, followed by the Annual Parish Meeting in the Parish Hall.

February 9
7 pm Knitting Circle, Church Parlor

Eucharistic Ministers: 8 am Ben Allen and Robin Taylor, 10 am Justina Orafu & Robin Taylor

Acolytes: 8 am Andrea Hutson, 10 am Alexis & Danielle Lee

Greeters: 8 am David Stefany & Tevin Bascom, 10 am Errol Archer & Pat Kral

Altar Guild: Peggy Hall & Martha Gordon

Visiting Minister: Maureen Callanan

Thanks to all Who Have Given to Haiti Relief through Episcopal Relief and Development, Food for the Poor, The Haiti Micah Project, and S.H.A.D. S.H.A.D. is an organization dedicated to helping underprivileged Haitian women between the ages of 14-45, including those who are pregnant, living under the poverty level, and those affected by HIV/AIDS. Parishioner Lola Knights, who is the local coordinator for S.H.A.D., will place boxes in the Narthex for in-kind donations. S.H.A.D. is accepting in-kind donations of clothing, canned goods and perishable items, medical supplies, male and feminine hygiene products. To make donations online to Episcopal Relief and Development, please go to www.er-d.org, The Haiti-Micah Project at www.haiti-micah.org, or S.H.A.D. at www.shadonline.org.

Annual Meeting This Sunday, February 7: If our weather conditions cooperate, the Annual Parish Meeting will take place this Sunday in the Parish Hall, following the 10 am worship service. We will report on the annual budget for 2010, the Parish Survey done last fall, Vestry goals for 2010, and conduct Vestry elections. Light refreshments will be served. If weather conditions prohibit church attendance, a recording will be put on the church voicemail by 6:30 a.m. If weather conditions are adverse, please check the church voicemail at (301) 937-4292 to find out whether or not we will go forward with services.

The Slate of Candidates for the 2010 Vestry: are Laurie-Anne Lee, Jacinta Marshall, and Pam Piper-Yeung. Nominations will be accepted from the floor and formal voting for the 2010 Vestry will take place at our Annual Meeting on Sunday, February 7, 2010, following the 10 am service of Holy Eucharist.

Family Fun Night and Chili Cook Off on February 13th: Our Family Fun Night has been combined with a Chili Cook-Off scheduled for Saturday, February 13 from 6:00 to 8:30 pm. This is the last Saturday before Lent begins (Ash Wednesday is February 17); therefore, this is our chance for a last blast before we make begin our Lenten fasts. We will put-up a sign-up sheet for attendance and for folks to indicate whether they plan on bringing their favorite chili and/or a dessert. The church will provide corn bread, rolls, drinks, hot dogs for the children and chips. We hope to have a talent showcase for children during the Family Fun Night. If your child would like to do a 3-5 minute performance during the showcase, please contact Jacinta Marshall at (301) 262-0246.

Lenten Contemplative Prayer Class Led By Our Seminarian: Seminarian Robin Taylor will lead a class on contemplative prayer during Lent which will be focusing on the Lord’s Prayer. Robin writes, “Please join me for a time of contemplative prayer and study of the book, The Lord and His Prayer, by N.T. Wright, from 9:15-9:50 on Sunday mornings during Lent, beginning February 21. A sign up sheet is in the Narthex. If you would like, I will order your book from the seminary bookstore. Please indicate your desire for me to purchase this book when you sign up. The cost will be between $8 and $9.”

Piano Duo Spectacular to Benefit Samaritan Ministry: At 8 pm, Saturday, Feb 20 (with a “Sneak Preview” on Feb 19) pianists Sophia Vastek and St John’s own Eric Gustafson will present the classic music of George Gershwin in a piano extravaganza titled “Two by Two by Gershwin” at ST. Patrick’s Episcopal Church, DC. The program will include the dazzling Cuban Overture, the beloved Rhapsody in Blue, and Gershwin’s most ambitious instrumental work, the virtuosic Concerto in F. Proceeds from this concert will benefit Samaritan Ministry of Greater Washington. To purchase tickets, visit http://www.st-albans-parish.org/worship_music/gershwin.html.

Safe Haven Toiletry Items Needed: Donations of toiletries are needed for Safe Haven, when we host homeless men at St. John’s February 21 – 28, 2010. The following items are needed: Small/travel size shampoo– another 6 to 8 bottles; Deodorant; Toothbrushes– another 6 to 8; travel size mouthwash; lip balm/Chapstick; shaving cream; disposable razors; and, men's pocket combs. (Please note we have plenty soap, lotion and conditioner, so there’s no need to donate these items.) A box will placed in the Narthex for the donation of Safe Haven toiletry items.

New Book of Reflections on Reggae Lyrics: Parishioner Yvonne Brooks has made available to our parishioners a new book by Lauris Faith titled, “My Life I Make Revisited: Spiritual Reflections on Reggae Lyrics.” The book takes lyrics from many popular Reggae songs, like “Get up, stand up, stand up for your right,” by Bunny Wailer, or “Emancipate yourself from mental slavery, none but ourselves can free our minds,” from “Redemption Song” by Bob Marley, and provides short, spiritual insights. The book would make a great Lenten reflection guide or a gift for a friend familiar with Reggae music. The cost of the book is $15.00, and can be picked up in the Church Office.

Please Pick Up Your Pledge Envelopes from the table in the Narthex.

Weather Conditions Which Effect Church Services: With winter weather that always threatens, please remember to check the Church Office telephone number to inquire about cancellation of services. If no message is left, you may assume services will go forward as planned.

DO YOU HAVE NEWS to share with the St. John’s community? E-mail the Church Office at stjohnsbeltsville@verizon.net.

Epiphany Peace & Blessings,

Paula+

Regular church office hours are Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. until 12:00 noon. Our Rector, The Reverend Paula Clark Green, is usually available Monday through Thursday during office hours. If you have a pastoral emergency after regular office hours or on weekends, please call the rector at (202) 722-2298.