The Interchange
The Interchange features articles of interest submitted by parishioners along with messages from the priest and senior warden. It also includes critical information about what is happening in the parish, diocese and The Episcopal Church (TEC) generally. To submit content to be featured in The Interchange visit the Parish Communications page.
Taize - Sunday December 10th
Our Taizé Ministry Team offers a respite to the busy-ness of the season Sunday, December 10 at 5:00 p.m. in the chapel. Join us for song, prayer and silence.
Meet Mary Jo!
Also known as Father Chris’ better half, Mary Jo is not your average clergy spouse. I spent some time with her over coffee recently and learned a lot:
Beyond Worship Services: December 2023
While some of these activities are noted elsewhere in this edition, here’s a handy reference for special goings-on in December beyond the Sunday Services.
Christmas Parade & Bishop’s Visit: Congregational Life Update
The Annual Charleston Christmas parade steps off at 7:00 p.m., Thursday December 7! This year instead of decorating a float for the parade and walking the entire parade route, we’ll meet up to watch and cheer on the Parade!
Message from Mary: Blessings
“we are who we are because of whose we are.”
Take a second and think about that. I did.
The Rt. Rev. Matthew D. Cowden:Visitation December 17, 2023
+Matthew will be with us Sunday, December 17.
Meandering with the Interim: Advent and Expectations
Early in my ordained ministry I had an opportunity to gather with colleagues and discuss ministry. Of course what else would we talk about?
Holly Jolly Brawley!
Our Outreach Ministry Team came out in joyful force to decorate our first ever entry in Holly Jolly Brawley!
Annual Meeting Announcement
Join us as we review 2023, ratify our by-laws, elect Vestrypersons and Diocesan Convention delegates and approve the 2024 budget developed by the Finance Committee and affirmed by the Vestry.
A Message from Chris+
Dear Parishioners & Community,
Yesterday was a difficult day around the campuses of St. John’s and Sacred Heart. Two incidents happened with Manna Meal clients. Our Bishop, the President of the Manna Meal Board, the Pastor and Principal at Sacred Heart and the Mayor have all been involved.
“Grow Church” is Underway!
In early October, Beth Marquart and I gathered with several others from around the diocese at St. Matthew’s on the Hill. The first in a series of retreat weekends, Grow Church is a two-year program offered by the Diocese of West Virginia and the Diocesan Church Development Institute (DCDI).
New Parking and Landscaping On the Way!
As we enjoy our newly painted and carpeted interior there are some exciting plans coming in early 2024 for the exterior of our building.
Knitters Knitting
The Barbara Knight Memorial Knitting Group met on a recent Saturday morning at Robin O’Brien’s home. This group meets weekly, please contact Mary Ann Deison or Robin O’Brien for details.
License to Serve: Renew by December 31, 2023 for Eucharistic Ministers, Formation Leaders, Lay Eucharistic Visitors & Vestry persons
Those licensed and who wish to remain licensed, must apply for and complete educational requirements to serve beyond December 31, 2023. Vestry persons, due to their leadership roles, are also required to complete educational requirements.
Reports from The 146th Diocesan Convention
The 146th Convention in Martinsburg, after an action packed, prayerful and playful 2.5 days, included a confirmation at the historic Morgan Chapel and wrapped with the ordination of 8 Deacons, thanks be to God!
Acolyte Training
Acolyte Master Landon Palmer held training sessions for an incoming class of acolytes and continuation training for another. Playing with fire was very popular, we can’t wait to see them serving at the Holy Eucharist.
Message from Mary: Calendars, Alternatives...
As our respective calendars flip to November, we are reminded of the activity dense timeframe before us
Meandering with the Interim: All In
Jesus says, give me your heart and the rest will follow. Are you “all in”?
Episcopal 101: Sundays November 5-26
Chris+ is offering this course for those Saints of John seeking baptism, confirmation or reaffirmation during Bp. Cowden’s December 17 visitation.
27th Annual RCCR Beans & Cornbread Dinner
Most every West Virginian loves beans and cornbread!