Spirit of the Eagle – November 2014

Thought of the day
Our help is in the name of the LORD, who made heaven and earth. (Psalm 124:8)

In our lives we often don’t know which way to turn. But the answer is always before us if we look. We tend to not see it because we are caught up in the moment and because of the worry that comes so easy to our minds.

When hardships strike or when you are struck by a feeling of doom recall the parable of the lilies of the field: Consider the lilies how they grow: they toil not, they spin not; and yet I say unto you, that Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these….If then God so clothe the grass, which is to day in the field, and tomorrow is cast into the oven; how much more will he clothe you… Luke 12:27

Once we remember God’s love we know all will be right.

+Rommie Starks

Spiritual Tidbits for November from Father Tim
Are you ready? Now that November has arrived the holiday season will set its usual fast pace. As the secular world gears it marketing teams to focus on relieving you of as much money as possible, the Holy Church focuses on the ending of the Trinity Season, Thanksgiving (to God whom is worthy of thanksgiving), and the beginning of Advent on the 30th of November. Let’s be sure to count our blessings more often this month, especially all the little blessings we take for granted, and give thanks to God to whom thanks is due (probably overdue). Counting the immense amount of small blessings, and thanking God for each one, will help bring us peace in the upcoming bustle of the secular worlds upcoming consumerism rush. Remember the words of St. Seraphim of Sarov: Acquire inner peace, and thousands around you will find salvation. ~ Fr. Tim

November Spirituality Class
We will lay aside our current book “The Last Enemy” in November and finish the second half in January after Advent. Starting on Sunday the 23rd of November and the following four Sundays (30th, 7th, 14th, & 21st) , we will watch, read, and discuss Ann Voskamp’s One Thousand Gifts for about one hour after Mass. In this five-session, video based study, Ann encourages participants to take on the life-changing discipline of journaling God’s gifts — to really look at life and find the good in it. It’s only in this expressing of gratitude for the life we already have that we discover the life we’ve always wanted … A life we can take, give thanks for, and break for others.

And only then can we come to feel and know the impossible right down in our bones: we are wildly loved — by God. We recently used this material in the September one day Women’s Retreat, but did not have near enough time to do it justice. You can preview Ann’s material at www.aholyexperience.com and explore her web page. Be sure to play the beautiful music at the top of the page while you browse.
~ Fr. Tim

Annual Parish Meeting 2014
This year’s Annual Parish Meeting will be held in the parish hall immediately after Mass on November 16. A light lunch will be provided by the Vestry and then the meeting will begin. The Bishop will officiating our annual business meeting and your attendance is greatly appreciated. Please mark your calendars and make plans to be in attendance for this very important event so you can view the written reports by all of our ministry leaders and conduct the necessary business in preparing for the coming year. All ministry reports must be given to Sr. Warden Rich Seyberth by Sunday, November 9.

Your Vestry

Thanksgiving Mass on November 26 at 6 p.m.
Fr. Neuroth will be celebrating Thanksgiving Mass on Wednesday night, November 26th at 6 p.m.

Holiday Outreach is Fast Approaching
One of the best ministries here at St. John’s has always been our Holiday Outreach to the community. In just 8 weeks, your generosity will provide a complete Thanksgiving dinner to many families that would otherwise not get to experience on a special day what we fortunate ones sometimes take for granted. A box will soon be placed in the parish hall for any non-perishable food items you might consider bringing.

Beginning last year, we have also started bringing in toiletry and cleaning items as well, such as soap, deodorant, shampoo, toilet paper, tissues, hand soap, body soap and such items; again, things all of us can not only afford, but take for granted. Please think of these families in need as you do your grocery shopping in the coming week and thanks in advance!

This year we will be helping 8 needy families in the City of Dayton. Distribution date is November 23.

November Birthdays & Anniversaries
Mary Ann Neuroth – Birthday – November 9
Jerri & Tim Lenz – Anniversary – November 11
Bob Schmerge – Birthday – November 13
Carolyn & Bob Schmerge – Anniversary – November 16
Donna & John Lipscomb – Anniversary – November 26
Marie Whalen – Birthday – November 26