A few years ago I read a book, Make Me Like Jesus (The Courage to Pray Dangerously);

the author begins the first chapter this way: Some thirty-five years ago I began asking
God to do something in my life. The consequences of that prayer I never could have
foreseen. This statement
brought to mind a prayer I
uttered when I first entered
seminary. It was a prayer based
on the refrain of a song by Bill
Withers, and it goes like this:
You just keep on using me,
until you use me up. The
consequences of that prayer I
never could have forseen.

Have you ever had anything like
this happen to you? Have things
just fallen into place, in ways
well beyond your control? And
has this happened even when
you werent fully convinced that
what you were involved in was
what you ought to be involved
in? It happens in the world, I
know. I think confusion and
uncertainty is something each of
us has experienced in our lifetime. And then we pray.

We pray for all sorts of things. We pray just exactly when we cannot account for whats
just happened. We pray when we cant imagine how the next thing that we think needs
to happen is going to happen. We pray for ourselves. We pray for each other. This past
week I feel like somebody prayed for me. And I am quite certain that somebody prayed
for you. Somebody prayed for this congregation and for this church. How do I know
this? Because just this past Sunday we gathered here, worshiping together and praying
for each other and this community. In fact, I believe that somebody prayed for us even
before we knew each other. And we are here together, St. Johns UCC, because of it.

Listen now:
I spelled out your character in detail to the men and women you gave me. They were yours in the first place; then you gave
them to me, and they have now done what you said. They know now, beyond the shadow of a doubt, that everything you
gave me is firsthand from you, for the message you gave me, I gave them; and they took it, and were convinced that I came
from you. They believed that you sent me. I pray for them. I'm not praying for the God-rejecting world but for those you gave
me, for they are yours by right. Everything mine is yours, and yours mine, and my life is on display in them. For I'm no longer
going to be visible in the world; they'll continue in the world while I return to you. Holy Father, guard them as they pursue this
life that you conferred as a gift through me, so they can be one heart and mind as we are one heart and mind.
(John 17: 6-11)

Jesus prayed that we might be of one heart and one mind. The Good News doesnt seem to be concerned that this wont
happen. I dont hear any worry, here. Jesus prayed for unity amongst all children of God. What we need to be about is
praying for what we want for this church, praying for what weve told each other we want. We need to be praying for each
other and for this community, under this roof and outside in the neighborhood and this city. We have a purpose at our center
and common values to nurture in this place.
I know its true because somebody prayed for us Jesus Christ.

Blessings, my friends.
Tom G


JUNE 2014
Volume 28.6


St. Johns
United Church of Christ

St. Johns is a community of faith
centered in Jesus Christ, seeking
guidance and direction through the
Holy Spirit, and demonstrating
Gods love to all people in words
and deeds.

An Open and Affirming
Congregation

503 Stuart Circle
Richmond, Virginia 23220
Telephone: 804.358.9291
Email:
stjohnsrichmondoffice@verizon.net

Web Site:
stjohnsrichmond.org

Published monthly
2014 St Johns UCC
...from the Council President

June brings 3 new members to our council and we welcome Laura
Totty, Ginna Dalton and Vivian White. We know their experience,
knowledge and love for St Johns will bring much to our
discussions and business at hand. The council has many tasks in
front of them and will be working hard for the future of St. Johns
in this transition year.

An Ad Hoc committee has been formed to review and update the
Constitution and by-laws. It is the hope that this will be done
during the coming year and if a finished document is ready, it will
be brought before the Congregation in November. There will be
informational meetings for the congregation to participate in
before a vote can be taken, so please watch for these discussions
and participate.

Summer can be a quiet time and it is our hope that a restful,
fun-filled summer is had by all.

Betsy Bighinatti
Council
President








Congregational Breakfast June 15
Mark you calendar
now and plan on
attending our
monthly
congregational
breakfast on
Sunday, June 15
at 9:00 am in the
Fellowship Hall.
We will enjoy the
food and fellowship
and update you on all the happenings at St. Johns.
Hope to see you there!
2
The Messenger | JUNE 2014






















Members of The
New Pastor Search Team

Elisabeth Burnette (Co-chair) Don Stiegler (Co-chair)
Sam Dalton Lynn Snyder Kristina Gilbert
Jeff Jacobs Justin Barbour Desiree McNeice
Rob Osborn
Trustees:
Jeff Hetzer
Sarah Allen
Jeff Jacobs

Endowment Board:
Don Stiegler Beth Oxenham
Elisabeth Burnette Bud Higgins
Tony Sharpenstein Sonny Darnell
Betsy Bighinatti Sharon Machrone
Jeff Hetzer

Treasurer:
Fritz Will, IV
C
O
N
T
A
C
T
S
Rev. Tom Gerstenlauer - 358-9291
Julia Eliades - 358-9291
Church Council:
Betsy Bighinatti - 379-3572
Facilities:
Richard Bighinatti - 379-3572
Finance:
Jeff Hetzer - 550-3928
Mission and Outreach:
Bill Watson - 873-2837
Membership Development:
Dreama Terrill - 972-5669
Christian Formation:
Bryan Anderegg - 317-1941
Life And Care::
Kim Vann - 323-9086
Congregational Care:
Helena DeLigt - 795-2058
Weddings:
Vivian White - 379-2049
The Fellowship:
Joe McGregor - 364-4078
German Fest:
Jeff Jacobs - 355-1115
St. Johns Players:
Tony Sharpenstein - 762-4870
3
The Messenger | JUNE 2014
William Byrd Community House Donations (WBCH)
Dont forget that on the third Sunday of each month, we receive contributions of non-perishable food
items for the William Byrd Food Bank. Ask for a shopping bag with a shopping list attached from a
member of the Welcome Team when you come to worship, and then bring your offering on the third
Sunday of each month (June 15, 2014).

Summer in Faith Place
Childrens Programming

We will offer programming during the 10 am worship service for children 8 and under in Faith Place during the
summer months. Following the lectionary, we will be telling and retelling stories found in the Hebrew Scriptures
(or Old Testament) starting with the calling of Abram and Sarai. We will explore each story further through art,
drama, activities, and more! See you in Faith Place on Sunday!

Confirmation

Our four confirmands Ashley, Cammie, Bryan, and Josh will be leading the congregation in an affirmation of
faith (or creed) on Sunday, June 1
st
during the worship service. The confirmation class has been learning about
creeds during their class time with Tom and Julia. The confirmation class is also planning an overnight retreat in
June and a summer mission project.

Faith Conversations Small Group for Adults

A small group reflection gathering hosted by Kim Vann and Desiree McNeice that began during Lent plans to
meet once a month on Monday evenings during the summer (6/16, 7/21, 8/18 at 7 pm). If you are interested in
attending, please contact Julia and she will send you materials each month to read and reflect on before each
gathering. All are welcome and encouraged to participate!

Centering Prayer
Tom will be offering a time for centering prayer on Wednesday evenings starting at 6 pm. Everyone is welcome
to come for quiet time to center your thoughts and spend time in prayer with God.
4
The Messenger | JUNE 2014
St. Johns Financial Picture YTD as of April 30, 2014
June 1
Seventh Sunday of Easter

Acts 1:6-14
Psalm 68:1-10, 32-35
1 Peter 4:12-14, 5:6-11 John 17:1-11
June 8
Pentecost Sunday

Acts 2:1-21
Psalm 104:24-34, 35b
1 Corinthians 12:3b-13 John 20:19-23
June 15
First Sunday after Pentecost
Genesis 1:1-2:4a
Psalm 8
2 Corinthians 13:11-13 Matthew 28:16-20
June 22
Second Sunday after Pentecost

Genesis 21:8-21
Psalm 86:1-10
Romans 6:1b-11 Matthew 10:24-39
June 29
Third Sunday after Pentecost
Genesis 22:1-14
Psalm 13
Romans 6:12-23

Matthew 10:40-42
2014 Budget Budget YTD Actual YTD

Income

Pledge Payments* $127,000 $42,333 $40,710
Cash Offerings $22,000 $7,366 $2,997
Other Income (Endowment Contributions $122,850 $56,001 $57,667
Parking Lot Rental, Wedding Income, etc.)

Total Income $271,850 $105,700 $101,374


Expenses
Personnel 166,549 54,075 58,285
Committees 22,191 7,397 5,848
Operations/Maintenance 122,390 44,808 45,568
Local Benevolences 7,300 3,317 3,878
Other 9,600 2,625 2,625

Total Expenses 328,030 112,222 116,204

Income/Expenses Total (56,180) (6,522) (14,830)
surplus (deficit)

NOTE:
1. Income includes a total of $85,000 annual contribution from Endowment Fund ($7083 monthly)
2. Annual Deficit to be covered by Endowment Fund and General Reserve Fund
3. 2014 Pledge Budget is $126,000. To date, 56 pledges for $118,000 have been received.
The Messenger | JUNE 2014 5
During the first full week
of June we will be setting
up for our annual
BASEMENT SALE!
Any day of this week you
can donate books, DVDs,
dishes, toys, small
appliances (in working
condition), pictures, and
gently used childrens
clothing (NO CLOTHES
FOR ADULTS).
Bring your items to the
Fellowship Hall.
8am till 1pm
Bring your family and friends on
Saturday, June 7th to this
wonderful sale!







Eric Kiyala
Eric, Sharon Machrones son, graduated from Worcester Polytech Institute with a Master of Science degree in Information Technology.

Rothea Kornelius
Rothea, our 2013 Seminary Intern, graduated from the University of Dubuque Theological Seminary with a Master of Divinity
on May 17
th
.

Timothy Maxwell
Timothy, Judy Browns grandson, is graduating from Godwin High School and will be attending Lynchburg College.

Erin Murray
Erin, Dorothy Cooks granddaughter, graduated from Virginia State University and will be continuing on to VCU to work on a Masters
degree in Social Work.

William Dawg Strong
Dawg graduated from Union Theological Seminary on May 31
st
with a Master of Divinity.
6 The Messenger | JUNE 2014



Groups

#1 Billy Poarch 359-6131
#2 Adrianne Dery 262-7072
Erin Burnette 775-2691
#3 Lex Tartaglia 369-9171
#4 Kim Vann 323-9086
#5 Bryan Anderegg 317-1941
Lynda Merry 756-0270
#6 Rob Osborn 795-2058
Helena DeLigt 795-2058
#7 Cheryl Goode 901-6594
#9 Ginna & Sam Dalton 378-3386







St. John's Wedding for June

Danielle Harvell and Christopher Jervis
Rehearsal June 27, 6:00 pm
Wedding June 28, 5:00 pm
100 guests



Tickets are $4
Please find a substitute if you are unable to perform your ministry and
contact your team coordinator AND the office to let them know who will be
filling in for you. Thank you for making our church ministries run smoothly!
Welcome
Team
Leader
Sound
System
Acolytes Lay
Readers
Fellowship
Hosts
Nursery
Helpers
Tellers
Facilities

June 1

Doug
Waldrop

Jeff Michel

Bryan Etter
James Cook

Dorothy Cook
Elizabeth
Burnette

Don and Beth
Stiegler

Melissa and
Dan
Mascher

Sonny Darnell
Dorothy Cook

Bud Higgins

June 8

Doug
Waldrop

Jeff Michel

Bryan Etter
Jamers Cook

Sal Anselmo
Erin Burnette

Elisabeth
Burnette

Abby and
Chris Ward

Sonny Darnell
Dorothy Cook

Bud Higgins

June 15


Richard
Bighinatti



Lydia Woods
Sabrina Woods

Betsy Bighinatti
Richard
Bighinatti


Don Warren

Laura Totty

Mark Souza
Betsy
Bighinatti

Richard
Bighinatti

June 22

Richard
Bighinatti



Lydia Woods
Sabrina Woods

Ashley Quick
Laura Siff

Kathy Freise

Justin and
Marjorie
Barbour

Mark Souza
Bertsy
Bighinatti

Richard
Bighinatti

June 29

Justin
Barbour

David
Pittman

Josh Lyle
Sam Dalton
Ginna Minasian
Dalton

Laura Totty

Martha Cook

Rob Osborn
Tony
Sharpenstein

Richard
Bighinatti
June 1 June 8 June 15 June 22 June 29

Elisabeth
Burnette



To order fresh flowers to be placed on the altar in honor of a special occasion or person or
in remembrance of someone, please sign-up on the flower chart on the bulletin board in the
hallway near the nursery or contact Sonny Darnell at 743-7528 or
kenandsonny@comcast.net
$45.00 for two beautiful bouquets.
Fellowship Coordinator: Sal Anselmo 358-1696
Tellers Coordinator: Bud Higgins 301-5059
Lay Readers Coordinator: Sal Anselmo 358-1696
2014
1
New Summer Worship Time


10 am Worship
2

6 pm SJP
3
10 am Staff Mtg.
11:30 am NA Meeting
5:30 Search Com.
6 pm SJP
4

5 pm Card Ministry
6 pm SJP
5

11:30 am NA Meeting

6


7

BASEMENT
SALE
8 am -
4 pm
8

10 am Worship
9

7pm Church Council

6 pm SJP
10

10 am Staff Mtg.

11:30 am NA Meeting

6 pm SJP


11

5 pm Card Ministry

6 pm Staff Relations


12

11:30 am NA Meeting

5:30 Worship & Music



13

6 pm SJP
14



15
9 am Congregational
Breakfast

10 am Worship

WM BYRD HOUSE
DONATIONS DUE

16

7 pm Faith
Conversations

6 pm SJP
17
10 am Staff Mtg.

10 am Alice in
Wonderland

11:30 am NA Meeting

1 pm Alice in
Wonderland

5:30 Search Comm
18

10 am Alice in
Wonderland

5 pm Card Ministry

1 pm Alice in
Wonderland

19

10 am Alice in
Wonderland

11:30 am NA Meeting

1 pm Alice in
Wonderland
20

10 am Alice in
Wonderland

6 pm Alice in
Wonderland
21
8:30 am India Orthodox
Church
22

10 am Worship


23


24

10 am Staff Mtg.

11:30 am NA Meeting


25

5 pm Card Ministry

6:30 Centering Prayer




26

11:30 am NA Meeting




27

4:00 pm Wedding
Rehearsal



28

4 pm Wedding
29


10 am Worship




30






Birthdays This Month

2 Katy Meador
2 June Smyth
4 Savannah Quick
5 Georgia Pollard
6 Beth Oxenham
9 Peggy Ford
12 Paula Yust
12 June Sullen
13 Tony Sharpenstein




14 Joe McGregor
18 Thomas Viergever
19 Helen Bunch
20 Jack Short
21 Terri Woods
22 Matthew Walsh
25 Barbara Etter
28 Joseph Walsh
29 Kylie Caraher
Sumer worship time begins June 1
Basement Sale Set-Up