APRIL 2014

Volume 28.4


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

Palm Sunday ~ April 13, 2014
9:30 am: Gather on the steps of First English Church
Please be at St. Johns by 9:30 am, pick up a palm branch and then head across
Stuart Circle to gather on the steps of First English where Rev. Tom will give a
brief homily at 9:45am.
10:00 am: Parade to Lee Monument and back to St. Johns
The parade begins around 10 am as we all walk down Monument Avenue accom-
panied by a donkey and waving palm branches. The parade stops at each of the
five congregations for the singing of a verse from All Glory Laud and Honor.
10:30 am: Back to St. Johns for coffee and pastries
10:55 am: All children and parents (and anyone else who wants to participate)
will gather in the Narthex with a palm branch to wave as we together enter the
sanctuary to open our Palm Sunday worship service.
11:00 am: Palm Sunday worship service
Maundy Thursday ~ April 17, 2014
7:00 pm: Maundy Thursday
The word Maundy comes from the Latin word mandatum, which means
command. Today, we remember the Lord's commands and celebrate His Supper.
Join us in the sanctuary as we worship and receive Holy Communion in
remembrance of Jesus last supper with the disciples.

Good Friday ~ April 18, 2014
Noon:
St. Johns UCC will be hosting the West End Ecumenical Association Good Friday
Worship Service this year in our sanctuary.
Easter Sunday ~ April 20, 2014
11:00 am: Easter Worship Service
We will continue to say Yes, Yes, Yes to our Risen God! Join us in the sanctuary
at 11:00 am for our Easter Worship Service. The service will conclude with the
choir and congregation singing of the Hallelujah chorus to Handels Messiah.
Noon: Easter Celebration and Easter Egg Hunt
Gather in the Fellowship Hall to enjoy fellowship and wonderful food prepared by
the Congregational Life ministry. Special activities will be provided for the
children including our annual Easter egg hunt. We look forward to seeing
everyone as we greet one another with Alleluia! Christ is Risen!



Dear St. Johns Family and Friends,
The High Holy Days are upon us. You church is an active participant in the
many activities planned in our immediate faith community. Please plan to
attend some or all of the events listed below during our remembrance of Holy
Week.
Rev. Tom
Members of Church Council
Betsy Bighinatti, President
Jeff Hetzer, Vice President
Helena DeLigt, Secretary Bryan Anderegg
Marjorie Barbour Teresa Jolles
Desiree McNeice Kenn Shirley
Dreama Terrill Vivian White
Bill Watson Karen-Marie Yust
...from the Council President

As we continue on our Lenten journey we thank all those who
have led our Lenten Studies and you, the Congregation, who
have attended. We celebrated Ash Wednesday with our CARITAS
guests and what a blessing it was for everyone to share this event
together.
Our Search committee met with the congregation for Breakfast on
March 16 and will do so again on Sunday, March 30
th
at 12:30 pm.
This valuable time is being used to keep our congregation
informed, updated and involved. Please attend the March 30th
Forum to stay involved in this process.

The Church council had a very meaningful retreat over the week-
end of Feb. 21-22 led by Pastor Tom and Rob Osborn. Rev. Tom
will be sharing some of the information with you the congregation
at a later date.

I hope everyone has purchased their tickets for the Cabaret
produced by St. Johns Community Players. The cast will consist
of 20 plus entertainers of which some are children who will delight
you with their tap routine plus others. The dates are Saturday,
April 5 with Dinner at 6:00 Pm and Show at 7:30 PM. The show
will be presented again on Sunday, April 6
th
at 3:00 PM. Tickets
are $20.00 for show and dinner and $10.00 for show only. Call the
church off box office or order you tickets on line. Please invite
some friends to come with you, introduce them to St. Johns and
enjoy an evening together. This is a fund raiser for the church
with all proceeds going to the church general fund. St. Johns
has two main fund raisers during the year and this is the first
for 2014 and our German dinner being the second.

Palm Sunday and Easter are upon us and the Worship and Music
and Congregational Life Committees are busy preparing our
celebrations. I hope you will be with us.
Blessings to all as we look forward to a lovely warm spring!

Betsy Bighinatti
Council President



2
The Messenger | APRIL 2014
Facility Committee Report
Items completed in the past month:
Repaired railing grooms room.
Installed a new door to court yard.
Painted breeze way.
Repaired drains in boiler room.
Repaired ceiling in Red room .
Repaired front door.
New Boiler completed.
New toilet seat ladies room.
Repainted areas inside the church.
Painted under Rose Window.
Signed service agreement with contractor for boilers
Items still on our agenda:
Repair hot water pipe leak in room B2.
Repair roof and window leaks.
Repair rose window.
New lights on alter.
New HVAC windows for some windows.
Repair brick wall and lawn.
Repair floor.
Bathroom need quotes.
New facility instructions for all facility team members.
Facility instruction Manual.
Many thanks to Joe McGregor in helping me on the new and
old boiler repairs this winter. Our next meeting will be
March 30.
Richard Bighinatti, Facility Chairman

Search Team Report
The Search Committee
continues to meet every
other Tuesday to devel-
op our Church Profile...
but they still need the
congregation's help.
The committee has
sought input for the
Profile from the congregation through group discussions on
March 16 and March 30 and through survey questions each
week. If you have not had the opportunity to participate in
the discussions or the surveys, please contact Elisabeth
Burnette (at email elisabeth9988@yahoo.com or by phone
at 804-560-1134) so the committee can make sure every-
one has the opportunity to contribute.

Members of The Search Team
Elisabeth Burnette (Co-chair) Don Stiegler (Co-chair)
Sam Dalton Lynn Snyder Kristina Gilbert
Jeff Jacobs Justin Barbour Desiree McNeice
Rob Osborn
3
The Messenger | APRIL 2014




(Congregations Around Richmond Involved To Assure Shelter)

Caritas update for April

You know that CARITAS is one of the Outreach and Mission
activities that St Johns sponsors. But did you know that current-
ly we have 40 women each night at our Fellowship Hall intake
site?

Thanks to all of your sacrificial giving of your time, prayers, and
donation, we have completed five successful weeks of
CARITAS - and we still have April 1, 2 and 11 to 18 to cover as
we welcome these women.

If you are signed up to help in April, please bring some non-
sweet snacks.

Thank you St Johns and First English for your help each night.
It couldnt be done without the volunteers. People make a differ-
ence and we are making a difference in the lives of these women.

Richard Bighinatti
CARITAS Chairman



A-C-T-S Area Congregations Together in Service
ACTS is a Greater Richmond interfaith mission providing support
and resources during periods of financial crisis to prevent home-
lessness. ACTS serves as a resource to its current 53 faith
partners, including St. Johns UCC, by assessing and assisting
people who visit or call the church seeking financial assistance.
Instead of the church simply offering a hand out, staff is able to
refer that person to ACTS who fully assesses the situation face
to face while taking the necessary time to listen to each individu-
al and how they got in financial crisis. ACTS case workers also
examine budgets with each individual client hoping to avoid such
future situations. After the person leaves, the case worker
verifies all information with landlords, utility companies, and
other agencies that may be currently assisting the individual. A
decision is then made as to whether financial assistance will be
offered and if applicable, a payment is made ONLY to the
vendor, never to the individual. Since it began assisting clients
in the Greater Richmond Area in August 2006, ACTS has
financially assisted hundreds of households and given other
more appropriate resources to hundreds more. Last year, ACTS
received 760 referralsa 35% increase over the prior year.
HOW ST. JOHNS WILL BE
SUPPORTING ACTS...
SPECIAL ACTS OFFERING: A special offering for ACTS will
be received on Palm Sunday and Easter Sunday here at St.
Johns. In addition to your financial support, ACTS also asks for
your donation of care bag items. When clients depart, each client
is given a bag of much needed items such as cleaning supplies,
paper products, and hygiene products.

ACTS HOUSE DONATION SITE: The ACTS House
( made by the youth of St. Jamess Episcopal Church -
designed to move around from one congregation to
another raising awareness of ACTS) in St. Johns parlor,
is a drop off location for donations. Bring the following
items for the ACTS house anytime and often and thank
you for your generous support!
Tooth brush Dish detergent
Tooth paste Soap
Laundry detergent Shaving Cream
Kleenex Bleach
Deodorant Paper towels
Band-Aids Paper napkins
Combs/brushes Dish cloths
Female Products Toilet Tissue
Disposable Razors

4 The Messenger | APRIL 2014



Each year we have lovely Easter lilies on display in the chancel
area on Easter morning. If you wish to order a lily in memory of
or in honor of a loved one, please complete this form and drop it
by the church office, or mail it to the church office. The cost is
$14 per plant, and you may take it home after the completion of
the Easter morning worship service.
Ordering Deadline: Wednesday, April 13, 2014

In memory of In honor of
Name ___________________________________________

Given by:_________________________________________

In memory of In honor of
Name ___________________________________________

Given by:_________________________________________

In memory of In honor of
Name ___________________________________________

Given by:_________________________________________

In memory of In honor of
Name ___________________________________________

Given by:_________________________________________




Your name _______________________ Phone: _________



Number of lilies ordered ___________
@ $14 = $________________

(please attach payment with this order)
Ordering Deadline: Wed., April 13, 2014
Easter Lily
Order Form
One Great Hour Of Sharing -
UPDATE

We are the hungry, the thirsty, the sick, the homeless, the hurt-
ing. We are one with our sisters and brothers, and we will
answer Christs call until we all are fed. Until all are fed.
Through this ecumenical effort, One Great Hour of Sharing, we
connect visibly, effectively, efficiently, and powerfully to answer
those needs. Together, we are much stronger. Together, we
have raised hundreds of millions of dollars to assist and to
connect with those whose lives have now been forever
changed.
Our OGHS Offering will be taken up on Sunday, March 30. If
you will miss this offering, please give as soon as possible.
William Byrd Community House
Donations (WBCH)

Our younger youth church school class will continue to
organize and deliver all donations to 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 (April 20,
2014).
5
The Messenger | APRIL 2014
Fifth Sunday in Lent - APRIL 6 Ezek. 27:1-14
Psalm 130
Romans 8:6-11 John 11:1-45
Palm Sunday - APRIL 13

Isaiah 50:4-9a
Psalm 31:9-16
Philippians 2:5-11 Matthew 26:14-27;66
Easter - APRIL 20

Jerimiah 31:1-6
Psalm 118:1-2, 14-24
Colossians 3:1-4 Matthew 28:1-10
Second Sunday of Easter -
APRIL 27

Acts 2:1-4a, 22-32
Psalm 16
1 Peter 1:3-9

John 20:19-31
Palm Sunday Activities for Children &
Adults

Our Traditional Palm Sunday Parade
The five churches of the Stuart Circle Parish (St. Johns, St.
Jamess Episcopal,
First English Lutheran,
Grace Covenant
Presbyterian, and The
Cathedral of the Sacred
Heart) once again invite
all to participate in the
parade of the palm
branches to commemo-
rate Jesus triumphant
entry into Jerusalem.
The parade begins
across the street from
St. Johns at First
English Lutheran at
9:45 am. Pick up a
palm branch at the
doors of St. Johns before walking over. Rev. Tom will give
a brief homily on the steps of First English. The parade
begins around 10 am as we all walk down Monument
Avenue accompanied by a donkey and waving palm
branches. Following the parade, join us in the Parlor of St.
Johns for coffee and pastries.
Children and Parents process in with palms
All children and parents (and anyone else who wants to
participate) will gather in the Narthex at 10:55 with a palm
branch to wave as we together enter the sanctuary to open
our Palm Sunday worship service.


Adult
Lenten
Study
Join the
Sunday
morning
adult class
as they experience and study the significance of the last 24
hours of Jesus life. Author Adam Hamilton is your guide
through the events that occurred in the day before Christs
death beginning with the last supper with the disciples, fol-
lowed by the garden of Gethsemane, the betrayal and
condemnation, and Jesus death on the cross. During the
season of Lent, be a part of this conversation and reflect on
the meaning of these 24 hours on your life today.

Come Follow Me!
We encourage families to find time during Lent to reflect on
the bible passages and questions in the Lenten booklet. Be a
follower of Jesus! Try out the prayer practices, remember
your baptism, talk about your hopes and dreams.


Seeking? m
Are you seeking something more
in your life? Do you seek an
opportunity to be more involved
in a faith community? Do you
want to find out more about
membership at St. Johns? Are
you interested in learning more
about the United Church of
Christ? If the answer is Yes, then join us on March 30th
and April 6th at 9:45 am for a two-part Seekers class. All
are welcome! To find out more speak to Julia or Tom!


6
The Messenger | APRIL 2014
St. Johns Financial Picture YTD as of February 28, 2014
2014 Budget Budget YTD Actual YTD

Income

Pledge Payments* $127,000 $21,000 $19,612
Cash Offerings $22,000 $3,667 $2,081
Other Income (Endowment Contributions $122,850 $28,074 $30,216
Parking Lot Rental, Wedding Income, etc.)

Total Income $271,850 $52,741 $51,909


Expenses
Personnel 166,549 29,584 29,306
Committees 22,191 3,698 1,825
Operations/Maintenance 122,390 23,471 20,137
Local Benevolences 7,300 1,773 2,618
Other 9,600 - -

Total Expenses 328,030 58,526 53,886

Income/Expenses Total (56,180) (5,785) (1,977)
surplus (deficit)


Annual Deficit to be covered by Endowment Fund and General Reserve Fund


Easter 2014 Offering Opportunities
at St. Johns UCC

A-C-T-S (Palm Sunday and Easter Sunday)
One Great Hour of Sharing (May 30, 2014)
(or give anytime...clearly marking your envelope)
The Messenger | APRIL 2014 7
Rev. Gerstenlauer - 358-9291
Julia Eliades - 358-9291
Church Council:
Betsy Bighinatti - 379-3572
Facilities:
Richard Bighinatti - 379-3572
Finance:
Jeff Hetzer - 550-3928
Worship & Music:
Kenn Shirley - 502-1002
Mission and Outreach:
Bill Watson - 873-2837
Membership Development:
Dreama Terrill - 972-5669
Christian Formation:
Bryan Anderegg - 317-1941
Community Development::
Desiree McNeice - 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
C
O
N
T
A
C
T
S
The 2014 Spring Outing will be held on
THURSDAY, APRIL 10

We will meet at the church at 10:30 am and
carpool to











LEWIS GINTER BOTANICAL GARDENS
for a tour of the gardens and lunch.
We say Good Bye
to Jo Ann Jellison
and Wish Her Well
Come to a pot-luck dinner
in the church Fellowship
Hall at 6 pm on Friday,
April 25
th
.
RSVP to the
church ofce no
later than
April 20.
Jo Anns last Sunday with
us before moving to
Charlotte (to be closer to
her children and to her
grandchildren) is April 27
th
.





Sam and I want to thank you all for your encouraging cards, warm
phone and email communications, fabulous food a and most
significantly your prayers.

We are recovering well.

Peace and care
Ginna


St. John's Wedding
Gorman & Beard


April 11 rehearsal 5:00 pm
April 12 wedding 5:00 pm
150 Guests
8 The Messenger | APRIL 2014
St. Johns Community Players
Presents
Stage and Screen
A Musical Cabaret of Songs
From Broadway and Movies







Dinner Theatre April 5
Dinner at 6:00 PM & Show at 7:30 PM
$20 (advance payment required and RSVP must be made by April 3)
Show only-$10, $8 for students
April 6 at 3 PM
$10, $8 for students
Phone 804-358-9291 ext. 16 for ticket information
or pay on line at stjohnsrichmond.org
All money earned goes to St. Johns General Fund.










Groups

#1 Billy Poarch 359-6131
#2 Adrianne Dery 262-7072
#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
#8
#9 Ginna & Sam Dalton 378-3386
St. Johns Community
Players Youth Theatre

Director Anita Sharpenstein,
Musical Director Amber dePass,
Choreographer Tony Sharpenstein
seek fifteen youth ages 13-18
and five youth ages 8-12 for a
variety of roles.
No appointment needed
No actors paid
Prepare a song and bring
sheet music, cd or iPod
accompaniment
Come dressed for movement
Readings will be from the
script
Rehearsals will begin
April 28 and run Monday-
Wednesday evenings from
6:00 - 8:00 pm.
Production dates: June
17-19 @ 10:00 am and
1:00 pm, June 20 @ 10:00
am and 6:00 pm.

Call Anita Sharpenstein @
543-2165 with any questions.
Saturday, April 26 @
10:00 am
St. Johns UCC 503 Stuart Circle
Richmond, VA 23220
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

April 6

Richard
Bighinatti

Jo Ann
Jellison

Lydia Woods

Rick Cook
Elisabeth
Burnette

Denise Martin

TBA

Rob Osborn
Tony
Sharpenstein

Richard
Bighinatti

April 13

Richard
Bighinatti

Jo Ann
Jellison

Lydia Woods

Sal Anselmo
Bud Higgins

Sonny Darnell

Abby and
Chris Ward

Rob Osborn
Tony
Sharpenstein

Richard
Bighinatti

April 20


Justin Barbour

David
Pittman

Josh Lyle
Bryan
Anderegg
Jeanette Sally

Congrega-
tional Life

Laura Totty

Jeff Jacobs
Iola Miller

Justin Barbour

April 27

Justin Barbour

David
Pittman

Josh Lyle

Billy Poarch
Denise Martin

Jo Ann
Jellison
Marjorie &
Justin
Barbour

Jeff Jacobs
Iola Miller

Justin Barbour
April 6 April 13 April 20 April 27

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
Fellowship Coordinator: Sal Anselmo 358-1696
Tellers Coordinator: Bud Higgins 301-5059
Lay Readers Coordinator: Sal Anselmo 358-1696
APRIL CARITAS VOLUNTEERS

APRIL 1 First English
APRIL 12 Chris Miles
APRIL 13 Charlotte Quick
Laura Totty
APRIL 14 First English
APRIL 15 First English
APRIL 16 Jeff Michel
Adrianne Dery
APRIL 17 Cheryl Goode
Jeanette Sally
APRIL 18 Richard Bighinatti
Betsy Bighinatti

Please Sign Up!
APRIL BIRTHDAYS
1 Rene Chrysler
1 George Vennart
2 Dale Totty
11 Micah Dalton
16 Desiree McNeice
17 Dale Trent
20 Charlotte Ford
29 Anne Lohmann Palmen
30 Betsy Bighinatti
30 Theresa Caraher
30 Jerry Simonoff
APRIL 2014



1
10 am Staff Mtg.

11:30 am NA Meeting

CARITAS
2
5 pm Card Ministry

CARITAS
3
11:30 am NA Meeting

7 pm Choir Rehearsal

4

6:00 Cabaret Dress
Rehearsal
5
6:00 pm CABARET
Dinner

7:30 pm CABARET
show
6

9:45 am Seekers Class
9:45am Christian Formation
10 am Choir Rehearsal
11 am Worship
3:00 CABARET show
7
7 pm Lenten
Discussion Group
5:30 Finance Mtg.
8
10 am Staff Mtg.

11:30 am NA Meeting

5:30 Search Team


9


5 pm Card Ministry


10
10:30 am The
Fellowship Outing to
Lewis GInter Gardens

11:30 am NA Meeting

7 pm Choir Rehearsal
11
5 pm Gorman/Beard
Wedding Rehearsal
12
8:30 am India Orthodox
Church
5 pm Gorman/Beard
Wedding

CARITAS


13



9:30am Palm Sunday
Parade
10 am Choir Rehearsal
11 am Worship
CARITAS
14
7 pm Lenten
Discussion Group
7pm Church Council

CARITAS
15
10 am Staff Mtg.

11:30 am NA Meeting

CARITAS



16
5 pm Card Ministry

CARITAS


17



11:30 am NA Meeting
7 pm Maundy
Thursday Worship
CARITAS

18




NOON Good Friday
Worship
CARITAS
19

20


10 am Choir
Rehearsal
11 am Worship
NOON Easter Celebration
WM BYRD HOUSE
DONATIONS DUE
21
Church
Office
Closed
22
10 am Staff Mtg.

11:30 am NA Meeting

5:30 Search Team
23
5 pm Card Ministry







24
11:30 am NA Meeting

5:30 pm Worship &
Music Meeting

7 pm Choir Rehearsal


25
6 pm Pot Luck Good Bye
Dinner for Jo Ann Jellison




26
10 - Noon Childrens
Theatre Auditions
27
9:45 am Seekers Class
9:45 am Christian Formation
10 am Choir Rehearsal
11 am Worship



28


29
10 am Staff Mtg.

11:30 am NA Meeting

30
5 pm Card Ministry