Why the Eagle?

The Gospels are symbolized by figures representing Our Lord as: a Man - King (Saint Matthew), a Lion - Priest (Saint Mark), an Ox -Victim (Saint Luke), and an Eagle - GOD (Saint John).

One of the extremely important projects is our annual stewardship campaign where we pledge not only our treasure but also our time and talent to our church community. Our very existence and success are contingent upon each of us giving our full measure of time talent and treasure. At St. John’s the harvest is bountiful but the laborers are few. As in most churches we rely upon volunteers to perform a vast majority of the functions that keep us going. When you attend the services on Sunday you will see greeters, ushers, acolytes, lay readers, LEMS, prayer leaders, and choir members, . These people are all volunteers. Also working in the background are other volunteers serving on various committees; altar guild, office workers, audit team members, Eagle fold team, Sunday school volunteers, money counters, visitors to shut-ins, coffee hour hosts, people who prepare the bulletins, people who help Linda with SafeSpace, and who work in the Success Center. Those who do the bake sale and rummage sale. Those who do repairs on our buildings, the Bishop’s committee, those who help with food distribution and serve on other committees. Many of our volunteers serve on more than one committee (some serve on three or four ) and are “burned out” and are in need of a break. The Bishop's committee has some great plans for St. John’s community but we are limited in our activities by the lack of volunteers. Yes, the harvest is plentiful but the laborers are few, but many hands make the work easier. 

As you can see, we can always use volunteer help and in every area. As your stewardship in time and talent please step up and volunteer for one or two of the many jobs available. You will find it very rewarding and fun.

BAGGIES FOR THE HOMELESS                

Around Thanksgiving, we will be loading up the baggies for those who have far less than we do. If you intend to donate any items, and we hope that you do as a part of your Thanksgiving contributions, please do it soon so that they will be included.  You know the regular list, but with the blustery wind, you might think of a scarf, mittens, or a hat.  Perhaps some chapstick for those dried out lips, or an extra tube of lotion for the chapped hands. Always the regular combs, deodorant, towels and washcloths, pens and paper, toothbrushes and paste, along with razors and soaps.  Anything else you think a person might use would be appreciated.  And again, we will shop for you if you wish us to do that.  Just earmark your check for the Baggies Project.  Thanks for your continued support of this far-reaching project.

THANKSGIVING CORNICOPIA

The Altar Guild has among its prized possessions a lovely good sized Horn of Plenty which we want to use this fall.  Early in November, Sunday the 9th, we will place it in front of the side altar, and we ask you to help us fill it. The first couple of Sundays, bring in the potatoes,- sweet ones, too,  onions, squash, pumpkins,  - the hard ones which will keep for a week or so, then on the last Sunday, the 23rd, we will add celery, peppers, lettuce, cabbage,  cranberries, oranges, and other fruits and vegetables and the more apt to spoil items.  We will be happy to have canned items also.  Cheri will use the items to help fill the food bags just prior to Thanksgiving.  Won't we be thrilled to see our over-flowing gift be given to those who have such a special need.  What a great way to help for Thanksgiving. Thank you in advance for your contributions.

    Do you like doing things "behind the scenes?"  Do you enjoy quiet work?  Are you looking for a way to give more of your time and talent to St. John's?  St. John's Altar Guild need YOU!

    The Altar Guild is looking for new members.  The duties are light, usually one morning a month.  One Sunday a month is all that it takes.  You are required to be at church an hour early to set up.  Cleaning up after the service takes about 30 minutes.  That's it!  Of course, there is additional time to invest before Easter and Christmas.  There are Altar Guild meetings several times a year, usually on a Saturday morning.  Traditionally, people think of Altar Guild as a woman's duty.  But we have been a co-ed group for ten years or more.  If you are interested in trying it out or learning more about what is involved, please see Fr. David, Beth Johanneck, or Michelle Nobile.

St. John's blood bank account grew to 14 units in October with donations from Nida Burington, Roger Cooper and myself.

Thanks Nida and Roger for being a donor once again.  As many of you have noticed in the newspaper and on the donor center, the blood bank in now known as LifeStream.  The San Bernardino, Riverside and Ontario centers are open 7 days

a week for your convenience. Please consult Try-Giving or Lstream.org  for hours.