St. Peter’s by-the-Sea’s Weekly – January 10, 2022
Menu
St. Peters "Community" Night
Wednesday Evening, 5:30pm January 19, 2022
Join us Wednesday night for St. Peter’s inaugural midweek evening gathering in the Parish Hall.
We will begin with Compline at 5:30pm followed by Dinner at 6pm and Spiritual discussions for Adults (in the great room), Teens/EYC (in the Library) and Pre-YC Kids (in the classrooms). Nursery care will be available.
We will close our evening at 6:45pm with an all hands “community” cleanup.
We need some volunteers to prepare the meals on a rotating basis, one or two volunteers to shepherd the teen discussions, and one or two volunteers for the Pre-YC children. A sign up sheet will be available to volunteer.
Contact Chuck Rollins at 228-617-8149 or chrollins3@gmail.com for more information.
Best News and Scenes from Sunday
Congratulations
Congratulations to Lisa and Johnny Kersanac on the birth of their grandson Eli Matthew Stinson; parents Klara Kersanac Stinson and Corey Stinson. This cradle Episcopalian is already engaged in daily prayer and ready for his first communion.
We believe...
We believe wherever you are in your journey of faith you are welcome at this table... and, wherever you are in your journey in life, you are welcome as well. Pictured right, Cate Carothers receiving communion from Deacon Rev. Scott Williams, with her dad, Jeremy
Shelter by-the-Sea
Shelter with a view
The welcoming doors of St. Peter’s have opened once again and welcomed those needing a warm place to spend the night. We will be open again this evening. In partnership with multiple faith-based and community organizations, St. Peter’s by-the-Sea acts as a cold weather shelter while renovations are completed on the Salvation Army’s Gulfport shelter.
Traveling Mercies interviewed Jan Shook, our outreach leader spearheading this effort.
Guests arrive at 4 or 5pm on open-shelter evenings. For their safety, and the safety of our volunteers they are given a breathalyzer test and their temperature taken.
Upon admission, a bed is assigned, towels, toiletries, and linens distributed and snacks (if available) and a hot cup of coffee are made available.
Dinner is served at 6pm and breakfast is served at 6am.
Feed My Sheep provides for all meals prepared, volunteers cook meals and the Salvation Army provides the equipment (cots, sheets, blankets, etc.) and staff to clean afterward. Sleeping areas and seating for meals maintain a safe space adhering to Covid guidelines.
If needed, we distribute donated coats and blankets to our guests. “I gave Ricky my Daddy’s overcoat. He told me, ‘that coat is so nice. I took one of those blankets and wrapped it around my neck and then I buttoned up that coat and I was walking around like a man up in New York City.'” said Jan.
When asked if we need more coats, Jan replied, “By the end of this week, I will have an empty closet so yes; Coats caps, scarves, gloves, sweaters.”
Our outreach committee will be providing the funds for a paid security person from 11pm – 5am each time we open however, volunteers are always welcome.
Do you have a gently used coat, a spare pair of gloves, a scarf or cap ? We are gathering these winter essentials: coats, sweaters, gloves, caps, socks, scarves and blankets. You may drop your donations in the Narthex or, when open, Susan’s “waiting room”. Jan is preparing closet space for these items.
If you are interested in volunteering or have any questions contact Jan Shook at 860-4407.
The Transformation
Kitchen Krewe
LADIES’ NIGHT OUT
Tuesday, January 25th the ladies of the parish are invited to Murky Waters. We will gather around 5:30pm for social time with meal beginning at 6PM.
Contact Maryem Hopkins, Jan Shook or Jane Swett
MEN’S GRILLIN’ GROUP
Tuesday, January 25th in the parish hall. ALL men of the parish are invited. RESERVATIONS are REQUIRED – please contact Mike Cassady at 228-326-6601
Weekly Worship Schedule
Wednesday People
9:00am Intercessory Prayer
in the Chapel
10:30am Bible Study
in the Great Room
12:05 pm Litany of Healing
in the Chapel
~12:40 pm Via Media
on the Internet
***BEGINNING JANUARY 19th
5:30pm Community Night
in the Parish Hall ***
Sundays by-the-Sea
8:00 am Rite I Service
~9 am Coffee in the Courtyard
(weather permitting)
9:30 am Kids’ Sunday School
10:30 am Rite II Service*
In-Person and LIVE Streaming Service*
10:30 am Children’s Church
Child Care Available
Sunday’s Streaming Services
The Second Sunday after Epiphany
Jesus’ First Miracle
January 16, 2022
Lessons
Morning Prayer Rite I 8:00
8:00am Streaming Service link
Rite II 10:30
Service Bulletin link
Via Media
Wednesday, January 5, 2022
STREAMING LINK
January 16th – January 22nd
Birthdays
16th – Collin Moorefield
16th – Maria Watson
18th – Samantha Dobson
Anniversaries
17th – David & Lee Hood
January 23 – January 29
Birthdays
23rd- Marie Porter
27th – Jody Bailey
27th – Kerry Hudson
29th – Stephen Reuther
29th – Alane Young
LOOKING AHEAD
The Third Sunday after the Epiphany
January 23rd
Readings: Nehemiah 8:1-3, 5-6, 8-10, 1 Corinthians 12:12-31a, Luke 4:14-21, Psalm 19
Collect: Give us grace, O Lord, to answer readily the call of our Savior Jesus Christ and proclaim to all people the Good News of his salvation, that we and the whole world may perceive the glory of his marvelous works; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Lesser Feast Days and Fasts for this week
January 17 Antony of Egypt, Monastic
January 19 Wulfstan of Worcester, Bishop, 1095
January 20 Fabian, Bishop and Martyr, 250
January 21 Agnes [and Cecilia] of Rome,
Martyrs, 304 [and c.230]
January 22 Vincent of Saragossa,
Deacon and Martyr, 304
January 23 Phillips Brooks, Bishop, 1893
January 24 Florence Li Tim-Oi, Priest, 1992
Lesser Feast Days and Fasts site
The Feast Day of the Confession of St. Peter the Apostle
January 18th
Acts 4: 8-13, 1 Peter 5:1-4, Matthew 16:13-19, Psalm 23
Collect: Almighty Father, who inspired Simon Peter, first among the apostles, to confess Jesus as Messiah and Son of the living God: Keep your Church steadfast upon the rock of this faith, so that in unity and peace we may proclaim the one truth and follow the one Lord, our Savior Jesus Christ; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
The Confession: “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.“ And Jesus answered him, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father in heaven. And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church…” (Matthew 16:16-18).
Peter and his brother Andrew become the first disciples called by Jesus. With this exchange, Simon, or Simeon (his Hebrew name) becomes Peter. Later, Jesus refers to him as Cephas, from the Aramaic literally meaning “rock” or “stone” and then he is called (Petros), from the Greek and Latin word for a rock or stone (petra) or, Peter.
As the first leader of the early Church, Peter really was the “rock”.
Fun Facts about our Parish’s namesake
~ Peter was crucified upside down
Peter was crucified in Rome by Emperor Nero who accused Christians of the Rome fire in year 64 and ordered the crucifixion of all Christians.
St. Peter was crucified in Nero’s Circus which was near Vatican Hill. This exact location is where the Vatican is located, hence the name of the church St. Peter’s Basilica.
His final request before crucifixion was to be crucified upside down. This was because he felt he was not worth being crucified upright like Jesus.
His death had been predicted by Jesus; Jesus had told him that he will die a martyr.
~ Peter was a fisherman
Peter grew up in Bethsaida and was a fisherman with his younger brother Andrew. They fished together with James and John who were the sons of Zebedee.
One evening, after they had spent the night at sea and caught nothing, Jesus had instructed them to cast their nets on the opposite side and caught more fish than usual. After their big catch, Peter left everything and followed Jesus.
He was called the fishers of men by Jesus, a practice which he went back to after Jesus’ resurrection.
Jesus used to preach on the boat that Peter owned.
~ There is a Church on the same foundation as St. Peter’s House
There is a Franciscan church built on the foundation of the hose that belonged to St Peter. Archaeologists believe that the town was not an urban one, but a small fishing village. The remains from the site indicate that the town was not large and not that significant.
They also reported that there was a church at Bethsaida that had been built over Peter and Andrew’s house. The church had been built around the year 725.
~ St. Peter’s Basilica is named after him
The original Saint Peter’s Basilica was commissioned by Constantine I around 324. It was at this Basilica that Charlemagne was crowned the emperor of the Holy Roman Empire.
This church existed between the 4th and 16th centuries. It is the current location of Vatican City. The church was damaged during the Arab raid against Rome in 846.
Although there is little evidence of the original Basilica, archaeologists have found a piece of mosaic from the 8th century.
~St Peter was the leader of the 12 disciples
Peter was not the leader of the disciples at the beginning. It is recorded that he was not educated and was not bilingual.
Greek was an important language in those days. Although it took him time to learn, he eventually became fluent and was given more responsibilities.
In the gospel books, Peter is referred to as the leader of the disciples. He was there in every important event and was always with Jesus.
It was Peter, James and John who were always included in important events such as the transfiguration that happened in Gethsemane.
Peter was considered the spokesman of the disciples. This was probably because he was the most outspoken and was not afraid of asking questions.
~ Peter died a martyr
In the gospel book of John, Jesus told Peter he would be a martyr. He also described how he would die by stretching out his arms. Peter was crucified on the cross, but upside down.
An excavation done near St. Peter’s Basilica revealed bones believed to be of a male person. Further examination of the bones showed that he was about 60 years old.
Pope Paul VI later, in 1968, announced that the bones were possibly the remains of St. Peter.
Part of the relics was presented in public during mass at St. Peter’s Square.
COMING SOON !
Come join us for our Annual Fundraiser
Trinity Episcopal Church’s
St. Monica Guild
92nd Valentine Silver Tea 
Friday, February 11, 2022 3:00 – 5:00 PM
549 East Scenic Drive, Pass Christian. MS
Tasty Finger Foods, Tea, Coffee, Wine, and Sweets Served
Donations are greatly appreciated for our outreach ministries.
For online donations visit:
www.trinityinthepass.com >Give >Online Giving >Fund >St. Monica Guild
Thank you for your generosity.
Lenten Art days
Each of the six Saturdays in Lent we’ll be conducting a hybrid version of quiet days and Liturgical Arts. Workshops will include finishing ceramic bowls which can be used at our Lenten Soup Suppers, creating rosaries, iconography, creating Pyzanky Eggs and more. Our choice of projects has been made to blend with quiet, meditative prayer time; creating with intention.
We invite adult members and friends of our parish to join us beginning Saturday, March 5th, from 10am – 2pm, for one or all 6 of the inaugural Lenten Art days.
A more detailed schedule is coming soon and we ask that reservation be made so that we can secure enough supplies for everyone.
Contact Gail at bayouviewstudio@gmail.com or send a text to 760-0179.
For the Kids !
Jesus’ First Miracle:
The Wedding at Cana
This week we will look at the first miracle that Jesus performed. While attending the Wedding in Cana He turned water into wine. Our reading is found in John 2:1-11. Some of the key points we will study are-
What is a miracle?
Mary trusts Jesus to fix the problem. (John 2:3)
We should do whatever Jesus’ tell us. (John 2:5)
Jesus always does the best thing. (John 2:10)
Download Jesus’ first Miracle lesson
Fishers of Men
This week we will begin to learn about the apostles whom Jesus called to follow Him. Our text Is found in Luke 5:1-11. Some of the key points we will study are-
Introduction to Peter and Andrew.
We should trust Jesus even when we think we know better – Peter trusted Jesus.
Jesus wants us to follow Him.
Jesus calls us to tell others about Him.
Download Fishers of Men lesson
Youth Groups
@diomsyouth
Check out all of the upcoming events
for our youth and follow their
instagram page
Support our Local Non-Profits
Support our ECW with the purchase of a St. Peter’s Ornament!
Commissioned in 2009, and the 4th in a series of Downtown Gulfport Landmarks, these cast pewter ornaments are the original work of artist Maurice Milleur. Measuring approximately 2 3/4″ tall.
These make great gifts and help support our ECW.
Ornaments are $20/each and may be purchased by contacting any ECW member or the church office.
INSPIRATION
Light, Epiphany 2 (C)
January 16, 2022
from the Episcopal Church Website
[RCL] Isaiah 62:1-5; Psalm 36:5-10; 1 Corinthians 12:1-11; John 2:1-11
“Your love, O Lord, reaches to the heavens, and your faithfulness to the clouds…
For with you is the well of life, and in your light we see light” (Psalm 36: 5, 9).
In today’ reading from the Gospel of John, we encounter Jesus at the very beginning of his ministry. Jesus has been recently baptized and recognized as Lamb of God, Messiah, Son of God, and bearer of the Holy Spirit by his cousin John the Baptist, the leader of a popular renewal movement. People have come to the banks of the Jordan from far and wide, to be baptized, cleansed, purified in living water, to counter the corruption and stagnation of the established temple worship in Jerusalem. Jesus may have been a follower of John the Baptist; certainly, he came all the way from Galilee to be baptized by him. Jesus would support John’s message about refreshing worship practice; he frequently found himself at odds with the temple authorities.
But that is jumping ahead. Jesus knows, John the Evangelist knows, and we know what is to come, but the folks on the ground, Jesus’ family, friends, and followers are still at the beginning of the story.
Jesus and his first followers, drawn from among the followers of John, have returned to Galilee, where they are the guests at a wedding. Jesus’ mother clearly is aware of her son’s special gifts, and when the wine runs low, she asks him to do something about it. Jesus responds with the words, “My hour has not yet come.”
The season of Epiphany, in the northern hemisphere, coincides with the season of growing light. After the winter solstice in December, it takes some time to feel the new light, but at last, in January, we begin to notice a new strength, a growing life, in the light. John the Evangelist has proclaimed that Jesus, “The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world” (John 1:9). Like the January light of Epiphany, that true light takes time to emerge and grow, to increase in strength.
In the reading from his first letter to the Corinthians, Paul speaks of spiritual gifts, gifts of wisdom, healing, working miracles, prophecy, discernment of spirits. In the story of the wedding at Cana, we see Jesus growing into his spiritual gifts.
The central claim of the Gospel of John, John’s thesis, so to speak, is that Jesus is Son of God, the source of eternal life. The purpose of John’s book is to help his readers, members of John’s first-century community of Jewish followers of Jesus, to truly believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and the bearer of new and eternal life for those who follow him. John lays it out, with John the Baptist setting the stage for Jesus, the one who is greater than he. Both Johns proclaim that Jesus is the true light, the Messiah. Then the evidence is presented in the form of signs and miracles. Jesus, of course, knows who he is, and his mission, like John the Evangelist’s, is to make others believe, so that they may have eternal life in the Kingdom of God. So, growing into his mission and spiritual gifts, Jesus performs his first sign at the wedding. He transforms water into wine. Good wine. From living water, the water of baptism, Jesus creates new life.
Wine, for the friends and followers of Jesus at the wedding, even before the Last Supper and the Eucharistic table, was a powerful symbol of sustenance and life. Wine carries a message of transformation – grapes transformed by fermentation into wine – a message of re-creation and refreshment, of new life. Today’s reading from Isaiah speaks of God’s promise of fertility and abundance, using the image of marriage: “You shall no more be termed Forsaken, and your land shall no more be termed Desolate; but you shall be called My Delight Is in Her, and your land Married; for the LORD delights in you, and your land shall be married” (Isaiah 62:4).
The wedding at Cana embodies the image of fertility and new life prophesied in Isaiah, while the miracle of transforming water into wine expands the idea of new life to imagine a life in Christ, a life infused with the Holy Spirit. For Jesus’ followers, the miracle at Cana is the first sign on the road to a new way of being, a revelation of the Kingdom of God.
In the Gospel of John, there are three simultaneous audiences for the message of salvation, of new life in Christ. Jesus’ audience is his family, friends, and followers. Jesus offers signs that he is the Messiah, the light and savior of the world, so that they may believe and be transformed to new life. John tells the tale to his first-century community, presenting and explaining those same signs, so that they will believe and be transformed, like water into wine. John further addresses his future audience, the contemporary reader in each era to come, leading to us, here and now. John, with Jesus, offers us the evidence that the Kingdom of God awaits us, a new life, a way of being that is hospitable, abundant, generous. A life where each one of us contributes from our abundant gifts, activated by the Holy Spirit.
On this second Sunday after the Epiphany, in the new and growing light of Christ, scripture asks us to trust the signs, to believe that life in Christ is creative and renewal is possible. Transformation, like the growing light of Epiphany, is gradual. May we allow our gifts of the spirit to emerge and grow, as the Spirit chooses, with God’s help.
Let us pray: Gracious God, your glory is revealed in the miracles of Jesus. Help us to believe. Help us to trust in our spiritual gifts, given by your Holy Spirit. Help us to remember that transformation is a process, that your call is planted and grows in us, like the growing light of Epiphany. Help us to be steadfast in the certainty of rebirth into eternal life. In Christ’s name we pray. Amen.
Susan Butterworth, M.A., M.Div, is a writer, teacher, singer, and lay minister. She leads Song & Stillness: Taize’ @ MIT, a weekly ecumenical service of contemplative Taize’ prayer at the interfaith chapel at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). She teaches writing and literature to college undergraduates and writes book reviews, essays, and literary reference articles.
BIBLE STUDY
Bible Study – 2 Epiphany – 2022
January 16, 2022
RCL: Isaiah 62:1-5; Psalm 36:5-10; 1 Corinthians 12:1-11; John 2:1-11
Isaiah 62:1-5
Weddings are times of great celebration for a family, a community, and especially for a couple who are beginning a new life together. The prophet uses this image of bridegroom and bride as an example of how God sees God’s people. At a wedding, the sense of love is tangible as the couple looks at each other with delight.
The name of God’s people is changed from “Forsaken” to “My Delight is in Her” and this name change is initiated by the Lord. A change in name indicates a change in identity, and when I got married, the many places where I needed to register my new name was extensive, so it felt like I was letting the nations know. There was nothing I did to earn the love of my spouse, and I did not have to perform in order to deserve it. Perhaps that is why we see so many references to marriage in the Bible-because it is the most intimate relationship people can have, and it is love that is without conditions and never earned. There is nothing I can do that will cause me to gain more of God’s love than exists at this moment. Similarly, there is nothing I can ever do that will cause God to love me any less than God does right now. God loves us because it is God’s nature to love.
What is God’s name for you?
Do you have a sense of God delighting in you and rejoicing over you?
read more…
Bible Study – 3 Epiphany – 2022
January 23, 2022
Maryann Philbrook
RCL: Nehemiah 8:1-3, 5-6, 8-10; Psalm 19; 1 Corinthians 12:12-31a; Luke 4:14-21
Nehemiah 8:1-3, 5-6, 8-10
The book of Nehemiah is a continuation of the story found in the book of Ezra. These two books tell the story of the return of the Israelites to Jerusalem after exile. It is in these two books that they rebuild the Temple and the wall of Jerusalem. Ezra oversees the rebuilding of the Temple and Nehemiah, the wall. After rebuilding both of these important symbols of the religious power of God and the political power of God, the people gather. That is where our portion of the reading today picks up the story.
We are told that all the people (men, women, and anyone who can hear with understanding) gather together to hear the Torah read. What is significant is that this is the first public reading and teaching of scripture for the Hebrew people. Nehemiah is bearing witness to the first service of the word. The tradition of reading scripture and interpreting it begins in this passage. Although this group is celebrating the completion of the temple and the wall, by reading the Torah aloud to all people, they are also recognizing that the people share in God’s power by understanding God’s word. Their interpretation of the scripture focuses on the joy of God, not on the demands of God’s law.
Are there traditions that you are starting that could continue for 3,000 years? How do you think they might change over that time?
When you interpret scripture, do you focus on the demands of God? Or the joy of God?
Where do you see God’s joy in your life?
read more…
Did you know there are RCL (Revised Common Lectionary) Readings for each day ?
While there is a little overlap each day, they are posted on-line as a service of the Vanderbilt Divinity Library: Daily Readings
Daily Readings for this week
Monday, January 17, 2022: Psalm 145; Isaiah 54:1-8; Romans 12:9-21
Tuesday, January 18, 2022: Psalm 145; Song of Solomon 4:1-8; 1 Corinthians 1:3-17
Wednesday, January 19, 2022: Psalm 145; Song of Solomon 4:9-5:1; Luke 5:33-39
Thursday, January 20, 2022: Psalm 19; Isaiah 61:1-7; Romans 7:1-6
Friday, January 21, 2022: Psalm 19; Nehemiah 2:1-10; Romans 12:1-8
Saturday, January 22, 2022: Psalm 19; Nehemiah 5:1-13; Luke 2:39-52
Sunday, January 23, 2022: Third Sunday after the Epiphany
Monday, January 24, 2022: Psalm 119:89-96; Jeremiah 36:1-10; 1 Corinthians 14:1-12
Being Episcopalian
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National Cathedral
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Check out our neighboring
Coast Churches
St. Mark’s Gulfport
Trinity Pass Christian
Christ Church Bay St. Louis
St. Patrick’s Long Beach
St. Thomas Diamondhead
Church of the Redeemer Biloxi
St. John’s Ocean Springs
First United Methodist Church
| “O God, our heavenly Father, whose glory fills the whole creation, and whose presence we find wherever we go: preserve those who travel; surround them with your loving care; protect them from every danger; and bring them in safety to their journey’s end; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.“
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