St. John’s Episcopal Church
207 Albany Avenue, Kingston, NY 12401

The Good News of St. John’s

  1. March 16, 2022

    Announcement from Bishop Andy Dietsche:
    Return of the Common Cup

    My Brothers and Sisters,

    Sunday, March 15, 2020 was the last day before we suspended public worship in the Diocese of New York as a response to the Covid pandemic.  Over the two years which have followed, we have seen coronavirus infections rise and fall, with seasons of surge and seasons of relief.  During that time churches have relaxed many or most of the restrictions on public worship which we had introduced earlier, but the single requirement which has continued across our diocese has been the restriction against administering communion wine in the Common Cup.  We have for all this time received the sacrament “in one kind,” and we have found that we have been able to continue to be a sacramental people, and we have adjusted to that new reality.  

    However, with the waning of the omicron surge, and the dramatic fall in the rate of infections in all parts of our diocese, I have a new message: I am happy to authorize, effective immediately, the return to Communion in Both Kinds, and to permit, and encourage, the restoration of the Common Cup in the worship of our churches.

    It seems to me that as we approach Holy Week, Palm Sunday would be an opportune time to re-introduce the Common Cup, but no one needs to wait.  This permission is immediately effective.  Recognizing that people have varying levels of comfort during a continuing pandemic, I want to be clear that no one is required to drink from the chalice. No is any parish required to do this until they are ready. But the prohibition is lifted.

    For churches which practice Intinction, I do want to make an additional instruction.  The last two years have raised for all of us again the question of hygiene and communion.  Two thousand years of experience have taught us that wine can be safely communicated when people drink from the Common Cup, if the eucharistic minister properly wipes the cup between communicants.  The practice, however, of people dipping the host into the chalice with their own fingers carries a high likelihood of fingers touching or plunging into the wine itself.  Every eucharistic minister has seen this, and it is a certainty that this is an unclean and unsafe practice.  Intinction is an acceptable practice in administering communion, but it is correctly done by the priest or eucharistic minister, with clean washed hands, dipping the host into the wine and placing it on the tongue of the communicant.  The practice of people dipping the host themselves is not permitted.

    The restoration of the Common Cup should not be interpreted to mean that Covid is over.  Rather, it signifies that we have come to a time when all of our customs in life must adapt to the reality that Covid is with us indefinitely or long-term, and we must learn how to live with it with the highest degree of safety possible.  Future variants or surges may come, and if they do, I call on all of our churches to return as necessary to the safe and reasonable restrictions that will ensure that our churches are safe places for everyone.

    I have long felt that the passing of the communion cup from person to person is one of the most powerful symbols we have in the Christian church of our mutual vulnerability, depth of community, and open self-offering one to another.  As a very frequent celebrant at our altars, I have often felt uncomfortable and even lonely when I have drunk from the cup alone. So I have longed for this day, and the full return of our customary and ancient practice of holy communion.  May this add to the joy of our Easter celebration and the lifting of our collective heart!

    With every good wish, I remain yours, Bishop Andy

    ________________________________________________________________________
    Committee to Elect a Bishop Listening Sessions

    Below is a list of times when members of the Committee to Elect a Bishop will be present to listen to everyone in the Diocese of New York – that’s you! Click on the link to register and you will receive an email with the Zoom link. Region-specific sessions will focus on the regions listed, but you are welcome to attend any session.

    Wednesday, March 23 at 7 p.m. – Hudson Valley
    (Includes Spanish Interpretation)
    https://dioceseny.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZYsdemorzMiHNzcaMEZsTJ9v-8aXCSd3gf7

    Thursday, March 24 at 7 p.m. – Staten Island
    https://dioceseny.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZYocuusqjkpEtDn6FfmHBeJ4pKzuG1ww6LA

    Saturday, March 26 at 4 p.m.
    (Includes Spanish Interpretation)
    https://dioceseny.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZAlcuiurTgsHdeu0mz2vS4HgZ-35dZBOmCo

    _____________________________________________________________

    A Reflection on Prayer

    I sometimes think I take prayer for granted. I spend time in prayer each day, often with many of you on my mind and in my heart, knowing what so many of you carry. And I spend time in silent prayer, which is helpful for my own renewal. And, of course, I lead prayer every week on Sunday morning (and sometimes more). Perhaps it’s because prayer is a significant part of my life, that I tend to take it for granted.

    But when I really stop to think about it, prayer is such a gift. It gives us a sense of connection with one another as well as a sense of agency in a crazy world. And prayer is an invitation to us to remember our true identity – God’s beloved children. When we pray, every time we pray, we are affirming who we are and whose we are. In other words, we pray because we believe that we belong to God.

    So, prayer isn’t just a set of words that we recite. It’s not just a time to be “prayerful” or to call to mind those about whom we care. Prayer forms us. It forms our imaginations and realigns us with our true identity and, therefore, prayer informs our actions in the world.

    What does prayer mean to you?

    In God’s love and mine,
    Rev. Michelle

    ___________________________________________________________

    Announcements for
    March 20, 2022

    Choir Rehearsal begins today after worship! Please contact our Director of Music, Terry Earles, if you are interested in being a part of the choir. All members must be fully vaccinated and will wear masks designed for singing.

    Worship Update! Returning to the Common Cup
    This past week, our bishop Andy Dietsche announced that he is allowing us to return to the Common Cup effective immediately so that we are again able to share Eucharist in two kinds – the bread and the wine. Please drink directly from the chalice. Do not instinct (dip your wafer into the wine) as this transfers germs from your hand into the cup. You may also receive only the bread. If you have any questions or concerns, please speak directly to Rev. Michelle.

    Centering Prayer: Join us online for Centering Prayer every Wednesday beginning at 5:30 pm. A practice of readings, silent prayer, and reflection to support your deepening walk with Christ. Go to the St. John’s website for to connect and access the readings: stjohnskingston.org

    St. John’s is hiring: We are looking for a Rental Manager – someone with commercial kitchen experience who also has communication/promotional skills to promote our space. The position is posted on our website so please help to promote this opening by letting people know!

    Compline Prayer Service is offered every week on Tuesday nights at 9:00 pm through Zoom. Compline is a beautiful service of grace and peace that helps us to lay down our burdens at the end of the day. Go to the St. John’s website for the bulletin and connection link: stjohnskingston.org

    Social Hour: Now that the pandemic numbers have decreased, we have resumed our social hour. Please join us after worship for coffee and snacks. And sign up on the bulletin board in the Vestibule to be a host! Talk with our Hospitality Coordinator, Barbara Johnston for more information.

    Page Turners Book Club: The books for the next several months have been announced: April 5- Cloud Cuckoo Land, by Anthony Doerr; May 3- The Murmur of Bees, by Sofia Segova. Speak with Lynn Dennison for more information.

    Welcome Alex Serrano!
    Our new Church Sexton, Alex, grew up in this area and also works for Holy Cross/Santa Cruz as their Sexton. For us he will assist in taking care of the buildings and grounds and lead our Parish Clean-up Days. When you see him around, please welcome him and introduce yourself!

    Have an announcement for the bulletin?
    Please send by Wednesday at noon to
    stjohnskingston@aol.comAnchor.

    St. John’s Upcoming Schedule
    Mar 20: Choir rehearsal begins after worship
    Mar 27: Guest Preacher: The Rev. Dcn. Gene Bourquin, Pastoral Minister for Deaf and Disability Ministry – stay after worship for a conversation with Deacon Gene.
    Apr 4: Lenten Healing Service, 7:30 pm
    Apr 10: Palm Sunday
    Apr 14: Maundy Thursday
    Apr 15: Good Friday
    Apr 16: Holy Saturday and Easter Vigil
    Apr 17: Easter Sunday and egg hunt!
    May 19-21: Contemplative Retreat – Sofia: Thomas Merton and the Wisdom of God, co-led by the Rev. Matthew Wright and the Rev. Michelle Meech. More information forthcoming!

  2. March 4

    This Sunday March 6: Social Hour Returns with a Special Conversation

    As has been announced, now that the covid numbers are dropping again, we are coming back together for Social Hour after worship. Yay! This week, Barbara Johnston (our Hospitality coordinator) will host Social Hour but we need others to host too. So you are invited to sign up on the bulletin board in the vestibule.
    No host, no Social Hour that day. And we do want Social Hour!

    And this Sunday, our Social Hour time will feature a special conversation about the search for a new Bishop for the Diocese of New York. In last week’s newsletter, Rev. Michelle wrote about the search for the new Bishop. And, as members of this diocese, it is extremely important to make sure our voices are heard. So, let’s have a conversation about the responsibilities of a bishop, the current context of the church, and what kind of support we need in the Hudson Valley.

    The Committee to Elect a Bishop has launched a survey to get your thoughts, which closes on Monday, March 14 and can be found here: Episcopal Diocese of New York Bishop Search – A Website of the Episcopal Diocese of New York (dioceseny.org)

    Rev. Michelle will have 2 computers at the ready on Sunday so that you can easily fill out the survey before you leave church. So, please be sure to stay for this special and important conversation!

    In addition, you will find a schedule of listening sessions below. These are times when members of the Committee to Elect a Bishop will be present to listen to everyone in the Diocese of New York – that’s you! There is a link to register for each one. Each of these sessions will:

    • include a short introduction to some of our committee members;
    • provide an opportunity for you to share your thoughts, opinions, and ideas;
    • include an introduction to the Committee’s process and next steps; and
    • be held via Zoom.

    Region-specific sessions will focus on the regions listed, but you are welcome to attend any session.

    Please note that registration is required: click on the Zoom links below to register.

    Listening Sessions Schedule

    Saturday, March 12 at 4 p.m.
    (Includes Spanish Interpretation)
    https://dioceseny.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZ0rf-CuqjwiH9x8pYJjjGRAiD3KQBSGRUe6

    Monday, March 14 at 7 p.m. – Westchester
    (Includes Spanish Interpretation)
    https://dioceseny.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZ0lfu-uqjwuH9Mp-9g482hGfL166L46d_9r

    Thursday, March 17 at 7 p.m. – Bronx
    https://dioceseny.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZMucumhrTIiE9EcFxI1upPB5wVgkUpDMN1s

    Saturday, March 19 at 4 p.m. – Manhattan
    (Includes ASL Interpretation)
    https://dioceseny.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZYtf-urqTIuG9XsnAJdpx44Yly2JI23NHU5

    Wednesday, March 23 at 7 p.m. – Hudson Valley
    (Includes Spanish Interpretation)
    https://dioceseny.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZYsdemorzMiHNzcaMEZsTJ9v-8aXCSd3gf7

    Thursday, March 24 at 7 p.m. – Staten Island
    https://dioceseny.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZYocuusqjkpEtDn6FfmHBeJ4pKzuG1ww6LA

    Saturday, March 26 at 4 p.m.
    (Includes Spanish Interpretation)
    https://dioceseny.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZAlcuiurTgsHdeu0mz2vS4HgZ-35dZBOmCo

    ____________________________________________________________________________

    The 80th General Convention of the Episcopal Church: Hearings and Committee Deliberation Continue

    Every 3 years, a rather large group of Episcopalians meet to make decisions about the ministry and mission of the Episcopal Church. This group, called the General Convention, was due to meet for the 80th time in 2021. But, because of the pandemic, the officers of the General Convention decided to postpone the meeting until this year. This coming July, the General Convention will meet in Baltimore, MD.

    Along with this postponement, comes something new – the meetings are beginning several months earlier and they are taking place over Zoom. This means the work of General Convention more available to people across the Church. You can join a Zoom meeting to watch the hearings and even sign up to testify in support of or to argue against any resolution begin considered by the 80th General Convention.

    Resolutions are assigned to different Legislative Committees for reflection. Then the Legislative Committees will decide how to move each resolution forward for voting in July when General Convention meets.

    How do I participate?

    1. Begin by going to the General Convention’s “virtual binder” where you can find all the information you need about what resolutions are being considered and when the hearings are taking place. Click this link to go to the virtual binder: General Convention Virtual Binder (vbinder.net)
    2. Once you’re on the website, go to “Legislative Committee Meetings” to view the schedule and the docket for that Committee. If you’d like to review the Resolutions themselves, click on “Resolutions” instead. It will tell you which Legislative Committee has been assigned to it.
    3. Decide which meetings you would like to attend and/or offer testimony in.
    4. Send a request to attend by clicking here: Legislative Committee Meetings — The General Convention of The Episcopal Church.  Note: You must register at least 2 days before the committee is set to meet.

    _______________________________________________________________

    Renewal: An Invitation to a Holy Lent


    Our guest preacher at our noonday service on Ash Wednesday, the Rev. Canon Victor Conrado, asked us, “What will you do with your one wild and precious life?” It’s a quote from a Mary Oliver poem, of course, but in the context of Ash Wednesday, we are reminded of the immediacy of this question because we are also reminded of our own mortality.

    And so we look to Lent this year as a time of renewal. To reconnect to our wild and precious self and rediscover the deep desire of our heart, this gift from God that brings us to our truest calling and our most profound ministry.

    This week, we begin our season of Lent, a journey of renewal. Traditionally, Lent is a time is set aside for self-examination and repentance. But, as Canon Victor said in his sermon, what if Lent were less about what has happened in the past and more about becoming into the future? What if we spend time examining our wild selves? What if we take this time to repent from practices that deaden us? And then, Lent becomes a time to remove from our lives those things that close us down and keep us bound to past mistakes so that we can open up to the renewal God has waiting for us.

    You are invited to the observance of a Holy Lent. A time of Renewal.

    In God’s love and mine,
    Rev. Michelle

    ____________________________________________________________

    Announcements for
    March 6, 2022

    Social Hour returns this Sunday! Now that the pandemic numbers have decreased, we are set to resume our social hour. Please join us after worship for coffee and snacks. And sign up on the bulletin board in the Vestibule to be a host! Talk with our Hospitality Coordinator, Barbara Johnston for more information.

    Page Turners Book Club: The books for the next several months have been announced: April 5- Cloud Cuckoo Land, by Anthony Doerr; May 3- The Murmur of Bees, by Sofia Segova. Speak with Lynn Dennison for more information.

    Choir Rehearsal! Begins March 20 after worship. Please contact our Director of Music, Terry Earles, if you are interested in being a part of the choir. All members must be fully vaccinated and will wear masks designed for singing.

    St. John’s is hiring! We are looking for a Rental Manager – someone with commercial kitchen experience who also has communication/promotional skills to promote our space. The position is posted on our website: Employment Opportunities – St. John’s Kingston (stjohnskingston.org)

    And we have hired our new Sexton: Welcome Alex Serrano!
    Alex grew up in this area and also works for Holy Cross/Santa Cruz as their Sexton. He will do both of these part time jobs alongside owning his own landscaping business. When you see him around, please welcome him and introduce yourself!

    Altar Flower Slots for 2022: The following Sundays are open for those who wish to make a dedication in the name of their loved ones with altar flowers. April 24, June 12, June 26, October 30. Please contact Elaine Lawrence via email to discuss: eslawrenc@aol.com

    Have an announcement for the bulletin?
    Please send by Wednesday at noon to
    stjohnskingston@aol.comAnchor.

    St. John’s Upcoming Schedule
    Mar 6: Social Hour Resumes with a Conversation about the Bishop Search
    Mar 20: Choir Rehearsal returns after worship
    Mar 27: Guest Preacher: The Rev. Dcn. Gene Bourquin, Pastoral Minister for Deaf and Disability Ministry – stay after worship for a conversation with Deacon Gene.
    Apr 4: Lenten Healing Service, 7:30 pm
    Apr 10: Palm Sunday
    Apr 14: Maundy Thursday
    Apr 15: Good Friday
    Apr 16: Holy Saturday and Easter Vigil
    Apr 17: Easter Sunday and Egg Hunt!