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

The Good News of St. John’s

  1. November 18th

    Coming up at St. John’s

    The Season of Advent is the season of preparation – a time to ready ourselves for Christ’s light, the Love of God that comes to us at Christmas. We have all kinds of ways for you to participate this season so look through the listing below and mark your calendars. Advent begins on Sunday, December 3 and ends on Christmas Eve.

    Advent Wreath Making
    Sundays: November 26 and December 3, after worship

    Stay after worship on November 26 and create an Advent Wreath for the coming season. Advent wreaths are a beautiful way to bring your Christian faith into your home and offer a space of quiet prayer during a busy season as we all prepare for the coming of Christ.

    Rev. Michelle will have a set of prayers to go along with your home practice of lighting the Advent Wreath. If you miss November 26, the supplies will be available on December 3 as well. For kids, pick up a paper Advent Wreath kit with special drawings ready to color and cut out.

     

    Advent Learning Series: Becoming Beloved Community
    Holy Cross/Santa Cruz and St. John’s Episcopal Churches
    4 Evenings: Nov 30, Dec 7, Dec 14, Dec 21

    Join members of both Episcopal congregations in Kingston for the season of Advent as we gather on Thursday nights to reflect on scripture, pray, and learn more about what it means to Become the Beloved Community.

    We begin with a potluck dinner at St. John’s at 6:00 pm on November 30 and continue each week through the season. A wonderful learning opportunity to learn and a beautiful way to deepen the community amongst both congregations.

    For those who do not drive at night, email Rev. Michelle at michelle.stjohnskingston@gmail.com to access the Zoom session each Thursday.

    November 30 at 6:00 pm, St. John’s – potluck dinner kick-off!
    December 7 at 6:00 pm, Holy Cross Santa/Cruz
    December 14 at 6:00 pm, St. John’s
    December 21 at 6:00 pm, Holy Cross/Santa Cruz

     

    Advent Quiet Day: Mary and Joseph, Their Yes/Our Yes
    Saturday, December 2, 10-4 at Christ the King, Stone Ridge

    An Advent Quiet Day for the Ulster Episcopal Deanery
    Led by Sisters Shane Phelan and Elizabeth Broyles. the Companions of Mary the Apostle

    Mary and Joseph said a wholehearted Yes to God’s desire that they be parents of Jesus. God invites, calls and asks us to say Yes many times in our lives. What goes into that for you? Join us for prayer and reflection as we begin the season of Advent together.

    Saturday, December 2 from 10-4  Christ the King Episcopal Church in Stone Ridge. Lunch provided. Carpooling available. Click here to register,  Or call the CTK Office at 845-687-9414

     

    St. Nicholas Celebration
    All Ages Worship on Sunday, December 3

    Don’t forget to bring an extra shoe (or 2) on Sunday, December 3 because we’ll be celebrating St. Nicholas and talking about the surprise of gifts and blessings. Leave your shoes outside the sanctuary… and let’s see what happens!

     

    The Waters of Baptism: Reflecting On Baptism Together
    Sunday, December 3 after worship

    What does Baptism mean? How does it impact our personal life and our common life as a baptismal community?

    At St. John’s, we are blessed with a wide variety of experience with Baptism. Some of us were baptized when we were young, some of us were baptized as older children or even adults, and some haven’t been baptized yet.

    What does this event mean to us? Has its meaning changed as we’ve gotten older? What can we learn about Baptism that we hadn’t considered before?

    Bishop Mary Glasspool will be with us on December 10 when she will baptize a number of our members, receive some members who are coming to the Episcopal Church from other traditions, and we will all renew our Baptismal Vows.

    The season of Advent is a wonderful time to reflect on Baptism as a beginning and a renewal. Join Rev. Michelle on December 3 after worship for a lively conversation and reflection.

     

    Bishop Mary Glasspool: Baptisms and Receptions
    And Cookie Exchange!
    Sunday, December 10 at 10:00 am

    Join in the special celebration of new membership on December 10 as we welcome the Right Reverend Mary Glasspool, Assisting Bishop of the Diocese of New York. Bishop Mary will preach and preside over a special service during which we will baptize 3 people and she will receive 3 people into the Episcopal Church.

    Also, on December 10 we will have our Second Annual Cookie Exchange! Make 2 dozen (more or less) of your favorite Christmas cookies and bring them to church on December 10. Then, during coffee hour, choose your favorite cookies from the abundance so you have a beautiful selection of cookies for this year. More info to come!

     

    Film Screening: The Philadelphia 11
    Sunday, December 10, 4:00 pm at St. James, Hyde Park

    St. James’ Hyde Park will host a screening of a new full-length documentary about the Philadelphia Eleven on Sunday afternoon, December 10th. The film depicts the story of 11 women who were ordained to the priesthood of the Episcopal Church when it wasn’t within the laws of the church to do so. It’s a story of courage, faith, justice, controversy, and love.

    You can learn about the film and watch the trailer here: https://www.philadelphiaelevenfilm.com/

    The event will open with a brief potluck reception at 4 pm, followed by the 90-minute screening and closing with a service of evening prayer at about 6 pm. Talk to Rev. Michelle if you’d like to carpool.

     

    Greening the Sanctuary
    Sunday, December 17 after worship


    It’s all hands on deck on December 17. Stay after worship as we decorate with greenery and place our candles around our worship space to prepare for Christmas. We’ll have some warm chili ready to go that morning to keep up the energy for our work.

     

    Longest Night: A service of reflection, healing, and hope
    Wednesday, December 20, 6:30 pm in person and online

    On Wednesday, December 20 at 6:30 pm, we will offer a Longest Night Service, both live at St. John’s and online via Facebook Live and Zoom. A service of prayer, reflection, and healing for those dealing with loss of all kinds.

    We traditionally think of the holiday season as a time of joy and abundance, but for some the pressure to celebrate can be overwhelming. Life situations and loss can heighten feelings of worry and grief. This is a service of light in the midst of darkness and the interplay of both, scheduled on the Winter Solstice, the longest night of the year.

    Through music, silent meditation, scripture, and healing prayer, we reach out to acknowledge sadness with comfort and quiet remembrance, to reflect on the losses we have experienced and to remember together the real reason for the season: The Light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. God is with us.

    Our guest musician will be composer and musician Ana Hernández. Whether you are having a difficult time this holiday season or just want a moment of quiet, please come. If you know someone who is sad, struggling, or alone, invite them to attend. Everyone is welcome.

    December 24: Advent IV and Christmas Eve
    3 worship services, one day

    10:00 am Our final worship service of Advent is a spoken Eucharist. Come for a quiet, prayerful morning before the festivities begin.

    3:00 pm Christmas Eve Family Worship is a sing-along and story-telling service designed for younger ears. Bring along friends and family and help us all tell the story together.

    8:00 pm  Christmas Eve Festive Choral Worship is when we pull out all the stops – a hymn-filled joyful celebration of Christ’s birth, including Silent Night by candlelight. This year, followed by a dessert reception! Carol singing and music recital begins at 7:30 pm.

     

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    Rooted in Abundance:
    2023 Stewardship Campaign Continues

    Looking for pledge cards?
    They are available beside the bulletins as you enter.

    Pledge cards will be collected during worship on December 3. If you anticipate being absent that day, please bring them with you to worship and place them in the collection plate or mail them to:
    St. John’s Episcopal Church
    207 Albany Ave. Kingston, NY  12401

    They shall be like a tree planted by water, sending out its roots by the stream.
    It shall not fear when heat comes, and its leaves shall stay green; 

    In the year of drought it is not anxious and it does not cease to bear fruit.
    Jeremiah 17:8
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    Studying Scripture


    Dear Ones,

    As Episcopalians, we are a part of the wider Anglican Communion and in our tradition the foundation of our faith in what is commonly referred to as the “three-legged stool.” First and foremost, is scripture – the primary source of God’s inspiration. The other two legs – tradition and reason – are other sources of God’s inspiration that give us insight and perspective. So, scripture is something we take very seriously.

    There are so many resources out there for Biblical interpretation that I think it’s important to pay attention to the lens being used for that interpretation. Why? Well, when it comes to faith and what we believe, we human beings often try to confirm our own beliefs by quoting scripture. This practice is called “proof-texting,” using the text to confirm our own biases. It’s a poor use of scripture and bankrupts our sacred texts of the inspiration we can find there.

    But we are human and a purely unbiased reading of scripture is impossible. This doesn’t mean that scripture is meaningless. On the contrary, when we learn to see beyond our own biases, we find so much more there than we could possibly imagine.

    So, I’d like to offer a resource that I’ve recently been introduced to: Dan McClellan. Dan is a scholar of the Bible and religion and his goal is to increase public access to the academic study of and combat misinformation about both. He is very disciplined at uncovering bias in scriptural interpretation so that he helps open things up like, the concept of hell and homosexuality and the Bible. In all of it, he helps us examine the assumptions that we all bring to scripture.

    I find his ministry to be such a breath of fresh air because, rather than to rely on publishing books like so many academics, Dan teaches without walls through his Instagram and Youtube channels. He posts free, short videos in which he demonstrates what it means to look seriously at our Biblical texts and examines common assumptions. He also offers online classes at a pay-what-you-can rate through his website.

    Sometimes he uses academic jargon, which can be a bit off-putting, but he is an academic and it’s hard for most scholars to use more common words because they feel the need to be as precise as possible. Most of the time, however, I find him to be rather plain-spoken and engaging.

    Interested in learning more? Google “maklelan” and you’ll find all of his work. And let me know what you learn!

    In God’s love and mine,
    Rev. Michelle

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    Announcements for November 19
    Twenty-Fifth Sunday after Pentecost

    St. John’s Office Hours
    Wednesdays 10:00-12:00 noon
    Thursdays 1:00-4:00 pm
    Phone: 845-331-2252
    Email: stjohnskingston@aol.com
    THIS SUNDAY: Choir rehearsal after worship
    Prepping, Cooking, Packing, Driving… oh my! You can still sign up to help! Check the bulletin board in the Vestibule and sign up for shifts to help with the Angel Food East Thanksgiving Meal this year.
    Advent Learning Series: Becoming Beloved Community A joint offering by St. John’s and Holy Cross/Santa Cruz to reflect on scripture, pray, and learn more about what it means to Become the Beloved Community. Thursdays at 6:00 pm (Nov 30 at StJ, Dec 7 at HCSC, Dec 14 at StJ, Dec 21 at HCSC). For those who do not drive at night, email Rev. Michelle to register ahead of time for Zoom access to the session.

    Special Forum: The Waters of Baptism Some of us were baptized when we were really young, some of us were a little older, and some haven’t been baptized yet. Join Rev. Michelle for a special forum on December 3 after worship to talk about and reflect on the meaning of Baptism in our lives and in the life of the Church. All are welcome!Page Turners Book Club meets the first Thursday of the month, at 2 pm, in the parish hall. New members are always welcome! Upcoming selections: Dec 7: Black Cake, by Charmaine Wilkerson. (A series on Hulu!); Jan 11: The Soul of an Octopus, by Sy Montgomery. Feb 8: The Covenant of Water, by Abraham Verghese (Long book, start early!); Mar 7: The Heaven and Earth Grocery Store, by James McBride. Speak to Lynn Dennison, Barbara Johnston, or Claudette Ford for more info.

    Outreach Project: People’s Place Project Santa – This year People’s Place needs blankets for kids up to age 16 for their Project Santa. Collection box is next to the Baptismal Font. And we’re always collecting non-perishable food items for People’s Place food pantry (tuna, soup, pasta, sauce, etc.). Bring them to church and place them in the appropriate basket near the Font. Please contribute!

    Online Morning Prayer: Join hundreds of others from across the Episcopal Diocese of New York every weekday morning at 8:00 am. Start your day with prayer, connection, and peace. Go to dioceseny.org/online-morning-prayer to register and receive the Zoom link.

  2. November 12th

    Coming up at St. John’s

    Interfaith Gathering of Gratitude

    Tuesday, November 14 at 7:00 pm
    This year, more than ever, interfaith community is deeply important. Please join us for our yearly interfaith gathering at Congregation Emanuel of the Hudson Valley. Park at St. John’s and walk over.
    Volunteer! Angel Food East Thanksgiving Feast
    As we all know, service to those in need is a Christian imperative. Angel Food East is a ministry of St. John’s andyou are being asked to spend an hour… or a day… helping prepare the Thanksgiving meal that will go to the 70+ people across Ulster County who are chronically ill and homebound. It’s fun work and an opportunity to get to know others and be of service.

    The sign-up sheet is in the Vestibule or email Rev. 
    Michelle to let her know when you’re able to work on the following days: 
    Mon Nov 20: Prepping and cookingTues, Nov 21: Prepping and cooking
    Wed, Nov 22: Cooking and packing

    Advent Learning Series: Becoming Beloved Community
    Holy Cross/Santa Cruz and St. John’s Episcopal Churches

    Join members of both Episcopal congregations in Kingston for the season of

    Advent as we gather on Thursdaynights to reflect on scripture, pray, and learn more about what it means to Become the Beloved Community. We begin with a potluck dinner at St. John’s at 6:00 pm on November 30 and continue each week through the season. Not only is this a wonderful opportunity to learn but it’s also a beautiful way for us to continue deepening the community amongst both congregations.

    November 30 at 6:00 pm, St. John’s – potluck dinner kick-off!
    December 7 at 6:00 pm, Holy Cross Santa/Cruz
    December 14 at 6:00 pm, St. John’s
    December 21 at 6:00 pm, Holy Cross/Santa Cruz

    The Waters of Baptism: Reflecting On Baptism Together

    What does Baptism mean? How does it impact our personal life and our common life as a baptismal community?

    At St. John’s, we are blessed with a wide variety of experience with Baptism. Some of us were baptized when we were young, some of us were baptized as older children or even adults, and some haven’t been baptized yet.

    What does this event mean to us? Has its meaning changed as we’ve gotten older? What can we learn about Baptism that we hadn’t considered before?

    Bishop Mary Glasspool will be with us on December 10 when she will baptize a number of our members, receive some members who are coming to the Episcopal Church from other traditions, and we will all renew our Baptismal Vows.

    The season of Advent is a wonderful time to reflect on Baptism as a beginning and a renewal. Join Rev. Michelle on December 3 after worship for a lively conversation and reflection.

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    247th Convention of the Episcopal Diocese of New York

    “For all that has been, Thanks! For all that will be, Yes!         
    -Dag Hammarskjöld

    This Saturday, November 11 Rev. Michelle and Paula Wisneski will be driving down to the Cathedral of St. John the Divine in New York City for the 247th Diocesan Convention to represent St. John’s as the clergy and lay delegates. Rev. Michelle’s wife Ana Hernandez has also been asked to offer her song leadership for Eucharist. The delegates will spend the day reviewing aspects of diocesan life and voting to choose those who will take up offices for the common work of the diocese.

    Please offer your prayers for safe travel and for a fruitful and meaningful day serving St. John’s. If you’re interested in viewing the proceedings or learning more about what will be discussed, please visit the website of the Episcopal Diocese of New York.

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    2023 Stewardship Campaign Continues

    Looking for pledge cards? They are available beside the bulletins as you enter for worship.

    They shall be like a tree planted by water, sending out its roots by the stream.
    It shall not fear when heat comes, and its leaves shall stay green; 

    In the year of drought it is not anxious and it does not cease to bear fruit.
    Jeremiah 17:8
    Dear Friends in Christ:

    As our annual stewardship campaign for St. John’s gets underway, you will be hearing about the theme: Rooted in Abundance, and its reminder to us that we are inspired to give because so much has been given to us.  This is not transactional – we do not give in proportion to how we feel we have benefitted or suffered – rather we give because of the love we have experienced in the life of our faith.This past year, so much has happened. We joined with the congregation of Ascension Episcopal Church in West Park for our Holy Week services. The St. John’s Vestry has taken faithful action to resolve our ongoing budget deficit in two significant ways: 1) Supporting our Kitchen Rental program by hiring Brian Silver and 2) adjusting the Rev. Michelle Meech’s schedule to part time.  In September, we opened our doors to our neighborhood, throwing a wildly successful Neighborhood Block Party.  Our family ministry is growing, as is our music ministry. Yet to come is our visit from Bishop Mary Glasspool on December 10 as she baptizes and receives new members into the Body of Christ here at St. John’s.We kicked off the stewardship campaign with a special coffee hour on November 5th. Pledge statements and stewardship letters were handed out to everyone who came, and they were mailed out to those who weren’t able to be with us.We invite you to consider your financial pledge for 2024 and the ways that we are called to express the love we have experienced in our life at St. John’s.  We know that it has been a demanding year, but we hope that you will prayerfully consider increasing your pledge.  Your pledge is a commitment to nurture our parish life and will help us determine our budget for the coming year.Pledge cards will be collected December 4, 2023, as we begin the Season of Advent.  Please be sure to join us that day and place your pledge card in the basket.In Gratitude,Kathy Burdick
    St. John’s 2023 Stewardship Chair

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    Being of Service to Others

    Dear Ones,

    The highest form of worship is the worship of unselfish Christian service. – Rev. Billy Graham

    I suspect that you never thought you’d hear me quote Billy Graham and, to be honest, I’m a little surprised myself. Billy and I do not have much in common when it comes to how our theology is expressed. But there is a basic, undeniable Christian imperative that its hard for anyone to ignore when it comes to following Jesus. And that is our common call to Christian service.

    The Hebrew Scriptures (the Old Testament) is never-ceasing in the mandate to serve others, which is exactly why Jesus tells us that there are only 2 commandments: First, love God. Second (which is like the first), love your neighbor as yourself. Jesus tells us, “On these two, hang all the law and the prophets.”

    But this “love” that Jesus and all the other authors of scripture talk about… is not about having a warm, fuzzy feeling for other people. Nor is it “not being judgmental” either. The Love that Jesus talks about is one that calls us out of our own worlds into a life that is in relationship with others. We’re not called to like other people. We are called to serve other people. To be of service is the ultimate worship that God calls us to. All the other things we do as church, are meant to prepare us for this service.

    I will also say this: Being of service is also really good for our mental and emotional health. When we commit to serving others, we start to realize just how much other people share the ups and downs of life. Soon, our own difficulties seem to hold less power over us and we feel less alone – more connected to others because we are more connected to ourselves.

    So, if you’ve been waiting for an invitation to service, here you go: I am hereby inviting each one of you to come out during the week of Thanksgiving and help the Angel Food East Ministry Team be of service. We have shifts on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday when you can cut/peel vegetables, stir pots, wash dishes, and pack food. Come for an hour or two… or a whole day. All of this food will be delivered to our 70+ Angel Food East clients across Ulster County on Thanksgiving morning.

    The sign-up sheet is in the vestibule outside the parish hall. So, what are you waiting for?

    In God’s love and mine,
    Rev. Michelle

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    Announcements for November 12

    Twenty-Fourth Sunday after Pentecost
    St. John’s Office Hours
    Wednesdays 10:00-12:00 noon
    Thursdays 1:00-4:00 pm
    Phone: 845-331-2252
    Email: stjohnskingston@aol.com

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

    Prepping, Cooking, Packing, Driving… oh my! Check the bulletin board in the Vestibule and sign up for shifts to help with the Angel Food East Thanksgiving Meal this year. Our feeding ministry, Angel Food East, serves approximately 70 clients throughout Ulster County who are chronically homebound and face the risk of food insecurity. Help AFE make this a bountiful Thanksgiving for them. Many hands make light work and this is fun work and a meaningful way to be of service to our community during the holidays. Questions? Ask Rev. Michelle or Lynn Dennison.

    Special Forum: The Water of Baptism Some of us were baptized when we were really young, some of us were a little older, and some haven’t been baptized yet. Join Rev. Michelle for a special forum on December 3 after worship where all of us have an opportunity to talk about and reflect on the meaning of Baptism in our lives and in the life of the Church. All are welcome!

    Interfaith Gathering of Gratitude: Every year the Kingston Interfaith Council brings our congregations together in November so that we can share prayers, songs, food, and fellowship. Tuesday, Nov 14 at 7:00 pm at Congregation Emanuel of the Hudson Valley (3 doors down). This year, more than ever, joining in our interfaith gathering is important. Please make sure to put it on your calendar and join other people of faith from across our city of Kingston.

    Page Turners Book Club meets the first Thursday of the month, at 2 pm, in the parish hall. New members are always welcome! Upcoming selections: Dec 7: Black Cake, by Charmaine Wilkerson. (A series on Hulu!); Jan 11: The Soul of an Octopus, by Sy Montgomery. Feb 8: The Covenant of Water, by Abraham Verghese (Long book, start early!); Mar 7: The Heaven and Earth Grocery Store, by James McBride. Speak to Lynn Dennison, Barbara Johnston, or Claudette Ford for more info.

    Outreach Project: People’s Place Project Santa – This year People’s Place needs blankets for kids up to age 16 for their Project Santa. We have a collection box next to the Baptismal Font near our ongoing People’s Place Food Pantry Donation Basket. Please contribute! And we’re always collecting non-perishable food items for People’s Place food pantry (tuna, soup, pasta, sauce, etc.). Bring them to church and place them in the appropriate basket near the Font.

    New (or new-ish) to the Episcopal Church? If you or your child has not been baptized, we have 2 more opportunities for baptism coming up. And, if you have been baptized before but would like to be formally received into the church from another tradition, Bishop Mary Glasspool will be here on December 10 to do just that. Please speak with Rev. Michelle about either baptisms or receptions before November 26.

    Social Hour Sign-up! If you enjoy staying after worship for snacks and socializing, please sign up to host for a week. The sign-up sheet is on the bulletin board in the vestibule. Talk to Barbara Johnston if you have any questions.

  3. November 3rd

    Coming up at St. John’s

    This Sunday, Nov 5: All the things are happening!


    Stewardship Sunday with a Special Coffee Hour – During worship, we’ll hear from our Stewardship Chair this year, Kathy Burdick who is also pulling together a special extended coffee hour.
    All Ages Worship – It’s the first Sunday of the month and that means that our worship will have elements for all ages. We hope everyone will join in our common worship.
    Outreach Meeting – After worship, join the Outreach Committee who will discuss plans to allocate this year’s outreach funds.
    Celebration of All Saints and Commemoration of All Souls – A special day in our church calendar, set aside to recognize the wider communion of saints and remember those who have died.
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    Being Baptized Into the Body of Christ and
    Being Received Into the Episcopal Church

    We have 2 dates for baptism coming up:
    December 10 (Bishop Mary Glasspool visits)
    January 7 (Celebration of the Baptism of our Lord)
    The next date for Baptism will be March 30 during our Easter Vigil. And the next Receptions into the Episcopal Church will take place on December 10 when Bishop Mary Glasspool visits. Receptions are done alongside confirmations in the Episcopal Church because they are both done by a Bishop. The next date for being received will be in June of 2024 at the Cathedral of St. John the Divine in NYC.
    If you are interested in either of these rites, please contact Rev. Michelle before November 26 at michelle.stjohnskingston@gmail.com
    To learn more about being baptized and being received, please visit the St. John’s website.
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    Interfaith Gathering of Gratitude

    Every year, Congregation Emanuel of the Hudson Valley is our gracious host for Kingston’s interfaith gathering and the tradition continues this year, of course. But this year Rev. Michelle hopes that we can all make an effort to join the gathering: Tuesday, November 14 at 7:00 pm.

    The war between the governments of the Israelis and the Palestinians in the Middle East may seem as though it’s far away but it has a direct impact on our lives here in Kingston because, as you may have already seen, there are people who take these opportunities to spew anti-semitic rhetoric. This means, regardless of our opinions about what should or should not be happening between Israel and Palestine, we need to be concerned for our Jewish neighbors and their physical safety as well as their sense of security.

    Showing up to this event is an important message of love and support for our neighbors at Congregation Emanuel of the Hudson Valley.

    Vestry Notes for October

    • In her Rector’s Report, Rev Michelle noted that she and Rev Eliacin of Holy Cross Santa Cruz are developing an evening Advent Series that will begin on Thursday, November 30. The theme will be Becoming Beloved Community and we will have an online component for those who cannot drive at night. Stay tuned for more information.
    • The 247th Convention of the Diocese of New York is on 11/11/23. Rev Michelle and Paula Wisneski will travel to the Cathedral of St. John the Divine in NYC. The day is spent voting on candidates for Diocesan Offices and resolutions for our common life, listening to reports from various committees, and drawing on the power of a people gathered in prayer and praise. Our proclamation: For all that has been done, Thanks! For all that will be, Yes! -Dag Hammarskjöld.
    • Please join all people of faith in Kingston in attending the Interfaith Gathering on 11/14/23. We gather in particular to support the well-being of Congregation Emanuel during these heartbreaking days of conflict and peril.
    • We are excited that Brian Silver has officially joined the St. John’s family, as he begins his permanent employment with us. Although we are still fine tuning his official job title and responsibilities, Brian has already contributed so much to our parish life: he has enlivened St. John’s Kitchen rentals and we cannot thank him enough for his contributions to the wildly successful Neighborhood Block Party. He will be taking on some vital tasks like overseeing maintenance for the buildings and grounds and assisting with the St. John’s Newsletter.
    • The Vestry is starting to put into place plans for Rev Michelle’s 2024 sabbatical that will begin in April, after Easter, and continue through May and June. We are considering the coverage that will be needed and welcome any ideas or concerns you might have.
    • The Vestry will be spending Saturday, 11/4/23 conducting a Mutual Ministry Review along with Rev. Michelle. We will be led by the Rev. Allison Moore of St. Andrew’s in New Paltz as we take time to assess St. John’s ministerial goals and what role each of us plays in our common life. We will be sharing the results of this day and asking you to give us your thoughts on where St. John’s is going and how we can nurture the growth of the parish. Our theme: Looking forward not backward.

    Submitted by Kathy Burdick
    Clerk of the Vestry

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    Turning Toward Hope

    Dear Ones,

    Today, the clergy of Ulster County met with our Bishop Co-adjutor, Bp. Matt Heyd. He’s always an inspirational person to be with because he listens with deep concern and compassion to the struggles we go through in our congregations. And his response is always direct and earnest. And he remembers… everything.

    (I, personally, am very jealous of this trait; immediate recall is not my strong suit. The things I need seem to pop in to my brain about 5 minutes after I actually need them. But, I digress…)

    Today, as we spoke together about various struggles, Bp. Matt listened intently, took notes, acknowledged larger structural problems, and continued to connect the things we were saying to the larger conversation. In every moment, he was compassionate and caring, and noted that “shame” is such a big part of what people experience when there are times of struggle. We think that, because we are struggling, there must be something wrong with us. Shame is difficult to move through.

    And then we were reminded that the season of Advent, which is coming up in just a few weeks, is a poignant time for us to reflect on the shame we experience. As we prepare for the arrival of hope in our lives at Christmas, we start to see through the false stories of worldly power and greatness that can create a sense of shame in us. But, as we come to learn through this season, we never find our hope in worldly power or in any of the ways we often try to find it.

    God chose the most vulnerable one to carry the light and the hope of us all. So then, may we, without shame or fear, rejoice to behold his appearing.

    In God’s love and mine,
    Rev. Michelle

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    Announcements for November 5
    All Saints’ Sunday

    St. John’s Office Hours
    Wednesdays 10:00-12:00 noon
    Thursdays 1:00-4:00 pm
    Phone: 845-331-2252
    Email: stjohnskingston@aol.comHave an announcement for the bulletin? Please send by Wednesday at noon to stjohnskingston@aol.com.
    This Sunday! Outreach Meeting Grab a cup of coffee and a snack and join us for a meeting of the Outreach Committee. We will be discussing the allocation of outreach funds. Interfaith Gathering of Gratitude: Every year the Kingston Interfaith Council brings our congregations together in November so that we can share prayers, songs, food, and fellowship.
    Tuesday, Nov 14 at 7:00 pm at Congregation Emanuel of the Hudson Valley (3 doors down). This year, more than ever, joining in our interfaith gathering is important. Please make sure to put it on your calendar and join other people of faith from across our city of Kingston.
    Prepping, Cooking, Packing, Driving… oh my! Check the bulletin board in the Vestibule and sign up for shifts to help with the Angel Food East Thanksgiving Meal this year. Our feeding ministry, Angel Food East, serves approximately 70 clients throughout Ulster County who are chronically homebound and don’t qualify for governmental assistance. Help AFE make this a bountiful Thanksgiving for them. Many hands make light work and this is fun work and a meaningful way to be of service to our community during the holidays. Questions? Ask Rev. Michelle or Lynn Dennison.
    Page Turners Book Club meets the first Thursday of the month, at 2 pm, in the parish hall. New members are always welcome! Upcoming selections: Dec. 7: Black Cake, by Charmaine Wilkerson. Speak to Lynn Dennison, Barbara Johnston, or Claudette Ford for more info.
    New (or new-ish) to the Episcopal Church? If you or your child has not been baptized, we have 2 more opportunities for baptism coming up. And, if you have been baptized before but would like to be formally received into the church from another tradition, Bishop Mary Glasspool will be here on December 10 to do just that. Please speak with Rev. Michelle about either baptisms or receptions before November 26!
    Outreach Project: People’s Place Project Santa – This year People’s Place needs blankets for kids up to age 16 for their Project Santa. We’ll have a collection box next to the Baptismal Font near our ongoing People’s Place Food Pantry Donation Box. Please contribute!
  4. October 29, 2023

    This Sunday: Honoring the Ministry of the Choir

    This coming Sunday, October 29, we will have a special Morning Prayer service where we will take time to honor the ministry of the St. John’s Choir and enjoy a special anthem they have prepared just for the day.

    Stewardship Campaign Update!

    Stewardship Sunday has been moved to November 5 with a special coffee hour and a short Stewardship Campaign Introduction by this year’s Chair, Kathy Burdick. This year’s theme is “Rooted in Abundance.” Our generosity is informed by the simple theological truth that God has blessed us infinitely with all of the gifts of Creation. Join us for this year’s Stewardship Campaign as we take stock and realize that our lives and our response to God’s generosity are Rooted in Abundance.

    Being Baptized Into the Body of Christ and
    Being Received Into the Episcopal Church

    We have 3 dates for baptism coming up:
    November 5 (All Saints’ Day)
    December 10 (Bishop Mary Glasspool visits)
    January 7 (Celebration of the Baptism of our Lord)

    The next date for Baptism will be March 30 during our Easter Vigil.

    And the next Receptions into the Episcopal Church will take place on December 10 when Bishop Mary Glasspool visits. Receptions are done alongside confirmations in the Episcopal Church because they are both done by a Bishop. The next date for being received will be in June of 2024 at the Cathedral of St. John the Divine in NYC.

    To learn more about being baptized and being received, please visit the St. John’s website.

    ________________________________________

    Preparing for All Souls and All Saints’ Sunday

    The celebration of All Saints’ Sunday every year as one of the major feasts in our calendar, is our opportunity to commemorate all of the Christian saints – both known and unknown – recognizing and upholding their presence as witnesses of the saving grace that is Christ Jesus. We renew our baptismal vows on this Sunday to remember our own life in Christ and the gifts that come from our life of faith, using this as a wonderful time to baptize new members into the community of Christ. Alongside this celebration is All Souls’ Day when we honor all “the faithful departed.” On the calendar, All Saints’ Day is November 1 and All Souls’ Day is November 2.

    Our tradition at St. John’s is to honor All Souls at the beginning of our All Saints’ worship service every year. Rev. Michelle begins the worship service by asking us to rise in silence while she speaks the names of all those who have died and we wish to honor. It’s a solemn moment during the year that is deeply meaningful to all of us who wish to take time to bring to our minds those who have never left our hearts.

    If you would like to honor someone who has died by having their name read aloud during the All Souls’ recitation, please make sure to either:
    1) list them on the bulletin board in the Vestibule before Thursday, November 2
    OR
    2) email Rev. Michelle by Thursday, November 2 at michelle.sjohnskingston@gmail.com

    ____________________________________________

    Feeling Grief, Holding Hope


    Dear Ones,

    I spoke with a friend in Maine earlier today about the shootings that took place this week. After I finished speaking with them, I wrote a note to Rabbi Yael about the war between the Israelis and the Palestinians. There is so much. So, so much.

    I wish I had God’s eyes in these moments, so that I could see further ahead and have the certainty that mass shootings will end, that the Israelis and Palestinians will find a way, that we will stop ignoring the the signs of climate change all around us… that we would cease in our violence against one another, against this planet, and against ourselves.

    But I don’t have that certainty. Sometimes that drives me to avoidance, admittedly. A poor attempt to “think positively” or lose myself in work. We all have coping mechanisms when things get to be too much.

    But on my better days, what I do have is the ability to feel and acknowledge my grief and anger and sadness – to give all of them their due in whatever way seems to work. And once I have, I invite God’s quiet presence in my mind so that the stories and the blame don’t consume me.

    I always find that this is when Hope arises again. And this is so incredibly important. It might be the most important thing.

    I’m reminded of a quote from writer and activist Arundhati Roy:
    “Another world is not only possible, she is on her way. On a quiet day, I can hear her breathing.”

    My beloved, Ana, has written a beautiful tune for this deeply profound sentiment. I invite you to listen here. It just might help in the face of all that’s happening.

    In God’s love and mine,
    Rev. Michelle

    _______________________________________

    Announcements for October 29
    The Twenty-Second Sunday After Pentecost

    St. John’s Office Hours
    Wednesdays 10:00-12:00 noon
    Thursdays 1:00-4:00 pm
    Phone: 845-331-2252
    Email: stjohnskingston@aol.comHave an announcement for the bulletin?
    Please send by Wednesday at noon to
    stjohnskingston@aol.com.

    NEXT SUNDAY: Stewardship Campaign Begins! with a special coffee hour and a short campaign intro by this year’s Chair, Kathy Burdick.

    Outreach Meeting after worship – Sunday, November 5: All are welcome to join the conversation about allocating resources towards Outreach efforts. All this and we’re celebrating the Feast of All Saints’ with All Ages Worship.

    Honoring All Souls’: Our tradition at St. John’s is to honor All Souls at the beginning of our All Saints’ worship service every year (next week!). Rev. Michelle begins the worship service by speaking the names of all those who have died and we wish to honor. If you would like to honor someone who has died, please make sure to either: 1) list them on the provided sheet which is posted on the bulletin board in the Vestibule, or 2) email Rev. Michelle by Thursday, November 2 at michelle.sjohnskingston@gmail.com

    Interfaith Gathering of Gratitude: Every year the Kingston Interfaith Council brings our congregations together in November so that we can share prayers, songs, food, and fellowship. Tuesday, Nov 14 at 7:00 pm at Congregation Emanuel of the Hudson Valley (3 doors down).

    Page Turners Book Club meets the first Thursday of the month, at 2 pm, in the parish hall. New members are always welcome! Upcoming selections: Nov. 2: The Trackers, by Charles Frazier, Dec. 7: Black Cake, by Charmaine Wilkerson. Speak to Lynn Dennison, Barbara Johnston, or Claudette Ford for more info.

    New (or new-ish) to the Episcopal Church? If you or your child has not been baptized, we have 3 opportunities for baptism coming up. And, if you have been baptized before but would like to be formally received into the church from another tradition, Bishop Mary Glasspool will be here on December 10 to do just that. Please speak with Rev. Michelle about either baptisms or receptions as soon as possible!

    Outreach Project: People’s Place Project Santa – This year People’s Place needs blankets for kids up to age 16 for their Project Santa. We’ll have a collection box next to the Baptismal Font near our ongoing People’s Place Food Pantry Donation Box. Please contribute!

    St. John’s Upcoming Schedule
    Check back, more events/dates being added!
    www.stjohnskingston.org/welcome/event-calendar

    Nov 2        Page Turners Book Club, 2:00 in Parish Hall
    Nov 4        Vestry Reflection Day
    Nov 5        Feast of All Saints’: All Ages Worship, Stewardship Sunday, Outreach meeting after worship
    Nov 11      247th Convention of the Episcopal Diocese of New York
    Nov 12      Godly Play for kids during worship
    Nov 19      Healing Sunday; Choir Rehearsal after worship
    Nov 26      Sunday School Activity Day for kids during worship
    Dec 3         All Ages Worship: Season of Advent begins
    Dec 4         Advent Quiet Day, Christ the King in Stone Ridge, 10-4
    Dec 7         Page Turners Book Club, 2:00 in Parish Hall
    Dec 10       Visitation from Bishop Mary Glasspool, Godly Play for kids during worship
    Dec 17       Healing Sunday; Choir Rehearsal after worship
    Dec 20       Longest Night Service at 6:00 pm
    Dec 24       Advent IV worship at 10:00 am
    Christmas Eve Worship: Family Service 3:00 pm; Choral Eucharist 8:00 pm
    Dec 31       Morning Prayer
    Jan 28        St. John’s Annual Meeting
    Feb 10       Installation of the Rt. Rev. Matt Heyd as Bishop of New York, Cathedral of St. John the Divine, NYC

  5. October 20, 2023

    Stewardship Campaign Update!

    Stewardship Sunday has been moved to November 5 with a special coffee hour and a short Stewardship Campaign Introduction by this year’s Chair, Kathy Burdick.

    This year’s theme is “Rooted in Abundance.” Our generosity is informed by the simple theological truth that God has blessed us infinitely with all of the gifts of Creation. Join us for this year’s Stewardship Campaign as we take stock and realize that our lives and our response to God’s generosity are Rooted in Abundance.
    Look for a mailing and more information in our e-newsletter soon!

    Being Baptized Into the Body of Christ and
    Being Received Into the Episcopal Church

    We have 3 dates for baptism coming up:
    November 5 (All Saints’ Day)
    December 10 (Bishop Mary Glasspool visits)
    January 7 (Celebration of the Baptism of our Lord)

    The next date for Baptism will be March 30 during our Easter Vigil.

    And the next Receptions into the Episcopal Church will take place on December 10 when Bishop Mary Glasspool visits. Receptions are done alongside confirmations in the Episcopal Church because they are both done by a Bishop. The next date for being received will be in June of 2024 at the Cathedral of St. John the Divine in NYC.

    To learn more about being baptized and being received, please visit the St. John’s website.

    ___________________________________________

    Presiding Bishop Michael Curry Calls Church to Prayer

     

    PLEASE NOTE: The hospital in Gaza that was bombed this past Tuesday is the Al Ahli Arab Hospital and is operated by the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem (not the Baptist Church as some news outlets have been reporting). This hospital takes no political stance but is now in desperate need of help. Please donate here: American Friends of the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem (through which one may give to support the Ahli Arab Hospital) and Episcopal Relief and Development

    We have all been invited in the last few days to join with Archbishop Hosam Naoum and the Patriarchs and Heads of Churches in Jerusalem, as well as Pope Francis and Archbishop Justin Welby, to pray fervently for all those who have been hurt, harmed, or killed in this conflictMy heart aches when I remember visiting al-Ahli hospital in 2018 during Holy Week to meet the medical teams and all the people of that remarkable ministry. They were passionately committed to anyone who had need.

    I know personally how faithful Episcopalians are in praying. During my surgery and recovery, you have prayed for me and for my healing, and I am more grateful and thankful than words can say.

    Right now, I ask you to pray fervently for the birthplace of the Abrahamic faiths and for all its people. Pray for those who have been hurt, harmed, or killed—regardless of who they are or who did it.

    Pray also for the leaders and people of the entire region, that they will remember God’s mercy, and that they will find the way to a just peace where all may live in safety and security as God intends.

    Pray this week for President Biden, that he may be an advocate for immediate humanitarian access for those who desperately need food, water, and medicine—and for comfort and consolation for those who have been displaced and those who are grieving loved ones.

    Please join me in praying:

    For Peace: Eternal God, in whose perfect kingdom no sword is drawn but the sword of righteousness, no strength known but the strength of love: So mightily spread abroad your Spirit, that all peoples may be gathered under the banner of the Prince of Peace, as children of one Father; to whom be dominion and glory, now and forever. Amen.

    The Rt. Rev. Michael B. Curry
    Presiding Bishop, The Episcopal Church

    ________________________________________________

    Re-balancing Administration and Leadership


    Dear Ones,

    Earlier this year, the Vestry of St. John’s voted to reduce the Rector position from full time to part time. This was a necessary step to ensure the financial stability of the congregation. As I said in the months leading up to that decision, I was grateful for that conversation and agreed with the decision. The finances of St. John’s have always pointed to the need to reduce the Rector’s salary.

    Since that time, the Vestry and myself have been working to re-balance the workload of the Rector. To assist with this, the Vestry of St. John’s and I will participate in a day of reflection led by the Rev. Allison Moore where she will lead lead us in a Mutual Ministry Review. Because both lay leaders and clergy leaders have ministry when it comes to administering a congregation, our combined leadership, then, must be one of mutuality.

    We know that this transition is one that will take time, prayer, and intentional effort by both the leadership and the community. Our ministry in the Episcopal Church isn’t as hierarchical as we would like to think it is. It’s not all on the person wearing the collar or the funny hat. Instead, it’s more of a Venn diagram – overlapping circles of responsibility and oversight.

    What, then, are the most important things for the priest to be doing? What do the lay leaders need to be tending to? What are the responsibilities of leading a congregation and how do we manage those creatively so that no one is overtaxed and all are able to participate fully in the generous life of the community of St. John’s?

    And, perhaps most importantly, how do we remember that being “church” is really not about the administration of the congregation – it’s about how we serve the community around us. As Archbishop William Temple once said, “The church is the only organization that exists for the sake of those who are not its members.” (paraphrased, of course). So, if we are only worried about how to “do” church, then what are we doing?

    The Vestry and I will be gathering on Saturday, November 4 for our time with Rev. Allison. If you have questions, please reach out to any of the Vestry members or myself. And please offer your prayers for the leadership of St. John’s as we discern the best way forward for the administration of our congregational life.

    In God’s love and mine,
    Rev. Michelle

    _________________________________________________

    Announcements for October 22
    The Twenty-first Sunday After Pentecost

    St. John’s Office Hours
    Wednesdays 10:00-12:00 noon
    Thursdays 1:00-4:00 pm
    Phone: 845-331-2252
    Email: stjohnskingston@aol.com

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

    2023 Stewardship Campaign: “Rooted in Abundance” Begins November 5 with a special coffee hour and a short campaign introduction by this year’s Chair, Kathy Burdick. Our generosity is informed by the simple theological truth that God has blessed us infinitely with all of the gifts of Creation. Join us for this year’s Stewardship Campaign as we take stock and realize that our lives and our response to God’s generosity are Rooted in Abundance. Look for a mailing and more information in our e-newsletter soon!

    Choir Recognition Sunday: Join us for a special Morning Prayer celebration on October 29 as we recognize the ministry of the choir and honor their gifts and commitment.

    Page Turners Book Club meets the first Thursday of the month, at 2 pm, in the parish hall. New members are always welcome! Upcoming selections: Nov. 2: The Trackers, by Charles Frazier, Dec. 7: Black Cake, by Charmaine Wilkerson. Speak to Lynn Dennison, Barbara Johnston, or Claudette Ford for more info.

    St. John’s Outreach Committee November 5 after worship. All are welcome to join the conversation about allocating resources towards Outreach efforts.

    New (or new-ish) to the Episcopal Church? If you or your child has not been baptized, we have 3 opportunities for baptism coming up. And, if you have been baptized before but would like to be formally received into the Episcopal Church from another tradition, Bishop Mary Glasspool will be here on December 10 to do just that. Please speak with Rev. Michelle about either baptisms or receptions as soon as possible!

    St. John’s Upcoming Schedule
    Check back, more events/dates being added!
    www.stjohnskingston.org/welcome/event-calendar

    Oct 29       Morning Prayer: Choir Recognition Sunday
    Nov 2        Page Turners Book Club, 2:00 in Parish Hall
    Nov 4        Vestry Reflection Day
    Nov 5        Feast of All Saints’: All Ages Worship, Stewardship Campaign Begins,
    Outreach meeting after worship
    Nov 11      247th Convention of the Episcopal Diocese of New York
    Nov 12      Godly Play for kids during worship
    Nov 19      Healing Sunday; Choir Rehearsal after worship
    Nov 26      Sunday School Activity Day for kids during worship
    Dec 3         All Ages Worship: Season of Advent begins
    Dec 4         Advent Quiet Day, Christ the King in Stone Ridge, 10-4
    Dec 7         Page Turners Book Club, 2:00 in Parish Hall
    Dec 10       Visitation from Bishop Mary Glasspool, Godly Play for kids during worship
    Dec 17       Healing Sunday; Choir Rehearsal after worship
    Dec 20       Longest Night Service at 6:00 pm
    Dec 24       Advent IV worship at 10:00 am
    Christmas Eve Worship: Family Service 3:00 pm, Choral Eucharist 8:00 pm
    Dec 31       Morning Prayer
    Jan 28        St. John’s Annual Meeting
    Feb 10       Installation of the Rt. Rev. Matt Heyd as Bishop of New York, Cathedral of St. John the Divine, NYC

  6. October 13, 2023

    Coming Up at St. John’s

    Next Sunday: Stewardship Sunday!
    Rooted in Abundance

    Our generosity is informed by the simple theological truth that God has blessed us infinitely with all of the gifts of Creation. Join us for this year’s Stewardship Campaign as we take stock and realize that our lives and our response to God’s generosity are Rooted in Abundance.
    Look for a mailing and more information in our e-newsletter soon!

    Bible Study Resumes

    This Sunday morning, October 15, Bible Study resumes at 8:30 am as we continue reading the Gospel of Matthew. Please bring your Bible and your coffee/tea!
    Wednesday Bible Study via Zoom will resume on October 25. Email Rev. Michelle for the Zoom link.

    Please note: We finish our study of Matthew as our liturgical year comes to a close, at the end of November. Because the season of Advent (beginning on Dec 3) starts a new year, the Gospel focus changes. Our study of the Gospel of Mark begins on December 3.

    ________________________________________________

    Praying for Liberation, Praying for Peace

    from Rev. Michelle

    As I’m sure you know by now, the government of Palestine launched a strike at civilian sites in Israel on October 7 and launched a war. The history of Israel and Palestine is not all that long but, in another way, it’s also quite extensive. There are many trusted sources where you can learn more. Here are 4 options to get you started: ReutersBBCWikipedia, Episcopal News Service

    Despite what many people say, wars are never about religion. But religion is often used by power-seekers as a way to galvanize people around a common hatred of the other. We have to look no further than our own former president and so many others in our own country right now to see how that happens. Let me be very clear: Neither the Jewish faith, nor the Muslim faith are warring religions. So when you read about this conflict, please pay attention to the sources you use for your information.

    All that said, two things are important for us as Christians: Prayer and support. Whatever the governments are doing, the innocent citizens are the ones paying the price. We pray and then we act.

    Let us Pray:
    Loving and liberating Creator, send your healing Spirit upon all involved in the current conflict and violence in the Middle East. Comfort those who mourn or who have been harmed by brutality. Stand with those who are fearful. Protect and provide for the powerless and the vulnerable. Inspire a spirit of forbearance and understanding within all and uphold those who even now work for a just and durable peace. In the name of Christ. Amen.

    And now, let us Act:
    Compassion/Support
    A simple but powerful way to act is to send a note to Congregation Emanuel of the Hudson Valley. So many of their members have family in Israel. You don’t have to be eloquent or lengthy, just send a short note to Rabbi Yael and the good people who are our neighbors, telling them that you are from St. John’s and are praying for them and their families. It will really mean a great deal. As you send your notes, I will be sending a note on behalf of St. John’s to CEHV and a personal note to Rabbi Yael.

    Let’s be there to support our neighbors and what they are going through. Remember that anytime something like this happens, our Jewish neighbors become the target of hate crimes. And they have already been dealing with heightened tension for a number of years.

    Donations
    Episcopal Relief and Development Middle East Fund
    Kibbutz Nir Oz (recommended by Rabbi Yael)
    Alliance for Middle East Peace

    Thank you for praying. Thank you for acting.
    Rev. Michelle

    ___________________________________________________

    Baptism and Reception Into the Episcopal Church


    Dear Ones,

    I’m back at work this week and diving right back in: meetings, catching up on emails, planning pastoral care visits, and of course getting ready for Sunday. My time away was good and revitalizing and, from the reports I received from Revs. Joe and Joann Campo, you all enjoyed your Sundays with them. But I’m glad to be back with you all as we move more deeply into our fall season.

    Speaking of this, we have several important dates coming up on which we will offer Baptisms and Receptions into the Episcopal Church. These aren’t the only dates for these events but these are the ones we are getting ready for. These will be of particular interest for those of you who have been at St. John’s 2 years or less.

    Baptism
    November 5 (All Saints’ Day)
    December 10 (Bishop Mary Glasspool visits)
    January 7 (Celebration of the Baptism of our Lord)

    Baptism is something with which many people are familiar even though it’s usually associated with baptizing babies. But infant baptism is no longer a widespread a practice. For example, I was baptized when I was 21. And as a priest, I have baptized adults, young children, babies, teens… I even baptized an elderly person in their final days.

    So, if baptism is not a ritual for babies, what is it? Simply put, Baptism is a way for us to formally say “yes” to God’s love. We consider it to be a Sacrament in the Episcopal Church which means that it’s an outward and visible sign of an inward and spiritual grace. In other words, we are making known with a formal declaration what we believe to be already present and alive in us. We do this in a public service with members of our faith community because it is amongst and through these people, who are all committed to God in the same way we are choosing to be, that we will come to know God more deeply. We say “yes” to God’s love in community and our community makes a promise to uphold this spiritual journey in us.

    So, it might seem odd that we even think it’s a good idea to baptize a young child. But when we do baptize children, we are making a promise, as a community, to that child that we will uphold them on their spiritual journey. We do so at the request of the child’s parents. When someone is an adult, of course we make this promise to them at their request.

    Receptions into the Episcopal Church
    December 10 when Bishop Mary Glasspool visits

    When we have been baptized in another Christian tradition, but we have chosen to make the Episcopal Church our spiritual home, it’s a good idea for us to consider a formal “Reception” into the Episcopal Church. There is a theological reason and a practical reason.

    The practical reason isn’t really that interesting: Some positions of lay leadership require us to be a formal member of the Episcopal Church.

    But the theological reason is profound: The choice we make to join a particular Church is an important commitment, both to ourselves and to the members of our faith community. We know that not all churches are the same. You are coming to St. John’s because you have found something here that is important to you. By extension then, the Episcopal Church, and our particular expression of Christianity as one that understands God as Love and earnestly works to embody that Love in the world – this is important to you. Your choice to worship here says something about what you value and how you envision God. By asking to be formally received into the Episcopal Church, you are claiming this for yourself, owning your conviction.

    The Episcopal Church doesn’t consider “Reception” to be a sacrament, but we take it seriously because we know it’s an important decision. So seriously, that only a bishop can formally receive new members into the Episcopal Church, which is why we only do this when a bishop visits us.

    Please do reach out to me sooner rather than later if you think you might be ready for Baptism or Reception into the Episcopal Church – even if you’re not 100% sure. Let see what God’s Holy Spirit is up to in you!

    In God’s love and mine,
    Rev. Michelle

    _________________________________________________

    Announcements for October 15
    The Twentieth Sunday After Pentecost

    St. John’s Office Hours
    Wednesdays 10:00-12:00 noon
    Thursdays 1:00-4:00 pm
    Phone: 845-331-2252
    Email: stjohnskingston@aol.comHave an announcement for the bulletin?
    Please send by Wednesday at noon to
    stjohnskingston@aol.com.NEXT WEEK! 2023 Stewardship Campaign: “Rooted in Abundance” Begins October 22 Our generosity is informed by the simple theological truth that God has blessed us infinitely with all of the gifts of Creation. Join us for this year’s Stewardship Campaign as we take stock and realize that our lives and our response to God’s generosity are Rooted in Abundance. Look for a mailing and more information in our e-newsletter soon!Choir Recognition Sunday: Join us for a special Morning Prayer celebration on October 29 as we recognize the ministry of the choir and honor their gifts and commitment.Page Turners Book Club meets the first Thursday of the month, at 2 pm, in the parish hall. New members are always welcome! Upcoming selections: Nov. 2: The Trackers, by Charles Frazier, Dec. 7: Black Cake, by Charmaine Wilkerson. Speak to Lynn Dennison, Barbara Johnston, or Claudette Ford for more info.St. John’s Outreach Committee November 5 after worship. All are welcome to join the conversation about allocating resources towards Outreach efforts.

    New (or new-ish) to the Episcopal Church? If you or your child has not been baptized, we have 3 opportunities for baptism coming up. And, if you have been baptized before but would like to be formally received into the church from another tradition, Bishop Mary Glasspool will be here on December 10 to do just that. Please speak with Rev. Michelle about either baptisms or receptions as soon as possible!

    St. John’s Upcoming Schedule
    Check back, more events/dates being added!
    www.stjohnskingston.org/welcome/event-calendar

    Oct 15       Healing Sunday; Choir Rehearsal after worship
    Oct 22       Stewardship Sunday AND Sunday School Activity Day
    Oct 29       Morning Prayer: Choir Recognition Sunday
    Nov 2        Page Turners Book Club, 2:00 in Parish Hall
    Nov 4        Vestry Reflection Day
    Nov 5        Feast of All Saints’: All Ages Worship, Outreach meeting after worship
    Nov 11      247th Convention of the Episcopal Diocese of New York
    Nov 12      Godly Play for kids during worship
    Nov 19      Healing Sunday; Choir Rehearsal after worship
    Nov 26      Sunday School Activity Day for kids during worship
    Dec 3         All Ages Worship: Season of Advent begins
    Dec 4         Advent Quiet Day, Christ the King in Stone Ridge, 10-4
    Dec 7         Page Turners Book Club, 2:00 in Parish Hall
    Dec 10       Visitation from Bishop Mary Glasspool, Godly Play for kids during worship
    Dec 17       Healing Sunday; Choir Rehearsal after worship
    Dec 20       Longest Night Service at 6:00 pm
    Dec 24       Advent IV worship at 10:00am
    Christmas Eve Worship:
    – Family Service 3:00 pm
    – Choral Eucharist 8:00 pm
    Dec 31       Morning Prayer

  7. September 22, 2023

    Coming Up at St. John’s

    Next Sunday: All Ages Worship AND Blessing of the Animals

    Join the community of St. John’s as we celebrate the Feast of St. Francis On October 1 with All Ages Worship and the Blessing of the Animals. Our guest priest, the Rev. Joe Campo, will be presiding while Rev. Michelle is on vacation. Rev. Joe will be sharing the story of St. Francis during worship and will then offer animal blessings in the St. Francis Memorial Garden after worship. Bring pets, pet mementos, stuffed animals… all will be blessed!

    Expansion of Children’s Formation

    We are so pleased to announce that in the month of October, our Children’s Formation program will expand. Thank you to all the parents and to Leah Siuta and Sara Hutton for making this happen! Here’s what it will look like:
    • First Sundays: All Ages Worship
    • Second Sundays: Godly Play
    • Fourth Sundays: Children’s Activity designed to reinforce the month’s Godly Play lesson
    Right now, there is no children’s programming on the Third Sundays but we always welcome our youngest members in our 10:00 am worship!

    Bible Study Announcement

    We will have Bible Study this coming Sunday at 8:30 am (September 24).
    Rev. Michelle is on vacation for 2 weeks and there is no Wednesday or Sunday Bible Study during this time. Bible Study will resume on Wednesday, October 11 over Zoom and Sunday, October 15 in person.

    _________________________________________________

    Block Party Pics!

    Thank you to everyone who made this year’s Neighborhood Block Party a success!

    ______________________________________________

    Vestry Notes from August and September

     

    • The Vestry celebrated a successful second (annual) Neighborhood Block Party with 10 organizations and more than a dozen sponsors. We’re thankful to the City of Kingston for providing a grant that helped us purchase new chairs and a new tent to help us with future events.
    • Liz Moeller announced her resignation from the Vestry and everyone thanked Liz for nearly 6 years of service as a Vestryperson. She has been an amazing presence over her tenure.  Please note that Nilsa Rodriguez-Jaca’s tenure will end this year and Claudette Ford will crown her Vestry career in her last year as Co-Warden.  Please pray for the Nominating Committee and offer Sara Hutton, Leah Siuta, or Reverend Michelle any suggestions, even interest you might have.
    • The Vestry thanked Leah Siuta for all her work in finding the right people to fix an ongoing mold issue in the Angel Food East Pantry. We also thanked Kajuan Douglas for showing up at a moment’s notice to help Leah get things covered up on the roof!
    • The Vestry approved a motion to authorize Reverend Michelle and Keith Ferber to use the new St. John’s credit card.  The card will help reduce costs for supplies and enhance our ability to respond quickly to parish needs.
    • As we continue to navigate the Rector’s move to part time, the Vestry will meet in early November for a Mutual Ministry Review. The Reverend Allison Moore will be facilitating an assessment of the needs and demands experienced by the parish and by Reverend Michelle during this process.
    • Paula Wisneski was elected to be the lay representative at Diocesan Convention on November 11.

    Submitted by Kathy Burdick, Clerk of Vestry

    _______________________________________

    “Out of Office”


    Dear Ones,

    Ana and I were married nearly 5 years ago and we are taking a very-delayed brief honeymoon this coming week. Although our official anniversary isn’t until October 17, we are both going to be so busy in the middle of October, we decided to go earlier.

    I will be “out of office” beginning September 25, returning on October 12.

    Why such a delay? The short answer is, “Life got in the way.” Of course it’s much more complicated and includes my brother’s death, my own gall bladder removal, the pandemic, both Ana and myself having extreme cases of covid, my mother’s illness, and moving her twice. It’s been no small list of rather important and rather challenging experiences. So, we are planning on a little pampering this coming week.

    Please take good care of each other and know that you’re in very good, very experienced hands with Revs Joe and Joann Campo the next 2 weeks on Oct 1 and Oct 8 respectively.

    And I’ll see you this Sunday!

    In God’s love and mine,
    Rev. Michelle

    ________________________________

    Announcements for September 24
    The Seventeenth Sunday After Pentecost

    St. John’s Office Hours
    Wednesdays 10:00-12:00 noon
    Thursdays 1:00-4:00 pm
    Phone: 845-331-2252
    Email: stjohnskingston@aol.com

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

    NEXT SUNDAY: Blessing of the Animals – Sunday, October 1
    Join us for All Ages Worship on Sunday, October 1 and bring your pets (properly leashed, please), favorite stuffed animals, or mementos of pets. After worship, we will have the Blessing of the Animals in the St. Francis Garden.

    Choir Recognition Sunday: Join us for a special Morning Prayer celebration on October 29 as we recognize the ministry of the choir together and honor their gifts and commitment.

    St. John’s Outreach Project – People’s Place: When you go to the store, pick up a few extra non-perishable food items for People’s Place food pantry (tuna, soup, pasta, sauce, etc.). We are also taking donations of birthday napkins/plates, candles, and gift bags in various sizes. Bring them to church and place them in the appropriate baskets near the Font.

    Page Turners Book Club meets the first Thursday of the month, at 2 pm, in the parish hall. New members are always welcome! Upcoming selections: Oct 5: The First Ladies, by Marie Benedict and Victoria Christopher Murray (maybe a field trip to Val-Kill?), Nov. 2: The Trackers, by Charles Frazier, Dec. 7: Black Cake, by Charmaine Wilkerson. Speak to Lynn Dennison, Barbara Johnston, or Claudette Ford for more information.

    Sukkot Shalom Community Dessert: Sukkot (plural word for “tent”) is a Jewish holiday commanded in the book of Exodus that celebrates the ingathering/harvest. Every year, our neighbors at Congregation Emanuel invite everyone to celebrate with them with singing, stories, and dessert. Friday, October 6 7-7:30pm at Congregation Emanuel, 243 Albany Ave.

    St. John’s Upcoming Schedule
    Check back, more events/dates being added!
    www.stjohnskingston.org/welcome/event-calendar
    Look for updates on children’s programming and occasional adult education forums. Soon we will announce dates for our Stewardship Campaign.

    Sept 24      Choir rehearsal after worship
    Sept 29/30   Holy Cross/Santa Cruz Book Sale Plus! Fr 4-8 / Sa 9-2
    Oct 1         All Ages Worship, Blessing of the Animals after worship
    Oct 5         Page Turners Book Club, 2:00 in Parish Hall
    Oct 8         Godly Play for kids
    Oct 15       Healing Sunday; Choir Rehearsal after worship
    Oct 22       Sunday School Activity Day for kids
    Oct 29       Morning Prayer: Choir Recognition Sunday
    Nov 2        Page Turners Book Club, 2:00 in Parish Hall
    Nov 5        Feast of All Saints’: All Ages Worship
    Nov 12      Godly Play for kids
    Nov 11      247th Convention of the Episcopal Diocese of New York
    Nov 19      Healing Sunday; Choir Rehearsal after worship
    Nov 26      Sunday School Activity Day for kids
    Dec 3         All Ages Worship: Season of Advent begins
    Dec 7         Page Turners Book Club, 2:00 in Parish Hall
    Dec 10       Godly Play for kids
    Dec 17       Healing Sunday; Choir Rehearsal after worship
    Dec 24       Advent IV worship at 10:00am
    Christmas Eve Worship:
    – Family Service 3:00 pm
    – Choral Eucharist 8:00 pm
    Dec 31       Morning Prayer

  8. September 9, 2023

    Coming Up at St. John’s

    THIS SUNDAY! All Ages Worship and Backpack Blessing

    This Sunday is All Ages Worship as we return to the sanctuary. Terry has some fabulous music lined up but most importantly: Don’t forget to bring your backpacks! Rev. Michelle will bless them and we will all pray for everyone starting a new year of school. Be sure to come and celebrate our community and the beginning of the programming year.

    Next week! St. John’s Neighborhood Block Party

    Invite your friends and come meet the people in our neighborhood! And be sure to sign-up for a volunteer slot that day because everyone’s help is needed as we welcome our neighborhood to St. John’s. Sign-up sheets are on the bulletin board in the vestibule.

     

     

    St. John’s Bible Study Continues

    We’re studying the Gospel of Matthew and, this week, we’re finishing up the Sermon on the Mount – chapters 5, 6, and 7. Sundays 8:30-9:30 in person or Wednesday 12:00-1:00 on Zoom. If you’d like to join Wednesday’s session, email Rev. Michelle so she can send you the Zoom link. To learn more, click here

     

    _________________________________________

    From Bishop Co-Adjutor Matt Heyd

    On Tuesday, September 5 the Diocese of New York began weekday online morning prayer at 8 am via Zoom.

    The 30 minute service offers an opportunity for us to join together daily in shared prayer— the foundation of our Anglican tradition and our lives as Christians. We’ll use the 1979 Book of Common Prayer Rite II Morning Prayer liturgy.

    The service includes different leaders as officiants and features diverse voices to offer brief daily reflections. This liturgy offers an additional possibility for connection across the 10 counties and nearly 200 congregations of the Diocese of New York. The Holy Spirit moves at ground level— and connects us to each other.

    You can find the Zoom link for Tuesday here.
    You’ll be invited to register when you join.

    Everyone’s invited! My hope is that Morning Prayer will widely engage voices from across our diocese and will be intercultural in its expression.  

    I’ll support the service along with postulants and candidates preparing for ordination in our Diocese. Thanks to Canon Victor Conrado for helping imagine this new service and to Alito Orsini for coordinating.

    Grace and Peace,
    Bishop Matt

    Matthew Heyd
    Bishop Coadjutor

     

    ___________________________________

    The Cathedral of St. John the Divine, NYC


    Dear Ones,

    Let’s talk about cathedrals… stay with me here.

    The Episcopal Church has a structure that is similar, in some ways, to the Roman Catholic Church – we have bishops (but no archbishops and no pope), we have dioceses, and we have cathedrals. Each congregation is a part of a larger collection of congregations (diocese) and each diocese has a bishop who oversees and supports the mission of that diocese. The cathedral is named as such because the word “cathedra” is Latin for “seat.” The cathedral, then, is the seat of the bishop.

    Our diocese is the Episcopal Diocese of New York which covers Staten Island, Manhattan, Bronx, Westchester, Rockland, Putnam, Orange, Sullivan, Dutchess, and Putnam counties. Our current bishop is Andy Dietsche who will retire in January and our new bishop is Matt Heyd who will be installed in February at our cathedral.

    So, now we get to talk about our cathedral. On Amsterdam Avenue in Manhattan, is the largest Gothic cathedral in the world – St. John the Divine, the cathedral of the Episcopal Diocese of New York. They are a part of our common life as a diocese – a kind of center, if you will. They have a congregation that worships together, just like we do, but they are also our cathedral. They, like the bishop and the bishop’s staff, are here to support our lives as congregations. It’s a stunning place to visit.

    One of the ways they are reaching out to all of us is to collect prayers from us. These prayers will then become an art installation called Divine Pathways. Artist Anne Patterson will install 1,000 ribbons in the nave (sanctuary) of the cathedral for 9 months and on these ribbons will be written all the prayers.

    As the wind blows through these ribbons, it will be a symbol of all our collected prayers being lifted up to God.

    Jocelyn Bergen has volunteered to collect thoughts/words for the prayer from St. John’s Kingston. You don’t have to craft a beautiful prayer – it can just be a word or two or three, something for our common life as St. John’s Kingston. What do we desire? What do we need? For what would we like to offer our thanks? How does God’s glory manifest in our common life?

    From now until Sept 17, please email Jocelyn directly at jocelyn@zephyr-interactive.com with your thoughts/words of prayer for St. John’s. She will collect them and make sure that our collective prayer gets to the cathedral. So, on one of those 1,000 ribbons will be our words, our prayer, our collective heart.

    As a congregation, we will plan a trip to St. John the Divine in the spring, not only to view the installation, but also to experience the beauty and awe of our collective spiritual home as a diocesan family. I look forward to reading our collective prayer and finding ways to include it in our worship life here too.

    I hope you will spend some time considering what our congregational prayer might be and reach out to Jocelyn with your words. Also, please thank her for helping us to participate as a congregation.

    In God’s love and mine,
    Rev. Michelle

    _____________________________________

     

    Announcements for September 10
    The Fifteenth Sunday After Pentecost

    St. John’s Office Hours
    Wednesdays 10:00-12:00 noon
    Thursdays 1:00-4:00 pm
    Phone: 845-331-2252
    Email: stjohnskingston@aol.com

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

    Neighborhood Block Party! Sunday, Sept. 17 from 12:00-4:00 pm.  It’s ALL HANDS ON DECK! Clear your schedule and be sure to sign up on the bulletin board in the vestibule for set-up and take-down duties that Sunday. And take some flyers and postcards to help get the word out!

    Change to Centering Prayer Meeting Time: Centering Prayer will now meet on Wednesday evenings at 6:30 pm on Zoom. If you’d like to learn more about Centering Prayer, please visit this page on our website.

    Social Hour Sign-up! If you enjoy staying after worship for snacks and socializing, please sign up to host for a week. The sign-up sheet is on the bulletin board in the vestibule. Talk to Barbara Johnston if you have any questions.

    Bible Study: Come and join in Bible Study with Rev. Michelle on Sundays at 8:30 am (in person) or Wednesdays at 12:00 noon (via Zoom). We are studying the Gospel of Matthew and you can join the conversation any Sunday! Everyone is welcome to pick up a one-page overview of this Gospel on the bulletin board in the Vestibule. Email Rev. Michelle if you’d like to join the Wednesday Bible Study on Zoom.

    St. John’s Outreach Project – People’s Place: When you go to the store, pick up a few extra non-perishable food items for People’s Place food pantry (tuna, soup, pasta, sauce, etc.). We are also taking donations of birthday napkins/plates, candles, and gift bags in various sizes. Bring them to church and place them in the appropriate baskets near the Font.

    The Page Turners Book Club will meet on September 14, at 2 p.m., in the parish hall, to discuss ‘Demon Copperhead’ by Barbara Kingsolver. New members are welcome! To learn more about the book group, speak to Lynn Dennison or Barbara Johnston.

    St. John’s Upcoming Schedule
    Check back, more events/dates being added!
    www.stjohnskingston.org/welcome/event-calendar
    Look for updates on children’s programming and occasional adult education forums. Soon we will announce dates for our Stewardship Campaign.

    Sept 10      All Ages Worship and Return to the Sanctuary
    Sept 17      Godly Play, Healing Sunday
    Sept 17      Neighborhood Block Party 12:00 – 4:00 pm
    Sept 18      Vestry Meeting, 6:00 pm, Parish Hall
    Sept 23      Ulster Deanery Meeting, 9-12 at Holy Cross/Santa Cruz, Kingston
    Sept 29/30   Holy Cross/Santa Cruz Book Sale Plus! Fr 4-8 / Sa 9-2
    Oct 1         All Ages Worship; Blessing of the Animals after worship
    Oct 8         Godly Play for kids
    Oct 15       Healing Sunday; Choir Rehearsal after worship
    Oct 22       Sunday School Activity Day for kids
    Oct 31       Morning Prayer
    Nov 5        Feast of All Saints’: All Ages Worship
    Nov 12      Godly Play for kids
    Nov 11      247th Convention of the Episcopal Diocese of New York
    Nov 19      Healing Sunday; Choir Rehearsal after worship
    Nov 26      Sunday School Activity Day for kids
    Dec 3         All Ages Worship: Season of Advent begins
    Dec 10       Godly Play for kids
    Dec 17       Healing Sunday; Choir Rehearsal after worship
    Dec 24       Advent IV worship at 10:00am
    Christmas Eve Worship:
    – Family Service 3:00 pm
    – Choral Eucharist 8:00 pm
    Dec 31       Morning Prayer

  9. September 2, 2013

    Coming Up at St. John’s

    September 10: All Ages Worship and Backpack Blessings!


    ALL AGES WORSHIP MOVES TO SEPT 10!
    Due to Labor Day Weekend, when everyone is enjoying the final hurrahs of summer, we are moving All Ages Worship to September 10 when we return to the sanctuary. And don’t forget to bring your backpacks! Rev. Michelle will bless them and we will all pray for everyone starting a new year of school. Be sure to come and celebrate our community and the beginning of the programming year.

    Three weeks away: St. John’s Neighborhood Block Party

    Invite your friends and come meet the people in our neighborhood!

    _______________________

    A Note From Bishop Co-Adjutor
    Matt Heyd

    On Tuesday, September 5, the Diocese of New York will begin weekday online morning prayer at 8 am via zoom.

    The 30 minute service will offer an opportunity for us to join together daily in shared prayer— the foundation of our Anglican tradition and our lives as Christians. We’ll use the 1979 Book of Common Prayer Rite II Morning Prayer liturgy.

    The service will include different leaders as officiants and feature diverse voices to offer brief daily reflections. Many of our leaders and communities have their own daily office practices—some congregations host morning prayer in person and a number of our congregations host morning prayer online.

    This liturgy will offer an additional possibility for connection across the 10 counties and nearly 200 congregations of the Diocese of New York. The Holy Spirit moves at ground level— and connects us to each other.

    You can find the zoom link for Tuesday here.
    You’ll be invited to register when you join.

    Everyone’s invited! My hope is that Morning Prayer will widely engage voices from across our diocese and will be intercultural in its expression.  

    I’ll support the service along with postulants and candidates preparing for ordination in our Diocese. Thanks to Canon Victor Conrado for helping imagine this new service and to Alito Orsini for coordinating.

    Grace and Peace,

    +Matthew Heyd
    Bishop Coadjutor

    ___________________

    Living Into Change


    Dear Ones,

    I love-love-LOVE this time of year. The garden’s work is starting to slow down as the harvest comes to fruition. The air starts to shift and open up as temperatures drop and humidity lessens. And there is an energy in the air as people prepare for new school adventures after the close of summer.

    And… that’s alot of transition. Alot of change. I’ve spoken with many of you and there are so many things going on in your lives right now. Moving, new family members, shifting abilities, new schools, new jobs… wow!

    And, in the common life of St. John’s, we are also living into change. On June 1, the Rector’s hours (my hours) changed from FT to PT (at 60%). It’s hard to see this change over the summer because so many people are away on vacation and we don’t offer much programming. But now that we are starting our programming year, we will likely begin to see some differences in how much I am able to be available.

    But I hope that we all keep this in mind: During transition, I think we sometimes get so focused on the new things we have to do… or missing the things/people/situations we are leaving behind, that it’s easy to miss the abundance that is still present. And it’s also easy to miss that when we are living into new ways of doing things, our creative spirit is invited to open us up to new possibilities. My friends, this is how we miss God.

    Because God is with us. This is Christian Hope! God is always with us.

    We have so much, as a community. We have bread at our Table that everyone is invited to receive. We have one another and we always have God.

    Last week, in my short missive to you I spoke about how excited I am for the program year. I am really looking foward to all we have already planned and all that we will plan together.

    If I don’t see you this Sunday (because it’s Labor Day weekend) then I look forward to seeing you next Sunday, September 10 when we return to the Sanctuary for All Ages Worship and Blessing of the Backpacks!

    In God’s love and mine,
    Rev. Michelle

    ___________________________________

    Announcements for September 3
    The Fourteenth Sunday After Pentecost

    St. John’s Office Hours
    Wednesdays 10:00-12:00 noon
    Thursdays 1:00-4:00 pm
    Phone: 845-331-2252
    Email: stjohnskingston@aol.com

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

    September 10: All Ages Worship and Backpack Blessing We return to the sanctuary on September 10 with a special All Ages Worship. Don’t forget to bring your backpacks so Rev. Michelle can bless them!

    Neighborhood Block Party! Sunday, Sept. 17 from 12:00-4:00 pm.  It’s all hands on deck to help get the word out and ensure all the people and businesses in our neighborhood are invited. Clear your schedule and be sure to sign up on the bulletin board in the vestibule for set-up and take-down duties that Sunday too!

    Social Hour Sign-up! If you enjoy staying after worship for snacks and socializing, please sign up to host for a week. The sign-up sheet is on the bulletin board in the vestibule. Talk to Barbara Johnston if you have any questions.

    Bible Study: Come and join in Bible Study with Rev. Michelle on Sundays at 8:30 am (in person) or Wednesdays at 12:00 noon (via Zoom). We are studying the Gospel of Matthew and you can join the conversation any Sunday! Everyone is welcome to pick up a one-page overview of this Gospel on the bulletin board in the Vestibule. Email Rev. Michelle if you’d like to join the Wednesday Bible Study on Zoom.

    St. John’s Outreach Project – People’s Place: When you go to the store, pick up a few extra non-perishable food items for People’s Place food pantry (tuna, soup, pasta, sauce, etc.). We are also taking donations of birthday napkins/plates, candles, and gift bags in various sizes. Bring them to church and place them in the appropriate baskets near the Font.

    The Page Turners Book Club will meet on September 14, at 2 p.m., in the parish hall, to discuss ‘Demon Copperhead’ by Barbara Kingsolver. New members are welcome! To learn more about the book group, speak to Lynn Dennison or Barbara Johnston.

    St. John’s Upcoming Schedule
    Check back, more events/dates being added!
    www.stjohnskingston.org/welcome/event-calendar

    Sept 9        Choir Luncheon and Rehearsal, 11:00 am
    Sept 10      All Ages Worship and Backpack Blessing
    Sept 17      Godly Play, Healing Sunday, Neighborhood Block Party 12:00 – 4:00 pm
    Sept 18      Vestry Meeting, 6:00 pm, Parish Hall
    Sept 23      Ulster Deanery Meeting, 9-12 at Holy Cross/Santa Cruz, Kingston
    Oct 1         All Ages Worship
    Oct 15       Godly Play, Healing Sunday; Choir Rehearsal after worship
    Oct 31       Morning Prayer
    Nov 5        Feast of All Saints’ All Ages Worship
    Nov 11      247th Convention of the Episcopal Diocese of New York
    Nov 19      Godly Play, Healing Sunday; Choir Rehearsal after worship
    Dec 3         Season of Advent begins
    Dec 17       Godly Play, Healing Sunday; Choir Rehearsal after worship
    Dec 24       Christmas Eve Worship: Family Service 3:00 pm; Choral Eucharist 8:00 pm
    Dec 31       Morning Prayer

    ____________________________________

    WORSHIP SCHEDULE

    Sunday Worship: Rite II Eucharist 10:00 am
    Join us in-person for Rite II Holy Eucharist in the St. John’s Sanctuary. On “5th Sundays” we offer Morning Prayer.

    Monday Compline 9:00 pm  Click here to join.
    A quiet service of prayer at the end of the day held via Zoom.

    Wednesday Centering Prayer 5:30 pm  Click here to join.
    PLEASE NOTE: No Centering Prayer for the month of August.
    Meditative readings, silence, and reflection over Zoom.
    A prelude of contemplative music is offered by Ana Hernández.

     

  10. August 22, 2023

    This Week at St. John’s

    Neighborhood Block Party Meeting: THIS SUNDAY!

    This Sunday after worship, join us to continue planning our upcoming Neighborhood Block Party on Sunday, Sept 17. It’s all hands on deck for this event as we welcome our neighbors and area non-profits to our side lawn. You’re help is needed to prepare for the event so come to the meeting and find out more.

    Bible Study

    We’re studying the Gospel of Matthew. This week, we continue our reading of the Sermon on the Mount – chapters 5, 6, and 7. Sundays 8:30-9:30 in person or Wednesday 12:00-1:00 on Zoom. If you’d like to join Wednesday’s session, email Rev. Michelle so she can send you the Zoom link. To learn more, click here

    Family Ministries Meeting

    Thursday, August 31 at 5:45, Parish Hall
    Are you a parent of one of our St. John’s young people? Please come to help us plan ministry and programming with our kids for the coming year. We’ll talk about Godly Play, All Ages Worship, Worship Supplies for Kids, and the possibilities of a playground and a learning project for the winter/spring. See you there!

    ________________________________

    Christian Saints: St. Bartholomew

    With a feast day this past week on August 24, Bartholomew is one of the 12 apostles appearing in the Gospel stories of Matthew, Mark, and Luke. He is also a part of the story in the Acts of the Apostles. We don’t often hear much about him though. Who was he? What did he do?

    The name Bartholomew is a Greek transliteration from the Aramaic name bar-Tomay, which simply means “son of Tolmay” or son of the furrows, a furrow meaning a trench dug into the ground. This likely means that Bartholomew and his father were farmers in the region of Galilee.

    But Bartholomew is not known for being a farmer. He is best known for being an evangelist of Christ and our tradition tells us that he was martyred for this and there are lots of stories about this. Depending on which account you read, he was either kidnapped, beaten, and drowned, or he was crucified upside down, or he was flayed and beheaded. Regardless of the story, Bartholomew remains an especially significant figure in Armenian Christianity and other Eastern Christian Churches because it was in the countries we now know as Turkey and Azerbaijan, that Bartholomew traveled to spread the news of Jesus the Christ.

    What is often true of Christian Saints is that they become significant to us through the stories we tell, some of which may be based on the factual history of their life. These stories we call hagiographies. And the fantastical tale of Bartholomew’s death by flaying has captivated the imaginations of so many who have tried to wrap their minds around the kind of courage and faith that martyrdom requires. This story has led us to identity him as the patron saint of professions such as tanners, bookbinders, leatherworkers, tailors, and butchers. Through the centuries, artists have also been fascinated, depicting Bartholomew’s death in many graphic offerings.

    After his trek in this area of the world, Bartholomew went on to India… or possibly Ethiopia. Scholars are in disagreement about the exact location of this mission trip as they attempt to read the works of 4th century hagiographers, Jerome and Eusebius. 

    The Saint Bartholomew Monastery was founded in the 13th century and it became a prominent part of the Armenian Church, used continuously for centuries. However, during the Armenian Genocide of the early 1900’s, the monastery was abandoned and then destroyed by Turkish military. It still stands in ruin today.

    Here are the scripture verses that talk about the presence of Bartholomew as a disciple and apostle:
    Matthew 10:2-4
    Mark 3:16-19
    Luke 6:14-16
    Acts 1:1-13

    ____________________________

    Church Programming


    Dear Ones,

    Right now, all across the church, clergy and lay leaders are all getting ready to launch our “programming year.” Following the calendar of the traditional American school year, we shift back into our regular schedule.

    What does this mean for us at St. John’s? We have regularly placed programming throughout the month that provides a rhythm of common life and enables us to schedule other things around what is important to us in our life at St. John’s.
    Here is what our typical month will look like:

    • First Sunday: All Ages Worship – the words and music of our liturgy are slightly altered to accommodate younger ears and, instead of a sermon, we have a story that illuminates the lesson of the Gospel for that week. Sometimes there are fun additions to worship. And, most importantly, we have our younger kids helping to lead worship. NOTE: For September (due to Labor Day), this will be moved to Sunday, Sept. 10!
    • Third Sunday: We offer Godly Play for kids during worship and one of our healing ministers is available to offer healing prayers during communion. After worship, the choir gathers for a longer rehearsal.
    • Fourth Sunday: Rector’s Forum – I offer a special teaching or I find someone to come and offer a presentation on a special topic. I’m always open to suggestions so let me know what you’d like to learn more about.
    • Fifth Sunday (if there IS one): Morning Prayer is offered, led by either myself or one of our lay leaders.

    We also have the following events scheduled in the coming year:

    • Neighborhood Block Party – Sunday, September 17
    • Stewardship Campaign – Dates to be announced
    • St. John’s Harvest Sale – dates for cooking and sales to be announced!
    • Christmas Eve – All Ages Worship is mid-afternoon our candlelit choral Eucharist is in the evening followed by a dessert reception (finally coming back after covid!)
    • Annual Parish Meeting – held on the last Sunday in January, reflecting on what we did the past year and elect officers for the coming year.
    • Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper – the night before Ash Wednesday
    • Ash Wednesday – the beginning of Lent, 2 services and Ashes to Go are offered out front to the larger Kingston community
    • Holy Week and Easter Sunday – our Christian high holidays that are happening this year in the last week of March
    • More plans in progress!

    We are still finalizing plans as we look toward what we want and need from our common life. You can always find the most up-to-date schedule in your weekly bulletin or here on the St. John’s website.

    Do you have ideas for programming or events? Reach out to our Events Team: Kathy Burdick, Sara Hutton, Paula Wisneski, or Ana Hernandez.

    I’m really looking forward to this year!

    In God’s love and mine,
    Rev. Michelle

    ______________________________________

    Announcements for August 27
    The Thirteenth Sunday After Pentecost

    St. John’s Office Hours
    Wednesdays 10:00-12:00 noon
    Thursdays 1:00-4:00 pm
    Phone: 845-331-2252
    Email: stjohnskingston@aol.com

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

    Neighborhood Block Party! Sunday, Sept. 17 from 12:00-4:00 pm.  It’s all hands on deck to help get the word out and ensure all the people and businesses in our neighborhood are invited. Clear your schedule and be sure to sign up on the bulletin board in the vestibule for set-up and take-down duties that Sunday too!

    Social Hour Sign-up! If you enjoy staying after worship for snacks and socializing, please sign up to host for a week. The sign-up sheet is on the bulletin board in the vestibule. Talk to Barbara Johnston if you have any questions.

    Bible Study: Come and join in Bible Study with Rev. Michelle on Sundays at 8:30 am (in person) or Wednesdays at 12:00 noon (via Zoom). We are studying the Gospel of Matthew and you can join the conversation any Sunday! Everyone is welcome to pick up a one-page overview of this Gospel on the bulletin board in the Vestibule. Email Rev. Michelle if you’d like to join the Wednesday Bible Study on Zoom.

    St. John’s Outreach Project – People’s Place: When you go to the store, pick up a few extra non-perishable food items for People’s Place food pantry (tuna, soup, pasta, sauce, etc.). We are also taking donations of birthday napkins/plates, candles, and gift bags in various sizes. Bring them to church and place them in the appropriate baskets near the Font.

    The Page Turners Book Club will meet on September 14, at 2 p.m., in the parish hall, to discuss ‘Demon Copperhead’ by Barbara Kingsolver. New members are welcome! To learn more about the book group, speak to Lynn Dennison or Barbara Johnston.

    St. John’s Upcoming Schedule
    Check back, more events/dates being added!
    www.stjohnskingston.org/welcome/event-calendar

    Aug 28-Spt 1   Creation Care Camp for Kids, 9-12 Monday-Friday
    Aug 28      Vestry Meeting, 6:00 pm, Parish Hall
    Sept 9        Choir Luncheon and Rehearsal, 11:00 am
    Sept 10      All Ages Worship and Return to the Sanctuary
    Sept 17      Godly Play, Healing Sunday; Choir Rehearsal after worship
    Sept 17      Neighborhood Block Party 12:00 – 4:00 pm
    Sept 18      Vestry Meeting, 6:00 pm, Parish Hall
    Sept 23      Ulster Deanery Meeting, 9-12 at Holy Cross/Santa Cruz, Kingston
    Oct 1         All Ages Worship
    Oct 15       Godly Play, Healing Sunday; Choir Rehearsal after worship
    Oct 31       Morning Prayer
    Nov 5        Feast of All Saints’ All Ages Worship
    Nov 11      247th Convention of the Episcopal Diocese of New York
    Nov 19      Godly Play, Healing Sunday; Choir Rehearsal after worship
    Dec 3         Season of Advent begins
    Dec 17       Godly Play, Healing Sunday; Choir Rehearsal after worship
    Dec 24       Christmas Eve Worship: Family Service 3:00 pm; Choral Eucharist 8:00 pm
    Dec 31       Morning Prayer