The Good News of St. John’s

May, 2023

May 25, 2023
This Week at St. John’s

The Feast of Pentecost

Pentecost is called the “birthday of the church” by some people because it is on the Day of Pentecost, as depicted in the Acts of the Apostles, that God’s Holy Spirit came to live inside of us, giving us the ability to prophesy and call upon the name of Christ for our salvation. We celebrate this with the fiery color of red because God’s Holy Spirit is often experienced as a flame that becomes lit inside of us, a passion that leads us more deeply into God’s mission in the world. But how do we know it’s God’s Holy Spirit that is leading us and not our own whims and desires? A good question for this auspicious celebration. We hope to see you there.
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Announcing: St. John’s Bible Study

Meeting Times

Beginning June 18, St. John’s will have 2 times available for Weekly Bible Study with Rev. Michelle. Our first study will be the Gospel of Matthew.

Wednesdays from 12:00-1:00 pm via Zoom.

Sundays from 8:30-9:30 am in person.

How To Participate

1. Email Rev. Michelle. If you wish to register for either meeting time, email Rev. Michelle at michelle.stjohnskingston@gmail.com. Check your email each week for the assigned text and zoom link, if applicable.

2. Purchase your own Bible. You will need your own Bible. If possible, select one that is annotated and has the apocrypha. There are online and audio options available, if you prefer. Talk to Rev. Michelle if you would like to use one of the St. John’s Bible.
Any of these translations will work for our study:

New Revised Standard Version (NRSV)

New International Version (NIV)

Common English Bible (CEB)

The following resources are not required, but you may find them helpful for your study:

The Inclusive Bible

The Message by Eugene Peterson

The First Nations Version of the New Testament

Harper Collins Bible Dictionary

Chronological and Background Charts of the Old Testament by John Walton

Chronological and Background Charts of the New Testament by H. Wayne House

3. Prepare by reading the assigned scripture. Each week, Rev. Michelle will assign scripture reading. Read through the passage 1-2 times before coming whenever possible but if you cannot, please don’t let that prevent you from attending.

4. Come to every gathering. Of course, you will miss from time to time. But consider how much it means to you when others show up to class. Your presence is just as important as everyone else’s. We all learn as a community. You can attend either gathering each week – Wednesday OR Sunday.

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Upcoming Events and Programs

Friday, June 2: Gun Violence Awareness Event at 5:30 pm
St. John’s joins our neighbors at Congregation Emanuel of the Hudson Valley and other members of the Kingston Interfaith Council in marking national Gun Violence Awareness Day. Park at St. John’s and join the gathering at CEHV for a vigil. Afterwards, we will return to St. John’s to create an installation on our front lawn. If you’d like to help with materials, contact Deacon Sue Bonsteel. #wearorange

June 4:       All Ages Worship – The Creation Story
First Sunday is always All Ages Worship and this month we will be telling the Creation Story from Genesis so be ready to participate!

June 9:       St. John’s Game Night! Begins at 6:00 pm
Our beloved Game Night returns! Bring your favorite game and your favorite “Friday-night-food.” And bring a friend! Contact Sara Hutton if you have questions or would like to help: shutton324@gmail.com

June 11:     Guest Preacher – The Rev. Richard Witt of Rural and Migrant Ministries
Richard is the Executive Director of Rural and Migrant Ministries, traveling all across the state to advocate for and support migrant farmworkers and their families. After worship, stay for a special forum to learn more about the work of RMM. All monies given in the plate that day (that are not identified as pledges) will be given to RMM.

June 17:     Ulster Deanery Meeting, 9-12:30
The Episcopal congregations in Ulster County all meet regularly for learning, support and to plan events. If you’re interested in joining the St. John’s contingent, talk with Rev. Michelle.

June 18:     Sunday Bible Study begins in person at 8:30 am, Godly Play for kids, Healing Sunday, Pastoral Care meeting, after worship
It’s a busy Sunday at St. John’s, including a special Father’s Day prayer. Be sure to join us!

June 21:     Wednesday Bible Study begins on Zoom at 12:00 noon
Join us for weekly Bible Study – Wednesdays at 12 noon via Zoom or Sundays at 8:30 am in person.

June 25: Instructed Eucharist and Worship Forum
Join Rev. Michelle for a special learning opportunity. Our regular Sunday worship will be an “instructed Eucharist.” So, if you’ve ever wanted to learn more about the symbols and actions in our Eucharist, this is your chance. Then, after worship, she will offer a forum on the differences between Eucharist and Morning Prayer. This will be an opportunity for us all to begin learning and re-learning this form of prayer as we incorporate it into our regular worship pattern at St. John’s.

July 2:        Summer Worship begins in the Parish Hall
Every summer, we take advantage of the air-conditioning and move our worship to the Parish Hall. We will gather for worship this way until September 10.

July 15:      Mid-Hudson Regional Gathering at Christ Church in Poughkeepsie
Our newest bishop, the Rt. Rev. Matt Heyd, will join this special gathering of the Mid-Hudson congregations for Eucharistic worship, potluck reception, and a conversation with the bishops. More information coming.

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All Things Bright and Beautiful

Dear Ones,

If you’ve never walked through our beautiful Memorial Garden, you really need to do so soon. Late May through June is the perfect time of year to experience the garden in all its glory. It’s not only St. John’s members who benefit from this outdoor sanctuary, I see people sitting in this peaceful space all the time. It’s a lovely ministry for our neighborhood.

Of course, the caretaking of any garden doesn’t happen by itself. I remember when I got here over 7years ago, the front end of the garden was just as beautiful as it is now – lush greenery surrounding the St. Francis fountain, inviting all to take a seat and relax. But the back end of the garden was another story. Weeds had taken over the pergola area and the paint was chipped in several places. It’s was very uninviting.

Today, the welcoming beauty of the entire Memorial Garden is sustained by the efforts of many people.

The Columbarium Board (Lynn Dennison, George Mine, and Sarah Corrigan) oversee the entire space and ensures that the maintenance of all the greenery occurs – trees, bushes, and lawn. In addition, of course, they oversee the Columbarium itself, where many members of St. John’s have found their final resting place. Right now, the Board is looking to replace the front gate of the Memorial Garden, which has aged due to time and weather. If you’d like to make a contribution, to this effort, please speak directly with either Lynn or George.

And, as many of us know, the pergola area of the Memorial Garden has been cared for by our own Director of Music, Terry Earles, for the past four years. Terry has experimented with various plantings and added some new features to deepen the peaceful beauty we can now all find there. He also raises money for his plantings so if you would like to contribute, please speak with him.

If you would like to join any of the gardeners in this ministry of care and beauty, please do speak with them. But I hope you will take the time to thank them. They all give so much for so many.

In God’s love and mine,
Rev. Michelle

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Announcements for May 28
The Feast of 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.

Gun Violence Awareness Day Event: On Friday, June 2 at 5:30. Join members of St. John’s and Congregation Emanuel of the Hudson Valley for an event in support of the National Gun Violence Awareness Day, sponsored Everytown for Gun Safety, Sandy Hook Promise, and others.

St. John’s Game Night is back! Our beloved Game Night returns on Friday, June 9 at 6:00 pm. Bring your favorite game and your favorite “Friday-night-food.” And bring a friend! Contact Sara Hutton if you have questions or would like to help: shutton324@gmail.com

Summer Book Read: Join us for the St. John’s Summer Book Read. We will meet over Zoom so you don’t have to worry about missing a meeting due to travel! The book is No Act of Love Is Ever Wasted by Thibault and Morgan. It’s a non-fiction read that focuses on caring for people with dementia but is also a good reflection for all who provide pastoral care or are caretakers of friends or family. Discussion dates announced soon, in the meantime, go ahead and buy the book. Want to learn more? Talk to Lynn Dennison, Sue Bonsteel, or Rev. Michelle.

Bible Study: Come and join in Bible Study with Rev. Michelle. Beginning June 18, we will have two opportunities to join in a weekly Bible Study – Sundays at 8:30 am (in person) or Wednesdays at 12:00 noon (via Zoom). We begin our study with the Gospel of Matthew.
Email Rev. Michelle if you’d like to join either group.

Grief Support Group: Hudson Valley Hospice comes to St. John’s for the summer to offer a Family Grief Support Group, Monday afternoons 2x a month, June 5 through Sept 25. Prior registration is required – call 845-240-7579 for more information and to register.

Page Turners Book Club Meetings are on the first Thursday of the month at 2 p.m., in the parish hall. Here’s what we selected for June 1, These Precious Days by Anne Patchett. Our next meeting after that will be September 7 when we will discuss Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver. No meetings in July or August. All are welcome! Interested? Talk with Lynn Dennison.

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.
May 18, 2023

This Week at St. John’s

The Feast of the Ascension

While most people know about two of the major feasts of the Christian calendar (Christmas and Easter), many forget that there are others. And the Feast of the Ascension is one that is often overlooked. Always celebrated on a Thursday, 39 days after the Resurrection of Easter, the Day of Ascension marks Jesus’ final ascent from the finite, earthly realm 39 days after the Resurrection at Easter. We will be celebrating the Ascension this coming Sunday and talking about what it means for Christ to ascend above all in our own hearts and minds. How do we offer ourselves over to Christ?

Godly Play!

Bring your young people to our upstairs Godly Play room so they can join Leah Siuta for this Montessori-based curriculum. Everyone sits in a circle as Leah tells a story from our Godly Play shelves and are invited to wonder with God to bring the story closer to their own hearts and minds. Then, the group comes down to join us for Eucharist.

Inquirer’s Class – What We Do: Ministry and the Baptismal Covenant

Our Final Inquirer’s Class from 1:00-3:30 in the Rectory
As Christians, we believe in an incarnate God – the Christ – who came to teach us that all the law and the prophets point to Love. And that this love isn’t something we feel, it’s something we do. Jesus’ two commandments of: Love God and love your neighbor as yourself aren’t about warm fuzzies and “thoughts and prayers.” These commandments must guide our participation in this incarnate reality. As we deepen our journey with Christ and our faith matures, we learn how to become ministers in the world. Our Baptismal Covenant is the place we return to in order to remind ourselves of God’s dream for all of us.

Bible Study Survey – please turn them in!

As Episcopalians, scripture has a central place in our worship and is foundational to our Christian faith. As such, we are called to take the reading of scripture seriously, to open it up and explore its meaning. A Weekly Bible Study is an opportunity to interrogate scripture alongside others while developing relationships and community. What can we learn from scripture for our lives today?

If you are interested, please take this survey to let Rev. Michelle know when you are able to attend. Fill out this electronic form OR use the paper form found in your Sunday worship bulletin. Make sure they are turned in by Sunday, May 21.

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The Consecration of Matthew Foster Heyd

This Saturday, May 20 the Diocese of New York consecrates Matthew Foster Heyd as Bishop Coadjutor at the Cathedral of St. John the Divine in New York City. If you are not coming to be in person, you can still join the celebration online through the cathedral’s youtube page.The procession begins at 10:15 am on youtube.com/@CathedralSaintJohn

Paula Wisneski and Roger Bonsteel will process with the St. John’s banner. Paula and Roger will then sit with other members from St. John’s – Sue Bonsteel, Kathy Burdick, Claudette Ford, Rebekah Hendricks, Ana Hernandez, Don Hughes, Liz Moeller, and Nilsa Rodriguez-Jaca. Finally, Rev. Michelle will be processing and sitting with the Committee to Elect a Bishop.

Afterwards, there is a reception outside on the Cathedral Green where Liz will host an activities tent for the kids.

We’ll take plenty of pictures and share them on Instagram and Facebook and here in next week’s Good News from St. John’s.

Let’s all keep Matt and his family in our prayers as they make this transition into his new ministry.

You can learn more here and also watch a video of Matt talking to Presiding Bishop Michael Curry.

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Ch-Ch-Ch-Ch-Changes

Dear Ones,
I hope you recognize the title of this comes from David Bowie’s iconic song, “Changes”.

As the Vestry and I have been communicating to you all, there are changes to the Rector’s salary and schedule occurring this year. In April, the Vestry voted to reduce the hours of the Rector to 60% beginning June 1. This comes in response to the need to move into more sustainable financial practices, a situation that is facing all denominations across the country. We are not alone. And I want to be very clear that this decision is one that I have supported at every step. I agree with the decision of the Vestry.

There are 2 changes I am announcing here – my schedule and a shift in our worship. In addition to more lay leadership of events, committees, and other ministries, these will be the most significant changes for us to move through as a congregation as we live into this new arrangement.

Rev. Michelle’s Schedule as of June 1
Sundays: I will be with you for every Sunday service, except for the Sundays that I am off. I have been given more Sundays off with this change.
Mondays: I am unavailable, except for our monthly Vestry meetings.
Tuesdays: I am unavailable.
Wednesdays: I am unavailable, except to lead our online Centering Prayer.
Thursdays: I am available all day and will have office hours for part of the day in the church building, should you wish to stop by or need to access the office. More details coming.
Fridays: I am available all day.
Saturdays: I am available but will spend the better part of the day writing the sermon and preparing for Sunday.

With the rest of my time, I will be doing some work for the Diocese of New York as well as leading more retreats to supplement my income. Of course, I will be with you all for regular liturgical events regardless of when they fall during the week – Ash Wednesday, Holy Week, Christmas, etc. And should there be a pastoral emergency, I will be there.

The officers and I will review this schedule in September.

Shift in Worship
One of the ways in which we are looking to reduce costs is to be strategic about how much we spend on supply priests on the Sundays when I am not with you. Because the Episcopal Church requires that sacraments be presided over by ordained priests or bishops, we need to re-think our worship pattern, if we want to spend less on supply priests.

About 50 years ago, Eucharist was not offered every Sunday in the Episcopal Church. Instead, we worshipped together in a service called Morning Prayer. Morning Prayer can be led by anyone in the church – ordained leaders or lay leaders. And we have several lay leaders at St. John’s who are offering to expand their ministry: Leah Siuta, Wes Dangler, and Lynn Dennison.

This summer, St. John’s will begin a practice of having Morning Prayer on the “5th Sundays.” By that, I mean that in any month where there are 5 Sundays, we will have Morning Prayer instead of Eucharist on that last Sunday. Even if I’m here, I will officiate over Morning Prayer on the 5th Sundays.

We hope to incorporate the beauty of this liturgical form into our common worship life so that, when Leah, Wes, or Lynn are called upon to lead Morning Prayer, everyone at St. John’s feel more comfortable with and prepared for worshipping through this form.

Before we begin this new worship pattern, I will offer a forum and other forms of teaching to help us all with the shift. For those of you with a Book of Common Prayer, you can get started by taking a look at the form beginning on page 75.

Finally, I ask for your grace and understanding as we all move into this new arrangement of congregational life. Having said that, I can understand if you feel angry or upset about this. These are common emotions when it comes to changes. So please do reach out to me with any questions or concerns. I am here and my door is open.

In God’s love and mine,
Rev. Michelle

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Announcements for May 21
The Feast of the Ascension

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.

Join the thousands of Episcopalians who are committing themselves and their households to sustainable living. Go to: sustainislandhome.org

Gun Violence Awareness Day Event: On Friday, June 2 at 5:30. Join members of St. John’s and Congregation Emanuel of the Hudson Valley for an event in support of the National Gun Violence Awareness Day, sponsored Everytown for Gun Safety, Sandy Hook Promise, and others.

Summer Book Read: Join us for the St. John’s Summer Book Read. We will meet over Zoom so you don’t have to worry about missing a meeting due to travel! The book is No Act of Love Is Ever Wasted by Thibault and Morgan. It’s a non-fiction read that, while it focuses on caring for people with dementia, is also a good reflection for all who provide pastoral care or are caretakers of friends or family. Dates announced soon, in the meantime, go ahead and buy the book. Want to learn more? Talk to Lynn Dennison, Sue Bonsteel, or Rev. Michelle.

Summer Grief Support Group: Hudson Valley Hospice comes to St. John’s for the summer to offer a Family Summer Grief Support Group, Monday afternoons 2x a month, June 5 through Sept 25. Prior registration is required – call 845-240-7579 for more information and to register.

Page Turners Book Club Meetings are on the first Thursday of the month at 2 p.m., in the parish hall. Here’s what we selected for June 1, These Precious Days by Anne Patchett. Our next meeting after that will be September 7 when we will discuss Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver. No meetings in July or August. All are welcome! Interested? Talk with Lynn Dennison.

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.

St. John’s Upcoming Schedule
May 28:     Feast of Pentecost and Renewal of Baptismal Vows
June 2:       Gun Violence Awareness Event at 5:30
June 4:       All Ages Worship – The Creation Story
June 11:     Guest Preacher – The Rev. Richard Witt of Rural and Migrant Ministries, Special Forum after worship about Rural and Migrant Ministries
June 17:     Ulster Deanery Meeting
June 18:     Godly Play for kids, Healing Sunday, Pastoral Care meeting, after worship
June 25:     Rector’s Forum: Celtic Christianity, after worship
July 2:        Summer Worship begins in the Parish Hall
May 11, 2023

This Week at St. John’s

Special Prayer for Mothering

Mother’s Day carries with it much emotional content because, by their nature, our relationships with mothers and childbearing are deeply emotional human experiences. At St. John’s, we offer a special prayer every year while the larger American culture celebrates this holiday. Through this prayer, we do our best to honor the multi-faceted reality of motherhood, in all of our lives.

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Bible Study Survey

As Episcopalians, scripture has a central place in our worship and is foundational to our Christian faith. As such, we are called to take the reading of scripture seriously, to open it up and explore its meaning. A Weekly Bible Study is an opportunity to interrogate scripture alongside others while developing relationships and community. What can we learn from scripture for our lives today?

If you are interested, please take this survey to let Rev. Michelle know when you are able to attend. Fill out this electronic form OR use the paper form found in your Sunday worship bulletin. Make sure they are turned in by Sunday, May 21.

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The St. John’s Memorials Account

Did you know we have a Memorials Account? And what does that even mean?

For many years, St. John’s has had a way for people to make memorial or thanksgiving gifts into an account to be used for undesignated, special needs of the parish that come up, often related to our worship services. Examples are new altar linens, vestments, and our recent purchase of a new Gospel Book cover. George Mine has managed this account for many years, and Wes Dangler is on the committee.

In recent years, this account has been spent down and is now in need of replenishment. This came to light because we need to replace our green chasuble (seen in the images below), the one we use most, which is more than 25 years old. A new one, which will match our altar set, will cost about $750.

We invite you to help with this purchase by making a gift in memory or in honor of someone. You can speak to Lynn Dennison, George, Wes, or Rev. Michelle for more information. Thank you!

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Rogation Days

Dear Ones,

If you look in the calendar of the Book of Common Prayer, you may note that there is something called Rogation Days, which are optional days of commemoration “traditionally observed on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday before Ascension Day.”

As with everything on the Christian calendar, these Rogation Days replaced a pagan Roman procession called Robigalia (this was an unfortunate tradition of walking in a procession, which the Romans loved to do, and then sacrificing a dog as a way of appeasing the god of agricultural disease in order to protect crops). I’d like to think that Rogation Days are an improvement on that particular ritual.

Warning: History Lesson ahead!
As Christianity settled into the British Isles, this tradition came with it. There, Rogations Days became a syncretistic mixture of Christian allegory, the pronouncement of God’s blessing on the crops, and the more practical practice of marking property boundaries. People paraded along the boundaries of the town’s crops carrying banners, one with a dragon representing Potius Pilate and one with a lion representing Christ while chanting Psalms over several days leading up to the celebration of the Day of Ascension (the celebration of Christ’s ascension that is held 39 days after Easter). Interestingly, this is where the word “gang” came from – the old English word “gan” which meant to go walking.

Over the centuries, the allegorical nature of this ritual waned and it became a more communal event that the priest was in charge of leading every year. And, as you might imagine, they also became rather raucous from time to time and from place to place, which was one of the issues the Puritans had with the Church of England.  Eventually, due to the Industrial Revolution, this tradition also included prayers for industry and commerce. And today, in the United States, this ritual is performed more as a nostalgic tradition than anything else because we have become so deeply separated from the land and the growing cycle of our food.

Here endeth the Lesson.

Every morning in the spring, I find that I cannot wait to get out into the garden and see what has happened overnight. I think this is quite something, given that I am not a morning person. I just like to walk the grounds, with coffee in hand, and take notice of the slight changes, figure out what needs to be watered or cared for, spend a bit of time pulling a weed or two, and visualize what’s coming next. It also gives me time to tune into myself and think about my family.

Today, as I was doing this, I realized that it’s like my own little Rogation procession: A practice of paying attention to the blessing of creation and all that I’ve been given to care for; of noticing what is needed for growth and offering what I can, knowing that I’m not going to do it all perfectly.

So, I wonder what your “Rogation procession” looks like. What are the regular rituals you participate in that allow you to notice what is needed? What do you do that enables you to tune in to a different frequency so that you can offer what is needed in support of the growth and nourishment of others?

This is, after all, what Ascension is about for us humans – the maturation of our own journey. We know that Jesus himself is no longer here, but his teachings remain and the presence of Christ will always be with us through our desire to tend to God’s creation – not in our image and for our own purposes, but in God’s image and for God’s purpose. It is to this we have always been called as Christians.

In God’s love and mine,
Rev. Michelle

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Announcements for May 14
The Sixth Sunday of Easter

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

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

Join the thousands of Episcopalians who are committing themselves and their households to sustainable living. Go to: sustainislandhome.org

Page Turners Book Club Meetings are on the first Thursday of the month at 2 p.m., in the parish hall. Here’s what we selected for June 1: These Precious Days by Anne Patchett. Our next meeting after that will be September 7 when we will discuss Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver. No meetings in July or August. All are welcome! Interested? Talk with Lynn Dennison.

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.

NEXT WEEK: Our Final Inquirer’s Class! From 1:00-3:30 in the Rectory
What We Do: Ministry and the Baptismal Covenant As Christians, we believe in an incarnate God – the Christ – who came to teach us that all the law and the prophets point to Love. And that this love isn’t something we feel, it’s something we do. Jesus’ two commandments of: Love God and love your neighbor as yourself aren’t about warm fuzzies and “thoughts and prayers.” These commandments must guide our participation in this incarnate reality. As we deepen our journey with Christ and our faith matures, we learn how to become ministers in the world. Our Baptismal Covenant is the place we return to in order to remind ourselves of God’s dream for all of us.

Interested in Baptism? In the Episcopal Church, we offer the Sacrament of Baptism on the Feast of Pentecost (this year, on May 28). If you are interested in Baptism or interested in having your child baptized, talk to Rev. Michelle as soon as possible to set up a time to talk more about it. The next time set aside for Baptism will be All Saints Sunday on November 5.

St. John’s Upcoming Schedule

May 20:     Consecration of Matthew Heyd as Bishop Coadjutor of the Diocese of New York, Cathedral Church of St. John the Divine in NYC.
May 21:     Godly Play for kids, Healing Sunday, Inquirer’s Class – What We Do: Ministry and the Baptismal Covenant, from 1:00-3:30 pm in the Rectory.
May 28:     Feast of Pentecost and Renewal of Baptismal Vows
June 4:       All Ages Worship – The Creation Story
June 11:     Guest Preacher – The Rev. Richard Witt of Rural and Migrant Ministries, Special Forum after worship about Rural and Migrant Ministries
June 18:     Godly Play for kids, Healing Sunday, Pastoral Care meeting after worship
June 25:     Rector’s Forum: Celtic Christianity, after worship
July 2:        Summer Worship begins in the Parish Hall
May 4, 2023
This Week at St. John’s

All Ages Worship, Sunday at 10 am

All Ages Worship is designed to engage the minds and hearts of everyone. It’s the same worship we normally have but we use some different words that work well for younger ears and Rev. Michelle tells a story in place of a sermon. Come and join us for a loving and joyful feast. Our story this month will be about how God’s Love is connected to our own resilience.

Inquirer’s Class, Sunday 1:00-3:30 pm, St. John’s Rectory

We continue our two-part primer on reading scripture as a part of the Inquirer’s Class Series from 1:00-3:30 pm on May 7: How We Read Scripture in the Episcopal Church. We begin with the Hebrew Scriptures or as they are often called, the Old Testament. In the second session, we delve into the Greek Scriptures, or the New Testament. Why spend 2 sessions talking about scripture? To put it into perspective, we claim that Holy Scripture contains all things necessary for salvation. And “perspective” is one of the important things to discuss as we take a look at scripture. So, what lens are we using? Where did all these writings come from? What are some helpful resources/guides? We will discuss these questions and more, and also spend time reading scripture together.

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Bible Study Survey

As Episcopalians, scripture has a central place in our worship and is foundational to our Christian faith. As such, we are called to take the reading of scripture seriously, to open it up and explore its meaning. A Weekly Bible Study is an opportunity to interrogate scripture alongside others while developing relationships and community. What can we learn from scripture for our lives today?

If you are interested, please take this survey to let Rev. Michelle know when you are able to attend. Fill out this electronic form OR use the paper form found in your Sunday worship bulletin. Make sure they are turned in by Sunday, May 21.
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The Consecration of Matthew Foster Heyd
Our Next Bishop Diocesan
Saturday, May 20 at 11:00 am, St. John the Divine, NYC

Reserve your seat on the bus ASAP by contacting Rev. Michelle!

It’s not often in the life of a Diocese that we consecrate a new bishop. On Saturday, May 20 we will consecrate Matthew Foster Heyd to be our Bishop Coadjutor, which means he will serve alongside our current Bishop Diocesan Andy Dietsche until he retires next year.

Matt was voted into office last December by representatives from every congregation in the Diocese of New York which contains the following counties: Staten Island, Manhattan, the Bronx, Rockland, Orange, Sullivan, Westchester, Putnam, Dutchess, and Ulster. This represents approximately 180 congregations and thousands of Episcopalians who live along the Hudson River. The consecration will be a rather spectacular event and it will be held in the largest Gothic cathedral in the world – St. John the Divine in NYC.

Most importantly, we will be worshipping together as a diocese – praying together, singing together, celebrating Eucharist together. Our Presiding Bishop Michael Curry will be present, as will many other bishops from other dioceses across the church.

There are several ways for you to participate!

All congregations are invited to be in the opening procession with our parish banner.

Or… don’t process, just come and worship.

You can help out by bring an usher or a greeter, with some assistance from cathedral volunteers.

You can bake cookies or another individually wrapped dessert for the reception.

If you’re unable to make the trip, you can view the consecration on the Diocese of New York youtube channel.

There are no tickets or reservations needed as there is plenty of seating available. BUT, if you would like to ride the free bus to the cathedral on May 20, please contact Rev. Michelle ASAP! The bus seats are going fast.
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The St. John’s Memorials Account

Did you know we have a Memorials Account? And what does that even mean? For many years St. John’s has had a way for people to make memorial or thanksgiving gifts into an account to be used for undesignated special needs of the parish, often related to our worship services. Examples are new altar linens, vestments, and our recent purchase of a new Gospel Book cover. George Mine has managed this account for many years, and Wes Dangler is on the committee.In recent years, this account has been spent down and is now in need of replenishment. This came to light because we need to replace our green chasuble, the one we use most which is more than 25 years old see below). A new one, which will match our altar set, will cost about $750.

We invite you to help with this purchase by making a gift in memory or in honor of someone. You can speak to me, George, Wes, or Rev. Michelle for more information. Thanks! Lynn Dennison

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In the Rectory Garden

Dear Ones,Ana and I were married nearly 5 years ago and ever since then, I have been deepening my love for gardening and becoming, dare I say it, an avid gardener. This is not something I was prepared for because, when I was younger, I never found it very interesting. But something clicked that first winter we were married, I just wanted to grow things.

We started small. We bought a bed, a bunch of soil, and a bunch of common and really odd herbs to plant in that soil. Easy enough. Then, we started clearing out all the beds around the Rectory that I had let overgrow. And that felt good. Again, easy enough. Until I got to the poison ivy. I spent the entire month of June sitting in colloidal oatmeal baths, covering myself in calamine lotion, and taking steroids. I now know what poison ivy looks like and how to get rid of it properly.

The next year, we expanded our garden, planting seeds indoors and transplanting them outdoors in mid-May. We learned a lot about letting tomato plants get out of hand, what cabbage worms are, the vertical leaping abilities of rabbits, and why squash should be grown vertically.

I suppose the larger story in all of this isn’t one of great insight, it’s just the simple truth that this is how life goes. You can never predict exactly how the whole endeavor will end up and, after all of the failures and injuries and misadventures, there are so many beautiful moments. Ana and I still dance around the room (literally) when a new sprout arises from the soil. I still can’t wait to share the first pod of peas with Ana in the middle of the garden. I still savor the first tomato sandwich made from the tomatoes in the garden. And Ana still loves to find things to do with everything we harvest.

I try to post as many things as possible on Instagram and Facebook as we move through the spring and summer months. And I invite you to join us in our misadventures and our joy this year.

In God’s love and mine,
Rev. Michelle

________________________________________

Announcements for May 7
The Fifth Sunday of Easter

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

Join the thousands of Episcopalians who are committing themselves and their households to sustainable living. Go to: sustainislandhome.org

THIS SUNDAY! Inquirer’s Class meets from 1:00-3:30 in the St. John’s Rectory. We continue our discussion, “How We Read Scripture in the Episcopal Church.” All are welcome!

Page Turners Book Club Meetings are on the first Thursday of the month at 2 p.m., in the parish hall. Here’s what we selected for next month: May 4 – If on A Winter’s Night A Traveler by Italo Calvino. All are welcome! Interested? Talk with Lynn Dennison.

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.

Interested in Baptism? In the Episcopal Church, we offer the Sacrament of Baptism on the Feast of Pentecost (this year, on May 28). If you are interested in Baptism or interested in having your child baptized, talk to Rev. Michelle as soon as possible to set up a time to talk more about it. The next time set aside for Baptism will be All Saints Sunday on November 5.

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

St. John’s Upcoming Schedule

May 20:     Consecration of Matthew Heyd as Bishop Coadjutor of the Diocese of New York, Cathedral Church of St. John the Divine in NYC.
May 21:     Godly Play for kids, Healing Sunday and Inquirer’s Class – What We Do: Ministry and the Baptismal Covenant, from 1:00-3:30 pm in the Rectory.
May 28:     Feast of Pentecost and Renewal of Baptismal Vows
June 4:       All Ages Worship – The Creation Story
June 11:     Guest Preacher – The Rev. Richard Witt of Rural and Migrant Ministries and Special Forum after worship about Rural and Migrant Ministries
June 18:     Godly Play for kids, Healing Sunday and Pastoral Care meeting after worship
June 25:     Rector’s Forum: Celtic Christianity, after worship
July 2:        Summer Worship begins in the Parish Hall
April 27, 2023

Coming Up at St. John’s

THIS WEEK: April 30
April Rector’s Forum: Life at the Time of Jesus

Context is everything! Join Rev. Michelle after worship to learn more about this time and explore questions like: What was life like in Galilee? Who had power and who didn’t? How was Judaism practiced when Jesus was alive? What did people believe about resurrection?

NEXT WEEK: May 7

All Ages Worship

All Ages Worship is held every first Sunday of the month and is designed to engage minds and hearts of all ages. Our story for May will be about how God’s Love is connected to our own resilience.

Inquirer’s Class from 1:00-3:30 pm in the St. John’s Rectory

We continue our two-part primer on reading scripture as a part of the Inquirer’s Class Series from 1:00-3:30 pm on May 7: How We Read Scripture in the Episcopal Church. We begin with the Hebrew Scriptures or as they are often called, the Old Testament. In the second session, we delve into the Greek Scriptures, or the New Testament. Why spend 2 sessions talking about scripture? To put it into perspective, we claim that Holy Scripture contains all things necessary for salvation. And “perspective” is one of the important things to discuss as we take a look at scripture. So, what lens are we using? Where did all these writings come from? What are some helpful resources/guides? We will discuss these questions and more, and also spend time reading scripture together.

_________________________________________________

St. John’s Outreach Committee Project: People’s Place

Fellow parishioners,
There are two ministries that we would like to resume.

Although a few people have been donating non-perishable food items for People’s Place we haven’t made announcements about this ministry recently. Please bring non-perishable food items and place them in the basket

and these items will be delivered to People’s Place. This includes things like pasta, canned goods, sauces, canned meats, peanut butter, etc.

People’s Place also provides birthday cakes and party supplies to children 12 and younger. They provide a birthday cake which is being donated by People’s Place, but they need donations of birthday-themed napkins, plates, cake candles, and gift bags in various sizes, so we will also be collecting these items.

Thank you for all that you do,
St. John’s Outreach Committee

______________________________________________

____________________________________________

The St. John’s Rental Program
Welcome, Brian Silver! Our new Kitchen/Office Administrator

This week, we welcome Brian Silver to our St. John’s Community. Brian is taking over for Suzanne Campise, who recently left to take a job with the Kingston Farmers’ Market. His primary focus at St. John’s will be to continue developing relationships between St. John’s and the members of our community through our space/kitchen rental program.

When he’s not working for us at St. John’s, Brian is an events manager and booking agent at Mohonk Mountain House and also works as a realtor. He graduated in 2016 with dual degrees in Communication and Music from Tulane University in New Orleans.

Brian will be working mostly from home, staying in touch with current clients and reaching out to the larger community to explore more possibilities for community partnership. He will also keep up with incoming email and phone calls. Brian’s office hours at St. John’s are Wednesdays from 10-12.

You can reach Brian by contacting the St. John’s Office at 845-331-2252 or stjohnskingston@aol.com.
If you would like to schedule a rental or recommend our facility to a friend, have them contact Brian at kitchenatstjohns@gmail.com.

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The Sacrament of Baptism

Dear Ones,

As you hear me say every week during our celebration of Eucharist – All are welcome at God’s Table. And “all” really means ALL at St. John’s. I truly hope that everyone feels welcome to participate.

Eucharist is one of our two sacraments in the Episcopal Church, the other being Baptism. What does that mean? What is a sacrament? Our Book of Common Prayer defines sacrament as “an outward and visible of sign of an inward and spiritual grace.” This means that when we celebrate/participate in a sacrament, we are making known to all and, perhaps, mostly to ourselves, that this inward and spiritual grace is present and real. We are actively claiming that as true for us. I supposed one might say that it’s a bit like coming out of the closet.

What is this grace that we are claiming? To put it simply, by participating in Eucharist, we are claiming the continuing presence of God’s reconciling love. By participating in Baptism, we are recognizing that we are God’s beloved children. Nourishment and identity, and the healing and love that deepen when we claim these surrounded by the support of our Christian community.

In the Episcopal Church, we will offer the Sacrament of Baptism on 4 occasions throughout the year and our next opportunity for Baptism is on the Feast of Pentecost (this year, on May 28). The other times we set aside for Baptism are the celebration of the Baptism of Christ (early January), the Great Vigil of Easter (Easter Eve), and All Saints Sunday (early November).

If you are interested in Baptism or interested in having your child baptized, let’s talk.

In God’s love and mine,
Rev. Michelle

______________________________________________

Announcements for April 30
The Fourth Sunday of Easter

THIS SUNDAY! Rector’s Forum: Life at the Time of Jesus  Context is everything! Join Rev. Michelle after worship to learn more about this time and explore questions like: What was life like in Galilee? Who had power and who didn’t? How was Judaism practiced when Jesus was alive? What did people believe about resurrection?

NEXT SUNDAY! All ages worship: Our story will be about how God’s Love is connected to our own resilience.

NEXT SUNDAY: Inquirer’s Class meets from 1:00-3:30 in the St. John’s Rectory as we continue our primer on “How We Read Scripture in the Episcopal Church” All are welcome!

Page Turners Book Club Meetings are on the first Thursday of the month at 2 p.m., in the parish hall. Here’s what we selected for next month: May 4 – If on A Winter’s Night A Traveler by Italo Calvino. All are welcome! Interested? Talk with Lynn Dennison.

St. John’s Outreach Project: 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 altar.

Interested in Baptism? In the Episcopal Church, we offer the Sacrament of Baptism on the Feast of Pentecost (this year, on May 28). If you are interested in Baptism or interested in having your child baptized, talk to Rev. Michelle as soon as possible to set up a time to talk more about it. The next time set aside for Baptism will be All Saints Sunday on November 5.

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

St. John’s Office Hours
Mondays from 12-4 pm and Wednesdays from 10 – 12 noon
Phone: 845-331-2252
Email: stjohnskingston@aol.com

2023 Easter Season at St. John’s

Here are the many opportunities for people to engage and learn at St. John’s over the coming months. Look for more information here in our e-newsletter, The Good News from St. John’s.

May 7:       All Ages Worship – Resilience in Christ AND Inquirer’s Class – How We Read Scripture II: The Greek Scriptures, from 1:00-3:30 pm.
May 20:     Consecration of Matthew Heyd as Bishop Coadjutor of the Diocese of New York, Cathedral Church of St. John the Divine in NYC.
May 21:     Godly Play for kids, Healing Sunday AND Inquirer’s Class – What We Do: Ministry and the Baptismal Covenant, from 1:00-3:30 pm.
May 28:     Feast of Pentecost
June 4:       All Ages Worship – The Creation Story
June 11:     Guest Preacher – The Rev. Richard Witt of Rural and Migrant Ministries and a special forum after worship to learn more about the good work they do in NYS.
June 18:     Godly Play for kids, Healing Sunday AND Pastoral Care meeting, after worship
June 25:     Rector’s Forum: Celtic Christianity, after worship
July 2:        Summer Worship begins in the Parish Hall
April 21, 2023

This Week at St. John’s

Outreach Committee: Meets after worship on Sunday

The St. John’s Outreach Committee discusses ways to support community care efforts in and around Kingston. They oversee our Outreach Fund, giving financial support to various organizations. Join in the conversation after worship on Sunday. All are welcome!

Inquirer’s Class – This Sunday from 1:00-3:30 pm

We begin a two-part primer on reading scripture as a part of the Inquirer’s Class Series from 1:00-3:30 pm on April 23 and May 7. How We Read Scripture in the Episcopal Church. We begin with the Hebrew Scriptures or as they are often called, the Old Testament. In the second session, we delve into the Greek Scriptures, or the New Testament. Why spend 2 sessions talking about scripture? To put it into perspective, we claim that Holy Scripture contains all things necessary for salvation. And “perspective” is one of the important things to discuss as we take a look at scripture. So, what lens are we using? Where did all these writings come from? What are some helpful resources/guides? We will discuss these questions and more, and also spend time reading scripture together.

Stay tuned! Rev. Michelle will soon be announcing a weekly Bible Study class to which all are invited!

__________________________________________________________

A Party to Plan Parties: St. John’s Event Planning

Tuesday, April 25 from 5:00-6:30 at the St. John’s Rectory
All are invited.
Bring snacks if you got ’em!

What kind of event would be “sustainable”… something that can take place every year? What kind of event would bring in enough funds to make it worth our time and effort while still being a fun event for us and for those who we will invite to come? What kind of event would you be willing to lead or co-lead? Or take an active role in planning? What events do we want to schedule that are not fundraising related, but are events in service to the community? What organizations might we consider partnering with?

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Announcement from the St. John’s Vestry

Dear Fellow Parishioners,

Happy Spring!! With this season of new growth, reflection and recommitment upon us, we wanted to update you on the recent work that the Vestry has taken on. As you know from previous meetings and announcements, we have been considering a reduction in Rev. Michelle’s hours as a means of addressing the financial hardship our church is facing.

We have now made a decision to have Rev. Michelle begin a revised schedule of 60% of her current hours, beginning June 1, 2023. The priorities for her work with us will continue to focus on Worship Leadership, Pastoral Care and Christian Formation. These are, of course, Rev. Michelle’s gifts, experience, and education. We will continue to discuss how we, as a congregation, can work together to address some of the responsibilities that Rev. Michelle will have less time to focus on. This will include such things as office administration, buildings and grounds, stewardship, special events, etc.

It is important to recognize that this change is something that Rev. Michelle is very comfortable with as it also allows her to pursue other pastoral endeavors in our community and in the diocese. We are truly appreciative of the discernment work we have done with one another, as well as the discernment done by former vestry members and the congregation as a whole. This has not been an easy decision. However, we are optimistic that this challenge also presents new opportunities to come together as a worshipping community and for each of us to consider how we can contribute our time, talents and treasure to St. John’s.

Please feel free to reach out to any member of the Vestry if you would like to discuss this.

Leah Siuta and Claudette Ford – Wardens
Liz Moeller, Nilsa Rodriguez-Jaca, Sara Hutton, Paula Wisneski, Kathy Burdick – Vestrypeople

______________________________________________________

The St. John’s Rental Program:
What’s Happening During the Week at St. John’s?

Our rental program is up and running thanks to our Kitchen/Office Administrator, Suzanne Campise. And there is more in the works as we continue to share our space and resources with the larger community of Kingston.

In our Kitchen, we have renters cooking savory pies, mixing teas, baking dog biscuits… and more! In our Parish Hall we have an improv class for kids on Tuesday nights given by Maclain Maier and, in June, the Hudson Valley Hospice will begin offering a Family Grief Support Group on Monday afternoons.

We also just opened our doors to the Bridge Arts and Education program: Qualified teachers offer individual lessons and both kids and adults have the opportunity to participate in jazz and choir ensembles. Their rehearsals are on Sunday afternoons and Tuesday nights in both the Sanctuary and Parish Hall.

We are so thankful to Suzanne for helping us to create a viable model for space rental which makes it more difficult to announce her departure. Suzanne is leaving to pursue work that meets her heart’s desire more completely. As you may recall, Suzanne got this program up and running in Spring of 2022, left to give birth to her first child and then came back in January to continue developing the program. After this first year, we’re very excited about the potential and we are in the process of hiring our next Administrator who, we hope, will continue growing this program and, with it, our connections in the Kingston community and Ulster County.

Stay tuned for an announcement soon about our new Administrator. And thank you, Suzanne, for all you’ve done for us!

______________________________________________________________

Earth Sunday

Dear Ones,

As we shake the frost from our lives and feel ourselves open up to the warmth of spring, we tap into the energy of life that is birthing all around us. Trees budding, flowers blooming, seeds sprouting, peepers peeping. Aside from the pollen and, perhaps, the ticks… this is such a beautiful time of year.

Perhaps because this beauty gives us life in so many ways, we can be seduced into thinking that God puts on this show of glory just for us – for our enjoyment and consumption. We coexist with all the life on this tiny planet. We are gift and we are gifted. We are kept by its bounty and we are keepers of its life – just as all other creatures are a part of the interconnected web that lives and breathes in and around us. We are bound to its rhythms and riches.

The first Earth Day was celebrated in 1970 on April 22 in response to the developing crisis of pollution and the prosperity-over-all mindset. US congress members from “both sides of the aisle” joined together to engage community organization, faith groups, and others in a mass teach-in on college campuses. Since then, Earth Day has become an international event. You can learn more here: Earth Day: The Official Site | EARTHDAY.ORG

The Episcopal Church recognizes Earth Sunday every year (this year, April 23) as a time for us to focus on the question: What is our faith calling us to do in our care for this Earth, our island home? As a part of this reflection, I ask each of you to visit this site: sustainislandhome.org.

This site will ask you for basic Episcopal parish information and will then lead you to create an account for your household through Bright Action. Then, you can decide which areas you would like to make progress on – clean energy, water wise, eating green, etc. and you will be guided to take action and track your progress. By logging in as a member of St. John’s, you will be joining thousands of other Episcopalians across the church in tracking together the progress we, as a church, are committing ourselves to when it comes to caring for our common home.

I hope you’ll join us in this effort!

In God’s love and mine,
Rev. Michelle

________________________________________________

Announcements for April 23
The Third Sunday of Easter

This coming Sunday is Earth Sunday. Join the thousands of Episcopalians who are committing to sustaining the Earth, our island home. Go to: sustainislandhome.org

This Sunday! The St. John’s Outreach Committee meets after worship today in the Parish Hall. All are welcome to join the discussion.

How We Read Scripture in the Episcopal Church. This Sunday, we begin a two-part primer on reading scripture as a part of the Inquirer’s Class Series from 1:00-3:30 pm on April 23 and May 7.  We start with the Hebrew Scriptures or as they are often called, the Old Testament. In the second session, we delve into the Greek Scriptures, or the New Testament. Why spend 2 sessions talking about scripture? To put it into perspective, we claim that Holy Scripture contains all things necessary for salvation. And “perspective” is one of the important things to discuss as we take a look at scripture. So, what lens are we using? Where did all these writings come from? What are some helpful resources/guides? We will discuss these questions and more, and also spend time reading scripture together.

NEXT WEEK! Rector’s Forum: Life at the Time of Jesus
Context is everything! And the season of Easter is a wonderful time to delve into what life was like at the time of Jesus and the original Apostles. Join Rev. Michelle after worship on April 30 to learn more about this time and explore questions like: What was life like in Galilee? Who had power and who didn’t? How was Judaism practiced when Jesus was alive? What did people believe about resurrection?

Interested in Baptism? In the Episcopal Church, we offer the Sacrament of Baptism on the Feast of Pentecost (this year, on May 28). If you are interested in Baptism or interested in having your child baptized, talk to Rev. Michelle as soon as possible to set up a time to talk more about it. The next time set aside for Baptism will be All Saints Sunday on November 5.

Page Turners Book Club Meetings are on the first Thursday of the month at 2 p.m., in the parish hall. Here’s what we selected for next month: May 4 – If on A Winter’s Night A Traveler by Italo Calvino. All are welcome! Interested? Talk with Lynn Dennison.

St. John’s Office Hours
Mondays from 12:00-4:00 pm and Thursdays from 1:00-3:00 pm
Phone: 845-331-2252
Email: stjohnskingston@aol.com
Please note: Rev. Michelle’s Sabbath Day is Friday and she is unavailable.

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

2023 Easter Season at St. John’s

Here are the many opportunities for people to engage and learn at St. John’s over the coming months. Look for more information here in our e-newsletter, The Good News from St. John’s.

April 30:     Rector’s Forum: Life at the Time of Jesus, after worship
May 7:       All Ages Worship – Resilience in Christ AND Inquirer’s Class – How We Read Scripture II: The Greek Scriptures, from 1:00-3:30 pm.
May 20:     Consecration of Matthew Heyd as Bishop Coadjutor of the Diocese of New York, Cathedral Church of St. John the Divine in NYC.
May 21:     Godly Play for kids, Healing Sunday AND Inquirer’s Class – What We Do: Ministry and the Baptismal Covenant, from 1:00-3:30 pm.
May 28:     Feast of Pentecost
June 4:       All Ages Worship – The Creation Story
June 11:     Guest Preacher – The Rev. Richard Witt of Rural and Migrant Ministries
June 18:     Godly Play for kids, Healing Sunday AND Pastoral Care meeting, after worship
June 25:     Rector’s Forum: Celtic Christianity, after worship
July 2:        Summer Worship begins in the Parish Hall
April 6, 2023

Holy Week: Everything you need to know!

Maundy Thursday

We begin at 6:00 pm with a simple soup supper in the Parish Hall. Afterwards, we move into the Sanctuary for Eucharist, offering foot-washing (so be prepared to take off your socks/shoes) or hand-washing. After Eucharist, we strip the altar, removing liturgical decorations and all symbols of Christ. We leave in silence.

Good Friday

Beginning at 12 noon, we enter the bare space – no sign of Christ. Through the reading of John’s Passion, we contemplate Jesus’ sacrifice. We pray and venerate the cross before leaving in silence.
You are also invited to attend the Good Friday prayer service at 2:00 pm at Ascension/Holy Trinity in West Park, NY. Both Rev. Michelle and the Rev. Br. Aidan Owen will be leading these Good Friday services together.

Stations of the Cross

On Friday at 7:00 pm in the St. John’s Sanctuary we offer a video presentation of the Stations of the Cross – looking through the lens of Jesus’ journey to Calvary we examine contemporary society.

Holy Saturday Prayers and Work Gathering

Before we prepare our Sanctuary for the coming celebration, we gather to reflect and pray at 9:00 am. Then we get busy with cleaning, placing flowers, and decorating the space. All are welcome to come and help out.

The Great Vigil of Easter

Bring a bell from home to ring! We begin at 8:00 pm in the Memorial Garden by lighting a new fire. We tell stories and sing hymns inside by candlelight, awaiting the dawn of Christ. We celebrate by renewing our Baptismal Vows and sharing Eucharist. The congregation of Ascension/Holy Trinity in West Park will join us as we all celebrate together.
This will be available by Zoom for those who are unable to drive at night.

Easter Sunday

A big, joyous celebration! Lots of singing and fun. Godly Play is available for the kids and an egg hunt after worship. Plus an abundant Community Brunch so bring food to share.

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From the St. John’s Vestry

Please keep the Vestry in your prayers as we continue to discern how our current financial reality can be used to renew the ministry of St. John’s. The adjustment of the Rector’s salary, hours, and responsibilities is central to this discernment so we are taking the time that is needed to pray and deliberate with the Holy Spirit. Please continue your individual exploration of the gifts that you have to offer and employ in our common ministry. And please bring your prayerful insights and comments to any one of the Vestry members. Thank you!

_________________________________________________________

The Final Word Is Always Love

Dear Ones,I hope to see you for our Holy Week services. It is always a rich journey as we remember together Jesus’ final days. Every year I am deeply moved by some moment during this week – something that reshapes my understanding of myself and my relationship with God.

I remember when I started coming to church about 20 years ago now, I wondered, why would we want to spend so much time looking at this horrific act of state and communal violence perpetrated upon Jesus? I still sometimes find myself wondering about that, if I’m honest. What is this sacrifice about?

But here’s the thing: Violence is not and never was God’s design or intent. Yet, God does have a response to violence. And that response is always Love. The sacrifice we are invited into is one in which we are asked to give up our own forms of violence – indifference, cynicism, anger, envy, judgment – all the ways we do violence to others and to ourselves, so that we can open ourselves up to learn more and more about what Love really is.

So come and allow these Holy Week services to meet you where you are this year. Let the words and the liturgical acts wash over you or hear the Spirit’s invitation to enter into them.

Because violence is never the end. Love is always the final Word.

“Out beyond ideas of wrongdoing and rightdoing, there is a field. I’ll meet you there.” – Jalal al-Din Muhammad Rumi

In God’s love and mine,
Rev. Michelle

___________________________________________________

Announcements for April 9
Holy Week and Easter Sunday

Social Hour Hosting: You are invited to sign up on the bulletin board in the Vestibule to be a social hour host! Talk with our Hospitality Coordinator, Barbara Johnston for more information.

Page Turners Book Club Meetings are on the first Thursday of the month at 2 p.m., in the parish hall. Here’s what we selected for next month: May 4 – If on A Winter’s Night A Traveler by Italo Calvino. All are welcome! Interested? Talk with Lynn Dennison.

St. John’s Office Hours
Mondays from 12:00-4:00 pm and Thursdays from 1:00-3:00 pm
Phone: 845-331-2252
Email: stjohnskingston@aol.com
Please note: Rev. Michelle’s Sabbath Day is Friday and she is unavailable.

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

2023 Easter Season at St. John’s

Here are the many opportunities for people to engage and learn at St. John’s over the coming months. Look for more information here in our e-newsletter, The Good News from St. John’s.

FOR DETAILED SCHEDULE OF HOLY WEEK SERVICES, PLEASE SEE ABOVE.Apr 9: Easter Sunday: Festive Choral Eucharist with Godly Play provided, followed by Community Brunch and Egg Hunt for the kids.
Apr 16: Healing Sunday, no Godly Play
Apr 23: Outreach Meeting after worship.
How We Read Scripture I: The Hebrew Scriptures. Inquirer’s Class is held from 1:00-3:30 pm.
Apr 30: Rector’s Forum – Life at the Time of Jesus. After worship.
May 7: All Ages Worship
How We Read Scripture II: The Greek Scriptures. Inquirer’s Class is held from 1:00-3:30 pm.
May 20: Consecration of Matthew Heyd as Bishop Coadjutor of the Diocese of New York, Cathedral Church of St. John the Divine in NYC.
May 21: Godly Play for kids, Healing Sunday
What We Do: Ministry and the Baptismal Covenant. Inquirer’s Class is held from 1:00-3:30 pm.
May 28: The Feast of Pentecost
March 30, 2023
This Sunday: April 2
- Palm Sunday – Read below for special instructions regarding kids’ worship
- Inquirer’s Class – What We Believe: The Creeds of the Church… and Beyond!
Palm Sunday: A Complicated and Paradoxical Day

On Palm Sunday we begin the story of Jesus’ journey in his final days. Jesus enters Jerusalem to the shouts of “Hosanna!” – a triumphal entry for a messiah. What happened next? What can we learn from this part of the story? We reflect on the complexity and drama inherent in human nature and in the society we create.

All of us will begin in the Sanctuary for the special Liturgy of the Palms. Then, the young people will go with Leah for a special lesson. We will all come back together for Communion and end with the Reading of the Passion. Finally, we all leave the sanctuary in silence.

What We Believe: The Creeds of the Church… and Beyond!
Parish Hall from 1:00-3:30

Christianity in America is many-faceted. So much so that 2 different communities that both call themselves Christian can have two completely opposing beliefs. How do we make sense of that? And where is the Episcopal Church in all of this? We’ll discuss the catechism, the Nicene Creed, the Resurrection, the Virgin Mary, the Trinity, what we believe about the Eucharist, and more. We’ll also talk about the difference between faith and belief.

All are welcome to join in our Inquirer’s Class. Come to the whole series or come to the topics that interest you the most. Learn more or register, here.

What is “Inquirer’s Class?

Whether you are new to the Episcopal Church or you have been here for years and want to learn more, this class is for you! We take a deeper dive into our Christian faith and how that is expressed as Episcopalians through 6 class sessions. Come to all of them or just come to the sessions where the topics interest you the most.

This class also serves as preparation for adult baptism, confirmation, or reception into the Episcopal Church. Speak with Rev. Michelle to learn more.

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Easter Memorials

One way of making an offering at Easter is through our Easter Memorials program. It’s a wonderful way to honor a loved one or offer thanksgiving for the abundance in your life. Each memorial will be listed in the Easter Sunday bulletin.You can choose to help us pay for the flowers that adorn our Easter altar AND/OR to contribute to the Easter Outreach donation, which is going to People’s Place this year. You have a few ways to do this.

Use the form/envelope found in the Sunday bulletin and return with a check or cash to the church before April 5. If you’re here on Sunday, simply put the envelope in the donation plate.

Email Rev. Michelle with the words you would like to have in the Easter Sunday bulletin before April 5. Then, use our Paypal account to make the donation. Choose “one-time donation” and be sure to leave a note on the next page about how you would like to have your donation distributed.

Send a check to the church, marking the memo line with how you would like to apply the donated funds and email Rev. Michelle before April 5 with the words you would like to have in the Easter Sunday bulletin.

Thank you for your donation!
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Holy Week Schedule

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Our Director of Music Offers “9:30 Sunday Music”

I have been surprised at how few music schools offer organ studies for worship any longer. There are very few organ students now except those who study to become concert organists. Patelsons, which was THE former music center in NYC for organists, had only a small box full of music before it closed in recent years. Organ music is seldom published on the scale it once was, and it is expensive. If I need a title that isn’t in print, I now need to order it from England, and it has to be printed especially for my order.On Sundays, between 9:30 and 10:00, I am offering organ literature from the hundreds of years of work, and devotion of other organists. Bach dedicated all his sacred music in this way: “Soli deo Gloria” or To the Glory of God only.

So, I invite you to come a little early and hear music that once was commonly heard but is less and less frequently heard anywhere. God Bless.

Soli deo Gloria,
Terry Earles

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A New Offering at St. John’s

I have to admit that the pandemic has made me aware of the risks that many people deal with every day. Now that we are all living with covid as a part of our reality, those with autoimmune disorders have so much more to navigate than those who do not. I’m really proud to see one of our beloved St. John’s members, Sara Hutton, offer such an important support group right now. May this be a blessing to many. – Rev. Michelle

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Holy Week: Ancient Rites of the Pilgrim Path

Dear Ones,

Holy Week is the most sacred time in the Christian faith.

From earliest times Christians have observed the week before Easter as a journey of special devotion that can have a life-changing effect on us in the present. Jerusalem is the site of many sacred places where Jesus suffered and died. And for centuries, pilgrims have followed the path of Jesus in his last days at these places with processions and worship services.

The rites Episcopalians and other Christians will observe during Holy Week evolved from the observances of the pilgrims at these holy sites. These rites provide a worship experience of the last days of Jesus’ earthly life, as well as the time and events leading up to the Resurrection.

Find all the details here: Holy Week – St. John’s Kingston

Come and worship this coming week and journey into the deeper meaning of Easter.

In God’s love and mine,
Rev. Michelle

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Announcements for April 2
Palm Sunday

Easter Memorials Please consider making an offering to help cover the cost of Easter flowers or toward our Easter Outreach recipient, People’s Place. Use the slips/envelopes in your bulletin or email Rev. Michelle before Wednesday, April 5. All memorials will be listed in the Easter Sunday bulletin. It’s a meaningful way to help and to honor your loved ones.

THIS SUNDAY! April 2
What We Believe: The Creeds of the Church… And Beyond! A part of the ongoing Inquirer’s Class series at St. John’s. We meet from 1:00-3:30 in the Parish Hall on Sunday afternoon. Christianity in America is many-faceted. So much so that 2 different communities that both call themselves Christian can have two completely opposing beliefs. How do we make sense of that? And where is the Episcopal Church in all of this? We’ll discuss the catechism, the Nicene Creed, the Resurrection, the Virgin Mary, the Trinity, what we believe about the Eucharist, and more. We’ll also talk about the difference between faith and belief.

Social Hour Hosting: You are invited to sign up on the bulletin board in the Vestibule to be a social hour host! Talk with our Hospitality Coordinator, Barbara Johnston for more information.

Page Turners Book Club Meetings are on the first Thursday of the month at 2 p.m., in the parish hall. Here’s what we selected for the next few months: April 6 – Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus; May 4 – If on A Winter’s Night A Traveler by Italo Calvino. All are welcome! Interested? Talk with Lynn Dennison.

St. John’s Office Hours
Mondays from 12:00-4:00 pm and Thursdays from 1:00-3:00 pm
Phone: 845-331-2252
Email: stjohnskingston@aol.com
Please note: Rev. Michelle’s Sabbath Day is Friday and she is unavailable.

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

2023 Easter Season at St. John’s

Here are the many opportunities for people to engage and learn at St. John’s over the coming months. Look for more information here in our e-newsletter, The Good News from St. John’s.

FOR DETAILED SCHEDULE OF HOLY WEEK SERVICES, PLEASE SEE ABOVE.Apr 9: Easter Sunday: Festive Choral Eucharist with Godly Play provided, followed by Community Brunch and Egg Hunt for the kids.
Apr 16: Healing Sunday, no Godly Play
Apr 23: Outreach Meeting after worship.
How We Read Scripture I: The Hebrew Scriptures. Inquirer’s Class is held from 1:00-3:30 pm.
Apr 30: Rector’s Forum – Life at the Time of Jesus. After worship.
May 7: All Ages Worship
How We Read Scripture II: The Greek Scriptures. Inquirer’s Class is held from 1:00-3:30 pm.
May 20: Consecration of Matthew Heyd as Bishop Coadjutor of the Diocese of New York, Cathedral Church of St. John the Divine in NYC.
May 21: Godly Play for kids, Healing Sunday
What We Do: Ministry and the Baptismal Covenant. Inquirer’s Class is held from 1:00-3:30 pm.
May 28: The Feast of Pentecost
March 24, 2023

This Sunday: March 26
Rector’s Forum: Understanding Alzheimer’s and Dementia
Who We Are: History and Structure of the Episcopal Church

Rector’s Forum: Understanding Alzheimer’s and Dementia.
After worship in the Parish Hall.

The Alzheimer’s Association, Hudson Valley Chapter, is coming this Sunday to talk about the impact of these diseases along with risk factors, stages, research, and treatments. This is good information for everyone to know so we can care for ourselves and our loved ones.

WEAR PURPLE! To show your support of the work of the Alzheimer’s Association, please wear purple to church. Plus, it’s Lent, so purple is the perfect color for a Lenten Sunday.

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Who We are: History and Structure of the Episcopal Church
Parish Hall from 1:00-3:30

It’s a part of our human nature that our history shapes who we are. This is true of faith communities too. In this session, we spend time discussing many of the people and events that gave form to the Episcopal Church and how all of that shaped the ways in which we engaged the Christian faith then…. and continue our journey in Christ today.

All are welcome to join in our Inquirer’s Class. Come to the whole series or come to the topics that interest you the most. Learn more or register, here.

What is “Inquirer’s Class?

Whether you are new to the Episcopal Church or you have been here for years and want to learn more, this class is for you! We take a deeper dive into our Christian faith and how that is expressed as Episcopalians through 6 class sessions. Come to all of them or just come to the sessions where the topics interest you the most.

This class also serves as preparation for adult baptism, confirmation, or reception into the Episcopal Church. Speak with Rev. Michelle to learn more.

______________________________________________________________

Vestry Meeting Notes

The St. John’s Vestry meets on the third Monday every month at 6:00 pm in the Parish Hall.

Update on Discernment
Please keep the Vestry in your prayers as we continue to discern how our current financial reality can be used to renew the ministry of St. John’s. The adjustment of the Rector’s salary, hours, and responsibilities is central to this discernment so we are taking the time that is needed to pray and deliberate with the Holy Spirit. Please continue your individual exploration of the gifts that you have to offer and employ in our common ministry. And please bring your prayerful insights and comments to any one of the Vestry members. Thank you!

Finance Report

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Holy Week Schedule

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During the Week at St. John’s

Two New St. John’s Community Partners Offer Classes for Kids!

Did you know?: St. John’s actively seeks ways to rent out our space. Of course this helps with our finances but, more importantly, this helps us to build relationships and community.

We have recently been blessed with 2 people who are offering classes for kids. Let’s help our new Community Partners have successful ventures by signing up or passing along the information to friends, co-workers, and family members.

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Apology: An Acknowledgment of the Breach

Dear Ones,
Today I want to share a few words from the Rev. Richard Witt.
Richard has been with us at St. John’s before as a supply priest and guest preacher. He will return in June to preach for us.

Richard is the Executive Director of Rural and Migrant Ministries (RMM). RMM is a statewide organization who works to support migrant farmworkers across the state and its office is outside of Newburgh. As a priest in our diocese – the Diocese of New York (Hudson Valley and NYC), Richard is a member of the Reparations Commission, engaged in reparations work in this diocese for 17 years. Here is what he has to say about tomorrow’s Service of Apology (shared with permission):

I heard many in the early years exclaim: “This was a southern issue, not a northern issue.” and “our congregation is too new to have participated” and “I wasn’t around.” The more we have explored the more we have realized that the North bankrolled and benefitted from enslavement, that New York had the second largest slave market in the United States, that the Hudson Valley agricultural system got its start with slaves, that our banking system (read Wall Street) rested on enslavement. In turn, we have come to realize through our exploration that this legacy led to New Deal decisions that excluded farmworkers from a day of rest until 2019; that zoning and banking regulations shepherded, and continue to shepherd, people away from many of the suburbs that support our parishes; and the maintenance of a criminal justice system that somehow continues the ongoing oppression of people of color. In other words, many more of us have benefitted, and continue to benefit, even though “we weren’t there”.

There clearly is much to be done to repair this harm. There is much to be done to change the direction of this legacy. Our call is on-going. And, somewhere in this call is the simple act of apologizing – apologizing publicly and breaking our cycle of silence as a Diocese. We have never apologized.

The Bishop, as the leader of the Diocese, and in the name of the Diocese has called us to join him in apologizing. He has done this in part because of the work we all have done over these past two decades. We will never agree on the specifics of apology, our apology will never be enough. There are those who will be confused by it, or even angered by it. We will have different opinions of our own complicity. I would say that our work and prayer over these years gives us enough to know that we need to apologize. Perhaps we could take another seventeen years to debate the exact apology and come to an agreement – and I would say good, I do hope that the debate will continue. Though I know we will never come to a complete agreement. But, we know enough now to apologize. It is a start.

Please forgive me as I say one more thing. During these years, both as a part of the Reparations process, and in my role at Rural & Migrant Ministry, I have heard countless Black brothers and sisters yearn for an apology, for an acknowledgement of the breach, yearn for an ownership of complicity, yearn for humility. I have come to realize that this apology is a step toward removing the walls that divide us and in turn an opportunity for all of us to witness God’s love more fully. – The Rev. Richard Witt

Beloved Ones, so often, we are very mindful of our busy schedule, taking care of the big list of little things, and we miss the significant, most important things. I believe this to be a significant, important thing. Here’s a story from Religion News Service: NY Episcopalians to apologize for slavery & aftermath at Manhattan service (religionnews.com)

The diocese is paying for a bus to take people from the Hudson Valley to the Cathedral and there is room on this bus. We will be leaving New Paltz at 8:00 am and return in the late afternoon. As I told you in my last letter to you, I am going as a vested member of the clergy and Ana is going as one of the musicians. So often, we are more mindful of our busy schedule, taking care of the little things and we miss the significant, most important things. I believe this to be a significant, important thing. Here’s a story from Religion News Service: NY Episcopalians to apologize for slavery & aftermath at Manhattan service (religionnews.com)

If you would like to join us on the bus, email me as soon as possible at michelle.stjohnskingston@gmail.com. You can also view the service at home: Calendar – Cathedral of Saint John the Divine (stjohndivine.org)

Whatever your decision, I hope that you will consider seriously your engagement with the work of Anti-Racism both in your own life and in our common life as the community of St. John’s.

In God’s love and mine,
Rev. Michelle

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Announcements for March 26
The Fifth Sunday in Lent

Easter Memorials Please consider making an offering to help cover the cost of Easter flowers or toward our Easter Outreach recipient, People’s Place. Use the slips/envelopes in your bulletin or email Rev. Michelle before Wednesday, April 5. All memorials will be listed in the Easter Sunday bulletin. It’s a meaningful way to help and to honor your loved ones.

THIS SUNDAY is Purple Sunday! Understanding Alzheimer’s and Dementia The Alzheimer’s Association is coming on Sunday, March 26 to talk about the impact of these diseases along with risk factors, stages, research, and treatments. Please wear purple to church to show your support of the work of the Alzheimer’s Association.

THIS SUNDAY! Who We Are: History and Structure of the Episcopal Church A part of the ongoing Inquirer’s Class series at St. John’s. We meet from 1:00-3:30 in the Parish Hall on Sunday afternoon. It’s a part of our human nature that our history shapes who we are. This is true of faith communities too. In this session, we spend time discussing many of the people and events that gave form to the Episcopal Church and how all of that shaped the ways in which we engaged the Christian faith then…. and continue our journey in Christ today.

NEXT SUNDAY! April 2
What We Believe: The Creeds of the Church… And Beyond! A part of the ongoing Inquirer’s Class series at St. John’s. We meet from 1:00-3:30 in the Parish Hall on Sunday afternoon. Christianity in America is many-faceted. So much so that 2 different communities that both call themselves Christian can have two completely opposing beliefs. How do we make sense of that? And where is the Episcopal Church in all of this? We’ll discuss the catechism, the Nicene Creed, the Resurrection, the Virgin Mary, the Trinity, what we believe about the Eucharist, and more. We’ll also talk about the difference between faith and belief.

Social Hour Hosting: You are invited to sign up on the bulletin board in the Vestibule to be a social hour host! Talk with our Hospitality Coordinator, Barbara Johnston for more information.

Page Turners Book Club Meetings are on the first Thursday of the month at 2 p.m., in the parish hall. Here’s what we selected for the next few months: April 6 – Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus; May 4 – If on A Winter’s Night A Traveler by Italo Calvino. All are welcome! Interested? Talk with Lynn Dennison.

St. John’s Office Hours
Mondays from 12:00-4:00 pm and Thursdays from 1:00-3:00 pm
Phone: 845-331-2252
Email: stjohnskingston@aol.com
Please note: Rev. Michelle’s Sabbath Day is Friday and she is unavailable.

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

2023 Holy Week and Easter Season at St. John’s

Here are the many opportunities for people to engage and learn at St. John’s over the coming months. Look for more information here in our e-newsletter, The Good News from St. John’s.

Mar 26: Purple Sunday! For our Rector’s Forum this month, the Alzheimer’s Association will make a presentation about Alzheimer’s and dementia. After Worship.
Who We Are: History / Structure of the Episcopal Church. Inquirer’s Class is held from 1:00-3:30 pm.
Apr 2: Palm Sunday – young people’s lesson with Leah Siuta.
What We Believe: The Creeds of the Church. Inquirer’s Class is held from 1:00-3:30 pm.

FOR DETAILED SCHEDULE OF HOLY WEEK SERVICES, PLEASE SEE ABOVE.

Apr 9: Easter Sunday: Festive Choral Eucharist with Godly Play provided, followed by Community Brunch and Egg Hunt for the kids.
Apr 16: Healing Sunday, no Godly Play
Apr 23: Outreach Meeting after worship.
How We Read Scripture I: The Hebrew Scriptures. Inquirer’s Class is held from 1:00-3:30 pm.
Apr 30: Rector’s Forum – Life at the Time of Jesus. After worship.
May 7: All Ages Worship
How We Read Scripture II: The Greek Scriptures. Inquirer’s Class is held from 1:00-3:30 pm.
May 20: Consecration of Matthew Heyd as Bishop Coadjutor of the Diocese of New York, Cathedral Church of St. John the Divine in NYC.
May 21: Godly Play for kids, Healing Sunday
What We Do: Ministry and the Baptismal Covenant. Inquirer’s Class is held from 1:00-3:30 pm.
May 28: The Feast of Pentecost
March 9, 2023
This Sunday: March 12
How We Pray: Worship in the Episcopal Church
Parish Hall from 1:00-3:30

Have you ever wondered why we do the things we do during worship? Where did all of these practices come from? What do all the symbols mean – the colors, the white robes, the gestures? What is in the Prayer Book? What is the liturgical year? What is the deeper meaning behind the services of Holy Week? And what is “prayer” anyway? Phew… lots to talk about here. Bring all your questions!

All are welcome to join in our Inquirer’s Class. Come to the whole series or come to the topics that interest you the most. Learn more or register, here.

What is “Inquirer’s Class?

Whether you are new to the Episcopal Church or you have been here for years and want to learn more, this class is for you! We take a deeper dive into our Christian faith and how that is expressed as Episcopalians through 6 class sessions. Come to all of them or just come to the sessions where the topics interest you the most.

This class also serves as preparation for adult baptism, confirmation, or reception into the Episcopal Church. Speak with Rev. Michelle to learn more.

_______________________________________________________

During the Week at St. John’s

Two New St. John’s Community Partners Offer Classes for Kids!
Did you know?: St. John’s actively seeks ways to rent out our space. Of course this helps with our finances but, more importantly, this helps us to build relationships and community. We have recently been blessed with 2 people who are offering classes for kids. Let’s help our new Community Partners have successful ventures by signing up or passing along the information to friends, co-workers, and family members.

_________________________________________
Mac N’ Cheese Bakeoff: We had a great time!

Thank you to everyone who came out to support Angel Food East at the return of the Mac n’ Cheese Bakeoff! It was a fun afternoon and we successfully raised a bunch of money for Angel Food East.

Special congratulations to St. John’s parishioner Steve Axelson who won in the category of “Traditional” on behalf of an agency. Steve is the chef at People’s Place Community Cafe. Well done, Steve!

Here are all the winners! Please thank them by supporting their establishments. They gave of their skill, time, and pantry shelves to support Angel Food East so let’s keep the goodwill flowing!

Professional Traditional DIETZ DINER

Professional Exotic URBAN FORK – Crack n Mac

Amateur Traditional FIONA MCELROY

Amateur Exotic CRYSTAL AGUAYO – Pastelon

Agency Traditional PEOPLE’S PLACE

Agency Exotic BLACKBOARD BISTRO – Pulled Pork Mac n Cheese

Kid’s Choice Award – Hole in the Wall Donuts – Cherry Donut Mac n Cheese

People’s Choice Award – Patty Manfrates – Traditional
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What We Have Left Undone

Soon after my arrival in the Diocese of New York about 7 years ago, I began to hear about a group called the Reparations Committee, which eventually became the Reparations Commission. What is this work?

Those who are engaged in reparations work have made the moral decision to examine and explore our collective historical involvement in the enslavement of Black people and, subsequently, our ongoing involvement in systems that continue to oppress and marginalize Black people.

It’s often not an easy conversation. There are people who still argue that slavery is a “Southern thing” despite the knowledge that, not only did people own slaves in the north (we have our own Sojourner Truth here in Ulster County) but that much of the wealth that built New York City were profits from the slave trade itself. There are also people who say, “this happened before I was born and I never did anything wrong.” Yet, all white people, no matter what socioeconomic class, have benefitted directly from systems of privilege (including wealth) that were designed to prevent access to Black people.

My beloveds, these are not opinions. These are facts. And the continued denial of these facts has raised a heinous demon in the soul of our society. You all know me well enough to know that I don’t use that word every day but that is exactly what it is – a demon that conflates rhetoric, opinion, and truth in the attempt to justify the continued oppression of others as “the cost of doing business” or “collateral damage” or, worse.

Meanwhile, the entire trajectory of the Hebrew Scriptures speaks in outright opposition to this evil. Which leads us to Jesus.

Last week, in the Gospel, we read about Jesus talking to Nicodemus. And Jesus says to him: “Very truly, I tell you, we speak of what we know and testify to what we have seen; yet you do not receive our testimony.” Who are we, then, if we are not willing to receive the testimony of our own siblings who tell us of their oppression? We must be willing to look past the line we have drawn in the sand and see where Christ is pointing.

So, let us begin by acknowledging that slavery is and was a sin. In so doing, it is proper to look at our Confession: Most merciful God, we confess that we have sinned against you in thought, word, and deed, by what we have done, and by what we have left undone.
By what we have done… and by what we have left undone. Dear Ones, this is the key phrase.

We have left so much undone. We may not have been alive when slavery was the law but, we have to take seriously the continued effort to “undo” this sin because it still infects our systems and our institutions and, therefore, it still infects us.

The Diocese of New York is collectively doing this work of undoing. And the Reparations Commission is leading all of us in this effort. You can learn more here.

On Saturday, March 26 Bishop Andy Dietsche will be joined by Bishops Mary Glasspool, Allen Shin, and Bishop Coadjutor Elect Matt Heyd in a special service of apology. I am going as a vested member of the clergy. Ana is going as one of the musicians. And I ask you to consider going. Please do. And let us fill the Cathedral of St. John the Divine, the largest Gothic cathedral in the world, with a prayer of apology that resounds far and wide, shakes the very ground under our feet, and opens our hearts to God’s deeper truth and grace that will lead us in our undoing.

And then, let this be for us at St. John’s what carries us forward into an exploration of our own complicity in the evil of slavery.

I’d like to end by saying this, and it’s something I have said before when it comes to our collective anti-racism work: We do not do this work to feel superior to those who do not do it. It’s much too important for it to be an ego trip. I will not tolerate anyone demeaning others or gossiping about others. Afterall, Nicodemus came to Jesus in earnest. Confrontation is one thing, and it is necessary. But we must always endeavor to speak the truth in love.

In God’s love and mine,
Rev. Michelle

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Announcements for March 12
The Third Sunday in Lent

THIS SUNDAY: St. John’s Inquirer’s Class Begins! Join us in the Parish Hall from 1:00-3:30 for “How We Pray: Worship in the Episcopal Church.” Have you ever wondered why we do the things we do during worship? Where did all of these practices come from? What do all the symbols mean – the colors, the white robes, the gestures? What is in the Prayer Book? What is the liturgical year? What is the deeper meaning behind the services of Holy Week? And what is “prayer” anyway? Phew… lots to talk about here. Bring all your questions! All are welcome.

Don’t forget: Godly Play on March 19! Parents: Come a little early and help your young people upstairs for Godly Play. Everyone will be back to join us in time for Eucharist.

Purple Sunday: Understanding Alzheimer’s and Dementia The Alzheimer’s Association is coming on Sunday, March 26 to talk about the impact of these diseases along with risk factors, stages, research, and treatments. Please wear purple to church to show your support of the work of the Alzheimer’s Association.

Social Hour Hosting: You are invited to sign up on the bulletin board in the Vestibule to be a social hour host! Talk with our Hospitality Coordinator, Barbara Johnston for more information.

Lenten Activity Book for Families with Kids: You can pick up a copy of “This Is My Body” from Illustrated Ministry next to the bulletins. Designed to help children understand how important it is to take care of the gift of our body, a wonderful Lenten practice.

Page Turners Book Club Meetings are on the first Thursday of the month at 2 p.m., in the parish hall. Here’s what we selected for the next few months: April 6 – Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus; May 4 – If on A Winter’s Night A Traveler by Italo Calvino. All are welcome! Interested? Talk with Lynn Dennison.

St. John’s Office Hours
Mondays from 12:00-4:00 pm and Thursdays from 1:00-3:00 pm
Phone: 845-331-2252
Email: stjohnskingston@aol.com
Please note: Rev. Michelle’s Sabbath Day is Friday.

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

2023 Seasons of Lent and Easter at St. John’s

Here are the many opportunities for people to engage and learn at St. John’s over the coming months. Look for more information here in our e-newsletter, The Good News at St. John’s.

Mar 12: How We Pray: Worship in the Episcopal Church. Inquirer’s Class is held from 1:00-3:30 pm.
Mar 19: Godly Play for kids, Healing Sunday
Mar 26: Purple Sunday! For our Rector’s Forum this month, the Alzheimer’s Association will make a presentation about Alzheimer’s and dementia. After Worship.
Who We Are: History / Structure of the Episcopal Church. Inquirer’s Class is held from 1:00-3:30 pm.
Apr 2: Palm Sunday All Ages Worship
What We Believe: The Creeds of the Church. Inquirer’s Class is held from 1:00-3:30 pm.
Apr 6: Maundy Thursday – soup supper, Eucharist, foot-washing, cleaning of the Altar. Begins at 6:00 pm
Apr7: Good Friday – Prayer service at 12:00 pm with the reading of the Passion. Stations of the Cross at 7:00 pm.
Apr 8: Holy Saturday – Reflection and prayers followed by Work Party at 9:00 am. Easter Vigil begins at 8:00 pm
Apr 9: Easter Sunday: Festive Choral Eucharist followed by Community Brunch and Egg Hunt for the kids
Apr 16: Godly Play for kids, Healing Sunday
Apr 23: How We Read Scripture I: The Hebrew Scriptures. Inquirer’s Class is held from 1:00-3:30 pm.
Apr 30: Rector’s Forum – Life at the Time of Jesus
May 7: All Ages Worship
How We Read Scripture II: The Greek Scriptures. Inquirer’s Class is held from 1:00-3:30 pm.
May 21: What We Do: Ministry and the Baptismal Covenant. Inquirer’s Class is held from 1:00-3:30 pm.
May 28: The Feast of Pentecost

The Good News of St. John’s

This Week at St. John’s

The Feast of Pentecost

Announcing: St. John’s Bible Study

Meeting Times

How To Participate

Upcoming Events and Programs

All Things Bright and Beautiful

Announcements for May 28 The Feast of Pentecost

This Week at St. John’s

The Feast of the Ascension

Godly Play!

Inquirer’s Class – What We Do: Ministry and the Baptismal Covenant

Bible Study Survey – please turn them in!

The Consecration of Matthew Foster Heyd

Ch-Ch-Ch-Ch-Changes

Announcements for May 21 The Feast of the Ascension

This Week at St. John’s

Special Prayer for Mothering

Bible Study Survey

The St. John’s Memorials Account

Rogation Days

Announcements for May 14 The Sixth Sunday of Easter

This Week at St. John’s

All Ages Worship, Sunday at 10 am

Inquirer’s Class, Sunday 1:00-3:30 pm, St. John’s Rectory

Bible Study Survey

The Consecration of Matthew Foster Heyd Our Next Bishop Diocesan Saturday, May 20 at 11:00 am, St. John the Divine, NYC

The St. John’s Memorials Account

In the Rectory Garden

Announcements for May 7 The Fifth Sunday of Easter

Coming Up at St. John’s

THIS WEEK: April 30 April Rector’s Forum: Life at the Time of Jesus

NEXT WEEK: May 7

All Ages Worship

Inquirer’s Class from 1:00-3:30 pm in the St. John’s Rectory

St. John’s Outreach Committee Project: People’s Place

The St. John’s Rental Program Welcome, Brian Silver! Our new Kitchen/Office Administrator

The Sacrament of Baptism

Announcements for April 30 The Fourth Sunday of Easter

2023 Easter Season at St. John’s

This Week at St. John’s

Outreach Committee: Meets after worship on Sunday

Inquirer’s Class – This Sunday from 1:00-3:30 pm

A Party to Plan Parties: St. John’s Event Planning

Announcement from the St. John’s Vestry

The St. John’s Rental Program: What’s Happening During the Week at St. John’s?

Earth Sunday

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Announcements for April 23 The Third Sunday of Easter

2023 Easter Season at St. John’s

Holy Week: Everything you need to know!

Maundy Thursday

Good Friday

Stations of the Cross

Holy Saturday Prayers and Work Gathering

The Great Vigil of Easter

Easter Sunday

From the St. John’s Vestry

The Final Word Is Always Love

Announcements for April 9 Holy Week and Easter Sunday

2023 Easter Season at St. John’s

This Sunday: April 2

Palm Sunday – Read below for special instructions regarding kids’ worship

Inquirer’s Class – What We Believe: The Creeds of the Church… and Beyond!

Palm Sunday: A Complicated and Paradoxical Day

What We Believe: The Creeds of the Church… and Beyond! Parish Hall from 1:00-3:30

What is “Inquirer’s Class?

Holy Week: Ancient Rites of the Pilgrim Path

Announcements for April 2 Palm Sunday

2023 Easter Season at St. John’s

This Sunday: March 26 Rector’s Forum: Understanding Alzheimer’s and Dementia Who We Are: History and Structure of the Episcopal Church

Rector’s Forum: Understanding Alzheimer’s and Dementia. After worship in the Parish Hall.

__________________________________________ Who We are: History and Structure of the Episcopal Church Parish Hall from 1:00-3:30

What is “Inquirer’s Class?

Vestry Meeting Notes

Holy Week Schedule

During the Week at St. John’s

Apology: An Acknowledgment of the Breach

Announcements for March 26 The Fifth Sunday in Lent

Announcements for May 28
The Feast of Pentecost

Announcements for May 21
The Feast of the Ascension

Announcements for May 14
The Sixth Sunday of Easter

The Consecration of Matthew Foster Heyd
Our Next Bishop Diocesan
Saturday, May 20 at 11:00 am, St. John the Divine, NYC

Announcements for May 7
The Fifth Sunday of Easter

THIS WEEK: April 30
April Rector’s Forum: Life at the Time of Jesus

The St. John’s Rental Program
Welcome, Brian Silver! Our new Kitchen/Office Administrator

Announcements for April 30
The Fourth Sunday of Easter

The St. John’s Rental Program:
What’s Happening During the Week at St. John’s?

Announcements for April 23
The Third Sunday of Easter

Announcements for April 9
Holy Week and Easter Sunday

What We Believe: The Creeds of the Church… and Beyond!
Parish Hall from 1:00-3:30

Announcements for April 2
Palm Sunday

This Sunday: March 26
Rector’s Forum: Understanding Alzheimer’s and Dementia
Who We Are: History and Structure of the Episcopal Church

Rector’s Forum: Understanding Alzheimer’s and Dementia.
After worship in the Parish Hall.

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Who We are: History and Structure of the Episcopal Church
Parish Hall from 1:00-3:30

Announcements for March 26
The Fifth Sunday in Lent

This Sunday: March 12
How We Pray: Worship in the Episcopal Church
Parish Hall from 1:00-3:30

Announcements for March 12
The Third Sunday in Lent