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

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The Good News of St. John’s

April, 2023

  1. 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.

    _______________________________________________

    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

  2. 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?

    ______________________________________________________________

    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.comAnchor.

    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

  3. 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.

    ______________________________________________________

    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