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The Good News of St. John’s
January, 2024
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January 19th
The Good News from St. John’s Kingston
Coming Up at St. John’s
St. John’s Annual Meeting: January 28
One of the most important Sundays every year is our St. John’s Annual Meeting. This year, on Sunday, January 28 at 10:00 am. What happens at the Annual Meeting? We’re glad you asked!
- Meet in the Parish Hall
- Eucharist, praying, singing of hymns
- Reflection on the ministry of 2023 offered by Rev. Michelle
- Brunch – bring something to share!
- Voting in new Vestry Members
- Thank you to outgoing Vestry Members
- Conversation about the coming year of St. John’s ministry, including finances
- Childcare for all children so parents can fully join in the meeting
- Good fellowship
We’re looking forward to this year’s Annual Meeting and we hope you’ll be there to celebrate!
St. John’s Upcoming Schedule
As we begin the new year, please make note of important dates coming up at St. John’s. You can always find the most updated calendar at: http://www.stjohnskingston.org/welcome/event-calendar/
Jan 21 Healing Sunday; Choir Rehearsal after worship
Jan 28 St. John’s Annual Meeting; Children’s Formation available
Feb 4 All Ages Worship
Feb 10 Installation of the Rt. Rev. Matt Heyd as Bishop of New York, Cathedral of St. John the Divine, NYC
Feb 11 Godly Play for kids
Feb 13 Shrove Tuesday Mardi Gras Pancake Supper
Feb 14 Ash Wednesday, Worship at 12:00 pm and 7:00 pm; Ashes-to-go 7-9 am and 4-6 pm
Feb 18 Healing Sunday, Choir Rehearsal after worship
Feb 25 Children’s Formation available
Mar 2 Ulster Deanery Meeting, 9-2, Holy Cross/Santa Cruz, Kingston
Mar 3 All Ages Worship, Angel Food East Fundraiser – Mac-n-Cheese Bakeoff at Keegan Ales, 2-5 pm.
Mar 10 Godly Play for kids
Mar 17 Healing Sunday, Choir Rehearsal after worship
Mar 25 Palm Sunday, Children’s Formation available
Mar 28 Maundy Thursday Dinner and Worship at 6:00 pm
Mar 29 Good Friday Prayer Service at 1:00 pm
Mar 30 Holy Saturday, Easter Vigil at 8:00 pm
Mar 31 Easter Sunday________________________________________________________________________________________ Christmas Outreach to Episcopal Relief and Development
Thank you to all who made an offering to our Christmas Outreach Fundraiser. Through both the memorials and the plate collection at both Christmas Eve services, we gathered a total of $747 that will go to support Episcopal Relief and Development. ERD does important work as the outreach arm of the Episcopal Church and has several priority projects, in addition to offering immediate relief in areas hit by war and disaster. Learn more about the good work of ERD here. And thank you to our Outreach Committee for all your work in organizing the outreach ministry of St. John’s.
St. John’s Bible Study UpdateThere is no longer Bible Study on Sunday mornings. And Wednesday online Bible Study will now begin at 12:15 pm. Go to: stjohnskingston.org/celebrate-pray/online to join. Questions? Speak with Rev. Michelle
Bad Weather? Good Question!
Are we having worship?
Tis the season for challenging weather conditions. Anytime we think there may be a travel concern due to weather, pay close attention to all of our communications channels: Instagram, Facebook, and email. Rev. Michelle will put an announcement out on Saturday sometime before 8:00 pm ONLY IF worship is either canceled OR we move the worship to Zoom. If there is no announcement, we will worship in the sanctuary as normal.
Who takes care of the parking lot and sidewalks?
We have a plowing company who comes anytime there is a snowfall of at least 3 inches. They clear the parking lot, driveway, ramp, and sidewalks. If the snow continues, however, they will wait until the snowfall is done so they don’t have to charge us twice for more than one visit.However, if it’s a small snowfall or ice, it’s up to us as a church community to make sure our entrances and exits are as safe as we can make them. There are shovels and ice melt stored in the vestibule outside the kitchen. If you’re here on one of those sorta snowy days or if you have an half an hour to come over and make sure the ramp is clear, please do. Call or text Rev. Michelle and she can make sure you get into the building.
________________________________________________________________________________________ 2024 Vestry Nominees
Every year at our Annual Meeting, we elect new people to our Vestry and offer thanks for those who have served and whose terms have been completed. Each term on Vestry is 3 years. We also elect a new Warden every year, because the Warden’s term is 2 years. You can learn more about the responsibilities of Vestry on our website at: http://www.stjohnskingston.org/welcome/church-leadership/
Please be sure to come to our Annual Meeting on January 28. We will combine worship with the business of the congregation so we begin at 10:00 am. There will be a children’s activity that day so that parents can easily join us.
Warden Election: This year, we have no one to stand for the Warden election. So, Claudette Ford has graciously agreed to serve for a few months as a Warden emeritus to support our ongoing Warden, Leah Siuta. Thank you to both of our Wardens for your continued leadership!
Vestry Member Election: This year we have 3 slots to fill and 3 people have discerned they would like to stand for election. Please offer your thanks to all 3 for offering to serve our church community in this way. They are:
- Keith Ferber – Keith already serves as Treasurer and, because we had an open slot after last year’s ballot, the Vestry voted to appoint him to that slot in May of last year. Because this slot was open last year, we are electing Keith to finish that 3-year term, completing it in 2026.
- Michelle Hoffman – Michelle has been coming to St. John’s for a number of years now and brings her 3 young children – Mira, Xavier, and Isla. She’s an active part of the childrens/families ministry. This 3 year-year term will end in 2027.
- Bruce Dodge – Bruce is a new member of St. John’s and was just received into the Episcopal Church on December 10 by Bishop Mary. He’s an active member of the choir. This 3 year-year term will end in 2027.
And thank you to our ongoing Vestry members: Sara Hutton, Paula Wisneski, and Kathy Burdick.
________________________________________________________________________________________ Family
Dear Ones,I want to let you all know that over the next few weeks, I’ll be taking some time to attend to some family health concerns that have arisen.
First, as many of you know, my mother, Judie, has dementia and has been living with me and Ana for the past 15 months. Her disease has progressed to the point that she needs to move into assisted living. In looking at all the options, we have decided to move her next week into a lovely facility run by the United Methodist Church in her hometown of Meadville. She already feels better about moving “home.” We will be gone during the week but I will be here for the Annual Meeting on Sunday.
Thank you, all, for the welcome she has received when she attends worship with us. She wasn’t raised in church so she’s unfamiliar with how gracious a church family can be. Please don’t worry if she isn’t in church this week, of course it will depend on how she’s feeling that morning.
Second, my father, David, was very ill a few weeks ago and is going through a long recovery. It’s been quite a while since I’ve been able to spend time with him, so I will be traveling to Florida for a week to visit him and my step-mother, Linda, and to support his recovery, leaving the day after the annual meeting on January 29.
Finally, a few years ago Ana discovered that her carotid arteries are clogged. At that time, she only needed to have one cleaned out. Now, however, we have learned that the other is in need of cleaning. So, Ana will be undergoing surgery on Monday, February 5 (carotid endarterectomy). Because of all the pre-surgery testing, unfortunately, she will be unable to travel to Florida with me the week before. Good news: Squeaky clean carotids from this point forward!
What does all this mean? First, I’d love your prayers for me and my family as we move through these next weeks. Also, I will essentially be on vacation from January 29 – February 12. Our friends Janet Vincent and Heidi Newmark will be your priests on Feb 4 and 11. They are both excited about being with you. Janet is especially excited to be with you for All Ages Worship!
I will attend the Installation of Bishop Matthew Heyd on February 10 to represent St. John’s and will be back with you for our Shrove Tuesday pancake supper and, of course, Ash Wednesday.
Thank you, in advance, for holding us all in prayer. And thank you for your continued faithfulness and ministry.
In God’s love and mine,
Rev. Michelle -
January 11th
The Good News from St. John’s Kingston
Coming Up at St. John’s
THIS WEEK:
Godly Play for Kids and
King Cake, and Jambalaya After WorshipThis coming Sunday, January 14, we hope that all our kids will be able to come for Godly Play. Then, after worship, we will celebrate the Season after the Epiphany with a King Cake and jambalaya, provided by Bruce Dodge. Be sure to join us!
St. John’s Upcoming Schedule
As we begin the new year, please make note of important dates coming up at St. John’s. You can always find the most updated calendar at: http://www.stjohnskingston.org/welcome/event-calendar/
Jan 14 Godly Play for kids; After worship: King Cake and jambalaya!
Jan 21 Healing Sunday; Choir Rehearsal after worship
Jan 28 St. John’s Annual Meeting; Children’s Formation available
Feb 4 All Ages Worship
Feb 10 Installation of the Rt. Rev. Matt Heyd as Bishop of New York, Cathedral of St. John the Divine, NYC
Feb 11 Godly Play for kids
Feb 13 Shrove Tuesday Mardi Gras Pancake Supper
Feb 14 Ash Wednesday, Worship at 12:00 pm and 7:00 pm; Ashes-to-go 7-9 am and 4-6 pm
Feb 18 Healing Sunday, Choir Rehearsal after worship
Feb 25 Children’s Formation available
Mar 2 Ulster Deanery Meeting, 9-2, Holy Cross/Santa Cruz, Kingston
Mar 3 All Ages Worship, Angel Food East Fundraiser – Mac-n-Cheese Bakeoff at Keegan Ales, 2-5 pm.
Mar 10 Godly Play for kids; Mac-n-Cheese Bakeoff at Keegan Ales from 2-5 pm (fundraiser for Angel Food East)
Mar 17 Healing Sunday, Choir Rehearsal after worship
Mar 25 Palm Sunday, Children’s Formation available
Mar 28 Maundy Thursday Dinner and Worship at 6:00 pm
Mar 29 Good Friday Prayer Service at 1:00 pm
Mar 30 Holy Saturday, Easter Vigil at 8:00 pm
Mar 31 Easter Sunday________________________________________________________________________________________ Continue bringing your 2024 pledge cards!
The Pledge Campaign maybe over but we continue to receive pledge cards. Blank pledge cards are available beside the bulletins as you walk in. Just fill it out and place it into the plate during the Offertory.
If you are unable to come on Sunday, simply contact our Stewardship Chair Kathy Burdick at burdickka8889@gmail.com to report your pledge for 2024. Thank you for your pledge to the mission of St. John’s!Bad Weather? Good Question!
Tis the season for challenging weather conditions. Anytime we think there may be a travel concern due to weather, pay close attention to all of our communications channels: Instagram, Facebook, and email. Rev. Michelle will put an announcement out on Saturday sometime before 8:00 pm ONLY IF worship is either canceled OR we move the worship to Zoom. If there is no announcement, we will worship in the sanctuary as normal.
2024 Vestry Nominees
Every year at our Annual Meeting, we elect new people to our Vestry and offer thanks for those who have served and whose terms have been completed. Each term on Vestry is 3 years. We also elect a new Warden every year, because the Warden’s term is 2 years. You can learn more about the responsibilities of Vestry on our website at: http://www.stjohnskingston.org/welcome/church-leadership/
Please be sure to come to our Annual Meeting on January 28. We will combine worship with the business of the congregation so we begin at 10:00 am. There will be a children’s activity that day so that parents can easily join us.
Warden Election: This year, we have no one to stand for the Warden election. So, Claudette Ford has graciously agreed to serve for a few months as a Warden emeritus to support our ongoing Warden, Leah Siuta. Thank you to both of our Wardens for your continued leadership!
Vestry Member Election: This year we have 3 slots to fill and 3 people have discerned they would like to stand for election. Please offer your thanks to all 3 for offering to serve our church community in this way. They are:
- Keith Ferber – Keith already serves as Treasurer and, because we had an open slot after last year’s ballot, the Vestry voted to appoint him to that slot in May of last year. Because this slot was open last year, we are electing Keith to finish that 3-year term, completing it in 2026.
- Michelle Hoffman – Michelle has been coming to St. John’s for a number of years now and brings her 3 young children – Mira, Xavier, and Isla. She’s an active part of the childrens/families ministry. This 3 year-year term will end in 2027.
- Bruce Dodge – Bruce is a new member of St. John’s and was just received into the Episcopal Church on December 10 by Bishop Mary. He’s an active member of the choir. This 3 year-year term will end in 2027.
And thank you to our ongoing Vestry members: Sara Hutton, Paula Wisneski, and Kathy Burdick.
Turning On A Light
Dear Ones,Today, I offer you a short piece that reflects one of my favorite movie quotes: “Sometimes it’s easy to forget that we spend most of our time stumbling around in the dark. Suddenly, a light gets turned on… ”
(Marty Baron from the movie Spotlight)Our spiritual journey isn’t necessarily always going to be one that includes turning on a light and seeing the shadows in our lives. The season of Epiphany is the time in our liturgical year that compels us to do this. I think sometimes we believe that, if we don’t look at something that is nagging at us, we can just continue on… through perseverance and strength. But I have come to believe that the magi’s trip to the manger tells us a different story.
For it’s not a bare light bulb that gets turned on as if we’re being questioned by someone who just wants to judge us or punish us. The light that gets turned on, is the Light of Christ – A compassionate light that helps us to develop the same love and compassion that Jesus demonstrated in his life. And this light helps us to see all of creation as wholly Beloved. In this light, we are not judged. But we do develop the capacity to hold ourselves accountable to the gift of Life we have been given and that we share with all.
In God’s love and mine,
Rev. Michelle________________________________________________________________________________________ Announcements for January 14
The Second Sunday After the EpiphanySt. John’s Office Hours
Wednesdays 10:00-12:00 noon
Thursdays 1:00-4:00 pm
Phone: 845-331-2252
Email: stjohnskingston@aol.com- THIS SUNDAY: Godly Play and King Cake after worship.
- Page Turners Book Club meets the first Thursday of the month, at 2 pm, in the parish hall. New members are always welcome! Upcoming selections: Feb 8: The Covenant of Water, by Abraham Verghese; Mar 7: The Heaven and Earth Grocery Store, by James McBride. Speak to Lynn Dennison, Barbara Johnston, or Claudette Ford for more info.
- St. John’s Annual Meeting: January 28 Mark your calendars and be sure to attend the St. John’s Annual Meeting this year. We combine our worship with the business of the parish for an informative, reflective, and spiritually sustaining morning. Brunch will be served.
- Online Morning Prayer: Join hundreds of others from across the Episcopal Diocese of New York every weekday morning at 8:00 am. Start your day with prayer, connection, and peace. Go to dioceseny.org/online-morning-prayer to join.
- Choir Rehearsal takes place on the third Sunday every month. Please speak with Terry Earles.
- Children’s Formation Schedule Younger people are always welcome to worship. There is a family space set aside with right-sized tables/chairs and toys. We also offer the following schedule of children’s formation: First Sunday-All Ages Worship; Second Sunday-Godly Play Story; Fourth Sunday-Children’s Activity.
- Social Hour Sign-up! If you enjoy staying after worship for snacks and socializing, please sign up to host. The sign-up sheet is on the bulletin board in the vestibule. Talk to Barbara Johnston if you have questions.
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January 4th
The Good News from St. John’s Kingston
This Week at St. John’s
All Ages Worship, King Cake, and Jambalaya
This coming Sunday is All Ages Worship and, because we’re coming to the end of the Christmas season, we’ll be telling the Epiphany story, where the three magi have followed the star to witness God’s Reign of Love breaking into the world. Afterwards, we will celebrate the Epiphany with a King Cake and jambalaya, provided by Bruce Dodge. Be sure to join us!
What if it snows?
We are predicted to get our first significant snow-fall this year on Saturday night. However, by Sunday morning the streets will likely be cleared. For now, we’re planning to have worship in the sanctuary as normal.
If we cancel: Not just this weekend, but anytime there is a question about weather conditions, pay close attention to all of our communications channels: Instagram, Facebook, and email. Rev. Michelle will put an announcement out on Saturday night around 8:00 pm ONLY IF worship is canceled or we move the worship to Zoom. There, you will receive clear instructions about how to connect via Zoom.
If there is no announcement, we will worship in the sanctuary as normal.
________________________________________________________________________________________ Continue bringing your pledge cards!
The Pledge Campaign maybe over but we continue to receive pledge cards. Blank pledge cards are available beside the bulletins as you walk in. Just fill it out and place it into the plate during the Offertory.
If you are unable to come on Sunday, simply contact our Stewardship Chair Kathy Burdick at burdikka8889@gmail.com to report your pledge for 2024. Thank you for your pledge to the mission of St. John’s!________________________________________________________________________________________ Always, We Begin Again
Dear Ones,At the beginning of every new year, I spend the month of January reading through a small book by John McQuiston called Always We Begin Again The Benedictine Way of Living. It may surprise you that McQuiston is not a monk and was not a “well-churched” person for much of his life. However, he came to learn about the Rule of St. Benedict and wrote this small little book as a way of opening up the wisdom given to us about St. Benedict so that we could hear it more easily through our modern ears.
I highly recommend this book. The readings are short and direct, easy to make it into a daily or every-other-daily practice for this month. For there is no better time than the beginning of the calendar year to remind us that always, we begin again.
Here’s one day’s reading – a quote that is deeply meaningful to me today:
At the beginning of each day
after we open our eyes
to receive the light
of that day,As we listen to the voices
and the sounds
that surround us,We must resolve to treat each hour
as the rarest of gifts,
and be grateful
for the consciousness
that allows us to experience it,
recalling in thanks
that our awareness is a present
from we know not where,
or how, or why.When we rise from sleep let us rise for the joy
of the true Work that we will be about this day,
and considerately cheer one another on.Life will always provide matters for concern,
yet each day brings with it reason for joy.Each day carries the potential
to bring the experience of heaven;
have the courage to expect good from it.Be gentle with this life,
and use the light of life
to live fully in your time.Happy New Year, everyone.
In God’s love and mine,
Rev. Michelle -
December 22nd
The Good News from St. John’s Kingston
This Week at St. John’s
Christmas Memorials – There is still time!
Each year, we honor those who have died and we offer thanks for the blessings of our lives through our Christmas Memorials, which are listed in our Christmas Eve bulletin. You can give to support our Christmas poinsettia fund or to our outreach offering to Episcopal Relief and Development… or both!
If you have not been able to fill out a card, simply email Rev. Michelle by noon on Friday, December 22 so your memorial can get into the Christmas Eve bulletin.December 24: Advent IV and Christmas Eve
3 worship services, one day10:00 am Our final worship service of Advent is a spoken Eucharist. Come for a quiet, prayerful morning before the festivities begin.
4:00 pm Christmas Eve All Ages Worship is a sing-along and story-telling service designed for younger ears. Bring along friends and family and help us all tell the story together.
8:00 pm Christmas Eve Festive Choral Worship is when we pull out all the stops – a hymn-filled joyful celebration of Christ’s birth, including Silent Night by candlelight. This year, followed by a dessert reception! Carol singing and music recital begins at 7:30 pm.
Rectory Christmas Eve Reception – Return to A Tradition
Immediately after the 8:00 pm Christmas Eve WorshipBefore the pandemic, the St. John’s Community would gather every year in the Rectory for a dessert/snack reception after the evening service on Christmas Eve. This year, Rev. Michelle and Ana are delighted to resume this tradition. All are invited to this festive event!
If you’d like to bring something to share, please do – desserts, snacks, beverages. Or just bring yourself. If you do bring something to share, either leave it in your car during worship or bring it into the church and leave it in the parish hall.________________________________________________________________________________________ Continue bringing your pledge cards!
The Pledge Campaign maybe over but we continue to receive pledge cards. Blank pledge cards are available beside the bulletins as you walk in. Just fill it out and place it into the plate during the Offertory.
If you are unable to come on Sunday, simply contact our Stewardship Chair Kathy Burdick at burdikka8889@gmail.com to report your pledge for 2024. Thank you for your pledge to the mission of St. John’s!________________________________________________________________________________________ Thank you!
Dear Ones,As I hope we understand, church is not a one-person show. I may be the one talking a lot… and I do really go on sometimes. But there are so many people who step up – especially during this time of year – to do a little more (or a lot more!) to make our Christmas celebration a truly festive occasion.First, I offer my thanks to Terry Earles our Director of Music and the entire choir who lead us in song. Terry loves his work and I am grateful for his dedication. They will be resting their “pipes” this Sunday morning, as we have a spoken Eucharistic service without hymns, so their voices will be nice and refreshed for Christmas Eve.
Next, I offer thanks to all who helped to spruce up our worship space and who stayed after worship on Dec 17 to decorate our Sanctuary – especially the Sacristan team led by Lynn Dennison. It makes a huge difference to us every year that the Sanctuary is decorated so beautifully.
I also offer thanks to our Pastoral Care team who also stayed after worship to write Christmas cards to people who are new or who may be in need of a reminder about just how much God loves them. Laura Ricci leads this effort every year and Cathe Decker makes the beautiful cards herself.
And I offer my deep thanks to the members of the Vestry – Claudette Ford and Leah Siuta as Wardens, and members Paula Wisneski, Sara Hutton, Nilsa Rodriguez-Jaca, Kathy Burdick, and Keith Ferber. They do so much of the “heavy lifting” behind the scenes, making sure that the building functions, and our financial assets are looked after.
And also our staff! Brian Silver has been doing amazing things in tending to our rental clients and being the point person for maintenance of the building. And Pat Allen makes sure that all our bills are paid. They are both terrific at their jobs.
Of course, I give unending thanks for my wife Ana. Ana has her own responsibilities as the music director at Santa Cruz, plus her own work as a retreat leader, composer, and musician… but this time of year, she always makes sure that I have what I need and she gives of herself to this community of St. John’s as much as she is able.
Finally, I thank all of you for coming to worship with your community at St. John’s. It means something to me every time I see your face in the pews and I know for sure that it means so much to everyone else who worships alongside you.
Oh… and thank you, God, for all of this.
May our final days of Advent be blessed with the hope we need in our hearts and may our Christmas be festive and joyous!
In God’s love and mine,
Rev. Michelle