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

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The Good News of St. John’s

April, 2024

  1. April 26th

    The Good News from St. John’s Kingston

    What’s happening this Sunday?

    • Deacon Sue Bonsteel will preach for us this Sunday. Don’t miss it!
    • Parents, please bring your young ones upstairs for the beginning of worship. We have a Sunday School activity planned for the children.
    • After worship, stay for a conversation about the Parish Life Committee. See the description below.

    Parish Life Committee 

    What is a Parish Life Committee? There are congregations of all sizes across the Episcopal Church who have a Parish Life Committee. This group is basically about food and parties. While the Vestry makes decisions about the temporal assets of a church (building, money, etc.), the Parish Life Committee brings the fun!

    Things like: game nights, special Sunday receptions, Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper… or even fundraisers or community events.

    And the Parish Life Committee needs YOU! No one wants to have the responsibility of running an event all on their shoulders, so this group ensures that doesn’t happen. If you’re already bringing things for potlucks and brunches, you’ve got the stuff to be involved in this vital ministry.

    Join us this Sunday after worship to talk more about it!
    ________________________________________________________________________________________

    From Our Warden

    Dear Friends,

    I wanted to reassure you of the Vestry’s commitment to you during the upcoming months. With Michelle’s departure, it is important that the community of St. John’s continues to works together for our mission to be a bridge of God’s love to each other and to the community. We all care deeply about St. John’s and one another. Although we do not know the path that the Holy Spirit may take us, we do know that with love and prayer that we will be guided to make the best decisions possible, Please reach out to me or any members of the vestry about your concerns, questions and suggestions. Deacon Sue continues to be a wonderful pastoral support for all of us.

    Currently, we are working on a plan for having a wonderful brunch to celebrate Michelle on her last Sunday with us, June 2 after worship. Join us for this special celebration of the time we have had together.

    We are also working to formalize a plan for the months of June, July, and August. This will include several opportunities for worship with supply priests, celebrating with Holy Cross/Santa Cruz, Morning Prayer, and other options. We are also working with our new Canon to the Ordinary, the Rev. Canon Alissa Newton to explore many options for the future life of St. Johns. We will be sharing more information as it unfolds. But most importantly, let us hold each other in prayer and support.

    Our community is strong and the future holds possibilities yet unknown. This is a sign of faith.

    Be well, my friends,
    Leah
    (845) 380-8413
    ________________________________________________________________________________________

    The Fabric of Church Life


    Dear Ones,

    As I prepare to leave my role as your rector on June 2, I have been “walking down memory lane,” as the old adage goes. Remembering so many meals with parishioners and chats over coffee. Thinking about tender moments in the lives of so many of you as well as our collective life as a community.  And all the Sundays and Easters and Christmases. Eight years holds so many memories that will forever be etched on my heart. I’m a grateful woman.

    In all of these memories, the pieces that come strongest to my attention are like threads of a fabric – communication and care.

    Communication is how we know we are in relationship with another person. I recall a bishop talking about this and she said that, when we stop to think about it, our entire relationship with a person is built on the interactions we’ve had with them. I, for one, know that I am always incredibly grateful when someone takes the time to communicate something to me – whether that be appreciation/gratitude or even fears/concerns when they help to communicate a deeper desire. We humans need to communicate because we need to know who we are for each other.

    Caring, like love, is an active verb. I think we best demonstrate our care by showing up – participating in worship, social hour, planning, helping with projects. These are all ways we demonstrate our care for one another. And, of course, offering a caring word or just listening when someone is having a difficult time or celebrating something that’s meaningful.

    Communication and care are the weft and warp of the fabric that is our common life as Church. Without them both, community falls apart. With them, community can never be broken.

    As the community of St. John’s begins to move through this transition, I ask that you keep both of these as a focus. And please stay tuned to this Newsletter as the primary tool of communication from the Vestry.

    In God’s love and mine,
    Rev. Michelle

  2. April 21st

    The Good News from St. John’s Kingston

    Coming Up at St. John’s

    What’s happening this Sunday?

    • It’s the third Sunday of the month and that means it’s Healing Sunday so we will have someone offering healing prayers during Communion.
    • After worship, there is Choir Rehearsal. Please reach out to our Director of Music, Terry Earles, if you’re interested in becoming a part of the choir.
    • The regular St. John’s Vestry Meeting will be at 11:45. If you’d like to reach out to a member of vestry for any reason, you will find their names listed in the bulletin each Sunday. And, you’ll find copies of the current parish directory available in the Sacristy.
    ________________________________________________________________________________________

    The Fabric of Church Life


    Dear Ones,

    As we announced last week, my final Sunday with St. John’s will be June 2. As I prepare to leave this loving community, the Vestry has begun to make plans to guide the community of St. John’s in this transition.

    And I just want to reiterate what I said in my letter to you last week. This is when the Vestry will need your commitment and support. More specifically: What does that look like?

    • Assume the best intentions of everyone.
    • Communicate your questions to the members of vestry.
    • Respond to requests for assistance – more hands make light work. Remember, the Vestry has a lot on their shoulders right now.
    • Respond to requests for input – there will be times when the Vestry needs to hear from you so please take the time and don’t assume your voice doesn’t matter. It does!
    • Come to worship together.
    • Pray for one another.
    • Remember that God is in this with you.

    All of this is the fabric of our common life together as Christ’s body.

    More information is coming as the Vestry makes plans. Please stay tuned to this Newsletter as the primary tool of communication from the Vestry.

    In God’s love and mine,
    Rev. Michelle
    ________________________________________________________________________________________

    Announcements for April 21:
    The Fourth Sunday of Easter

    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

    • Pastoral Care Meeting: Sunday, May 5 after worship. Come and be a part of the compassion and care fabric of St. John’s. Pastoral Care is about finding ways to reach out to anyone who needs a little extra care as we learn to care for one another more deeply in Christ’s love. Talk to Laura Ricci for more information.
    • Parish Life Committee: St. John’s is forming a new group who will oversee the church calendar and organize events like fundraisers, dinners, and celebrations. We’re all about food and parties! Come and learn more at the introductory forum on April 28 after worship.
    • Sunday School Assistance: Our Godly Play program is an integral part of life at St. John’s. Here’s how you can help: Volunteer to be the assistant. You don’t have to prepare anything, you just have to be present for the first half of worship with the children and our Godly Play Storyteller. Please talk to Leah for more information.
    • Did you know we have an Anglican Rosary? If you are interested in learning about it, you are invited to join Rita Carver, an Education for Ministry mentor, on Saturday mornings at 9:00 to learn to pray our Rosary. To sign up or learn more contact Rita at rita.k.carver@gmail.com
    • 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: May 2: North Woods by Daniel Mason. Speak to Lynn Dennison, Barbara Johnston, or Claudette Ford for more info.
    • 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 to learn more about the choir.
    • 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 at 845-594-2181.

  3. April 13, 2024 – Special Announcement

    A message from Rev. Michelle and a message from Deacon Sue Bonsteel and Warden Leah Siuta.

     

    Dear Ones,

    It is with a mixture of sadness and hope that I share with you my decision to leave St. John’s. In some ways, this was not an easy decision and in other ways it was a very simple one.

    When I came to St. John’s after being on a bishop’s staff, it was because I wanted to pastor a parish community – to be a part of and learn more about the fabric of parish life. And now, after 8 years of walking with you as your Rector, it’s time for me to explore another call/position in the Church. I don’t yet know what that will look like or where that will be.

    And the time has come for St. John’s to discern how God is calling you to continue living into your common life in Christ. The financial concerns that St. John’s is facing, while difficult, are certainly not insurmountable. You have resources and options. You also have a new Bishop and his staff who care very deeply about our congregations. It’s clear to me that St. John’s is being called to new life and I don’t know what that will look like. But I do know that, in order for it to happen, you must continue without me as your Rector.

    The reason that this has been a simple decision for me is because of the clarity I have received in prayer and in conversation with trusted advisors. And, honestly, that clarity comes because of my love for you. Which is also the reason that this has not been an easy decision – it’s never easy to leave people you love.

    In 2016-17, soon after my arrival, we discerned a new mission statement – to be a bridge of God’s Love. As I reflect, I recall the times of celebration and great joy as well as the moments in which we supported one another though difficultly. Throughout, we remained committed to one another and to Christ. There is no question that St. John’s is an open and affirming community and we have grown because of that commitment to being a bridge of God’s love. Those of you who joined St. John’s after the start of the pandemic, I hope you know how much the community is deepened by your presence and your commitment. Today, St. John’s is a bridge of God’s Love, a community that witnesses to the truth that all are welcome at God’s Table.

    Your Vestry will need your commitment and support as they move forward in discernment. Deacon Sue Bonsteel and your Warden Leah Siuta will be your wise guides. My final worship service with you will be Sunday, June 2. After that, I will be spending the months of June, July, and August on sabbatical and in discernment. During this time, Ana and I will continue to live in the Rectory.

    It has been my privilege to be your Rector. I have learned much and have grown as a priest during this time. My faith in Christ has deepened because of you and Ana and I are both grateful for the love you have shown to us these past years. I feel a kinship with you as a community and genuine love for each of you. So, as your priest and your friend, I will miss you. My comfort lies in the teaching of our Savior Jesus Christ, who tells us that this love will not be broken because love itself never dies.

    In God’s love and mine,
    Rev. Michelle

         ___________________________________________________

     

    Dear Friends,

    We imagine that after reading Michelle’s letter you are experiencing a range of emotions. We want you to know that whatever you are feeling is understandable and that you are not alone. We invite you talk with us, to share your concerns and to offer your support to one another. Many of us have gone through several transitions here at St. John’s and we know that this time can offer unique challenges. However, it may also offer opportunities to deepen our relationships and surprise us with unexpected blessings. It is important to remember that God is always with us.

    We want to express our love, appreciation, and best wishes to Michelle and Ana as they discern what’s next for them. They have both shared their gifts of ministry with St. John’s and have built strong relationships. Yet we also acknowledge that this will be a challenging time for them as well. Our prayer for them is that their future may be filled with many new opportunities to share God’s love with others as they have shared God’s love with us.

    Please be reassured that our Vestry will also be using these upcoming months to discern the possibilities for St. John’s. While we at this moment are unsure of what lies ahead, we are filled with the knowledge that we are still a strong, caring community of love for one other. We are committed to our mission that we are a Bridge of God’s Love to the World. There are many avenues to consider going forward. And we ask for your thoughts, concerns, ideas, and prayers as we do this work together.

    We will be working closely with the Rev. Alissa Newton, who is the Canon to the Ordinary, and with the support of the Diocese of New York. Please join us in prayer for our church family that we will continue to live fully into all that God is calling us to be. May we embrace this journey with a sense of gratitude and hope.

    Sue   The Rev. Deacon Susan Bonsteel (retired)

    Leah  Leah Siuta, Warden

  4. April 4, 2024

    Coming Up at St. John’s

    This Sunday: All Ages Worship

    This Sunday is All Ages Worship and Rev. Michelle will tell the story of Doubting Thomas. Well, she will tell a story about him and how important questions are in our faith lives. See you Sunday morning at 10:00 am!

    ____________________

    New Life in the Season of Easter


    Dear Ones,

    Alleluia! Christ is risen!

    Although this week may have been a little on the cold and wet side, I know we can all see evidence of springtime coming up alongside us. Bushes and trees are leafing. Daffodils are all over the place. Forsythia are flaming into bloom. It’s early spring in New York.

    As I reflect on this during the first week of Easter, I am reminded of how important it is for us to pay attention. Especially as we grow older, I think it’s easy for us to grow disenchanted with life. In something as amazing as early spring – with all that happens in this season – we can so easily stop paying attention to it because… we see it every spring.

    But I hope for you that you stop awhile, in the busyness of your lives, and offer your attention. Offer your attention to the new life as it arises from the earth, how delicate and how powerful this new life is. Consider all the factors and conditions that have gone into producing a simple bud on a tree. Why a daffodil is shaped the way it is. What it means that life goes through cycles instead of just continuing to produce and produce and produce all the time.

    It’s when we stop all of the task work and just rest in the glory of God that we find we experience new life. So, rest in this glory. Let it spark your imagination. Allow it to wash over you and take root in your soul.

    This is Easter. Alleluia!

    In God’s love and mine,
    Rev. Michelle

    ____________________________

     

    Announcements for April 7: The Second Sunday of Easter

    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

    • Baptisms! May 19: Rev. Michelle will be baptizing people on May 19, the Feast of Pentecost – that’s just a few weeks away! If you are interested in baptism for either yourself or your child, please reach out ASAP to Rev. Michelle so that she can provide preparation. Email her at michelle.stjohnskingston@gmail.com
    • Sunday School Assistance: Our Godly Play program is an integral part of life at St. John’s. Here’s how you can help: Volunteer to be the assistant. You don’t have to prepare anything, you just have to be present for the first half of worship with the children and our Godly Play Storyteller. Please talk to Leah for more information.
    • Did you know we have an Anglican Rosary? If you are interested in learning about it, you are invited to join Rita Carver, an Education for Ministry mentor, on Saturday mornings at 9:00 to learn to pray our Rosary. To sign up or learn more contact Rita at rita.k.carver@gmail.com
    • 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: May 2: North Woods by Daniel Mason. Speak to Lynn Dennison, Barbara Johnston, or Claudette Ford for more info.
    • Pastoral Care Meeting May 5: Come and be a part of the compassion and care fabric of St. John’s. Pastoral Care is about finding ways to reach out to anyone who needs a little extra care as we learn to care for one another more deeply in Christ’s love. Talk to Laura Ricci for more information.
    • 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 to learn more about the choir.
    • 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 at 845-594-2181.

    St. John’s Upcoming Schedule
    See stjohnskingston.org/welcome/event-calendar for more info.

    April 7                   All Ages Worship
    April 13                 Vestry Retreat at Holy Cross Monastery
    April 14                 Godly Play for kids
    April 21                 Healing Sunday; Choir rehearsal; Vestry Meeting
    April 28                 After Worship Forum – St. John’s Parish Life Committee
    May 19                  Feast of Pentecost