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

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The Good News of St. John’s

May, 2024

  1. May 30th

    The Good News from St. John’s Kingston

    This Sunday!

    Help us celebrate Rev. Michelle’s ministry with us! Join us for All Ages Worship on Sunday, June 2 and a potluck party afterwards. Let’s have a festive brunch – sign-up sheets are in the vestibule.

    Next Week: June 9

    Join Rev. Tyler Jones for church service. Godly Play will be offered for young people upstairs during the first part of our service.
    ________________________________________________________________________________________

    A Note from Leah Siuta, St. John’s Warden

    Saying good byes are always difficult as they mark the end of a chapter in our community life. Saying good bye to Michelle is particularly difficult because she has been with us for 8 years and has brought us inspiration, wisdom, guidance, and love. We give thanks for her Ministry and her devotion to St. John’s. We will cherish the memories we have created along the way. Please join us on June 2nd as we celebrate her ministry with us. We will be having a special reception after the 10:00 service. Michelle, we wish you and Ana, much joy as you start this next chapter of your lives. Know that you will be missed!

    With love,
    Leah Siuta, Warden
    (845) 380-8413
    Leah.StJohnsKingston@gmail.com
    ________________________________________________________________________________________

    From Rev. Michelle

    Dear Ones,

    This is my last missive to you as your priest. And I want to spend this space and your time on where I see hope in you – the community of St. John’s.

    Over these 8 years as your priest, I must have talked/preached/written about change more than just about any other topic. The church is
    definitely changing. The Gospel itself never changes but how we “do” church and what church looks like – these are the specific ways we see this change manifesting. And this, I believe, is a most hopeful thing. We may engage in nostalgia on occasion, but it does none of us any good to live in how things used to be or try to make it like it was. Because where we are called to be, and where God always is, is forever going to be here and now with the people of God, serving one another to our best ability.

    I offer this because I am so proud that St. John’s has become a community that embraces change – a community in which God’s Holy Spirit can truly speak herself into being. There are so many signs of this: in how we listen to one another and notice acts of kindness; in how we speak with reverence about God and the myriad ways in which God is made real to us; in how we not only welcome but expect our younger members in worship (we don’t feel complete without them!); in how we boldly pronounce to everyone who drives down Albany Ave that we are open and affirming of LGBTQ people; in how when we say “All are welcome at God’s Table,” we truly mean ALL; and in how we are asking the hard questions about our financial future with courageous hearts.

    I have never found God’s hope in comfort and ease (although, admittedly, that’s nice from time to time). God’s hope, I think, is found in the compassionate and earnest response to what is happening right now.

    And equipping ourselves to be able to do that, is our only true responsibility as Christians.

    • How are you feeding your minds? (news, movies and TV, stories we tell ourselves about ourselves or others)
    • How are you practicing open-heartedness? (assuming kindness in others, being touched by the beauty of God’s creation, gratitude)
    • How are you maturing in your behavior, truly caring for yourself so that you can actually be compassionate, Gospel-centered people who have the capacity to respond to the needs of the world? (practicing forgiveness for others and yourself and actively participating in life)

    My deep wish for you, my beloved friends, is that you continue on this journey of becoming who God is calling you to be. Don’t get lost in stories of comparison. Don’t get mired in wishing that circumstances were different. And don’t lose one another in temporary disappointments. These are the twisted paths down which you will find that character named Satan from our baptismal examination. That one is always up to no good.

    Instead, I invite you to believe – believe in yourself, in one another, in this community, and in God. Believe that, if you bring your courageous hearts to this time of transition, you will be amazed at the possibilities. So, invite one another. Show up for one another. Pay attention to and discern what God’s Holy Spirit is saying with one another. Because this… this is how we know God is with us, when we are with each other becoming what God is calling us to be.

    In God’s love and mine – always,
    Rev. Michelle

  2. May 24, 2024

    This Sunday!

    This Sunday, Godly Play will be offered for young people upstairs during the first part of our Eucharistic service.

    Next Week: June 2

    Help us celebrate Rev. Michelle’s ministry with us! Join us for All Ages Worship on Sunday, June 2 and a potluck party afterwards. Let’s have a festive brunch – sign-up sheets are in the vestibule.

    ____________________

    A Note from Leah Siuta, St. John’s Warden

    It is with a heavy heart that we say our good byes to Rev. Michelle. She has been with us for 8 years now and has brought us inspiration, wisdom, guidance, and love. We give thanks for her Ministry and her devotion to St. John’s. Please join us on June 2nd as we celebrate her ministry with us. We will be having a special reception after the 10:00 service. Thank you Michelle for all you have done, and all you are!

    We have made arrangements for Supply Priests over the summer as well as time to worship with Holy Cross/Santa Cruz. I hope  you  can join us! This is an opportunity for us to continue worshipping as the community of St. Johns , building relationships and cohesiveness. It also allows us to connect with the larger community of Episcopalians in our area. Our vestry will be meeting throughout the summer. We will be working closely with the Diocese of NY and specifically with the Rev. Canon Alissa Newton to explore all options ahead and to help us listen carefully to the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Please share your thoughts, concerns, and visions with me or any members of the Vestry.

    Our schedule for the month of June includes all Sundays at St. Johns

    With love,
    Leah Siuta, Warden
    (845) 380-8413
    Leah.StJohnsKingston@gmail.com

    __________________________

    Announcements for May 26:
    The First Sunday after Pentecost

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

    • Celebration of the Ministry of the Rev. Michelle Meech: Sunday, June 2 after worship. Join us for a Special Brunch and time for fellowship with Rev. Michelle and your friends of St. John’s. We hope you can come to celebrate the 8 years of service and love that Michelle has given our parish! Have time to share your goodbyes while surrounded by the love of St. John’s.
    • St. John’s Book Club The Book Club will meet at 2:00pm on June 6th to discuss “The Only Woman in the Room” by Marie Benedict in the Parish Hall. The Book Club will not be meeting in July and August and will reconvene in September. Enjoy your summer reading!
    • St. John’s Prayer Chain The St. John’s Prayer Chain offers pastoral support to all the members of St. John’s. Please contact us if you need prayers or support: stjohnsprayerchain9@gmail.com
    • Ulster Deanery Meeting The next meeting of the Ulster Deanery is Saturday, June 22 from 9-12 at Christ the King in Stone Ridge. Please be in touch with Leah Siuta if you would like to attend. All members of St. John’s are welcome.
    • South African Music Workshop: Monday, July 1 from 10-2:30, join Episcopal Parishes from all over the diocese for a South African Music Workshop at Redeemer Lutheran Church in New Paltz. Guest presenter Bongani Magatyana. Email Rev. Allison Moore to register: standrewsrev@gmail.com Donation requested but not required.
    • 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, just 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! 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.
    • 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.

    June 2        All Ages Worship and Celebration of Rev. Michelle’s Ministry
    June 9        The Rev. Heidi Neumark (priest), Godly Play for children
    June 16     The Rev. Dcn. Sue Bonsteel preaching for Morning Prayer
    June 22     Ulster Deanery 9-12, Christ the King in Stone Ridge
    June 23     The Rev. Janet Vincent (priest), Pastoral Care Meeting after worship
    June 30     The Rev. Janet Vincent (priest)
    July 7         The Rev. Janet Vincent (priest), Summer Worship in Parish Hall begins
    July 14       The Rev. Janet Vincent (priest)
    July 20       Vestry Retreat
    July 21       The Rev. Canon Alissa Newton, Canon to the Ordinary, Episcopal Diocese of New York. Special Forum: Join Canon Alissa after worship for a conversation about the St. John’s Transition.
    July 28       The Rev. Janet Vincent (priest)
    Aug 4         The Rev. Janet Vincent (priest)
    Aug 11       Worship with Holy Cross/Santa Cruz, 30 Pine Grove Ave
    Aug 18       Worship with Holy Cross/Santa Cruz, 30 Pine Grove Ave
    Aug 25       Worship with Holy Cross/Santa Cruz, 30 Pine Grove Ave
    Sep 1         Worship with Holy Cross/Santa Cruz, 30 Pine Grove Ave

  3. May 17, 2024

    This Sunday: Celebrating the Feast of Pentecost with Baptisms!

    This Sunday, May 19, join us as we baptize three young people – Ameila, Alberto, and Joniel – into the Body of Christ together and celebrate the Feast of Pentecost. We will renew our Baptismal Vows and receive a reminder of our own baptism.

    Save the Date: June 2

    Help us celebrate Rev. Michelle’s ministry with us! Join us for All Ages Worship on Sunday, June 2 and a potluck party afterwards. Let’s have a festive brunch – sign-up sheets are in the vestibule.

     

    ______________

    Pentecost: God’s Holy Spirit


    Dear Ones,

    I think “Pentecost” is one of those words in the Christian vernacular that takes a little unpacking, especially given the landscape of American Christianity. The word “pentecostal,” when describing a church community, refers to a spirit-filled congregation.

    For some, this is combined with a more fundamentalist understanding of theology and followers come to know themselves as so unusually spirit-filled that they are safe from harm (doing dangerous things to prove their faith) or they express themselves in worship through speaking in tongues or involuntary dancing.

    For others, like those of us in the Episcopal Church, we use the word “pentecostal” to evoke an understanding of our willingness to lean in to the wisdom of the Holy Spirit so much so that we are called to action. Not actions that purposefully demonstrate our holiness, but actions that seem to come upon us, provoked by something beyond ourselves – provoked by God’s Holy Spirit. In this way, it is like being let loose.

    But what are we let loose from? How about being let loose from our fear about being accepted or liked… or our sense of decorum about what’s proper or not proper… or our resignation about the brokenness of the world. We could be let loose to offer of ourselves in a new way. Or we could be let loose to finally say the thing that needs to be said.

    A pentecostal moment then, is when we have left behind our need to control, and stepped into a new life – one in which we are accepting of and grateful for what God is already providing for us. And, in so doing, becoming ever more present to and ready for whatever life brings to us as we deepen our faith that God’s Holy Spirit will guide us.

    For a time of transition, such as the one St. John’s is beginning, this knowledge that the Holy Spirit will guide us, is so important. It becomes a bedrock of our faith if we allow ourselves to step into God’s unfolding, knowing that when we show up prayerfully and faithfully, we can discern how God is calling us forward. “Your will, not mine, be done.”

    So, I hope you will join us this coming Sunday for the Feast of Pentecost and join us all as we are let loose by God’s Holy Spirit.

    In God’s love and mine,
    Rev. Michelle

     

    _________________

     

    Announcements for May 19:
    The Feast of Pentecost

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

    • Celebration of the Ministry of the Rev. Michelle Meech: Sunday, June 2 after worship. Join us for a Special Brunch and time for fellowship with Rev. Michelle and your friends of St. John’s. We hope you can come to celebrate the 8 years of service and love that Michelle has given our parish! Have time to share your goodbyes while surrounded by the love of St. John’s.
    • St. John’s Prayer Chain The St. John’s Prayer Chain offers pastoral support to all the members of St. John’s. Please contact us if you need prayers or support: stjohnsprayerchain9@gmail.com
    • Ulster Deanery Meeting The next meeting of the Ulster Deanery is Saturday, June 22 from 9-12 at Christ the King in Stone Ridge. Please be in touch with Leah Siuta if you would like to attend. All members of St. John’s are welcome.
    • South African Music Workshop: Monday, July 1 from 10-2:30, join Episcopal Parishes from all over the diocese for a South African Music Workshop at Redeemer Lutheran Church in New Paltz. Guest presenter Bongani Magatyana. Email Rev. Allison Moore to register: standrewsrev@gmail.com Donation requested but not required.
    • 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, just 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! 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.
    • 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.

    May 19           Feast of Pentecost and Baptisms! Vestry meeting and choir rehearsal after worship
    June 2             All Ages Worship and Celebration of Rev. Michelle’s Ministry
    June 22          Ulster Deanery 9-12, Christ the King in Stone Ridge
    June 23          Pastoral Care Meeting after worship
    July 20            Vestry Retreat
    July 21            Guest Priest – The Rev. Canon Alissa Newton, Canon to the Ordinary, Episcopal Diocese of New York. Special Forum: Join Canon Alissa after worship for a conversation about the St. John’s Transition.

  4. May 10, 2024

    What’s happening this Sunday?

    This Sunday we have Godly Play for our younger members so, parents, please bring your kids upstairs before worship begins. We will also be offering a special Prayer for Mothering at the beginning of worship.

    Next Sunday: Baptisms!

    Next Sunday, May 19, join us as we baptize several people into the Body of Christ together on the Feast of Pentecost. We will renew our Baptismal Vows and receive a reminder of our own baptism.

    Save the Date: June 2

    Help us celebrate Rev. Michelle’s ministry with us! Join us for All Ages Worship on Sunday, June 2 and a potluck party afterwards. Let’s have a festive brunch – sign-up sheets are in the vestibule.

    A Prayer for This Time of Transition

    God of love, we pray for our parish family during this time of transition. Guide us and grant us wisdom that we may be courageous and forthright in our self-reflection and willing to face the challenges before us.  Help us come together as a beloved community that we may grow in faith and service to one another and the world in which we live. And, as we begin this journey, we pray that your light will illumine our way and your love will fill our hearts with peace and hope this day and for the days to come. Amen.

    _______________

    Announcements for May 12
    The Seventh Sunday of Easter

    St. John’s Office Hours
    Phone: 845-331-2252
    Email: stjohnskingston@aol.com

    • Celebration of the Ministry of the Rev. Michelle Meech: Sunday, June 2 after worship. Join us for a Special Brunch and time for fellowship with Rev. Michelle and your friends of St. John’s. We hope you can come to celebrate the 8 years of service and love that Michelle has given our parish! Have time to share your goodbyes while surrounded by the love of St. John’s.
    • St. John’s Prayer Chain The St. John’s Prayer Chain offers pastoral support to all the members of St. John’s. Please contact us if you need prayers or support: stjohnsprayerchain9@gmail.com
    • Ulster Deanery Meeting The next meeting of the Ulster Deanery is Saturday, June 22 from 9-12 at Christ the King in Stone Ridge. Please be in touch with Leah Siuta if you would like to attend. All members of St. John’s are welcome.
    • South African Music Workshop: Monday, July 1 from 10-2:30, join Episcopal Parishes from all over the diocese for a South African Music Workshop at Redeemer Lutheran Church in New Paltz. Guest presenter Bongani Magatyana. Email Rev. Allison Moore to register: standrewsrev@gmail.com Donation requested but not required.
    • 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, just 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! 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.
    • 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 a full listing.

    May 12                  Godly Play for kids
    May 19                  Feast of Pentecost and Baptisms! Vestry meeting and choir rehearsal after worship
    June 2                    All Ages Worship and Celebration of Rev. Michelle’s Ministry
    June 16                  Vestry meeting and choir after worship
    June 22                  Ulster Deanery 9-12, Christ the King in Stone Ridge
    June 23                  Pastoral Care Meeting after worship
    July 20                    Vestry Retreat
    July 21                    Guest Priest – The Rev. Canon Alissa Newton

  5. May 2, 2024

    What’s happening this Sunday?

    • All Ages Worship! This Sunday we’re talking about the 2 great commandments of Jesus and what they mean to us: Love God and love your neighbor as yourself..
    • After worship, stay join the Pastoral Care Committee Meeting and learn more about the pastoral fabric of St. John’s.

    ___________________________

    Parish Life Committee


    Dear Ones,

    Thank you to those who were able to stay for our discussion on the purpose of a Parish Life Committee this past Sunday. I’ll offer, briefly, what we discussed as the role of this committee and then talk about importance of this work as St. John’s moves forward into transition.

    Very simply, the ministry of this group is focused on communal life of the congregation – potluck dinners and BBQs, fundraisers, Feast Day celebrations, community events. In other words, the calendar of St. John’s life will be overseen by this group of people. Once a decision is made about what needs to happen, then the planning can begin. When? What equipment is needed? What food/beverage is needed? How do we communicate this? What activities need to be planned? There don’t need to be a lot of events planned and they don’t need to be huge. But St. John’s will need ways to be together in community.

    This is an important ministry that cannot be led by the Vestry itself because the Vestry will be focused on many decisions as they lead the congregation through the transition. Of course, members of the Vestry can be on the Parish Life Committee, and should be. But this needs to be a wider effort by the larger membership of St. John’s.

    So, I hope you will step into helping. As I said in my letter to you, your Vestry needs your support. This is a real way that you can offer that support.

    In God’s love and mine,
    Rev. Michelle

     

    ____________________________________________

     

    Announcements for May 5:
    The Sixth Sunday of Easter

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

    • THIS SUNDAY: 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.
    • 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.