Important Update From St. John’s
Dear Beloved members of Saint Johns,
We are writing to share some important and hopeful news with you.
The Vestry of Saint John’s has made the faithful and heartfelt decision that our final service at Saint John’s will take place on Sunday, June 1. Beginning June 8th —on the joyous Feast of Pentecost—we will join Holy Cross & Santa Cruz for worship and congregational life.
While this does not mean that a formal merger has been finalized (that decision will come later, through careful discernment and mutual agreement by both vestries), it does mark a beautiful new season: two congregations coming together to worship as one community.
In the month of May, we will worship together at HCSC on Sunday, May 11th and Sunday, May 25th. On May 18th, we will be at each church separately. This gives us time for reflection and conversation as the St. John’s community. Rev. Susan Copely will be with us for this Sunday.
On June 1st, we will have a very special service with both congregations at Saint Johns which will be a service of celebration and gratitude for our history and legacy of nearly 200 years. More plans and details for this service will be shared but we are planning a special picnic luncheon on the parish lawn following the service. We hope you will join us in marking this momentous time and invite former parishioners and friends as well.
Saint John’s Vestry will continue overseeing our responsibilities, especially our commitment to the ministry Angel Food East, and we will remain attentive to our ongoing affairs such as managing the buildings and finances. At the same time, we will continue coordinating ways to thoughtfully integrate the members of both churches into our new shared liturgical and congregational life.
Over the past few months, Holy Cross & Santa Cruz has been welcoming us, the servants whom God is sending. We are being given the sacred opportunity for both congregations to make room—to expand our circle of service, friendship, and love. In God’s household we feel the invitation to serve together in joy.
Rev. Eliacin Rosario-Cruz is also looking forward to deepening his pastoral care for the people of Saint John’s, He has shared that he sees it is a gift and a privilege to walk alongside us as we build new relationships of trust and mutual ministry.
Of course, even the most hopeful growth comes with its challenges. But we are confident that we will meet these changes with wisdom, hope, faith, and love—trusting in the Spirit who is already at work among us.
Thank you for holding this tender and exciting transition in your prayers.
With gratitude and anticipation,
Lynn and Leah, on behalf of the St. John’s Vestry and the transition team
Leah Siuta | (845) 380-8413 | Leah.stjohnskingston@gmail.com
Lynn Dennison | (845) 594-4859 | LynnsDennison@gmail.com
St. John’s Upcoming Schedule
May 11th: Combined service at Holy Cross/Santa Cruz – Godly Play
May 18th: Service at Saint John’s with Rev. Susan Copely
May 25th: Combined service at Holy Cross/Santa Cruz – with Godly Play
June 1st: A service of gratitude and celebration of the legacy of St. John’s – worshipping as one community with picnic afterward
June 8th: Feast of the Pentecost at Holy Cross/Santa Cruz– First Sunday- joining together as one worshipping community
