Vaccine Town Hall and Updates
Those who have been following the news about the COVID-19 vaccine, know that a big issue has been one of supply. There hasn’t been enough to meet the demand. The good news is that vaccine production has increased and the newest one, developed by Johnson & Johnson, is a one-dose version. Many of you are aware that St. John’s has been trying to get a Vaccine Clinic to take place at our church for the past several weeks. Rev. Michelle is working with an independent pharmacist who reached out to various houses of faith in Ulster County. We hope to announce a scheduled clinic sometime in March so pay attention to your emails.
In the meantime, please offer prayers for those who are in need of the vaccine but, because of lack of access to the internet or the skill to use a computer, are unable to obtain an appointment. As with so many things in our society, the distribution of the vaccine is occurring in an inequitable way, the most vulnerable being communities of color.
You’re encouraged to participate in a “town hall” meeting with the people of WMCHealth. In partnership with the Kingston Interfaith Council, WMCHealth is offering a COVID-19 Vaccine Community Conversation on Wednesday, March 3 from 7:30-8:30 pm via Zoom to increase awareness and answer questions from the community. Speakers include Jane Ulrich, Senior Director of Nursing, HealthAlliance Hospitals, Marc Tack, MD, Director of Infectious Diseases, Health Alliance Hospitals, and Mecca Mitchell, Senior Vice President Diversity, Inclusion & Community Engagement, WMCHealth.
Click this link to join the Zoom Community Conversation on Wed, March 3 at 7:30 pm.
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Tending Our Light
Our weekly offering of goodness to help keep our spirits buoyed and our mental health on track through the darker months of winter.
Support groups bring together individuals who are facing similar issues, whether that be an illness, relationship problem, or major life changes. Members of support groups often share their experiences and advice. It can be helpful just getting to talk with other people who are in the same situation.
The Mental Health Association of Ulster County offers a variety of free support groups. These groups are free and open to everyone in the community. Currently we have a variety of open drop-in groups as well as Anger Management Classes, and Eating Disorder Support Groups.
That’s not all! The MHA has many other resources to support all of us including recovery and wellness services. Please visit their site to learn more about all the programs the MHA has to offer. Click here to learn more.
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Sowing Hope
Dear Ones: I know that so many of you followed along when I posted photo updates about our garden on Facebook and Instagram last year. I often started with the phrase “Today in the Rectory Garden…” I found it to be such a joyful practice to share these updates with everyone.
The garden became a true haven and space of daily retreat for me last year when the pandemic kept us all locked in place over the spring and summer. I began to realize how a garden can be such a radical act of hope in the midst of a despairing and difficult situation. Because to sow a seed, to take the time and effort to put soil in a pot, place a seed in its nurturing womb, and then water it and keep it in the light… all of this is to expect that something will arise. Sowing a seed is an endeavor that reveals our hope. An act that anticipates gratitude and beauty and awe.
Ana and I sowed snapdragon seeds this past week. And next week, we’re starting on tomatoes and peppers. Every week, a new set of seeds. A new act of hope.
The prospect of planting seeds can be intimidating to some. It was to me last year. But I invite you to consider joining me this year. There is still plenty of time to get seeds started and not all have to be sown indoors in our climate. Regardless of what kind of plant it is, the bursting forth of a sprout from a seed is a profound expression of God’s abundant love for us. So, to be the one to plant that seed is to offer evidence of one’s belief that the God of Life’s promise continues, even in difficult times.
In God’s love and mine, Rev. Michelle
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Announcements for February 28, 2021
The Clothing Shed is open again! Yes, the clothing shed in our parking lot is open again. Please let everyone know that they can drop off clothing and housewares (textiles only!). Everything needs to be in a sealed bag and every bit helps to raise money for St. John’s.
COVID 19 Vaccine Town Hall – Join in an online community conversation with experts from the Westchester Medical Center to learn more about the COVID-19 vaccine. Wednesday, March 3 at 7:30 pm. Sponsored by the Kingston Interfaith Council. Click here to join: https://zoom.us/j/92916164426?pwd=Nm13UTJPbSt2T0FvVEJhcGZYZ1pMdz09 (Password: Sxx12Y) or call in: 646-558-8656 (Meeting ID: 929 1616 4426)
Lenten Fun and Games: Lent Madness
This year, we need a little levity and silliness. So all the members of St. John’s are invited to participate in Lent Madness. Each day during Lent, two saints are pitted against one another in a contest for YOUR vote. The winning saint goes on to the next round of competition until one saint emerges at the end of the season wearing the Golden Halo. To vote, go to: Lent Madness. You can sign up to receive daily emails or go visit the website each day. Join in and have some fun with thousands of other Episcopalians across the country.
The Page Turners Book Club: For March 2nd, the Page Turners are reading “Hamnet,” by Maggie O’Farrell. For April 6th we are reading “Apeirogon,” by Colum McCann. We meet at 7 pm, by Zoom, for about an hour. Contact Lynn Dennison for more information at: radennison@aol.com
The St. John’s Prayer Chain is a group of St. John’s members who are committed to intercessory prayer as a spiritual practice. While we, as a community, often pray publicly for one another in our worship services, the Prayer Chain prays for those who wish to remain confidential. Should you desire prayer – in times of stress or times of celebration, send a note to the St. John’s Prayer Chain and this group will pray earnestly for you. Cathe Decker is the current Prayer Chain Moderator. To join the Prayer Chain or to ask for prayers, contact Cathe at: stjohnsprayerchain9@gmail.com.
Holy Week Bags! Yes, we’ve already begun to plan Holy Week. If you would like to have a bag of worship items to help you celebrate Holy Week at home (including printed bulletins!), please use this link to fill out the form ASAP. Be sure to sign up before Wednesday, March 24. Holy Week Bags Sign-up – St. John’s Kingston
Forward Day by Day: If you would like a Forward Day by Day – scripture and reflection for the months of February, March, and April – please contact Rev. Michelle either by phone or email and we’ll get one out to you!
Have an announcement?
Please send by Wednesday at noon to stjohnskingston@aol.com.