The Good News of St. John’s

No Act of Love Is Ever Wasted offers a realistic picture of all types of dementia and how to care for those living with its effects. The chances of us having someone close to us with a form of dementia is high because 5.8 million people in the US suffer from some form of dementia. Only decades ago, people were still writing off dementia-related behaviors to senility. Now, researchers have an ever-increasing understanding of the brain, which has allowed them to better diagnose different forms of dementia.As the community of St. John’s, we will not only discuss the content of the book, but we will also use this as an opportunity to take a look at pastoral care with the elderly and how we might respond to the growing need for care in Ulster County.

Zoom Discussion Dates:
Thursday, July 20 11:00-12:15
Thursday, Aug 3   11:00-12:15
Thursday, Aug 17 11:00-12:15

All sessions are over Zoom. You do not need to attend every session. Email Rev. Michelle to receive the Zoom link: michelle.stjohnskingston@gmail.com

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We continue reading the Gospel of Matthew. This week, we begin the Sermon on the Mount – chapters 5, 6, and 7. Sundays 8:30-9:30 in person or Wednesday 12:00-1:00 on Zoom.

Mid-Hudson Regional Gathering
Saturday, July 29: Eucharist begins at 11:00 am

Episcopalians from across the Hudson Valley region are invited to join our Bishop and Bishop Coadjutor for a special celebration and worship service on Saturday, July 29th at 11:00 am at Christ Episcopal Church, 20 Carroll Street, Poughkeepsie.

Bishop Andrew ML Dietsche will celebrate Holy Eucharist; Bishop Coadjutor Matthew Heyd will preach, and a regional choir, led by our own Ana Hernandez, will provide festive music. An outdoor picnic reception and conversation with the two bishops will follow.
You can sign up to:

• Sing in the regional choir (sign up)
• Bring a side dish or dessert (sign up)
• Help with setup or cleanup (sign up)

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Ordinary Time

Dear Ones,So teach us to number our days
that we may apply our hearts to wisdom.
– Psalm 90, verse 12

 

One of the things I love about the Anglican tradition, that is, the Episcopal Church, is that it helps us to mark time through the year by giving us liturgical seasons. And we are deep into the Season After Pentecost or, what we call, the long green season, after the meaningful revelations of Easter and Pentecost.

As Christians we call this Ordinary Time. And I think it’s easy to dismiss this time of year because we don’t have any feasts or holidays to celebrate anytime soon. But the truth is that Ordinary Time is, perhaps, more important than any feast day because it is the season during which the mystery of Christ moves closer and becomes more real for us.

It is in the everyday-ness of life that we are most capable of living into our faith. The decisions we make about how to spend our time and money, how to respond to the people in our lives, what to do about something that has been troubling us… this is human life. And we can choose to live this life without being aware of Christ. Or we can choose to give Christ space in our lives.

And this is when it happens. This is when we build new habits and re-form our neural nets. This is what Ordinary Time is about.

As you move through this summer season of long days, may you find your deep desire for God and may that inspire you to invite Christ closer. Every day.

In God’s love and mine,
Rev. Michelle

St. John’s Office Hours
Wednesdays 10:00-12:00 noon,
Thursdays 1:00-4:00 pm
Phone: 845-331-2252
Email: stjohnskingston@aol.comHave an announcement for the bulletin?
Please send by Wednesday at noon to stjohnskingston@aol.com.Summer Book Read: Join us over Zoom as we read through No Act of Love Is Ever Wasted by Thibault and Morgan, a non-fiction read that focuses on caring for people with dementia and is also a good reflection for all who provide pastoral care or are caretakers of friends or family.
When? Thursdays from 11:00-12:15 (July 20, Aug. 3, Aug. 17).
Email Rev. Michelle if you’re interested in attending!Bible Study: Come and join in Bible Study with Rev. Michelle on Sundays at 8:30 am (in person) or Wednesdays at 12:00 noon (via Zoom). We are studying the Gospel of Matthew and you can join the conversation any Sunday! Everyone is welcome to pick up a one-page overview of this Gospel on the bulletin board in the Vestibule. Email Rev. Michelle if you’d like to join the Wednesday Bible Study on Zoom.St. John’s Outreach Project – People’s Place: When you go to the store, pick up a few extra non-perishable food items for People’s Place food pantry (tuna, soup, pasta, sauce, etc.). We are also taking donations of birthday napkins/plates, candles, and gift bags in various sizes. Bring them to church and place them in the appropriate baskets near the Font.Mid-Hudson Regional Gathering On July 29, the Episcopal parishes of the Mid-Hudson will gather for a special Eucharist to continue the celebration of our newly consecrated Bishop Matt Heyd, who will preach that day. Plan to bring items for the potluck afterwards and/or come early at 9:45 to join the festival choir! Saturday, July 29 at 11:00 am at Christ Church, Poughkeepsie.

St. John’s Upcoming Schedule
July 20       Summer Book Read via Zoom, 11:00-12:15
July 29       Mid-Hudson Regional Gathering at Christ Church in Poughkeepsie
Aug 3        Summer Book Read via Zoom, 11:00-12:15
Aug 17      Summer Book Read via Zoom, 11:00-12:15
Sept 17      Neighborhood Block Party SAVE THE DATE!