FYI-for your information-October 27, 2016

AT A GLANCE:
 
Nov 3-Evensong 6 pm (Thursday)
Nov 5-All Souls', 5 pm Art service (Saturday) Turn your clocks back 1 hour before bed!
Nov 13-Fauré Requiem 4 pm, sung by the Parish Choirs and friends.
Nov 13- Visiting the Common Cathedral in Boston. Signup on the Parish Hall Kiosk.
Nov 19-Country Cupboard Fair (Saturday)
Dec. 3- 5pm "Art Service: Blue Christmas" The Church Open for quiet prayer from 3 pm
Dec 4-Advent Lesson and Carols 4 pm.
Dec 8, 15 & 22-Evensong for Advent 6 pm (Thursdays)
Dec. 10-Middle Street Walk Children's Concert @ 1, Fish Mysteries at 4 & 7
Dec. 17-Brass Polishing @ 9am
Dec 24-5, 8:30 & 11 pm
Dec 25-10 am (Sunday)
Jan 1-10 am (Sunday)
 
STEWARDSHIP MOMENT Tom Chmura
Warden Gwen Kopka asked me to offer some thoughts about stewardship. My wife, Claudette, and I are relative newcomers to Gloucester and to St. John's, having moved here in the summer of 2014.      
We had previously lived for over 20 years in Acton and before that had lived at various times in upstate New York, Washington, DC, California and Maryland. My guess is that we probably belonged to 10 different churches over the past 44 years of marriage - both Catholic and Episcopalian. As one might expect, we've had a variety of experiences - some good, some not so good.      
We have truly found St. John's of Gloucester to be a very special place. Not only is it a wonderful place where we can speak to God and hear God's word from Bret, but It's also a place where God's word is carried out in practice every single day. Nowhere have we ever experienced such a strong sense of community within the church or such a strong sense of commitment to serve the broader community outside the church.      
On a personal level, we've felt so welcomed here from our first day in the church, and have developed so many friendships in such a short time. And, we've felt so supported when we faced personal challenges such as my hip replacement surgery earlier this year or the health problems of our grand-daughter born prematurely last year.     
Moreover, we've never experienced a church where so many of its members are so committed to serving the needs of the broader community whether it be through Grace Center, Open Door, the Action Shelter, the Thrift Shop or just countless individual acts of charity.    
My wife, Claudette, has been extremely active in the church ever since we moved here. Now, that I am retired, I look forward to becoming more involved myself. I'm honored to have been invited to serve on the Vestry.  
However, after attending my first vestry meeting and learning more about the financial challenges facing St. John's, it's clear that each of us needs to do all we can to help support St. John's. In the long-run that probably means doing all we can to bring in more members. But, right now, we all need to support this year's stewardship campaign. Given the age of our members and that many live on fixed incomes, I realize that this is not an easy challenge for everyone to meet. But, I pray that all of us will make as much of a sacrifice as we can to ensure the continued spirit and work of this very special space - St. John's of Gloucester

GIVING
Folks have been asking "What is the general giving of St. John's folks?" For 2016 we had the following pledges
$15,000+               1
$7,000+                 2
$5,000+                 2
$4,000+                 3
$3,000+                 3
$2,000+                12
$1,000+                20
   $500+                15
Up to $500+          16
Total $130,164+ 74
And, of course, the "take-away" is: Your PLEDGE (large or small) COUNTS!
 
MARGE Bishop recounts way back in '63: One Sunday morning my husband said "What are you doing"? I said, "I'm writing out my check for church." "For one Sunday?" he said. "Yes" I boldly said. For quite some time I had been dropping a dollar or two in the offertory plate with no thought of just how much it costs to keep St. John's running. In the summertime Charlie and I would take our kids every weekend to Maine camping. On Sundays I would watch Robert Schuller and the Crystal Cathedral. He would always say "Financially it costs a lot to keep this program running but before you help us you must help your own church and give according to the blessings that you have." I reminded Charlie that we had many blessings and should give accordingly. He agreed!
 
AMONG FRIENDS STEWARDSHIP DINNER 
Thanks to everyone who signed up to host or attend this year's Among Friends parish dinners. The last one is this Sunday with a luncheon at Sara Stotzer's. These more intimate gatherings have provided an opportunity to get to know each other better, share our stories and consider some questions about where we are as a parish now, and where we are heading. Those who attended have been given their 2017 Pledge Cards. For those who have been unable to attend, pledge cards are being mailed out.

Stewardship Letter from Rev. Bret Hays
While Jesus did use the language of family to describe his relationship to his followers, and the Church has followed his example, a different word marks the most profound change in his relationship with the disciples. "No longer do I call you servants, for the servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all that I have heard from my Father I have made known to you" (John 15:15). This is the word, and the example, that inspired your Rector and Vestry members to design this year's Stewardship Campaign for Saint John's.  To read more click here. 
 
MUSIC THIS SUNDAY   Someone (after the Voluntary last Sunday) suggested "more Buxtehude" so today we have his setting of "A Mighty Fortress" at the beginning. Listen for the each line of the tune is introduced in each of the accompanying voices then a statement of that line in the solo stop, but this time with extra passing tones. "A Might Fortress" (the opening hymn) is a metrical setting of Psalm 46 by Luther himself. The choir anthem is an Anglican chant setting of this Psalm using the thematic material from the hymn to provide the music for the chant. Why are we singing this? Tomorrow, October 31 marks the 499th anniversary of Luther nailing the 95 Theses (topics for academic discussion) on the door of the Castle Church in Wittenberg, commonly understood as the beginning of the Reformation.
At the end we'll hear one of his Preludes and Fugues. This composition is actually four short movements, an opening Toccata with a repeated short melody in the Pedal, then a quiet fugue, then a "quick" interlude followed by a grand fugue. Buxtehude wrote this piece and many others, not for liturgy, but for recitals that he played which were intended to provide a cover for secret meetings held in the church for business transactions. Large churches provided places where one could impress a client or partner with the art and architecture, but make certain no one was listening!
Please make a plan to hear the Fauré Requiem on Sunday November 13 at 4 pm. Please sign up for a memorial candle on the cards provided in the pews or in the PH. Suggested donation is $10. Please consider making a donation to the Music Guild to help defray $1,500 in expenses for this event and to further the work of music here and for the Choir School.
 
Fair preparations
Wine cork wreaths
Dog scarves
Ornaments in process 
COUNTRY CUPBOARD FAIR
Preparations for our fair on are moving along well. Please consider helping out in any one of the following areas. The Chair-persons are listed so that you can contact them directly.
  • Baking and freezing your favorite treats for our Saintly Sweets Bake Shop - Dori Mottola.
  • Baking and Freezing cookies for our 5th annual Cookie Walk - Rosemary Sullivan.
  • Sorting through and preparing the Thrift Shop for its Holiday incarnation - Martha Whitney.
  • Donating jewelry for our famous Retro Jewelry Room - Dee Dee Bedford
  • Identifying one-of-a-kind antiques, artwork and services for our Silent Auction
  • Joining us at our weekly Craft group on Tuesday from 9 to 11 - Gwen Kopka
PLEASE CHECK YOUR ATTIC
For a "Silent Auction" Item for St. John's now! We need to find unusual, interesting items for bidding. If your attic is not harboring one or two "fascinating items" then perhaps you could provide a helpful service. PLEASE check this week and if you are unsure if your item or idea would be appropriate do call me 978.281.0846. Items can be dropped off at the church during office hours to be given to Marge for safe keeping. Please leave your name and phone number so we can check on the history of your treasure. Thank you. Heidi Stowe.
 
REMEMBERING
During the All Souls' service on Nov 5 @ 5 pm, Fr. Bret will pray for departed souls by name. You can add your loved ones by writing out their names in the book provided during the service, or if you can't attend, send him an e-mail with the full names of those he should pray for, and how to pronounce them if there is any possibility of confusion. 
 
PARISHIONER UPDATES
  • Annette Biggar has entered Palliative Care at Edith Nourse Rogers Memorial Veterans Hospital, 200 Springs Road, Bedford, MA 01730. Cards are welcome.
  • Lucille Clark Davis died on September 25. May her soul and the souls of all faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace and rise in glory. Notes may be sent to Susan Kippen, 7 Rockholm Rd., Gloucester MA 01930
FROM THE BISHOPS  
As our nation approaches its Election Day on Nov. 8, we have a deep yearning for the Holy Spirit to be present in our national life. We the Episcopal bishops in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts call for a vigil period of intense prayer from noon on All Saints Sunday, Nov. 6 through noon on Election Day, Tuesday, Nov. 8. There are prayers for each day available in the Parish Hall.  Prayers for the the week of October 30th are here and for the week of November 6th are here. 
Almighty God, to whom we must account for all our powers and privileges: Guide the people of the United States in the election of officials and representatives; that, by faithful administration and wise laws, the rights of all may be protected and our nation be enabled to fulfill your purposes; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. - Book of Common Prayer, page 822
Sunday, October 30, 2016, 8 & 10:30 am SJG Seal
The Twenty-Fourth Sunday after Pentecost
Participating in the Liturgy 
The People of God gathered in St. John's Church
Presiding & Preaching - The Rev. Bret Hays, rector
8am
Lector Norm Barr 
Eucharistic Minister & Intercessor   Paul McGeary 
Acolyte Norm Barr 
Usher Bill Melvin     
10:30pm
Lectors Lynn Runnells & Jim LaBelle 
Eucharistic Ministers  Cecily Merrell & Malcolm Henderson  
Acolyte Sue Lupo & Riley Flanagan 
Ushers Ian Bedford & Connie DeSimone
Greeter  Mary McCarl  
 
Organist Mark Nelson, Music Director
Musicians, The Parish Choir & Choristers  
Altar Guild Ellen Sibley and Karen Kasper  
Flower Guild Carolyn Stewart 
Bread bakers Janet Williams, Catherine McGeary, Sue Lupo., Iona & Melanie Murray-Brown. 
 
FOOD BANK for Sunday is Soup.
 
ST. JOHN'S ACTION SHELTER SANDWICHES this week are made by Gwen Kopka and Carole Secrest.
 
COFFEE HOUR SUNDAY is hosted by EVERYONE!
THE SANCTUARY LAMP BURNS this week in memory of Nathaniel Hackett given by Sarah Hackett.

THE ALTAR FLOWERS THIS SUNDAY are in honor of Catherine McGeary's admission to the Society of the Companions of the Holy Cross given by Glo Richardson.
Please sign up to sponsor the Advent Wreath for November 27 and Dec 4, 11 & 18.
Action Shelter Sandwiches need a sign-up for December 3, 10 & 24.
Sanctuary Lamp sign-ups are needed for Nov. 13 & 27th.
Coffee Hour sign-ups are needed.
OPEN DOOR sign-up is in the parish hall.
COMMON CATHEDRAL sign-up is in the parish hall
 
St. John's Intercession List
Short term:
Samuel Adams, Jack Ketchpulos, Chris Koller, Beni Rose, Brian Tarr, Fran & Mary Alice Wafrate, James Lacroix, Jackie Vannah, Jean Dyett, Jane Walsh, Pam Belcher, Mary Lu Walker, Judy Gay, Julie Wilson, Jay Wilson, John Fleming, Larry Veator, Margie Sonthemier, James John Davies, Alexis, Karen Anderson, Jeanne Martin, Abby Browne, Cloe, Bill Braunlich, Paul Seavey, Mark Brophy, Meghan Stricher, Dotty Talidores, Maddy, Margaret, Rebecca Young, Sue Kessler, Daniel, Laura Boddie, Denise McKenzie, and Tamara Moulton.
Long term:
Hans Morsink, Janet Williams, Jody Shirley, Jim Britton, Joe Lacroix, Patti Kelleher, Kai McKenzie, the Senft family, Allen Williams, Elvira "Mary" Spinney, Eric Runnells, Ruth Campos, David Arnold, Dick McGinnis, Annette Biggar, Neil Woodberry, Ben Shepard, Guy Maychszak, Glo Richardson, Nancy Poland, Susan Richardson, Mary McIntyre, Elizabeth Kaul, Nancy Feldman, and Anne Brantley Betts.
WEEKLY CALENDAR
Sundays                
  • 8 am Eucharist, Rite 1
  • 9:15 am Adult Forum (Thompson Room)
  • 10:30 am Sung Eucharist, Rite 2 with choir
  • 7:30 pm Sunday & Sober Alcoholics Anonymous

Mondays              
  • 9-noon Ms. Fixits Women gathering to tend to the fabric of the church.
  • 6 pm Women's Cursillo Reunion Group (1st and 3rd Monday)
  • 7 pm Bible Study First Monday of the month led by Lynn Runnells.
Tuesdays                  
  • 5 pm Free Harvest Meals, sponsored by Cape Ann Interfaith Commission.
Wednesdays       
  • 7 am Men's Bible Reflection, (Bible study)                     
  • 7 pm Fish City Alcoholics Anonymous
Thursdays     
  • 4:30-5:45 pm Choir School Children from ages 5-12
  • 6 pm Evensong First Thursday of the month 
  • 7-8:30 pm Parish Choir rehearsal.
Fridays
  • 8:30 am Grace Center, an open drop-in center for people from the community, providing a warm place as well as advocacy for living issues
Saturdays              
  • Action Shelter Lunch-Making, Carolyn Stewart 
  • 5 pm " Art Service "
    First Saturday of the month.
  • 8 pm Big Book Alcoholics Anonymous
Parish Office Hours
Monday - Thursday; 8am-noon
The Church is open for prayer and meditation during these hours.

Staff
The Rt. Rev. Alan M. Gates, Diocesan Bishop  
The Rt,.Rev. Gayle E. Harris, Bishop Suffragan

The Rev. Bret Bowie Hays, Rector - e-mail,
Mark Edward Nelson, Music Director - e-mail
Jay DiPrima, Director of Youth Ministry - e-mail
Betsy Levick, Parish Administrator - e-mail
Marjorie I. Bishop, Church Assistant - e-mail
Cloe the Dog - Parish Mascot
Wardens & Vestry
Wardens: Gwen Kopka & Paul McGeary
 
Clerk:Geoffrey Pope  
Treasurer: Karen Kasper
Assistant Treasurer:  Sue
Lupo  
VESTRY
2017 - Norm Barr, Sara Stotzer
2018- Len Berry, Carole Secrest, Tom Chmura
2019- Joan Gorga, Lynn Runnells  

Copyright © 2016. All Rights Reserved.