The Week of January 10, 2021
Call to Prayer by the Bishops of the
Episcopal Church in Connecticut
We write amidst the turmoil and violence in Washington D.C. as supporters of President Trump have breached the security of the United States Capitol interrupting the process to certify the results of the 2020 Presidential Election. The images coming from the Capitol are both horrifying and deplorable. The violent attempted take-over of the seat of government of the United States is incongruous with our nation’s tradition of law and order. As Americans and as Christians we must denounce these illegal and seditious acts that threaten our democracy. The soul of our country is at stake.

We call all Episcopalians in Connecticut to pray for peace both in Washington D.C. and across our nation. Let us pray for safety for those in harm’s way, and especially for the protection of law-enforcement professionals called to guard the people and places of our government. Let us pray that our nation’s leaders will exercise appropriate authority to de-escalate the violence in Washington D.C. And let us pray that peace will prevail so the joint session of Congress may reconvene in order to ensure a peaceful transition of power in our nation.

O God, you have bound us together in a common life. Help us in the midst of our struggles for justice and truth, to confront one another without hatred and bitterness, and to work together with mutual forbearance and respect; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. (Book of Common Prayer, page 824.)


The Rt. Rev. Ian T. Douglas
Bishop Diocesan

The Rt. Rev. Laura J. Ahrens
Bishop Suffragan
A Message from Fr. Wilfredo
Dear Parish Family:

Blessed Epiphany in the midst of D.C. chaos. I'm sure that many of you have watched the violent armed siege of the U.S. Capitol building. I'm calling on us to hold our nation in prayer. This is an unimaginable assault, and one that leaves us bewildered, unsettled, dumbfounded, and speechless; the inconceivable is unfolding right before our very eyes. This is a time for us to stand in prayerful unity for our Democracy, and our livelihood as a nation. A curfew will begin in Washington D.C. at 6:00PM. Let's pray that this will restore peace in the nation's capital. 

As the Body of Christ, I ask that we all stand in prayer for a wounded nation, for justice based unity, and for much needed healing. This attack on our Democracy is an assault on all of us, nevertheless democracy remains strong in our DNA, and we trust in God to guide us to safety. The prayer below is from the Book of Common Prayer. Let us hold this prayer in our hearts this evening, and throughout the hours of this night.

Almighty God, who hast given us this good land for our
heritage: We humbly beseech thee that we may always prove
ourselves a people mindful of thy favor and glad to do thy will.
Bless our land with honorable industry, sound learning, and
pure manners. Save us from violence, discord, and confusion;
from pride and arrogance, and from every evil way. Defend
our liberties, and fashion into one united people the multitudes
brought hither out of many kindreds and tongues. Endue
with the spirit of wisdom those to whom in thy Name we entrust
the authority of government, that there may be justice and
peace at home, and that, through obedience to thy law, we
may show forth thy praise among the nations of the earth.
In the time of prosperity, fill our hearts with thankfulness,
and in the day of trouble, suffer not our trust in thee to fail;
all which we ask through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

May the star that guided the Magi to the Christ child, guide our nation.

Blessed Epiphany,
Fr. Wilfredo+
Pledge Cards
Dear Parish Family:

As we come to the end of 2020, along with the Vestry, I want to thank those of you who mailed your 2021 Pledge Card back to the church. By the same token, thank you for your generosity in keeping the work of the parish moving forward. For those who haven't returned your pledge card, this is a gentle reminder to please return it. Normally you could drop it off when coming to church, but as you all know, this year has been different. I realize that the simple task of getting to a mailbox has become a challenge. Please be mindful that we need your Pledge Card to help define our budget for 2021. If you need a new Pledge Card mailed to you, please call Kathy Mcbride at the church: (203) 348-2619, and she will be happy to mail it to you.

As we come to the close of an incredibly challenging year, may God's blessing be upon us!

A Blessed Christmas Season to You,
Fr. Wilfredo+
SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT: Annual Parish Meeting
Dear Parish Family:

The 2021 Parish Annual Meeting looms over the horizon, and is scheduled for Sunday, January 24th, @ 12:00PM. It will be held online this year, and a Zoom link is forthcoming. Please mark your calendars, as your participation is essential. 

As we come to the end of 2020, on behalf of the Vestry, Staff, and our entire Parish Family, I wish you all a transformative and Blessed New Year!

Feliz Navidad,
Fr. Wilfredo Benitez
Upcoming Events
Livestreamed Services Coming to St. John's This Sunday
We are excited to announce that our services will soon be live-streamed via our new professionally produced platform, LocalLive. Starting January 10, we will no longer be using Facebook and YouTube to premiere pre-recorded services, but the Eucharist will be broadcast live from the newly installed camera in our sanctuary.
You will find the link to our Livestream Services via the button below and on the Home Page of our website. Once on our LocalLive landing page, click the "Watch" button for the service you would like to view.
A Nightly Prayer from the Service of Compline 
Suitable During this Time of Pandemic
Keep watch, dear Lord, with those who work, or watch, or weep this night, and give your angels charge over those who sleep. Tend the sick, Lord Christ; give rest to the weary, bless the dying, soothe the suffering, pity the afflicted, shield the joyous; and all for your love’s sake. Amen
ONGOING
All group activities at St. John's, apart from the Sunday morning in-person services, remain canceled until further notice. These include outside groups and ministries using our facilities.
Second Sunday after Christmas Service
If you missed last Sunday's Service you can watch it here on our website.
Children & Teen Video Chat
Sundays at 10 AM!
Please join us for a video chat with kids and teens. We’ll pray, check in on how we’re doing, share a Bible story, and share gratitudes together. 

Sundays at 10:00 AM
The Zoom meeting info will be sent out on Sunday morning.
Godly Play Sunday School
will be returning this Sunday,
January 10, 2021
Further Resources for our Children and Youth
Here are some guidelines from the National Association of School Psychologists about COVID-19. It was written before many schools started closing, but it still has a lot of helpful suggestions, particularly about lowering anxiety.


Resources for kids - Yoga at home!
Rev. Gena Davis is the priest who led the yoga mass at St. John’s. She’s been offering online classes, including a new yoga nidra for kids age 2-12 for $5/family! For all class details, please e-mail her at 
genadaviswholeness@gmail.com to be added to her mailing list.

Thank you for sharing these Mattie!
Tuesday Bible Study: Gospel of Matthew
Note new Zoom link
Join Fr. Sandy on Tuesdays at 2pm online via Zoom for a Bible Study on the Gospel of Matthew. Below is the info:

Meeting ID: 243 991 8700
Food Bank Update
UPDATE

Our total for the year is 746lbs.

The Food Bank of Lower Fairfield remains in desperate need for donations. Please continue to help in any way you can.


A Prayer in a Time of Coronavirus
Click on the banner below to read the prayer
Giving
Dear Parish Family:

Faced with the unfortunate circumstances of having to keep our church closed, in order to help curb the spread of Covid-19, it is imperative that your pledge be either mailed to the church, or better yet, that you make your donations electronically. Please see the instructions below on how to do this. 
Our expenses won’t go away even if we’re not having live worship, so I ask that we all be mindful of this. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Ms. Kathy McBride, our Parish Administrator. Our vestry, and parish family, will be much appreciative for your efforts.

God’s Grace and Peace,

Fr. Wilfredo+
NOTE: You can simply mail in your check to the church office if you would rather not use the online giving tool. Our Parish Administrator, Kathy McBride, is receiving the mail and doing the banking as usual.
Have You Seen These Services?
Click on any of the images below to watch and listen
NOTE: The Community Thrift Shop is closed to the public until further notice due to COVID 19.  
Weekly Calendar
All group activity at St. John's is cancelled until further notice including outside groups and ministries using our facilities.

Stay updated with meditations, readings, music and sermons by visiting our Facebook page or our website.
Announcements
St. John's Office Hours 
 The Church office is currently closed to public access.
However you may leave a message at 203-348-2619 -
our Parish Administrator, Kathy McBride is checking the messages
many times a day and will respond right away!

Prayer List 
Please send all prayer list requests for the bulletin to the Parish Administrator, Kathy McBride, at kmcbride@stjohns-stamford.org.
   
FORWARD DAY BY DAY
This is the Episcopal Church's own discipleship publication! As disciples, followers of Christ, daily prayer and reflection grounds us in God's love and gives us strength and clarity to confront our weaknesses, put our trust in God and listen to where God is calling us to serve. Available online for-free! 

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