The Week of November 1, 2020 |
|
Dear Parish Family:
This Sunday, November 1st, we will be welcoming Bishop Laura Ahrens to Saint John's for her Visitation to the parish. Bishop Laura will be leading outdoor worship at 10:15 AM that morning so we ask that all who attend dress warmly. Worship will be a Spiritual Eucharist. Both Bishop Laura and our Diocesan Bishop Ian Douglas have opted not to do indoor worship during this time of Covid19 pandemic.
On yet another joyful note, Kieran Edmonson will be baptized and confirmed during Bishop Laura's visitation. Since Kieran is an adult, and the bishop will be presiding over worship that morning, he will be both Baptized and Confirmed. This is a joyous occasion for all of us. Worship on November 1st (All Soul's Day) will be at our usual time, 10:15AM. Her sermon will also be available online that Sunday morning. So, I ask that we all be mindful that on November 1st (and for this Sunday only) our worship with Bishop Laura will be outdoors, as it was during the Summer.
I pray that all are staying well and taking in the beautiful colors of Autumn.
Blessings and Grace,
Fr. Wilfredo+
|
|
As many of you know, our beloved Linda Clapp who has dedicated so many years to St. John’s Church, and especially the children and youth, is moving in the coming weeks. She will be relocating to Colorado where she will be closer to her two sons, her daughters in-law, and her four grandchildren. It will undoubtedly be a blessing to Linda to have them nearby, and vice versa. We're happy and thrilled for Linda, but saddened to see her leave. She's been an integral part of Saint John's Church for many decades serving in multiple capacities at different times including Director of Christian Education, and Bookkeeper for the parish. Godly Play was introduced by Linda to the church, and it remains the foundational program for Children's Christian Education. Along with her late husband Stephen, Linda has been an integral part of the soul of the parish. She will be sorely missed. In the short time that I've been at Saint John's, Linda has been a great and encouraging support to me, and my ministry as your spiritual leader. I will personally miss her more than I can say. This coming Sunday will be her last Sunday with us and a good opportunity to say good-bye, or as we say in Spanish: "hasta luego" (until we meet again). We trust that God's blessing will be with her as she makes her new home near her children, and we remain with hearts filled with gratitude for all that she's given to Saint John's Church. Thank you Linda, we love you, and we will miss you! Blessings be upon you and your family, and the next chapter of your lives together!
Blessings and Grace,
Fr. Wilfredo+
|
|
Please click on the flier below to download and share with friends! |
|
COVID-19 TESTING
Friday, October 30 - 9:30 AM - 12:30 PM
|
|
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. |
|
NOTE: We will continue to provide an online version of the Sunday service each week.
Here are some tips for viewing the service online
this coming Sunday morning:
|
|
Twenty-First Sunday After Pentecost |
|
Children & Teen Video Chat
Sundays at 10 AM!
|
|
This Sunday at 10:00 AM
Join Zoom Meeting:
|
|
Further Resources for our Children and Youth |
|
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
Thank you for sharing these Mattie!
|
|
|
Mattie Johnson, Children and Youth Ministry Director,
Shares a Moment of Grace.
|
|
A few weeks ago, I heard about an autumn game I decided to take entirely seriously: catching a leaf as it falls from a tree. There were many attempts. Honestly, it felt like this leaf just fell into my hands. I wondered if it was all just a matter of luck. Perhaps so! But at the same time, I recognize that to catch anything, I was in the woods, looking around, listening, waiting for the wind to blow with open hands.
- Mattie
|
|
A Season of Prayer:
For An Election
|
|
The Most Rev. Michael B. Curry, Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Church invites the church and the nation to join in prayers for the US election, starting October 27. Organized by Forward Movement and the Office of Government Relations of the Episcopal Church. Click here for more info>>
|
|
|
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
|
|
|
Prayers for our parishioners
|
|
UPDATE
Our YTD total is now 644 lbs.
The Food Bank of Lower Fairfield remains in desperate need for donations. Please continue to help in any way you can.
Thank you
Sunny Stearns
|
|
|
A Prayer in a Time of Coronavirus |
|
Click on the banner below to read the prayer |
|
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
|
|
Twenty-First Sunday After Pentecost
- October 25
|
|
Twentieth Sunday After Pentecost
- October 18
|
|
 |
NOTE: The Community Thrift Shop is closed to the public until further notice due to COVID 19. |
|
|
|
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.
|
|
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
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!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
