The Week of January 17, 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
NOTICE
ST. JOHN’S ANNUAL PARISH MEETING
JANUARY 24, 2021

The annual meeting will be held on Sunday, January 24th at 12:00PM via Zoom. All parishioners are invited and encouraged to attend.

The Nominating Committee and the Vestry present the following slate to be elected upon at the Annual Meeting:

Vestry

Officers

----Class of 2022
 
--------Gene Zacharewicz – Nominee for Senior Warden
--------Melody Wagstaff – Nominee for Junior Warden
--------Olive Grant – Nominee for Clerk of Vestry
--------Jane Holt – Nominee for Treasurer

Members at Large

----Class of 2022
 
--------Nicky Mehan – Nominee
--------Caroline Smit – Nominee
--------Sandra Clarke – Continuing Member
 
----Class of 2023

--------Georgia Nostrand – Nominee
--------Christine Appenzellar – Continuing Member
--------Vincent Gilmore – Continuing Member

---- Class of 2024
 
--------Peter Stroili – Nominee
--------Paula Thompson – Nominee
--------Gus Schlegel – Nominee


St. John’s Community Foundation

--------Terrence Green – Nominee
--------Ann Mavor Bear – Nominee

                                                                    
Respectfully Submitted,

                         Danielle Charlot
                      Clerk of Vestry
10 tips for talking to your kids
about the attack on the US Capitol
The attack on the US Capitol on Wednesday has left parents wondering how to talk to their kids about what happened. How much should they see of the heartbreaking videos of violence? How much can they know about injustice, racism, insurrection and the immense power and responsibility that accompanies free speech?
Upcoming Events
One awesome suggestion from the last fun night was doing a virtual game night! Join us as we chat, play games together, share a blessing for the coming weeks - feel free to bring your dessert of choice! Please let me know if you can make it! 
*** VIRTUAL GAME NIGHT!!! - for ELEMENTARY +
MIDDLE SCHOOLERS!
Friday February 5, 2021 at 8pm
*** VIRTUAL GAME NIGHT!!! -
for
HIGH SCHOOLERS!
Friday February 19, 2021 at 8pm
*** Social Justice Bible Study Series - COMING UP FOR HIGH SCHOOLERS!

Women’s Rights!
Wednesday February 24, 2021 at 8pm

At a recent children and youth ministry meeting, parents talked about the importance of learning how our faith in Christ grounds us in modern questions with ancient roots. 

In this gathering, we’ll explore how the Bible relates to women’s rights! Through Bible study, we will begin to wonder at these issues, creating a jumping off point for each individual to explore for themselves what they believe God dreams for our world.

Do you think your high schooler would be interested in these conversations? Are there other opportunities you’d like to see offered as well? And of course, if there are particular questions, they’d like to explore further, please let us know.

We’re in the midst of planning a few opportunities for children and youth alike in the coming months. 
If there’s anything in particular, you’d like to see let me know! 
Looking forward to sharing God’s love as a church family! - Mattie Johnson
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.
First Sunday after the Epiphany 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

Sundays at 10:00 AM
The Zoom meeting info will be sent out on Sunday morning.
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
Have You Seen These Services?
Click on any of the images below to watch and listen
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.
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.


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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