SHARE:  
"To know Christ and to make Him known . . . "
The Chalice
The Weekly Sunday Bulletin of St. John’s Episcopal Church 
January 29, 2023

The Spirit of the Beatitudes


“The feast of Epiphany invites us to listen to the voice of God and step forth on a spiritual pilgrimage; to enter a new secular year forgetting all that lies behind and ignoring all that seems reasonable today; to trust in the possibility of God’s dream…” (John H. Westerhoff III, A Pilgrim People)

 

We continue our epiphany journey - pilgrims listening to and learning more about God, as God is revealed to us through Jesus. What does the Kingdom of God look like and how can we grow more fully into Easter people.  Before Easter, however, we must make our way through the darkness of Lent. Growth is never easy. Our pilgrimage path may not be clear or straight. You may remember experiencing physical growing pains as a child. But even as adults, we are being called to step out of our comfort zones – out of safety to trust that God’s plan through Jesus is one in which we as individuals become blessed. We do not do this alone. We are called to grow into Christ’s likeness within this blessed community – to pay attention for God’s activity in and around us, making it possible to reveal the present reality of God’s Kingdom to others in our midst.

 

Isn’t it interesting that Jesus chose to preach his longest sermon on a mountain top? Moses also ascended a mountain to receive the Ten Commandments. Those commandments were about creating social order in our world – important and necessary. The eight Beatitudes, however, bring us to a different level of consciousness revealing the idea of grace. How to grow in humility as we seek to become a blessing to others. Who IS this Jesus. What IS His kingdom all about? Important enough to preach from the mountaintop – not just to his recently called disciples, but to all within hearing. We remember mountaintop experiences.

 

All of us have been called by Christ – or we wouldn’t even worship together in this beautiful and hospitable community called St. John’s. But as Paul reminds us in 1 Corinthians, while none of us is perfect, God does call each of us, imperfect as we are to point us in the direction of Christ crucified. Skill and wisdom that seem so important to the world do not get us into the Kingdom – simple faith does. Christ is the one who has made us acceptable to God.

 

The Beatitudes open for us a vision of the Kingdom of God that moves beyond the 10 commandments. They are counterintuitive to the ways we operate in the world. We have been called to be humble and faithful. As we pay attention to and follow Jesus more closely we too will go beyond the letter of the law to its more profound spirit to develop the habit of thinking, acting, and loving like Jesus. We will forgive one another, give up our own need for power and control and make space for all peoples. When it seems impossible, be reminded that all things are possible with God. May you be blessed!

 

“Sometimes I need only to stand where I am to be blessed.” (Mary Oliver)

 

Peace as we journey together!

Deacon Claire

SUNDAY WORSHIP THIS WEEK

Fourth Sunday after the Epiphany


Readings

Micah 6:1-8

1 Corinthians 1:18-31

Matthew 5:1-12

Psalm 15


Join us for Sunday Worship at 8:00 am and 10:00 am in the church or remotely on Zoom and Facebook.

 

8:00 am - Rite I Holy Eucharist

Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83803451202

Facebook Live Stream: https://www.facebook.com/stjohns1745/live_videos/

Bulletin: Rite I Epiphany


9:40 am - Sunday School meets in the Canterbury Corner

2022-23 Sunday School Calendar


10:00 am – Rite II Choral Eucharist

Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86739553648

Facebook Live Stream: https://www.facebook.com/stjohns1745/live_videos

Bulletin: Rite II Epiphany


Music

Opening: 574 Before thy throne, O God, we kneel

Gradual: 656 Blest Are the Pure in Heart, vs 1-3

Offertory hymn: 554 "'Tis a gift to be simple"

Communion: PB 21 Prayer of St. Francis

Recessional: 477 All Praise to thee, for thou, O King divine

MONTHLY MINISTRY MEETINGS

Prayer Shawl Ministry - 1st Thursday of each month at 6 pm in the Guild Room. Contact Noelle DeLoreno or Lynn Hansen.


Spirituality Group - 2nd Thursday of each month at 5 pm in the Guild Room. Contact Patti Aliperti.


Racial Reconcilitation & Social Justice Minsitry - 4th Wednesday of each month on Zoom. Contact Heather Kress.

ANNUAL MEETING

The Annual Meeting will take place on Sunday, February 5, 2023 at 11:00 am in the Great Hall.

 

Nominations are open for 2023 Vestry Elections. At our Annual Meeting we will be voting on one Warden, four Vestry seats including one Clerk of the Vestry. If you would like to run for any of these open roles, please contact the nominating committee of either Fr. Duncan 845-271-9134 or Rob Wheeler at 631-271-8286.


Potluck Brunch - We are organizing a potluck brunch please sign up to bring your favorite dish. Sign up sheets will be at the back of the church and in the Great Hall during coffee hour this Sunday. You may also sign up using the link below:


SIGN UP FOR ANNUAL MEETING POTLUCK BRUNCH

FIRST HOLY COMMUNION CLASSES

First Holy Communion will take place on Sunday, April 16, 2023 for children 2nd grade and above. First Communion classes will meet on THURSDAYS at 5 pm in the Guild Room beginning on FEBRUARY 23RD.


If you are interested in First Holy Communion for your child, please register using the link below. Forms are also available at the back of the church. If you have any questions about First Communion, please feel free to reach out to Fr. Duncan or the Parish Office.


FIRST HOLY COMMUNION REGISTRATION FORM

SPIRITUALS IN CONCERT

Saturday, February 25th at 4:00 pm

 

Come and enjoy an evening of uplifting African-American anthems and spirituals!


Featuring Alex Pryrodny, soloists from St. Augustine’s Episcopal church, and others.


Donations to benefit St. John’s Concert Fund

THRIFT SHOP HELP NEEDED

Tuesday, Thursdays & Saturdays

12 - 3 pm

 

St. John's Thrift Shop and its ministry are vital to our mission in the community. We are so grateful for our dedicated group of volunteers. If you are looking for a way to serve your parish and community, our Thrift Shop could be the ministry for you.

 

To volunteer or find our more, please contact Mary Beth Dieterle, (631) 427-1752, ext 106.

 

Donations welcome. We accept donations of new or gently used clothing, accessories, and household items. Please no books, furniture, out-dated electronics, or damaged items.

MORNING PRAYER

All are welcome at Morning Prayer. We meet Monday through Friday at 9:00 am via Zoom.


Our short prayer service is followed by some fellowship and discussion. Feel free to join us occasionally to listen and pray, or come more often to participate as a leader or reader, and to start your day with your focus on Christ and a deeper connection with your friends at St. John's.


Join us via Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86041146543

BIBLE STUDY

Bible Study meets regularly Mondays at 6:30 pm and on Tuesdays at 11:00 am on Zoom.

 

Monday Zoom Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83373971746

Tuesday Zoom link:https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82553627635


On Monday, January 2nd at 6:30 pm and Tuesday, Janaury 3rd at 11:00 am, we will begin a new unit referencing Means of Grace: A Year of Weekly Devotions by Fleming Rutledge.

PUERTO RICO MISSION TRIP

Our 2023 Puerto Rico mission trip will bring us to Ponce, Puerto Rico, from April 24th to April 29th.


The cost is $800 which includes ground transportation, room and board:

  • 1st payment due 2/15/2022 - $400
  • 2nd payment due 4/15/2022 - $400
  • Individuals are responsible for their own airfare.


ONLINE REGISTRATION FORM


Mission work will be determined by the the group. We hope to do children's ministry and outreach to students and young people. Waitlist spots are currently available.


Please contact Coral in the Parish Office or Fr. Duncan if you are interested.

2023 PILGRIMAGE TO IONA, SCOTLAND

PILGRIMAGE MEETING - There will be a meeting for all those registered for the Iona Pilgrimage on Tuesday, February 7th at 7 pm in the Guild Room.


For more information or questions please contact the Pilgrimage Leader, Leslie Valentine: Phone: (516) 815-1169; Email: leslieval@aol.com


Pilgrimage to the Isle of Iona, Scotland

September 29-October 8, 2023

 

IONA WELCOMES ALL! Come you of great faith and you who struggle with faith; you who believe and you who doubt; explorers and questioners, adventures and contemplatives! Experience Iona without expectation. Let the sacred isle uncover what you need to see and reveal what you need to hear!

 

Registration in limited and will fill up quickly, so please respond as soon as possible to secure your place.

 

Iona 2023 Brochure

 

Iona 2023 Registration Form

2023 GIVING ENVELOPES ARE HERE

2023 Giving envelopes have arrived and are ready for pick up at the back of the church for those who indicated on their pledge cards that they would like a box.


There are still giving numbers available, so if you would like a box of weekly giving envelopes, please reach out Coral in the Parish Office.

PRAYER CONCERNS FOR ST. JOHN'S

We offer prayers of thanksgiving for Gladys Merritt Congo in honor of her 90th birthday.


We pray for Richard, Barbara, Edward, Christine, Fred, Ana, Patti, Luke, Cassandra, Valarie, Danielle, Amy, Kate, Cheryl, Anne, Carmen, Lou, Mary Beth, Daniel, Sue, Pedro, Anita, Chaya, Valerie, Hal, Sue, Hortense


The Perpetual Light is given in loving memory of Clara and Frank Elliot by Linda Elliot.


Please send your prayers or updates to prayers@stjohns1745.org or call Coral in the Parish Office, 631-427-1752, ext. 101.

St. John's Episcopal Church

12 Prospect Street

Huntington, New York 11743

(631) 427-1752

stjohns1745.org


STAY CONNECTED

Facebook