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"To know Christ and to make Him known . . . "
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The Weekly Sunday Bulletin of St. John’s Episcopal Church | |
This weekend we will be commemorating the Baptism of our Lord for the First Sunday after Epiphany which was this past Monday. It is one of the days that our Book of Common Prayer lists as special days in which baptisms can occur (though every Sunday outside of Lent allows for baptisms). This Sunday, we will be baptizing three young men, brothers, Casey, Grant, and Leo Poinelli, who recently started attending with their father, Les. The eldest son told me due to a TikTok challenge, he started reading the Gospel of Luke, reading a chapter day in December leading up to Christmas, as the Gospel has 24 chapters. I guess the Holy Ghost can use technology.
Also, we will be sending off Deacon Claire to her next chapter. Clergy departures are never easy, and I know this has greatly affected many people who have found inspiration, comfort, and connection from her and her ministry. Still, I find great symbolism in the fact that Claire’s last day with us is also a day of baptism. Such can be our Christian life, a life in which we allow for God to guide our steps and open up for us new adventures and new possibilities.
This was a purpose of Jesus Christ being baptized, as you might be wondering why Jesus needed to be baptized at all. He had to submit to the Father in all ways and baptism, even in the pre-Chrisitan rite found in Judaism, was a symbolic way of doing that. As Jesus is also fully human, and Jewish, the rite of baptism was an act of repentance and ritual cleansing. No, Jesus did not sin and therefore had truly nothing to repent for, but he needed to mark his humanity in the same way as us.
Claire’s departure is a sign of the Holy Spirit in her life, which goes back to her baptism. If you’ve studied Acts of the Apostles, you know the movement of the Holy Spirit throughout the book and how it helped grow the early church. The Holy Spirit is the key to church movement and growth. And now as we bring in three new Christians into the fold, I rest in the fact the Holy Spirit is at work in the world today gathering in those who seek Jesus. And through others, helping them to disciple and minister. I pray that this year, we can seek deeper understandings of the Holy Spirit in our lives individually and as a parish to help us on this adventure of the Christian life. God bless!
In Christ,
Fr. Zach
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The Lessons
Isaiah 43:1-7
Acts 8:14-17
Luke 3:15-17, 21-22
Psalm 29
Join us for 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
Bulletin: Rite I HE - After Epiphany
9:40 am - Sunday School
10:00 am - Rite II Choral Eucharist
Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86739553648
Facebook Live Stream: https://www.facebook.com/stjohns1745
Bulletin: Rite II HE - The Baptism of Our Lord Jesus Christ
The Music
Processional: H135 Songs of thankfulness and praise
Gradual: LEVAS 141 – Shall we gather at the River, vs 1-2
Offertory: "Light of the Stable" by Selah
Communion: LEVAS 133 I surrender all
Recessional: H690 Guide me, O great Jehovah
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2025 Giving Envelopes are ready for pick up at the back of the church.
If you would like a box of giving envelopes, but did not request them on your pledge card,
please reach out to Coral in the Parish Office to be assigned a giving number.
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UPDATE FROM STUDENT ALUMNUS |
Hello St. John’s Family!
I’m currently finishing my Senior Year at Bentley University in Boston, where I have been lucky enough to work towards a degree in accounting and finance, as well as having the opportunity to play college football. The most transformational experience for me, however, was the exponential growth I’ve seen in my relationship with Jesus.
Quickly after getting to Bentley in 2021, a teammate of mine connected me to a group called Athletes in Action, which is the sports ministry for Cru. Cru is an international ministry that works to lead college students to Christ, and disciples students throughout their walk with Jesus in middle school, high school, and college. Personally, being involved with Cru has helped me learn more about Jesus, apply biblical truths to my life, given me a community of fellow believers to walk in faith with, and more recently, taught me how to share my faith with others and shepherd younger college students toward the LORD.
I have been presented with two exciting ministry opportunities in the coming year. Would you be willing to partner with me in one, or both of them?
The first opportunity I will get to take part in is a mission trip with an organization called Filter of Hope, who has partnered with Cru. I’ll be going with a group of College students to the Dominican Republic to work with local churches, delivering water filters to people in the area. After delivering the gift of clean water to each family, we will then share the Gospel with the family using the filter as an analogy for how Jesus cleans us of our sin, allowing us to have a relationship with God now and for all of eternity.
Secondly, I have been asked to join Cru as part-time staff. In this role, I will lead small bible study groups weekly to help guide students who are younger in faith toward Christ. After spending the last four years on Bentley’s campus, I have seen firsthand how easy it is to stray from the LORD, and how important the role of Cru is in a believer’s life. If I had not been introduced to Cru, it is likely that I would be completely lost right now. For this reason, I have felt God putting it on my heart to dedicate time giving back to Cru as a staff member.
I am currently searching for partners both in prayer and financially. This Sunday, January 12th, I will be at the 10 a.m. service to discuss the opportunities in a bit more detail and answer any questions you may have. Thank you!
God Bless,
Wade Holden
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HIHI is the Huntington Interfaith Homeless Initiative. St. John's partners with other local houses of worship to provide food, clothing and shelter during the winter months.
This winter, St. John's preparing hot meals for those in the local shelter. Anyone who would like to help cook and serve, please meet in the kitchen on the following days:
Friday, January 10th at 3pm
Friday, January 24th at 4pm (Youth Group)
We are also supporting HIHI by collecting gift cards to local fast food restaurants of $5 or $10 amounts to distribute to homeless in Huntington. If you would like to contribute, you may drop your Dunkin Donut, Burger King, McDonalds, or other gift cards off at St. John's, 12 Propect St, Huntington.
Please reach out to Fr. Duncan with any questions, dbu632@gmail.com, or (631) 427-1752, ext. 102.
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January 19th
8 am Service Ministers meet at 9:15 am
10 am Service Ministers meet at 11:15 am
Fr. Duncan will be meeting with all ministers for both Rite I and Rite II services, including MCs, LEMs, and Acolytes. Please join him at the altar after each service.
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Monday, January 20th, 200-3:30
Join us for the Closing Inspirational Program for the MLK Day of Service.
REGISTER HERE
FREE EVENT
Abraham's Table of Long Island's "Becoming a Beloved Community" project is hosting more than 30 faith-based, anti-hate activities across the Island in honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day.
Programs include discussions, dances, service projects and virtual panels. Featuring Paule Pachter, President/CFO of Long Island Cares; The Harry Chapin Food Bank, The Thea Bowman Gospel Choir, & clergy of all faiths.
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Sunday, January 26th at 3:00 pm
St. John's Music Ministry continues its work of supporting young, upcoming musicians by giving them an opportunity perform. These free mini-concerts take place in our beautiful, historic sanctuary in the intimate St. Mary's chapel.
If you are a young artist and would like to participate or just find out more about our music programming, contact Alex Pryrodny our Music Director.
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SING OUT! A TOUR FOR HARMONY | |
Sunday, February 9th at 3:00 pm
St. John's welcomes international soprano Brenda Marie Turner for a multi-genre concert in our beautiful sanctuary, creating unity through the perpetual gift on music.
This concert is made possible through the support of generous donors and is free to the public. Presented by Open the Music.
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The Annual Meeting of St. John's Church in Huntington will take place on Sunday, February 2nd at 11:15 am in the Great Hall.
VESTRY ELECTIONS - Nominations are open for 1 empty vestry seats. Also, 2 vestry positions and 1 warden position are up for reelection. If you are interested in serving on the vestry, please reach out to Sean Butler, Patti Aliperti, Rob Holden, or Fr. Duncan.
ANNUAL REPORT - All ministry reports from committee chairs are due by 9 am on Friday, January 24th. Please sumbit your report to Coral in the Parish Office as a Word document, Goolge doc, or as text in an email. No PDFs or Pages, please.
Reports will be presented in written form only in the Annual Report. The meeting will focus on the business of vestry elections and looking ahead to the future as we celebrate our 280th anniversary.
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FIRST HOLY COMMUNION CLASSES |
First Holy Communion will take place on Sunday, April 27, 2025 at the 10:00 am service.
Classes will begin on Wednesday, February 5, 2025, for children 2nd grade and above. First Communion classes will meet on Wednesdays at 5 pm in the Guild Room.
If you are interested in First Holy Communion for your child, please download the form 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.
FHC REGISTRATION FORM
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YOUTH GROUP & CONFIRMATION |
Confirmation - Next Class, Sunday January 12th at noon at St. John's Cold Spring Harbor. Any youth who feel they are ready for Confirmation is welcome to join our ongoing Confirmation classes. Confirmation will take place on Saturday, June 14th at 11 am at Trinity Episcopal Church in Northport. To join our current class, please reach out to Fr. Zach or join us at our next meeting this Sunday.
Youth Group meets this Sunday from 6-8:30 pm at St. John's Huntington. All Youth in the 7th to 12th grades are welcome to join us for food, fun, & faith!
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FOOD INSECURITY CONTINUES WITHIN OUR COMMUNITY |
Please bring a nonperishable food or toiletry item to church with you each Sunday, and place them in the basket at the back of the church. Your items will be received and blessed at the offertory.
Specific needs include:
• Canned tuna
• Canned chicken
• Canned Beef stews
• Canned salmon
• Bean soups
• Canned or dried beans
• Baked beans
• Canned chili
• Peanut Butter
• Canned nuts
• Personal Care items
Thank you to Gayle Brady and Paula Dodge who faithfully deliver to Helping Hands --- where the need is great!
Many thanks to all who support HOPE Ministries at St. John’s!
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Monday Bible Study will meet again on January 6th 6:30 pm on Zoom.
Monday Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83373971746.
Wednesday Morning Bible Study - Bible Study meets on Wednesdays at 11:00 am in person in the Guild Room.
Please reach out to Fr. Zach with any questions, (631) 427-1752, ext. 105.
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The Thrift Shop is regularly open 12 - 3 pm, Tuesday, Thursdays, and Saturdays.
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.
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Morning Prayer meets at 9:00 am, Monday through Friday on 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.
Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/8604114654
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On Wednesdays, the church is open from noon to 1 pm for noonday prayer which starts at 12:15 pm. All are welcome. | |
ECW MEETING - Help us to help others! Contact Carol Goldbaum, ECW President for more information.
PRAYER SHAWL MINISTRY - Learn how to crochet a prayer shawl in this loving, supportive group. We meet on the first Thursday of each month at 6:30 pm in the Guild Room. Please contact Lynn Hansen for more information.
RACIAL RECONCILIATION & SOCIAL JUSTICE MINISTRY - For meeting days and times or more information contact Heather Kress.
SPIRITUALITY GROUP - Next meeting, Thursday, February 13th at 5:00 pm in the Canterbury Corner. Meetings are held on the 2nd Thursday of every 2nd month. Contact Patti Aliperti for more information.
ST. HILDA'S GUILD - Join us for crafts, sewing, and friendship. Weekly meetings are on Tuesdays from 12:30 to 2:30 pm in the Guild Room. Contact Sue Hartman for more information.
VESTRY MEETING - Tuesday, December 17th at 6:30 pm in the Guild Room and on Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87350494837.
YOUTH GROUP - For all who are those in 7 - 12th grade. Our next meeting will be on Sunday, January 12th at 6:30 pm at St. John's Huntington. We meet every other Sunday at 6:30 - 8:30 rotating between St. John's Huntington, Trinity Northport, and St. John's Cold Spring Harbor. Contact Fr. Zach or Noelle DeLorenzo for more information. View Schedule.
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PRAYER CONCERNS FOR ST. JOHN'S | |
We prayer for: Sandy, Richard, Lynn, Amy, Kim, Christine, Cole, Luke, Geralynn, Lori, Noa, Jim, Irene, Debra, James, Linda, Ken, Larry, Mary, Cheryl, Amy, Kate, Nils, Betty, Gabby, Kaye, Coralis, Tony, Denise, Andrea, Gladys, Christian, Kaitlyn, Anthony, Richard
Altar Flowers are given in loving memory of Bunny Roberts, a gift of Crystal Roberts, her daughter.
The Perpetual Light is given in loving memory of Sofia Analise Trybulski, a gift of Velma Dove and Brian Wade.
Please send your prayers or updates to prayers@stjohns1745.org, call Coral in the Parish Office, 631-427-1752, ext. 101.
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Anyone interested in joining the Sunday service ministers' roster, please reach out to Fr. Zach or Fr. Duncan. | |
CHALICE UPDATES & PARISH CALENDAR
Notices for events to run in the Chalice, to post on the website and social media must be received by the Parish Administrator by 9:00 am on Tuesdays prior to publication.
All parish events and building use must be submitted to the Parish Office and approved by the rector.
CLICK HERE TO VIEW ST. JOHN'S CALENDAR
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St. John's Episcopal Church
12 Prospect Street
Huntington, New York 11743
(631) 427-1752
stjohns1745.org
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