Nov. 17, 2023

Worship Schedule

Sundays at 10 a.m.

(with Morning Prayer once a month)

In person and live-streamed on YouTube

Church School

Godly Play Sunday School 10 a.m.

Teen Text Sunday School twice a month

Adult Bible Study

twice a month after Coffee Hour

new faces welcome

next one: Nov. 19 (this Sunday)

For What are you Thankful?

Thanksgiving is, in many ways, a perplexing holiday. We have our beloved traditions: gathering with family, enjoying a festive meal, watching football games and sleeping off overly full bellies.

On the other hand, we have stressful hosting duties, avoidance of family tensions, missing family members, and the realities of everything else going on with our lives that we cannot block out with an overstuffed turkey.

For me, I am struggling with deep grief over the lives disrupted and lives lost among friends and colleagues caught in the war between Israel and Hamas. I am grateful for those same friends - both Israeli and Palestinian - who say to me, "just sit with me".

In the words of one young man working with Jerusalem Peace Builders (an interfaith network of young adults who are Israeli Jews, Palestinian Christians and Muslims, and Americans from all three traditions):

We pray for this war to end soon and that the two nations will recover from the harm done. Hopefully, a new reality of peace will shine forth and change this conflict forever. It was never easy, and it never will be, but we can’t lose hope.

As we go into Sunday’s pre-Thanksgiving celebration and recommit ourselves to God and each other, rather than ask, “for what are you thankful?”, might we also place that question within the deeper one, “what do we really need the most, to know that we are on solid ground, no matter what?”

From all that I have heard and learned from you over the past three years, what we need the mos,t and for what we are thankful, is actually one and the same: community. We are not alone – we live in God’s world.

Community is why we gather. Community is what we celebrate. Learning how to be community, with the love of Christ as our anchor, is our ongoing work together.

I hope you take the time to join us this Sunday. In the meantime, will you pray with me? (from our very own Book of Common Prayer p. 836 – a General Thanksgiving)

Accept, O Lord, our thanks and praise for all that you have done for us. We thank you for the splendor of the whole creation, for the beauty of this world, for the wonder of life, and for the mystery of love.

We thank you for the blessing of family and friends, and for the loving care which surrounds us on every side.

We thank you for setting us at tasks which demand our best efforts, and for leading us to accomplishments which satisfy and delight us.

We thank you also for those disappointments and failures that lead us to acknowledge our dependence on you alone.

Above all, we thank you for your Son Jesus Christ; for the truth of his Word and the example of his life; for his steadfast obedience, by which he overcame temptation; for his dying, through which he overcame death; and for his rising to life again, in which we are raised to the life of your kingdom.

Grant us the gift of your Spirit, that we may know him and make him known; and through him, at all times and in all places, may give thanks to you in all things. Amen.

This gift of being brought together in community – in communion with Christ – is what we celebrate this, and every, Sunday.

This gift is what we seek to feed and nurture, with God’s help, as we re-commit ourselves to a life together that takes us beyond our walls and into the world in which we live.

We are not alone. We live in God’s world. And have been called simply to walk together. Thanks be to God.

In gratitude,

Rev. Lisa

Thanksgiving and Recommitment Sunday.

This Sunday, in gratitude for all glimpses of God's love that we share through our life together, we will recommit ourselves to God and each other.

With the Parable of the Talents as our Gospel, we will 1) celebrate a baptism, 2) reflect on what kind of church we invite others into, 3) renew in earnest our own Baptismal Covenant vows, and 4) pledge what we can financially as a witness in support of the gift of community we long to share through our parish life together.

If, for whatever reason, you did not receive a letter and financial giving card, or you misplaced the one you had,

you can download one HERE.

Please bring (or mail in) your 2024 Financial Giving card to be offered, honored and blessed as we respond as One in sincere gratitude to: "All things come of thee, O Lord. And of thine own have we given thee."

What ministries we can offer, what faith needs we can meet, depend on what hopes we can express and what treasures we can offer for the ongoing benefit of our whole community.

Annual St. John's Holiday Dinner

Tuesday Dec. 12, 6.p.m at Italia Mia

In a desire to gather as a community - without the added stress of cooking and cleaning in this overly busy season - it's time once again to join us for the St. John's Holiday Dinner.

This year we'll be gathering on Tuesday, Dec. 12 at 6:00 p.m. at Italia Mia on Route 7 in New Milford.

The buffet-style meal will include:

Appetizers: Stuffed Mushrooms, Bruschetta, Mini Meatballs, Garlic Bread, Garlic Bread Parmesan, Tossed Salad

Mains: Eggplant Parmesan, Chicken Francaise, Grilled Salmon, Penne a la Vodka

Desert: Cheese Cake, Cannoli, Tiramisu

Beverages: Beer, Wine, Soda, Coffee, Tea 

The price is $50/person (includes taxes, tip). If you prefer cocktails, the restaurant will run your separate tab.

The $50 must be paid in advance - by Sunday, Dec. 10.

We understand completely that the cost can be prohibitive for some. As we have done in the past, we're asking anyone who would like to help defray the cost for a parishioner to add a little extra when you make your payment.

If you are in need of financial assistance to attend, please trust Rev. Lisa with a request for help. We want you there!

To reserve a spot for this festive evening with friends, use the sign-up sheets at the front and side entrances of the church and at Coffee Hour, or  email Mary Vallo HERE,  Ron Vallo HERE. 

You can give your payment to Ron or Mary when you see them around. Or you can mail a check to one of the Vallos at 514 Candlewood Lake Road North, New Milford 06776. If you do Venmo, we can do that as well.

Santa Fund, Pajama Collection

This Christmas, we are participating as a parish in supporting two agencies as they spread holiday cheer to children in need -the Connecticut Department of Children and Families and the New Milford Department of Social Services' Santa Fund.

For children in foster care we are collecting new pajamas. For older children, we are collecting $20 gift cards from stores like Target, Walmart, Amazon, Dick's Sporting Goods, Primemark, etc. 

There is a bin in the back of the church for pajamas. Please give gift cards to Tanya Deppen or Naomi Fisher. 

For the Santa Fund, we have been asked to sponsor two children.

Each child will receive a $50 gift card and a gift worth $50.

If you would like to donate toward the Santa Fund, please contact Tanya at 203-948-8152 or tmas.25@hotmail.com.

Holiday Casting Call

If you like to sing, or act, or would just like to share a special space in our Christmas celebration at St. John's we're happy to say we've got a place (or two) for you.

We will once again have an 'expanded choir' on Christmas Eve, and you are invited to join.

It's a great opportunity for those who can't commit to the choir full-time but would like the chance to celebrate the Eucharist with song.

The rehearsals for the Christmas Eve service will be after Sunday services in December. Please contact Music Director Laurel Larsen if you'd like to join in.

Rev. Lisa and Laurel are also looking for children, youth, and adults to take part in the annual Christmas Pageant on Dec. 17. Please contact them if you and/or your kids are interested or if you would like more information.

Latin Dance Fun

A shout-out of gratitude to parishioners Andy Cabell and Alicia Bonner who shared their gifts of dance instruction (and creating fellowship) to the delight of all.

On Sunday, Nov. 5, we were joined by 22 adults, including several from beyond our church (and 7 children) for a fun sampling of Latin dance that turned into “let’s do this again” and “spread the word”!

Andy is the owner of the Arthur Murray Dance Studio in Danbury. Quoting from a News-Times article when he took over the business just a few years ago, “Although the traditional ballroom and Latin dances remain a major part of the business, (new) owner Andy Cabell has expanded the offerings to include team-building and health-and-wellness programs for employees, and dance lessons for kids, such as ballet, creative movement and hop-hop.” He also works with non-profits doing fundraisers for local community needs.

If your own wheels are turning with creative community-building ideas, please join the ongoing conversations. 

And stay tuned for the next dance event!

All Saints Day

Special Coffee Hour

All Saints Sunday is a time to celebrate those people and moments in our lives that have given us glimpses of God’s Love.

So, this was the perfect Sunday to begin visually sharing some of the treasures being uncovered in our historical “dig” (AKA cleaning closets).

Learning how we came to be St. John’s Episcopal Church in New Milford CT, with all of the stories of commitment, hope and hunger, alongside disagreements, mending fences and community-building, helps us understand the current life of our church anew AND begins to plant seeds for our future together.

Thanks to Jim Polito (our newly named official Church Historian), Paul Manfredi, Naomi Fisher, Aimee Altemus, and Margo Terwilliger, we enjoyed a lively Coffee Hour looking at old pictures and documents, while sharing stories over a lovely brunch.

This was not a one-time event. Stay tuned for more!

In the meantime, click HERE to read Paul Manfredi's reflections on our initial findings, as offered during last Sunday's homily time. We have lots of questions. We need your stories!

Youth Group In Action

The St. John's Youth Group and their friends from the First Congregational Church will continue their busy schedule as we head into the holiday season.

The youth group members will be on hand on Saturday Nov. 25 - collecting toys to be distributed this Christmas season by the NMPD.

The collection will be in conjunction with the First Congregational Church's LIve Nativity - itself happening in conjunction with the Tree Lighting ceremonies on the New Milford Green.

On Dec. 3, the kids will be meeting at the Congregational Church to make Christmas cards for nursing home residents and having pizza.

And, on Dec. 16 at 5:30 p.m. they will have an Ugly Christmas Sweater Party in the Fellowship Hall at the Congregational Church, then at 6:30 p.m. they’ll be Christmas caroling. 

Congrats Naomi and Donna

Parishioners Naomi Fisher and Donna Sullivan recently accepted important ministries at the diocesan level on behalf of the Northwest Region.

Naomi was elected for a three-year term as la ay member to Mission Council, representing the Northwest Region of the Diocese of Connecticut.

Mission Council is similar to a parish vestry, but at the diocesan level. They work with our bishops and canons, setting vision and guidance for the diocese.

And Donna has been appointed to the diocesan Commission on Ministry, whose members are appointed by the bishops ratified annually at Convention.

In their role, COM members are responsible for the raising up and formation of ordained leaders. They oversee those already in the process for ordination to the Priesthood and the Diaconate, and are responsible for implementing and evaluating the Provisional Process for Ordination to the Priesthood. They also continue to explore ways to raise up leaders in lay ministry, given that all those baptized are part of the priesthood of all believers.

Our gratitude to Naomi and Donna, for leaning into our larger Church life.

Josh Violette on NMHS Stage

This Weekend!

Parishioner Josh Violette is starring in his first high school play (as a ninth grader!). 

Josh has a dual role in New Milford High School's production of 'A Midsummer Night's Dream' on Nov. 17 and 18.

Josh will be playing Theseus and Oberon.

If you'd like to see Josh and his cast mates perform click this link for tickets.

Bible Study Group - Nov. 19

Have you ever listened to a reading from our scriptures or an effort to break open the Word by our preachers and thought, "why does that resonate with me?" or "I have a different take on that story"?

This informal gathering of curious folks is for you! God speaks to each of us. Seeking meaning and relevance from those thoughts in our hearts is best done in community.

Our Bible Study group's next gathering will be this Sunday, Nov. 19.

We will be continuing our discussion of Genesis. We'll meet in the library following the service, after a brief time at Coffee Hour. New (shy?) faces are always welcome!

Men's Night Out - Nov. 28

The next St. John's Men's Night Out is Tuesday, Nov. 28 at 6:00 p.m. We'll be going to American Pie Restaurant in Sherman. You can see their menu here.



If you'd like to join us please email Bill Kamp here.

Both the women's and the men's groups will skip a dinner date in December in favor of the St. John's Holiday Dinner.

Next Food Collection - Dec. 6

Our next St. John's Food Drop-off will be Wednesday, Dec. 6, from 10 a.m. to noon.

The food collected will be delivered to the New Milford Food Bank.

As you can see from the picture, we had a very good day on Wednesday, our most-recent collection. We thank you, the folks at Our Daily Bread Food Bank thank you and our neighbors in need thank you.

We're in front of the church to collect your donations of non-perishable foods and personal-care items on the first and third Wednesdays of each month.

Please remember that you can always bring in food on Sunday mornings and place your offerings in the donation basket next to the last pew.

Dishes From Around the World

(an international cookbook from 20 countries around the world)

Looking for a truly unique Christmas gift?

The folks at Literacy Volunteers on the Green have published a cookbook comprised of their students' favorite dishes from their home countries.

As a practical learning tool, the students worked with their tutors over the summer to present their favorite recipes from home for the project.

Each entry also includes a memory from the students, prompted by their favorite food.

Of her favorite desert, Aroz con Leche Tradicional (rice pudding), Lilia from Ecuador said "Milky or thick, it's tasty and quick. Rice pudding is a treat we make in Ecuador at Christmas in December and at Carnival time in February. This is my mother's recipe. I like it milky and not too thick. I hope you like it too."

There are also recipes from our two Afghan families that we helped resettle in New Milford! Qabuli Palaw (spiced lamp pilaf) and Red Halva (a lightly-sweet dessert).

For the more adventurous palate, you might like to try Papas con Cuy, potatoes with guinea pig, (although we are not quite sure which local grocery store carries that main ingredient!)

If you would like to buy a copy of 'Dishes From Around the World' you can pick one up at the Literacy Volunteers office in the Parish Hall from 9 a.m to 2 p.m. Monday through Thursday. The price is $20.

Another Holiday Gift Suggestion

Matin Malkizada, master potter and one of the Afghan refugees we helped sponsor, will be displaying his work for sale at the Kent Holiday Market next Saturday, Nov. 25, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

In our hemisphere, Advent takes place in the darkest season of the year, anticipating the light of God-with-us.

What are the gifts the darkness brings, and how do these gifts help us welcome the light of Christ?

Join master musician Ruth Cunningham and the Rev. Tuesday Rupp for a day of quiet, of healing sounds, and of meditation as together we explore the gifts of this holy season in the peacefulness of Camp Washington.

Ruth Cunningham is a classically trained musician, a sound healing practitioner, and a founding member of Anonymous 4. She combines these skills to improvise music that connects people to the healing and spiritual power of music. 

Tuesday Rupp is an Episcopal priest currently serving at St. Paul's in Woodbury. She is a classically trained singer and music director who brings her love of music into sacred liturgical spaces.

For more information and to register click HERE

Prayers for The Ill, Homebound or In Need

Parishioners: Katie, Carolyn, Peter, David, Arthur, Anna, Jean, Joy, Joan J., Josie, Olga, Helen and Sonok 

For family and friends: Linda, Carrie, Kathy, Michael W., Dennis, Douglas, Kevin, Billy, Charles, Rich, Holly, Matt, Artie and Dorothy

For those who have died: Bob Coles, brother of parishioner Jay Coles; Diane Chase, aunt of Leigh Alhage. Mike Beggs, friend of Laurel Larson.

For the people of Ukraine. For the lives lost and the lives upended in the war there.

The next issue of St. John's Connects will be published on Dec. 1.

If you have something to share in the next newsletter, please send the info to Ron Vallo by Wednesday, Nov. 29.

Upcoming Birthdays

Ron Vallo (12/1); Paul Zagozewski (12/8); Laura Carlton (12/16)

Anniversaries

Ron and Mary Vallo (12/15)

Congrats to all who are celebrating! Enjoy your big day!