"To know Christ and to make Him known . . . " | |
The Weekly Sunday Bulletin of St. John’s Episcopal Church | | |
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Into the Darkness
Only the seed that has died and is buried
lives to bear fruit, Jesus said.
Lead me then into the darkness and dying,
so you can raise me up from the dead.
Jesus, help me die and rise.
All of my living, my loves and desires,
all of the things that I cling to,
now I surrender to die and be buried.
Raise me in following, serving you.
Jesus, help me die and rise.
Portions of a song by Steve Garnaas-Holmes
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Lent this year, for many of us has been a time of slowing down – a time to be still and to be present to the God who loves us more deeply than we can imagine. It is a time of letting go – to relinquish the things that hold us hostage – and to be free to live fully into the person God has created us to be. It is hard to be silent – because if we truly look deep into our hearts, silence can remind us of our own death – the quiet darkness that can be so overwhelming. So we cling to life – fists tight – hold on. And we miss some of the most profound joys that Jesus has for us as we continue to follow him to Calvary.
We have become so busy – hustling and bustling everywhere - clutching things that are just not that important that we lose sight of the central message from our Gospel this week. Jesus reveals in the moment the Greeks came to see him just how far and wide his ministry would extend. His time has come. And he tells us what this looks like by foreshadowing his own death. “Very truly, I tell you , unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains just a single grain; but if it dies it bears much fruit.”
So let us slow down. The time has come for us to walk with Jesus – with open hands, allowing all the seeds of love that we have been given to fall into the soil – to die. Like the tiny grains of wheat – which, when sown in good soil multiply beyond our imagination. Letting go – Let go of our own need to be in control and allow God’s love to grow more deeply. Death into life by slowing down – dying to ourselves – getting out of the way – opening our fists in surrender and trust. Together, let’s follow Jesus - to the cross. And “they will know we are Christians” by our open hands and abundant love.
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On the journey with you,
Deacon Claire
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The Readings
Jeremiah 31:31-34
Hebrews 5:5-10
John 12:20-33
Psalm 51:1-13
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
Bulletin: Rite I HE Lent
9:40 am - Sunday School this week - 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
Bulletin: Rite II HE Lent
Music
Opening: 370 I bind unto myself today, vs 1, 4-7
Before Gospel: 337 And now, O Father, mindful of the love, vs 1-2
Offertory anthem: "Now the green blade rises"
Communion: 474 When I survey the wondrous cross
Closing: LEVAS 14 Soon and very soon
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Gentle Mat Yoga Classes with Parishioner Alice Weiser (E-RYT-500): Guild Room, Saturdays at 10 am starting March 16.
In keeping with St. John’s theme for the season - "finding peace and well-being” - we are offering gentle yoga classes to quiet the mind and stretch and strengthen the body. All are welcome; modifications will be offered for different levels. Please note: in addition to standing, students will explore poses while seated, on hands and knees, and laying down. Students should be able to comfortably lower to and rise from the mat. Please bring a yoga mat and any other props you like to use (yoga blocks, strap, blanket). Fee: $15 for parishioners, $20 for non-members. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to St. John’s. Questions: please contact Alice Weiser at aliceweiser@mac.com.
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Join us for a Celtic Service is on Sunday, March 17th at 5:00 pm. All are welcome at this contemplative, life-affirming mass with beautiful Celtic music in observance of the Feast of Patrick of Ireland. | |
CASUAL CONVERSATIONS ABOUT THE EPISCOPAL CHURCH | |
All are welcome Sundays in Lent at 11:15 am in Deacon Claire's office.
There are many folks that come to our church from different denominations. Have you ever wanted to ask the clergy questions that you might have about the Episcopal Church?
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A LENTEN JOURNEY TO PEACE & WELL-BEING | |
Holy Cross Lenten Retreat
Our 2024 Lenten Retreat to Holy Cross Monastery will be from March 19th to 21st.
Our program will be "A Lenten Journey to Peace and Well-Being" in keeping with our theme for the season. There will also be quiet, reflective time on the beautful grounds which overlook the Hudson River in West Park, New York.
We will meet at St. John’s on the morning of March 19th and carpool. We will return in the afternoon of March 21st. Contact the Parish Office or Fr. Duncan with any questions.
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ST. JOHN'S WADDLERS WALK ON WEDNESDAYS | |
Wednesdays at 4 pm & 6 pm
Meet us by the Heckscher Museum of Art in Heckscher Park in Huntington for a walk in the park. Movement is a key component of "Whole Health," a way of self-care, and a chance to take steps towards your personal sense of peace and well-being.
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Join us for our next Young Artist Showcase on Sunday, March 24th at 3pm in our beautiful sanctuary. St. John's Music Ministry in continuing its work in supporting young, upcoming musicians by giving them an opportunity perform. To find our more about our music programming, contact Alex Pryrodny our Music Director. No tickets needed. | |
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To help beautify St. John’s Altar at Easter we ask for your donation for Easter Flowers to remember your deceased loved ones or in thanksgiving for your blessings.
If you wish to have your dedication listed in the Easter Bulletin, please complete and return this form to the Parish Office by the DEADLINE of Wednesday, March 20th.
DOWNLOAD EASTER FLOWER MEMORIAL ORDER FORM
ORDER ONLINE
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PALM SUNDAY
Sunday, March 24th
8 am - Rite I Eucharist & Passion
10 am - Rite II Choral Eucharist & Passion
MAUNDY THURSDAY
Thursday, March 28th
5:30 pm - Christian Seder
7:30 pm - Eucharist & Foot Washing
GOOD FRIDAY
Friday, March 29th
7 pm - Stations of the Cross
7:30 pm - Good Friday Service
EASTER SUNDAY
Sunday, March 31st
7:30 am - Rite I Sunrise Eucharist
9 am - Rite II Choral Eucharist
10:30 am - Easter Egg Hunt
11 am - Rite II Choral Eucharist
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Friday, March 29th, 4:00 - 6:00 in the kitchen
Fr. Zach invites any youth who feels called to minister to the unhoused in our community to join him in the kitchen to cook a hot meal to be delivered to those in need. Please reach out to him if you would like to help, zbaker@stjohnshuntingon.org or (631) 427-1752, ext. 105.
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Quarterly Stewardship Statements will be going out the 2nd week of April. Please log in to your OnRealm account to make sure your pledged giving is up to date by March 31st.
If you need help logging in or setting up your OnRealm account, please contact our Parish Administrator, Coral Freas, in the office, (631) 427-1752, ext. 101.
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HOPE Ministries is continuing to collect toiletries as well as other needed items for HIHI. Please place your items in the box in the rear of the church. Here is a list of what is most needed: | |
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Toothpaste
Toothbrushes
Soap
Deodorant
Shampoo
Sanitary Wipes
Toilet Paper
Lotion
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Chapstick
Feminine Hygiene products
Socks
Underwear
Coats
Gloves
Bandages
Sunscreen
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To learn more about HOPE Ministries, please contact Deacon Claire, (631) 427-1752, ext 104, or cmis@hotmail.com. | |
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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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Thursday, April 11th at 7:00 pm
Please join us for a safe and loving offering of prayer and healing.
We believe that not only does Jesus still heal today, but that healing is one of the most powerful ministries of evangelization. Jesus never preached the Gospel of the kingdom of God without demonstrating the kingdom through signs, wonders, and miracles, with healing as the most frequent demonstration of God’s love.
Healing services at St. John’s will include a time of worship and praise, proclamation of the Gospel and preaching, corporate prayer for healing ending with individual prayer teams for healing. Come prepared for breakthrough!
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Bible Study* meets regularly on Mondays at 6:30 pm on Zoom (https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83373971746) and Tuesdays at 11:00 am in person in the Guild Room. The material covered each Monday evening will be covered on the following Tuesday morning.
*Bible Study will not meet on the following days:
Monday - April 1st
Tuesdays - March 19, March 26th & April 2nd
Please reach out to Fr. Zach with any questions, (631) 427-1752, ext. 105.
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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. | |
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The Thrift Shop is 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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St. John's Huntington Jazz Connections presents the Jazz Loft All Stars on Sunday, May 5th at 5 pm.
The Long Island Gay Men's Chorus presents their annual pride concert on Sunday, June 9th at 5:30 pm.
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SUBMIT YOUR SPRING EVENTS | All sprint events (April 1 - June 30, 2024) must be submitted to the Parish Office by Friday, March 15, 2024. All parish events and building use must be approved by the rector. | |
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PRAYER SHAWL MINISTRY - Monthly meetings are on the 1st Thursday of each month at 6:30 pm in the Guild Room. Please contact Lynn Hansen for more information.
SPIRITUALITY GROUP - Monthly meetings are on the 2nd Thursday of each month at 5:00 pm in the Canterbury Corner. Contact Patti Aliperti for more information.
ST. HILDA'S GUILD - Weekly meetings are on Tuesdays from 12:30 to 2:30 pm in the Guild Room. Contact Sue Hartman for more information.
RACIAL RECONCILIATION & SOCIAL JUSTICE MINISTRY - For meeting days and times or more information contact Heather Kress.
VESTRY MEETING - Tuesday, April 16th at 6:30 pm in the Guild Room and on Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87350494837
ECW MEETING - Sunday, March 17th in the Guild Room. Contact Carol Goldbaum, ECW President for more information.
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PRAYER CONCERNS FOR ST. JOHN'S | |
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We pray for: Sandra, Peter, Kay, Justin, Rick, Kelsey, Shannon, Patti, Kim, Cynthia, Bobbi, Richard, Barbara, Geralynn, Amy, Christine, Suzanne, Kim, Cole, Luke, Cassandra, Amy, Kate, Cheryl, Eric, Savannah, Mary, Walter, Janice, Walter, Tommy, Laura, Dennis, Kristin
The Perpetual Light is given in loving memory of Walter McCarthy, a gift of the Butler Family.
The Perpetual Light is given in loving memory of Walter McCarthy by his wife, Evelyn McCarthy.
The Perpetual Light is a gift of Dave and Nelly Lasek in loving memory Bertha, Frank, and John Lasek, and Modesto and Natividad Roman.
Please send your prayers or updates to prayers@stjohns1745.org, call Coral in the Parish Office, 631-427-1752, est. 101, or click on the link below and complete the online form:
PRAYER LIST FORM
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Thank you for volunteering to serve. | |
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CLICK HERE TO VIEW ST. JOHN'S 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.
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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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