CHILDREN'S CHAPEL SUNDAY AND ALL-PARISH MEETING

FROM THE VICAR

On Participation and Pie

A recent article in The Wired Word - the curriculum we use in Adult Forum - examined the Cooperative Election Study which has found that "a growing number of Americans have dropped out of the institutions that once were arenas of communal participation in this country. This group is no longer involved in religious activities, political pursuits, post-high-school education, social clubs (such as the Elks), Boy Scouts and/or even bowling leagues. And they have replaced these linkages with nothing at all."

Nothing at all! At the risk of sounding like the codger who mutters at the youngsters for behaving differently than I do, I still believe that zero participation is a terrible choice, not only for those who opt out of communal life, but also for those who opt to stay ... but who miss out on what the non-participants might have brought to the table.

So. This Sunday at approximately 11:00, you have the chance to participate in directing the future of St. John's Church. We will have a meeting for the whole parish to hear about and weigh in on my future here. Don't leave it to others. Participate. The meeting will not be long, and there will be a variety of pies (please bring a pie of any sort to share if you're feeling especially participatory). Most importantly - we all need each other, and the meeting will be better if you're there. Zero participation is a terrible choice.

See you in church - and afterward.

-Kate +

ADULT FORUM

Adult Forum meets every Sunday in the library at 9:00. Each week, we discuss a current news item using a biblical perspective. This week, in light of a capital case under consideration in Oklahoma, we'll be discussing capital punishment. No preparation is necessary to participate, but if you'd like to read in advance, click HERE.

ALL-PARISH MEETING AND "PIE-LUCK"!

This Sunday, May 5th, following the 10:00 service, we will hold an all-parish meeting to discuss the transition process for Kate to move from vicar to rector at St. John's. The wardens and vestry will briefly review what has already transpired in the preceding two years, solicit your input about our future together, and share a rough outline of how we hope to move forward. We want a smooth and transparent transition, so please come and share your thoughts.

While you're sharing thoughts, share some pie, too. Any pie - sweet or savory - is welcome. No sign ups, because we trust in the Holy Spirit (and each other).

TRANSITION TO RECTOR - UPDATE

If you'd like to prepare ahead for our all-parish meeting, attached HERE is a report on the mutual ministry review conducted by our vestry and Kate. The Rev. Martha Hubbard and the consulting firm Holy Cow! met with the vestry to go over results. Still curious? Ask any vestry member about it - or just come to the all-parish meeting at 11:00 on Sunday.

BEVERLY BOOTSTRAPS

For the month of May, Beverly Bootstraps is seeking donations of sunscreen to give to our neighbors in need. People who receive SNAP benefits ("food stamps") can not use those to purchase sunscreen, but it is a necessity. By providing sunscreen, you can enable someone to spend tight funds on other needs. You can drop your donation in the basket as you walk into church, or outside the front office during the week.

MEET THE CANDIDATES FOR BISHOP

Are you interested in meeting the candidates for Bishop of Massachusetts? A group of St. John's folk, including our representatives to the electing convention, are attending a "meet and greet" at Christ Church, Andover on Friday, May 10 from 7-8:30 PM. Can't make that date? Check HERE for other times and locations. The election will be held on May 18 at Trinity Church in Boston.

MAY CALENDAR

SATURDAY, MAY 4 - Family Concert featuring Karim Nagi at 2 PM

SUNDAY, MAY 5 - Children's Chapel

- ALL-PARISH MEETING AND PIE-LUCK after the 10:00 service

FRIDAY, MAY 10 - Meet the candidates for Bishop of Massachusetts. 7-8:30 PM at

Christ Church in Andover.

SUNDAY, MAY 12 - Mother's Day and Ascension Sunday

TUESDAY, MAY 14 - Book Club meets in the library at 2:30

• Vestry meets in Celebration Hall at 6 PM

SATURDAY, MAY 18 - Bishop Election online and at Trinity Church, Boston

• Trip Hargrave Memorial at 11 AM at St. John's

SUNDAY, MAY 19 - The Feast of Pentecost

• Choir's last Sunday

MONDAY, MAY 27 - Office Closed for Memorial Day

• Monday Night Supper at First Baptist Church in Beverly beginning at 4:30

32nd ANNUAL HAWC WALK & RUN

Salem Common | Sunday, June 9, 2024 | 10:00 AM EDT - 2:00 PM EDT

For almost every year of the HAWC walk’s history, St. John’s Church has raised more money than any other team. Now more than ever, HAWC needs our support. There has been a marked rise in incidents of domestic violence since the beginning of Covid in 2020. Victims have had nowhere to go, often trapped at home with their abuser. If we have been feeling isolated, frustrated, and even angry, just imagine how much worse it could be in the home of an abuser. HAWC is still there, offering emergency assistance through the courts and local law enforcement, and through their hotline. They must continue to receive financial help!

Please donate to support our walkers…Leslie Leathersich, Sarah Kaull and many others. As always, all donations made to the St. John’s team will be matched.

Thank you for your continued support of this vital organization in our community.

-Joanie Ingraham

If you are interested in donating, please click on the link and then scroll down to the orange "Donate Now" button.  The link can be found HERE. If you prefer to write a check, please make it payable to HAWC and place it in the envelope on the front desk marked "HAWC Donations."

SUPPORT CURE, INTERNATIONAL ...

AND ONE OF OUR OWN!

Jodi Klein is on sabbatical hiking the Appalachian Trail. She is also raising money and awareness for CURE, International along the way. For more information about Jodi's hike, or to make a donation to CURE, click HERE.

 PASTORAL CARE COMMITTEE

St. John’s has a vibrant Pastoral Care Committee that is committed to reaching out to those who cannot attend church because of age, infirmity or illness. If you or someone you love would like a visit or phone call, please contact any member of the pastoral care committee: Maida Broudo, Jodie Stevenson, Wendy Waller, Tony Mason, Becky Roy, Steve McKinnon, Gail Campbell, Ellen Hutchins, Curtis Vouwie, Eileen Young, and Bob Woodbury. You can also contact Kate.

WANT TO MAKE A FINANCIAL CONTRIBUTION?

We're so grateful for all the ways you support our community. We've heard from many parishioners that they like the option of giving to St. John's via credit or debit card. Our online giving portal allows for one time, weekly, or monthly giving. This secure link will take you to the VANCO GIVING LINK

You can also make a one-time gift through VENMO or PAYPAL. Just look up St. John's Church in Beverly Farms.

Questions? Please contact our Bookkeeper Blair at blair@sjcb.org

WORSHIP RESOURCES



Join us via livestream Sundays at 10:00 on the St. John's Beverly Farms YouTube page. Link for Sunday morning online worship.

A Prayer of Spiritual Communion           

Prayed by those participating online:    

In union, O Lord, with your faithful people at every altar of your Church where the Holy Eucharist is now being celebrated, I offer You praise and thanksgiving. I remember your death, Lord Christ; I proclaim your resurrection; I await your coming in glory. And since I cannot receive You today in the Sacrament of your Body and Blood, I beseech You to come spiritually into my heart. Cleanse and strengthen me with your grace, Lord Jesus, and let me never be separated from You. May I live in You, and You in me, in this life and the life to come. Amen.



Eastertide Service Booklet: HERE

Scripture Insert: HERE

St. John's Church - There's a place for you here.