The Weekly Sunday Bulletin of St. John’s Episcopal Church |
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This Sunday's first reading is from the 35th Chapter of Isaiah. Here we see a reflection of the power of Israel's God to restore creation. Once God's aims are accomplished, and God's vengeance is satisfied, nature is restored to the order God desires. In fact, nature is made better than it was before. The desert not only blooms as it might do in a normal spring season (Vs. 1-2), it also runs over with new sources of water (Vs. 6-7). The desert has been transformed into a marsh. And like the orders of nature, the people themselves are also better than they were before. All their physical infirmities have been healed (Vs. 5-6), and their fears have been allayed by the knowledge that God's vengeance, in this case, is expressed for their benefit and not their harm (Vs. 3-4). Here the prophesied curse of ears that do not hear, eyes that do not see, and minds that do not understand the intentions of God (Isaiah 6:9-10) are replaced with a promise of bodies whole and strong and a God that can be heard clearly calling for the people's restoration. This is a clear and awesome promise of a faithful God, the same God we worship today.
Our second reading from St. James is part of a letter to Jewish Christians who were caught up in the social tensions of the mid-first century. At this time, there were outbreaks of violence and insurrection taking place in Jerusalem and environs — a conflict that would culminate in the Jewish revolt of A.D. 66-70. In fact, the whole Roman world was dealing with unrest, including food shortages, economic problems and the rapid turnover of Roman emperors that led to an erratic government policy toward Christians, Jews, and others. The problem before the church in this time of upheaval can be summed up: "How do we remain a faithful Christian community in the midst of this time of trial and temptation?" St. James wrote to encourage his brothers and sisters and to give them some instruction on how to navigate in difficult times. In essence, he says faithfulness must be practiced. He gives a series of instructions on how to live a good Christian life. However, he admonishes them not to just listen to the way but practice it. We may be sorely tested in life, but if we see those tests as an opportunity to be faithful, we can come to appreciate it as a gift from God.
Today's Gospel from St. Mark continues from last Sunday. Here we are told of two healing miracles by a rather tired traveling Jesus. Although different, these miracles, clearly reveal the awesome power of Jesus as well as expressing his desire to keep his identity secret. The first miracle reported here involves the daughter of a Gentile woman. It seems like Jesus initially does not want to heal the girl, however, Jesus clearly respects the mother’s persistence. On the basis of her words, he directs her to go with the promise that the demon has left her daughter. The reversal that Jesus demonstrates in his willingness to perform the miracle from verse 27 to verse 29 is unparalleled throughout the gospels. That an unclean, Gentile woman should be the cause of such a reversal is even more astounding. In the second healing miracle, Jesus adopts a rather unusual procedure for healing the deaf man by putting his fingers into his ears, spitting, and touching his tongue. In antiquity, saliva was sometimes imagined as conveying healing or magical properties. We remember that Jesus also uses his saliva later in the gospel to heal the blind man at Bethsaida (8:23). However, for the healing of the deaf man, even more, actions are evidently necessary as Jesus pronounces the word "Ephphatha." In Jesus' speaking of an Aramaic pronouncement at the moment of healing, one might be reminded of the scene of Jairus' daughter's healing where a similar pronouncement affected the healing (5:41). Just as this secrecy does not stop the word about Jesus spreading within the narrative, so, too, does the gospel itself stand as testimony that such witnesses to Jesus will not ultimately be silenced.
-- Cn. Richard Visconti
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Join us for Sunday Worship at 8am and 10am in the church or remotely on Zoom. We will not be streaming on Facebook this Sunday. Face masks, social distancing, and contract tracing sign in are required for all in person services. Space is limited.
8:00 am - Rite I Holy Eucharist
10:00 am – Rite II Choral Eucharist
The Readings
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SAFE PRACTICES FOR IN-PERSON SERVICES |
We are so happy to welcome people into the church for in-person worship. As we increase the number of people allowed in the church, we can all do our part to keep ourselves and others safe and healthy:
- Masks are required. Disposable masks are available at the back of the church;
- Social distancing. Please maintain a 6ft distance between your group/family and others;
- Sanitize hands upon entrance. Dispensers are available at the back of the church;
- Prayer books are available;
- Service bulletins and reading inserts are available at the back of the church.
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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 occassionally 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.
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Prayers for a blessed and safe Labor Day for all.
The Parish Office will be closed on Monday, September 6th in observance of Labor Day. Morning Prayer will meet as scheduled. Bible Study will not meet on September 6th or 7th.
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SUPPORT EMM'S RELOCATION EFFORTS FOR OUR AFGHAN ALLIES |
In his timely sermon on generosity as God’s life-giving gift to us and our life-sustaining gift to others on August 29, Visiting Priest, Canon Richard Visconti left us with the parting remark that service begins when we walk out of church on Sunday. The current relocation efforts of our Afghan allies to communities across the country present us with a ready-made opportunity for service and to serve generously.
Episcopal Migration Ministries (EMM), the refugee and migration ministry of The Episcopal Church, has sent out an urgent appeal for support to welcome our newest group of immigrants, coming not out of choice but for their very survival. Nine national refugee resettlement agencies, including EMM, are tasked with this challenging and life-saving work but have limited financial resources and the need is great. From donations to volunteer support, to community sponsorship support and housing, to advocacy, there are many ways you can give. If you possibly can, we urge you to do so and to share this appeal for help widely. To donate and to obtain more information about the kinds of assistance needed, please go online to: https://episcopalmigrationministries.org/donate-afghan-allies/
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Bible Study meets Mondays at 6:30 pm and Tuesdays at 11:00 am on Zoom. Tuesday sessions will cover the material discussed on the Monday before.
Bible Study will not meet on Monday, September 6th and Tuesday, September 7th due to the Labor Day holiday.
We are extending our discussion of Father Elijah and the Apocalypse by Michael D. O’Brien through the 13th and 14th of September.
Beginning Monday, September 20th and Tuesday, September 21st, we will be reading and discussing the novel, Sophia House by Michael D. O'Brien. Copies are available in the Parish Office.
The unit on the Dead Sea Scrolls will follow completion of Sophia House.
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This Sunday, September 5th at noon, we will restream two very popular Sanctuary Music concerts back to back on Facebook!
“The State of Water” – Since the beginning of time, people tried to imitate or pay tribute to nature with music. On Sunday July 18th, Alex will present a special program featuring classical compositions and interactive improvisations based on the various states of the “liquid of life” – water
"Sound of Silence" - Music has a unique power to help us process our darker emotions like sadness, fear and loss and turn them into something beautiful. For his last solo concert of the summer “Sanctuary Music” series, Alex will present his creative takes on rock and pop songs dealing with the inner struggles, emotions and hopes.
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SPIRITUALITY GROUP MEETING |
The Spirituality Group meets on the 2nd Thursday of each month. Our next meeting will be on September 9th at 4:00 pm. This month's topic is "Forgiveness."
If you are interested in exploring your spirituality and deepening your connection to others, consider joining us. Please contact Patti Aliperti (silverymoon33@yahoo.com) if you would like more information about St. John's Spirituality Group.
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PRAYER SHAWL MINISTRY MEETING |
St. John's Prayer Shawl Ministry meets on the 2nd Thursday of the month.
The prayer shawl ministry will be gathering on Zoom next Thursday, September 9th at 6:00 pm. If you have interest in joining or have yarn to provide, please contact Noelle at ndelorenzo217@gmail.com
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CHRISTIAN EDUCATION FOR CHILDREN & YOUTH |
Sunday School - We plan to welcome everyone BACK TO SUNDAY SCHOOL on September 12th, and we can’t wait to see you all! However, we would like your feedback to better prepare for your child's needs and your families level of comfort. If you haven't already done so, please respond to the quick questionnaire to help us plan:
First Holy Communion and Confirmation - Anyone interested in First Communion and Confirmation in the Spring of 2022 should register for Sunday School in the fall. Sunday School is a key part of our Christian Education program and helps to prepare the children for First Communion and Confirmation classes in the winter and spring. If you have any questions, please see Fr. Duncan, contact the Parish Office at 631-427-1752, or email info@stjohnshuntington.org.
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On Sunday, September 12th at 7:00pm, award-winning pianist Alex Pryrodny presents a thoughtfully-constructed program of piano improvisations on based on sacred or spiritual music from around the world, from Gregorian chants to African-American spirituals and music of the Indigenous people. Pay what you wish ($20 suggested donation). |
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ST. FRANCIS, THE SULTAN, & RUMI |
On Saturday, September 18th, 9:30-11:30 am, St. John's Spirituality Group will welcome back, Tom Petriano for a quiet day of reflection on St. Francis, the Sultan, and Rumi.
One of the famous stories from the life of St. Francis of Assisi is his encounter with the Sultan al-Malik al- Kamil in the year1219. Al-Kamil seems to have been influenced by the Islamic mystics known as Sufis, and scholars have pointed out striking similarities between the teachings of St. Francis and the Sufis. This morning of reflection will explore those aspects of St. Francis’ teachings that suggest possible lines of influence between St. Francis and the Sufis, especially Jalāl ad-Dn Mohammad Rūmī, who would have been a contemporary of St. Francis. While it may be difficult to trace the exact nature of the influence of Sufism on Franciscanism, both of these traditions can be a valuable resource for all of us seeking a deeper and more authentic life. Join us as we explore these two beautiful spiritual traditions.
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HERITAGE MONTH CELEBRATIONS |
Certain months have been designated Heritage Months to honor the contributions of different groups of people who have come here and made it their home. Together they have shaped the American identity, history and culture. More recently, marginalized peoples striving for a place in our society have been similarly recognized.
To celebrate our stunning diversity as a country – or, as the country we can be in the aspirations of our founders -- the Racial Reconciliation & Social Justice Ministry will be publishing a brief piece in The Chalice about each Heritage Month. We hope to share the stories, complexities and richness, whether in language, music, performances or food, of each group. We have two goals in mind. The first is to help us all become more aware of our own cultures and identities and the variety of cultures and identities of our neighbors and friends across this country. The second is to encourage us to explore important questions like: How are we learning about heritage and culture? How do we interact with people with different heritages and cultures from our own? What place do other cultures have at the table.
If the constitutional promise and challenge to form a more perfect union is not incentive enough, perhaps the shifting demographics of the United States should be.
Look for the article on Latino/Latinx Heritage Month (September 15-October 15) in next week’s Chalice.
Heather G. Kress
Chair, RR&SJM
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ST. FRANCIS OF THE VALLEY |
All welcome to join in the ongoing dialogue as we continue to learn about our Christian response to the needs at the border and plan for a Mission Trip in 2022.
Local Group Meeting to plan for our Advent Series: September 10th at 4:00-5:00 pm
Meeting with St. Francis in the Valley: Friday, September 17th at 4:00-5:00 pm.
“While the border divides, the land unites.”
Pedacito de la Tierra/A Little Piece of Home film aims to amplify unity through the joy, resilience, belonging, and community experienced throughout life’s journey. Alight and Burners Without Borders are kicking off a global movement to create sustainable spaces of hope and refuge for migrant communities, beginning at the US/Mexico border.
Also, you might be interested in looking at the following website: “Cruzando Fronteras” which is hosted by Diocese of Arizona in partnership with the Grand Canyon Synod of the ELCA and the Southwest Conference of the United Church of Christ: https://fronteras.azdiocese.org/
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SACRED GROUND - NEW SERIES |
We are beginning a new Sacred Ground series on Saturday, September 23rd at 6:30 pm.
Sacred Ground is a film-based dialogue series on race and faith led by Bill Kiley presented by St. John's Racial Reconciliation & Social Justice Ministry.
Small groups are invited to walk through chapters of America’s history of race and racism, while weaving in threads of family story, economic class, and political and regional identity. The 10-part series is built around a powerful online curriculum of documentary films and readings that focus on Indigenous, Black, Latino, and Asian/Pacific American histories as they intersect European American histories.
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ROBERT W. BOISE MEMORIAL SERVICE |
We will celebrate the life of Robert W. Boise on Sunday, September 26th at 11:30 am in the church. Bob was an integral part of our parish for many years. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that a contribution be made in Bob's name to the memorial fund at St. John's.
To make a donation to the Memorial Fund, please send a check payable to "St. John's Episcopal Church" with "Robert Boise Memorial Fund" written in the memo. To make a donation online using our secure online system, click on the following link:
Please be sure to write Bob's name in the memo.
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St. John’s Racial Reconciliation & Social Justice Ministry presents "Anxious to Talk About It" with Rev. Dr. Carolyn B. Helsel on Sunday, October 17, 2021 at 2:00 pm.
Carolyn B. Helsel, PhD, is a professor of preaching at Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary, where she has taught since 2015. Helsel grew up in San Antonio, Texas, and has moved across the country for education and work, and in every setting, she noticed that the white people in her communities (including herself) remained silent on racism. As she became more aware of racism, beginning in seminary in the early 2000's, she felt called to help white communities better understand racism and deepen their capacity to hear the painful stories of others, and join people of color to work against racism.
For more information on this and other RR&SJM initiatives, please contact RR&SJM chairperson, Heather Kress, at hkress44@gmail.com. |
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Save the date!
Saturday, October 23rd, 10 am to 4 pm
Your time, talent and treasure are needed! Annual Harvest Fair plays such a vital part in our outreach in the community.
Ways you can donate/help:
- Make a craft, woodworking items, Christmas decorations, homemade soap, sachets and potpourri are just suggestions. Use your creativity!
- Offer your vacation home/timeshare week for the Silent Auction.
- Donate new, unused gifts you have received to the Silent Auction.
- Donate items for the White Elephant or Christmas Sale.
- Request a donation for Corporate Sponsorship from your place of work.
- Design a gift basket, give items or gift certificates for a gift basket, or donate $ to create one.
- Plan on spending the day working a table or helping before or after with set up/clean up.
- Invite your friends and families to shop and visit our beautiful, historic church.
- Purchase raffle tickets!
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Your stewardship is a commitment to sustaining St. John’s ministry today and going forward. Thank you for supporting our work with your regular contribution.
Using your credit card or a direct payment from your checking account, you will be able to make a one-time payment or set up recurring payments using our secure payment platform Realm. Please click on the link below to make a payment:
Or send a check made payable to "St. John's Episcopal Church" to 12 Prospect Street, Huntington, NY 11743.
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ALTAR FLOWERS & PERPETUAL LIGHT |
If you would like to remember a loved one or give thanks for an important event with altar flowers or Perpetual Light, please complete an Altar Flower Form and return it to the Parish Office with your check made payable to "St. John's Altar Guild."
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PRAYER CONCERNS FOR ST. JOHN'S |
We pray for all our doctors, nurses, and medical staff who put themselves at risk to care for us during this corona virus epidemic.
We pray for all our men and women serving in the armed services and all first responders who put themselves at risk every day, especially during this time. May God keep them safe and healthy, and return them home to their loved ones.
We pray for those who work for justice. May God give us all strength and wisdom to act for change when it is needed.
We pray for the sick: Tom, David & Irene, Linda, Danica, Lori, Leslie, Hope, Mike, Michael, Elizabeth, Patti, Bob, Christian, Gladys, Lynn, Fred, Jim & Irene, Debra, Alex, Michelle, Pauline, Richard, Barbara, Cory, Allassadra, Ellen, Frank, Theresa, Spencer, Sue, Wylie, Matt, Cheryl, Tom, Stephanie, Lisa, Gary, Maggie, Tyler, Ursula, Christine, Samantha, Edward, Tali, Bill, Kate, Amy, Jean, Pat, Joanie, Sueann, Dermot, Jill. Jenna, Walter, Evelyn, John, Liam, Charlie, John, Matthew, Gail, Frank, Gabriel, Karen, Deacon Jennifer, Shirley
Recently Departed: Lucille "Lu" Stack
The Perpetual Light is given this week in loving memory of Matt Muniz by Velma Dove.
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St. John's Episcopal Church
12 Prospect Street
Huntington, New York 11743
(631) 427-1752
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