"To know Christ and to make Him known . . . " | |
The Weekly Sunday Bulletin of St. John’s Episcopal Church | |
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To set the mind on the flesh is death,
but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace.
-Romans 8:6
To the people of the Community of St. John’s Church in Huntington: grace and peace to you.
This Sunday’s biblical texts all center around the paradox of death and new life; the ending yet the beginning; the completion of one story and the creation or launch of another. The bolded quote above is from this weekend's second reading of St. Paul’s letter to the Romans, which St. Paul sums up quite nicely. We as human beings have an inclination to focus on the material, immediate results, and what is right in front of us rather than imagining the future tree from seeds planted: the larger picture.
Our gospel this Sunday takes us straight to the heart of this. Jesus’ longtime friend, Lazarus, has died. Jesus knows that He divinely shares in God the Father’s majesty and power, but he still weeps at Lazarus’ grave. The last time I wrote to you, we were reminded that Jesus was fully human and fully divine. Jesus’ humanity showed when He wept for the loss of his friend, when He shared in solidarity the hurt and pain of Lazarus’ sisters Mary and Martha. Jesus was brought into setting His mind on the flesh - the times that were right before Him. I’m writing to you today to say that it is okay. We can take moments to cry and mourn like Jesus did for Lazarus. It is okay to be upset. What brings us to metaphorical death is the everlasting dwelling there in that space.
Our first reading is the shortened version of the Valley of Dry Bones, which is typically read as part of the Saturday night Easter Vigil service. If you have ever attended an Easter Vigil service, the reading of this scripture from Ezekial in the twilight vesper hours by candlelight is an experience. God asking “Mortal, can these bones live?” and the response being “Oh Lord, only you know.” God commands the mortal to prophesy over the bones and make them live and they graphically get up and have life put into them again, using the power of the Holy Spirit, Sophia. This is an Old Testament reference to the resurrection that was to come, certifying and proclaiming that yes, after death, there is life.
As I mentioned last Sunday at church, the Bishop has asked me to answer the call of Priest-in-Charge at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Patchogue. This too is easy for me to focus on the material, immediate results, and what is right in front of me. I think about the big change of where I’m living, how much I will miss this community and the sadness that accompanies this change. I am also slightly nervous about my uncertainty of what is to come. This is natural. I must accept that these things will come to mind first. After this moment passes, where I should dwell mentally is the true point of St. Paul’s message: if one’s mind is set on God’s will, that is what gives humanity life in itself, and allows God’s Holy Spirit, Sophia, into the discerning human’s heart.
Please join us this Sunday to share in Holy Communion at St. John’s Church in Huntington. You will be all truly missed, but I hope you, with me, see the greater picture for the universal (catholic) church at large. I give thanks to God for my time here, and for the growth and the good ministry of this holy place. I continue to pray for the influence of Sophia, the Holy Spirit, to guide the ministry that is happening here at St. John’s.
It has been my pleasure to serve you all, St. John’s. Cheers to the journey; until our paths cross again.
Your sibling in Christ,
Fr. James
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The Fifth Sunday in Lent
Readings
Ezekiel 37:1-14
Romans 8:6-11
John 11:1-45
Psalm 130
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/live_videos/
Bulletin: Rite I Lent
9:45 am - Sunday School meets in the Canterbury Corner
2022-23 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/live_videos
Bulletin: Rite II Lent
Music
Opening Hymn: 567 "Thine Arm, o Lord, in days of old"
Sequence Hymn: 508 "Breathe on me, breath of God"
Offertory Anthem: "We Shall Go Out with Hope of Resurrection" by June Boyce-Tillman
Ken Kress, soloist
Communion Hymn: "Santo, santo, santo (Holy, holy, holy)"
Recessional Hymn: 335 "I am the bread of life"
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WELCOME & FAREWELL POTLUCK BRUNCH THIS SUNDAY | |
This Sunday, join us for a welcome brunch for our Ukrainian refugees, Max and Yuni, and a farewell brunch for our curate, Fr. James, in the Great Hall after the 10am service.
Max and Yuni have been here since November of last year, and in that short time, they have become fluent in speaking English, enrolled in school, found good jobs, and are now learning to drive. Giving them the support they have needed has been an interfaith collaboration. We've invited our local, interfaith partners to join us this Sunday at the 10am service. Please extend a welcoming hand during the Peace and greet them with that St. John's radical hospitality at brunch.
We will also bid a fond farewell to Fr. James, as this will be his final Sunday serving as Curate of St. John's for nearly a year. He has been assigned by our Bishop as Priest-in-Charge of St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Patchogue. We will celebrate all that he has brought to this parish and send him forth with love and peace as he takes this important next step in his priesthood.
The Potluck Brunch - Everyone participating is asked to bring a breakfast or lunch menu item, either home-cooked or purchased, and including a medley of fresh fruit and desserts. Multi-cultural dishes are also greatly appreciated. The Breakfast Group will provide tea, coffee, eggs, breakfast meats, etc.
Please RSVP to help us to get a head count. Email Heather Kress at hkress44@gmail.com.
All are welcome!
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"A Lenten Journey: A Christian Pilgrimage toward New Life" - This small collection of Lenten meditations was composed by now Bishop Allen Shin when he was rector of St. Johns as an offering to the members of St. John’s. There are are several hard copies available at the back of the church.
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD LENTEN DEVOTIONS
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LENTEN SERIES - LISTEN, LEARN, LOVE | |
On Tuesdays in Lent, all are welcome to join us in the Great Hall or on Zoom for 2023 Lenten Series, Listen, Learn, Love: How Being Present Changes Lives. Arizona missioners will share their mission experience at the borders of our world.
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March 28 - Love: "Where Love May Take Us -- Where Will Love Take Us" Presented by Ken Denker, Paula Dodge, Stephanie West
- 6:00 pm: Stations of the Cross in the Sanctuary (In person)
- 6:30 pm: Light Supper in the Great Hall (In person)
- 7:00 pm: Program (In person & on Zoom)
- 8:00 pm: Closing Prayer
Lenten Suppers - We are so excited to be able to come together again for supper before each program. Each week different St. John's groups will provide the meal. Click on the following link to see the schedule:
LENTEN SUPPER GROUP SCHEDULE
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Bible Study meets regularly Mondays at 6:30 pm and on Tuesdays at 11:00 am on Zoom. In Lent we are studying Were You There: Lenten Reflections on the Spirituals by Luke A. Powery.
Monday Zoom Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83373971746
Tuesday Zoom link:https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82553627635
Bible Study will not meeting during Holy Week and the week after Easter. We will begin a new unit on Jonah and Amos on April 17th and 18th. Books are available for purchase through the Parish Office.
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The Thrift Shop is open regularly on Tuesday, Thursdays & Saturdays, 12 - 3 pm.
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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2023 PILGRIMAGE TO IONA, SCOTLAND | |
Pilgrimage to the Isle of Iona, Scotland
September 29-October 8, 2023
IONA WELCOMES ALL! Come you of great faith and you who struggle with faith; you who believe and you who doubt; explorers and questioners, adventures and contemplatives! Experience Iona without expectation. Let the sacred isle uncover what you need to see and reveal what you need to hear!
For more information or questions please contact the Pilgrimage Leader, Leslie Valentine: Phone: (516) 815-1169; Email: leslieval@aol.com.
Iona 2023 Brochure
Iona 2023 Registration Form
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Invite your friends and family to join us for Holy Week at St. John's!
Palm Sunday – April 2nd
8:00 am – Rite I Holy Eucharist with the Passion
10:00 am – Rite II Choral Eucharist with the Passion by St. John’s Youth
Morning Prayer
Monday - Friday at 9:00 am on Zoom
Maundy Thursday – April 6th
5:30 pm – Christian Seder
7:30 pm – Maundy Thursday Choral Eucharist with Foot Washing
Good Friday – April 7th
7:00 pm – Stations of the Cross
7:30 pm – Good Friday Holy Eucharist
Easter Sunday – April 9th
7: 30 am – Rite I Sunrise Holy Eucharist
9:00 am – Rite II Family Eucharist
10:15 am – Easter Egg Hunt in the Garden of Blessings
11:00 am – Rite II Choral Eucharist
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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 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.
Join us via Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86041146543
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REGULAR MINISTRY MEETINGS | |
Prayer Shawl Ministry - 1st Thursday of each month at 6 pm in the Guild Room. Contact Noelle DeLoreno or Lynn Hansen.
Spirituality Group - 2nd Thursday of each month at 5 pm in the Guild Room. Contact Patti Aliperti.
Racial Reconcilitation & Social Justice Minsitry - 4th Wednesday of each month on Zoom. Contact Heather Kress. In March, RR&SJM will meet on the last Wednesday, March 29th.
St. Hilda's Guild (Sewing & Crafting) - Weekly on Tuesdays, 12:30 - 3 pm in the Guild Room. Contact Sue Hartman.
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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 29th .
EASTER FLOWER ORDER FORM
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PRAYER CONCERNS FOR ST. JOHN'S | |
We pray for Richard, Barbara, Edward, Christine, Fred, Ana, Patti, Luke, Cassandra, Valarie, Danielle, Amy, Kate, Cheryl, Anne, Carmen, Lou, Mary Beth, Daniel, Pedro, Anita, Chaya, Valerie, Hal, Sue, Hortense, Louise, Angela, Brooke, Caitlin, Chris, Dana, Bill, Greg, Eric, Sandra, Sally, Faith, Patrick
The Perpetual Light is a gift of Dave and Nelly Lasek in loving memory of Natividad and Modesto Roman, and Bertha, Frank and John Lasek.
The Perpetual Light is given in loving memory of Walter McCarthy by his wife, Evelyn McCarthy.
The Perpetual Light is given in loving memory of Judith Lanning by her daughter, Sue Hockett.
We will begin a new prayer list in Easter. Please send your prayers or updates to prayers@stjohns1745.org or call Coral in the Parish Office, 631-427-1752, ext. 101.
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St. John's Episcopal Church
12 Prospect Street
Huntington, New York 11743
(631) 427-1752
stjohns1745.org
STAY CONNECTED
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