Weekly

e-News & updates for the week of March 19, 2023



Quick Links

Facebook  

Like St. John's on Facebook!

Visit our website!

A Message from Marcia Klinder-Badgley

Director of Music Ministry


“Making mistakes in the spiritual life is an essential part of growth---as important as forest fires, blow-downs, and insects are to the life of a thriving forest. You grow only in being burnt, bent, and bitten. You have to stumble before you walk…”


As one who has spent their life incessantly striving for perfectionism, the mere thought of erring in any regard has been unacceptable and manifests in preventative hypervigilance. The opening quotation from theologian Belden C. Lane’s work, Backpacking with the Saints: Wilderness Hiking as Spiritual Practice, struck a resounding “chord” within my being---a misstep on the path could be positive and reset our hearts and minds increasing our faith journey?


Lane succinctly continues stating: “…Our natural inclination---whether in wilderness or in the spiritual life—is to be free from the fire, to avoid painful experiences in our lives…”: to circumvent scenarios which could be interpreted as unpleasant or painful.


Throughout Lent, each week our Sunday worship services begin with The Decalogue—The Ten Commandments followed by the Confession and subsequent Absolution; it is within this Absolution that we hear the Celebrant share the words that God grants us mercy and forgiveness. Our gracious God gives us new life to “reset,” to walk forward on this trail called life; to live and serve in His name.

Isaiah 43:1-3 is yet another reminder of God’s hand and unwavering presence in our lives:


“Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you. For I am the LORD your God…”


As we walk through life’s fires, as we cross over and around the blow-downs, as we negotiate space and distance through pesky irritations, we know that whatever we encounter, God is with us on this journey, and we forever have the blessed opportunity to reorient and set a course to live in His image.


Soli Deo Gloria. Beatus Sequor.

Marcia Klinder-Badgley

Did ya notice?! St. John's has a new sign!


Thanks to the labors and gifts of many people, St. John's has a gorgeous new sign at our street to tell passersby that we're a church where "All are Welcome - No Exceptions" and announce they've arrived at the right spot when they get to us!


Special thanks to the Creation Care Team and Vestry members from 6 years back who raised initial funds and contributed design ideas; to Sara and Duane Vetter who gave the remaining balance for the sign itself; to Cliff and Stephanie Rogers who donated the materials and labor for the brick monument in which the sign is mounted; to Suzi Hetzel, Bob Hill, and Stephanie Rogers who shepherded us through a rezoning process with the Town of Wake Forest; to Al Sauer for shepherding it through the Town permitting process; and to Al Sauer, Bob Hill, Court Crosby, Bill Kovacs, and Ron Freeman who mounted the sign into the brick monument on Thursday afternoon this week (and Kitty Kovacs who was the official photographer.) Now for a little landscaping by our Creation Care Gardening Team geniuses, and the project will be complete! Thank you all for a job very well done!


Now we can tell folks: "Look for the church across from the McDonald's with that gorgeous red and gold sign out front!" Woo hoo!


Upcoming


So much happening at St. John's, it doesn't all "fit" in the eNews.

Literally, you may have to click at the bottom of this email to view all that's here!

PRAYground this Sunday:

Stations of the Cross For All Ages and St. John's Youth Group


Our March PRAYground service, for families and worshippers of all ages, is Sunday, March 19, at 5 PM. We’ll mark the season of Lent by walking the Way of the Cross on our church grounds.


This will be a unique, family-friendly Stations of the Cross — which may be familiar to those who participated last year — that traces the story though connections to objects in nature. We’ll meet outside (weather permitting) to walk, listen, and pray together, and then share a meal in the Parish Hall. We hope you can join us!


Questions? Contact Fr. Philip Zoutendam philipz@stjohnswf.org.

Easter Egg Hunt


Join us Easter morning for an egg-stravaganza for families with toddlers, preschoolers, and elementary-aged children.


Meet in the church yard by the main church doors by 10:45 AM for a few safety instructions. The "hunting" will begin at 10:50 AM. Don't forget to bring your Easter Basket to gather your eggs!


Can you help donate eggs for the hunt?


Please bring plastic eggs that are filled with a nut free, non-melting treat, and leave them in the cart in the Narthex (church lobby). If each family committed to bringing a dozen eggs it will be another wonderful event for the children! 


Questions? Contact

Fr. Stephen Mazingo stephenm@stjohnswf.org

SAGE Gathering

March 28 @ 11:45AM


Our next SAGE meeting is Tuesday, March 28th from 11:45 - 2PM in the Parish Hall. We will gather for a potluck lunch and then a special guest presentation by Don McNeil, posing as Mark Twain! It will be fun to hear what he has to say. Questions? Contact Judy Covarrubias at 571-228-2473 or Edna Toney, 919-818-1035.

Koinonia Foundation Charity Auction and Banquet

March 30 @ 6PM at the Sutherland in Wake Forest 


For 33 years the Koinonia Foundation has provided care for our neighbors in crisis. Families who are hungry, hurting or struggling in the communities of Wake Forest, Rolesville and Youngsville may have experienced a tragic event such as a house fire, medical complication, or layoff. We offer them a "hand-up, not a hand-out" by mailing checks made payable directly to Wake Electric for a missed utility bill, or to their landlord if rent is overdue. We also provide annual grants to other local nonprofits, and gave away $22,000 last year. Koinonia is a Greek word that translates to “communion with others by act of intimate participation.” This word is frequently used in the New Testament and is translated as fellowship, participation, contribution, and sharing.  For more information about the Auction and ways you can volunteer and support the event, please visit www.koinoniawf.org or call 919-671-7988. Thank you!



Awesome Arts Adventures Summer Camp!

2nd graders thru High Schoolers welcome


Registration is now open!


St. John's Music Director, Marcia Klinder-Badgley, will be holding a Summer Day Camp at St. John's from June 19-June 23 from 9-Noon featuring: Djembe Drum Circles, Ukuleles, Visual Art Projects, Games and Snacks. Open to 2nd graders through High-School students (small groups made based on age). The cost is $50 per camper, but scholarships are available for any who may have need.


Questions? Contact Marcia Klinder-Badgley marciakb@stjohnswf.org

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER!

Stretching Class at St. John's

Tues & Thurs, Mar 21 - Apr 27, 2 - 3 PM

(This is not a martial arts class)


Parishioner Mike Visgauss (who also happens to be highly accomplished in martial arts) will offer a free low-impact stretching and lite exercise class at St. John's for anyone who is interested in getting their body moving.


Click for Details


Parish News

Joy Shillingsburg Called to Work as Mission Strategy Coordinator for the Diocese of NC!


Having demonstrated at St. John's over the last 11 years her many gifts, and her deep commitment and call to bring "worship beyond our walls" through outreach and service, Joy is now spreading her wings and flying away to serve a wider mission field: the entire Diocese of North Carolina!


This call to serve on our diocesan staff is a great honor and testimony to Joy's gifts and calling. We will miss her terribly on our staff, but she will remain a parishioner in our midst and will look to us to support her in ministry with prayer, and for our worship life to give her spiritual sustenance.


Joy will conclude most of her duties at St. John's by Easter. Please mark your calendar for a parish-wide Celebration of Ministry on Sunday, April 23 after the 9:30 service.


In case you missed it, read Joy's announcement letter here

Women's Retreat at Haw River


Last weekend more than 30 women from St John's attended a Women's Retreat at Haw River State Park with Mo. Sarah facilitating a meditative approach to seeking God. The study, sharing, and beautiful setting inspired all who attended and deepened our sense of beloved community. Already there is talk of looking forward to a retreat next year. This indeed enriches the life of our church.

Walking with our Neighbors

Increasing needs among neighbors in our community


High rates of inflation have had a devastating impact on many who have no margin to cover rising costs, and many people in our community are struggling to make ends meet.


Over the last month Mother Sarah and a few members of our Outreach Leadership Team have been walking with a Wake Forest family that was evicted from their apartment for getting behind on rent and are currently living in a hotel. This family consists of three school-aged children and is led by a single, disabled dad who grew up in Wake Forest and is working very hard to keep his family together and in this community.


As our team has walked with the family to connect them to much needed resources including housing, it has become clear that we need a broader circle of folks who can help with meals, gift cards, and donations to the Rector's Discretionary Fund to cover other costs and help this family save their limited income during this transition time for a security deposit and first month's rent when a new apartment is secured.


3/17 Update: Thank you so much for your generous donations over the last few weeks. What an enormous difference they've made! Our friends still have not heard a response from the apartment management company regarding their housing application for the only available apartment in Wake Forest that is available. Other options are being explored. We are trying to help this family remain in hotel housing for at least 2 more weeks (at $80 per night plus tax). The consequence of not having the hotel housing is homelessness, with the children likely being split up among foster families, disruption to their schooling, and a great deal of pain and suffering.


If you would like to support this family, click the appropriate link below. If you are donating a meal or gift card, carefully read the instructions on how to donate. Thank you for giving what you can.


Questions? Contact Joy Shillingsburg joys@stjohnswf.org if you have any questions. 

Serving our Wake Forest Neighbors


Farm to Fork

 

All are welcome to join us on Tuesday nights in the WF Presbyterian Giving Garden to care for creation, plant, feed, weed and harvest the garden, which provides thousands of pounds of food for local food ministries including Wake Forest Community Table. Bring your garden gloves and water for a fun evening of outreach and fellowship! We will gather from 5:30-6:30 on April 18, 5/16, 6/13, 7/18, 8/22, 9/19, and 10/7 from 5:30-6:30 at The Wake Forest Presbyterian Giving Garden (12605 Capital Blvd)

 

Sign Up Here


Wake Forest Community Table - Sharing nutrition meals and fresh produce each week.

THREE WAYS TO HELP:

Volunteer to distribute meals, produce and groceries on Monday (Hope House 334 North Allen Rd. Wake Forest from 5-5:30 PM or Wednesday nights from 6-6:30 at Olive Branch Baptist Church 326 E Juniper Ave) SIGN UP HERE.

Make desserts on Monday nights so that we can add a sweet treat to the meal bags SIGN UP HERE.

Transport food as a volunteer driver Sign Up Here


Welcoming our Ukrainian Neighbors:

Please consider grocery shopping and visiting a neighboring Ukrainian refugee family. LEARN MORE AND SIGN UP HERE


Habitat for Humanity:

Mark your calendars, we will have two days of home preservation projects in the Spring, on April 22nd and 29th. More details to come as we get closer! Register here: http://vhub.at/northernwake.

Please visit our website at www.stjohnswf.org for a printable bulletin for upcoming services.

Church Office Hours

9:00 am – 4:00 pm, Monday – Thursday


Please make an appointment

from 10 am - 2 pm if you need to see our

Parish Administrator, Barb Kwiatek


Phone: 

919-556-3656 – Office

919-562-8619 – Preschool


Mailing address: 

834 Durham Road

Wake Forest, NC 27587


Barbara Kwiatek,

Parish Administrator

BarbaraK@stjohnswf.org


Anne (Mimi) O'Donnell,

Bookkeeper

MimiOD@stjohnswf.org

The Rev. Sarah Phelps, Rector

SarahP@stjohnswf.org


The Rev. Stephen Mazingo,

Sr. Assoc. Family Ministries

StephenM@stjohnswf.org


The Rev. Philip Zountendam, Curate

PhilipZ@stjohnswf.org


Marcia Klinder-Badgley,

Music Director

MarciaKB@stjohnswf.org


Joy Shillingsburg,

Outreach Director

JoyS@Stjohnswf.org


Lisa Girimonte,

Preschool Director

LisaG@stjohnswf.org


Christina Kastendike & Mike Phelps

Youth Group Co-Directors

cmkastendike@gmail.com

michaelbphelps@yahoo.com