FROM THE VICAR

"How are you feeling?"

"Blessed."

I can't tell you how many conversations I've had of late that have begun like this. And it's true! We all experience loss. Most of us outlive our parents, but not everyone is blessed with flowers and cards and emails and hugs to acknowledge the loss. You have been so kind to me, and I am grateful. As I have told many of you, the last several years of my mother's battle with Alzheimer's were acutely painful. She was a funny and vibrant human being who was reduced to a shadow-life by a disease that is merciless. I believe wholeheartedly that her heart and soul now ring out in joy, and for that reason - with your encouragement and support - I feel blessed.

Thank you.

-Kate +

ADULT FORUM

For the third and final time... we're going to try to meet and discuss the recent article in The Atlantic on the effects of diminished church attendance on American society. I really like this article and I'd love to hear your take on it! If you'd like to prepare in advance, click HERE. Copies of the original article will be available on Sunday at 9:00 in the library.

ALL-PARISH MEETING AND "PIE-LUCK" BRUNCH!

On 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 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 are determined to have 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.

CONFIRMATION 2024

On April 6th, nine young people from St. John's Church were confirmed at a joyful ceremony at St. Andrew's Church in Marblehead.

Jakob, Mason, Abbie, Phoebe, Mary Stuart, Emory, Dana, Emery and Carly crammed a lot of preparation and a bit of laughter into preparing for this next step in their spiritual development. Way to go and God bless!

BEVERLY BOOTSTRAPS

For the month of April, Beverly Bootstraps is seeking donations of pasta to give to our hungry neighbors. You can drop your donation in the basket as you walk into church, or outside the front office during the week. Grazie!

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

CAPE ANN KIDS PMC BIKE RIDE

On May 11, 2024 beginning at 8:30 AM in Masconomo Park in Manchester, kids age 2-15 are invited to participate in a bike ride to end cancer.

This event was created by the Pan Mass Challenge for kids dealing with the loss of someone close to them. So far, school districts in Gloucester, Rockport, Salem, Beverly, Ipswich, Topsfield and Manchester have come on board in our shared mission. People often cite the 6 degrees of separation that occurs throughout our world almost daily. Sadly, cancer is less than that, meaning we all know someone affected.

The PMC extends a helping hand to kids, giving them a place to lean on each other, learn the virtue of "paying it forward" and helping to someday cure cancer so other kids don't go through what they and their families have.

For more information and to sign up, click HERE.

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.

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.