In the Quiet Times

Dear Friends,

I sometimes describe the summer months as a quiet time in the life of St. John’s.  But as I worked on this week’s issue of  News and Notes, I was reminded that even in “quiet times,” people are hearing the Spirit, seeing God’s beauty, and acting in love. Certainly our summer campers at the Barbara C. Harris Camp saw God’s beauty around them, as they were encouraged to act in love.  I know our children hear the Spirit everytime they meet with Rachel Pfost in the Godly Play room, as a number of them did this past Sunday. On Monday evenings or at other random times, you will find faithful gardeners helping the Cutler Memorial Garden to flourish, even in the extreme heat. Attendance may be lower in the summer, but oh, how delightful it is to welcome persons joining us in worship for the first time! Though spring is the time for seed planting, seeds were planted this week for our fall Harvest Fair- and yes, November will be here all too soon. Other faithful servants met last week to begin the work of our fall stewardship campaign. Beyond our church, this issue’s prayer for agriculture and laborers from The Book of Common Prayer reminds me of how much the labor of others makes my life possible, even when I am looking for “quiet” on my vacation.

A quiet time? Perhaps. As in every season though,  seeds are being planted, people are being welcomed, and in ways seen and unseen, the gospel is being proclaimed.

Faithfully,

Tom

 

Blessing of the Animals

imgresClose to 100 creatures brought their owners to Thompson Square on Sunday, October 2 for the Blessing of the Animals.  Father Ronan and Tom led the assembly in prayers of thanksgiving for our pets and for all of God’s creation, and animals, including some beloved stuffed animals, were blessed. Thank you to Rosemary Kverek, who makes this annual event such a great success, with her planning, promoting, and designing of the certificates that were handed out.

We Gather in Faith, Formation, and Friendship

September brings a return to school and schedules, and we look forward to greeting you at St. John’s. Here is what is happening this month:

Sunday September 11th: Godly Play and Living the Good News Open House and “Blessing of the Backpacks”
We will be gearing up to begin the program year. Join Rachel Pfost at a Godly Play Open House on Sunday morning. Learn more about this program – and how you might want to help out occasionally as a “Doorkeeper” who greets children and assists during class time.  Simon Ringrose, our teacher for Living the Good News, will also be on hand, as well as Nan Armstrong, Children’s Choir Director. We will also have a “Blessing of the Backpacks” with prayers for our children at the 10 am service as they begin a new school year.

Sunday September 17th: Garden Group andSidewalk sale.9.2015.b - Copy - Copy (1) ECW Sidewalk Sale
The Garden Committee and the Episcopal Church Women of St. John’s Church invite you to a sidewalk sale from 10 to 1 on  Saturday, September 17th.  Dishes, games, knicknacks, jewelry, books,  and miscellaneous good quality new and tenderly used items will be sold. The event will take place rain or shine and will be in the parish house next to the church in the event of inclement weather. Items can be donated on Friday, September 16th between 5 and 7 p.m. at the parish house at 27 Devens Street.  Clothing. stuffed toys and bedding will not be accepted as donations.  Proceeds from the sale will be used for projects in the church garden and activities of the ECW and everyone is invited to attend. Want to help out on Friday night or Saturday? Please come if you can!

Thursday, September 15, 7:30 pm: Choir Rehearsals Begin  
Our Adult Choir will be singing for the first time this season at the service on Sunday, September 18th. Come join the choir for its first rehearsal on Thursday in the Parish House at 7:30 pm. If you have questions or would like more information, contact Organist and Choirmaster Douglas Witte at: dnwitte@gmail.com

IMG_1589Sunday September 18th, Gathering Sunday: Our formation programs for young and older children begin on the 18th. There will be a picnic after the service, and a chance to reconnect with many in the church family. Burgers, hot dogs, salads, dessert and beverages will be provided.

Friday September 23, Evensong: Our monthly Evensong service will be held at 6:30 pm at the church.