Category Archives: Ministries

Here is a list of current articles that pertain to the various Ministries that parishoners at St. John’s Church are carrying out.

An Invitation to Join the Altar Guild

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communion photoEach Sunday, members of the Altar Guild carry out the meaningful ministry of preparing our place of worship, in particular the celebration of the Holy Eucharist. Members are responsible for setting the altar each Sunday, preparing for baptisms, weddings, and funerals, and making sure the linens, silver, and brass are in tip-top shape.

Have you considered joining the Altar Guild? Here are some reasons God may be calling you to this ministry:

You will be joining a host of other individuals who week by week create our services of worship, including choir members, acolytes, readers, ushers, and coffee hour hosts. By being part of the Altar Guild, you will be making a valuable offering to our community’s worship life.

You will grow spiritually. Members of the Altar Guild find this work to be a true ministry of devotion and prayer. For members of the Altar Guild, worship begins the moment they enter the sacristy before the formal service has started. This ministry can be a form of prayer that enriches your life.

You will discover a community within a community. Members gather as a guild several times during the year to clean and polish vessels and furnishings. Luette Bourne, Altar Guild Directress, also hosts several gatherings during the year at her home, for good food and for time to learn more about this essential ministry. You will grow in faith, and have fun!

Altar Guild members serve on a rotation, so it is not an every Sunday responsibility. If you would like to learn more, please contact Tom. He and Luette will be happy to answer questions you may have.

 

New Benches for the Garden

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photo(5)Three new benches have been added to the Cutler Memorial Garden, thanks to the hard work of the Garden Committee. The recent Garden Party hosted by our gardeners was not only a delightful evening, but also raised funds so that we can now provide more seating for quiet contemplation and for our Sunday morning 8 am service.

The garden has never looked better. Thank you to all who tend to this outdoor sanctuary with such love and devotion.

Welcome Back Cookout

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Welcome Back CookoutIN CASE OF RAIN, THE COOKOUT WILL SIMPLY MOVE INSIDE THE PARISH HALL.

The Garden Group is sponsoring a “Welcome Back” cookout on Thursday, September 12th, 5:30 – 7:30 pm. Steve Spinetto is going to be flipping  burgers (regular and vegetarian) and rolling the hot dogs. There will be corn on the cob and plenty of salads.

Music

Douglas Witte will lead the shape note anthem, Northfield, to start the festivities.

After the meal, Jake Sterling, Jane Struss, and Mary Jane Rupert have prepared a group of Sephardic Songs arranged for voice, flute and harp by Manuel Valls that they will perform in the sanctuary.

Everyone is invited!  Please come and, if you have friends who might be interested in St. John’s bring them along, too.  We hope you will enjoy St. John’s outdoor space and an evening of food and fellowship.

Bread for the Journey – Supporting Harvest on Vine

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The Harvest on Vine Food Pantry offers food twice a month for individuals and families in need in Charlestown. St. John’s supports the Pantry in two ways. Donations of food are always welcome, and can be placed in the Harvest on Vine basket, which is on the left as you enter the church. Bags of white rice are particularly appreciated. Some folks from St. John’s also volunteer at the monthly distributions, which occur on the second Saturday and fourth Tuesday evening of the month. For more information, you can call Harvest on Vine at  (617) 337-3545 or email: tmacdonald@stmarystcatherine.org. You can also call our office and we will put you in touch with parish members here who regularly volunteer.

What are you doing here? — Women’s retreat

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christ-sophia-2St. John’s  Episcopal Church Women will offer a summer retreat day on Saturday July 20 from 9:45a.m to 2 p.m. The day will be facilitated by our Priest Assciate the Rev. Lyn G. Brakeman.  The theme will be What Are You Doing Here?  It is a question we might ask ourselves and one that God asks our biblical ancestors — and therefore us as well.

Lyn will offer two short meditations and there will be time for silent, individual prayer, reflection, and sharing as desired at the end. Treat yourself to a day just for yourself and God — no work, no wagging of tongues, all time “wasted,” for the sake of your Soul.

Please bring a brown-bag lunch. Beverages will be provided. There is no fee and the day is open to parishioners and interested guests.

Please let Kathleen Scargle McCormick know by email or in person or phone if you plan to attend.

Posted in ECW