by Kathleen McCormick

“Shining our light” is the theme for this year’s stewardship season at St. John’s. This is my story about how I have seen the light of Christ shine at St. John’s; and how I have found ways to let my own light shine.

I have been a member at this parish for almost 13 years.  One of the ways that St. John’s has consistently shown its light has been in helping people in need.  Sometimes, it’s an obvious need and other times it is much less so.  One thing that we have done well is to welcome people that have been made to feel unwelcome in other churches.  I remember a number of occasions in which we stood as a church family for those seeking baptism for a child, or a marriage ceremony, or a funeral, and who were, for some reason, rejected by another church.  I know the difference it made for these people, some of whom are with us still and others who have had to move on.  When they needed us, we were there.  For this reason, I have always believed in the power of our community to stand by those who need us, to greet them with open arms, and to break bread with them.

It is a little harder for me to talk about how my light has been able to shine at St. John’s, but this community has pushed me in ways that I did not expect.  I was privileged to be by the bedside of a dying parishioner many times in the last weeks of her life.   Helping others to discern their ministries and supporting them in that process has been a blessing. Setting the table, whether at a parish meal or other event or preparing the Lord’s table for liturgy have been other ways that I have felt that I was able to share the good news.  For me, it is in giving that I receive – and in surprising ways that I never expected.  

Stewardship is about a financial commitment, but it is so much more. Giving money is easy; giving our time and talent is not as easy. A long time ago, I taught preschoolers in Sunday school, and to this day, I remember their joy in singing “this little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine”.  Don’t hide yours under a bushel; be the light, and shine!

Note:  Each week during our annual stewardship campaign, a parishioner will offer a reflection that will be printed and handed out on Sunday and reprinted in News and Notes for the following Thursday’s email.

Harvest Fair is an annual event at Saint John’s that gathers and welcomes folks from all over the city of Charlestown, and the Greater Boston area for a day of thankfulness and celebration that includes a wonderful Turkey Dinner! From 10am until 2pm, the festivities include something for everyone. Bring friends, family, and neighbors and come for all or part of the, day. We will be glad and you will be glad, that you joined us!

Saint John’s Episcopal Church
27 Devens Street
Charlestown, MA 02129

Telephone: (617) 242-1272

Church Office Hours are Tuesday & Thursday 8 am to 3 pm.
stjohns02129@gmail.com

Clergy
The Reverend Rebecca Black, Interim

Office Hours are generally T-Th 10am – 4pm, Sundays until 4pm

Our Scriptures speak often of thankfulness and gratitude as a way of life. In order to promote that “Way,” this post from our newsletter is devoted to thanks and gratitude to one another.  Also, check out our “House of Gratitude” board in the Parish Hall, and add a “brick” to the house.

From Maureen Lavely:  It was chilly, but not a drop of rain so we were able to bring all the “stuff” outside for easy shopping by the folks that stopped by. There are always a few “fun” things; it is great to watch the kids play with all the wonderful items on the kids’ table; much of which came from Kristen’s brood!  

Then there were the faithful ladies that come every year and spend a great amount of time shopping and enjoying being with us.  They remembered the rainy year that they were about the only customers and that they spent HOURS going over and over all the items and having a wonderful time.  I’m sure they will be back.  

Then there were the two men off Spinelli’s truck (they deliver the meals on wheels across the street) and were so thrilled with the glasses they discovered that their wives sent them back for more, and added dishes to the shopping list.   They wanted to know our next sale and we told them all about the Fair and I’m sure they will be there.  

It was especially fun to help Abelard Newell furnish his new apartment! Good luck Abelard.   We’re all excited for you and wish you the best.

Thanks to all the helpers; some brought stuff, some received it on Friday night, some brought tables, chairs, and all the items outside for display, some sold for as long as their schedules allowed and even bought some treasures for themselves, and some showed up at 1pm to help break down the remaining items and finally some drove to Chelsea where the leftovers were very welcome.

The majority of Garden Group and all of the ECW are women, so we certainly appreciate all the muscle of William Moody, Steve Finch, Jonathan McCormick and Paul Newell.  They are faithful friends and supporters of this effort and we are grateful.  And to our wonderful St. John’s members and friends, we loved your contributions and they will be put to good use!

Despite the competition of the major sidewalk sale at the Training Field, our total collected was $294, so each organization gets $147 for their projects!

We cherish our beloved St. John’s Episcopal Church, and to that end, we strive to raise awareness through development and outreach that will equip all of us at St. John’s, as we endeavor to serve all our many communities both, young and old, near and far. In this, the 21st Century, that now consists of the inclusive use of social media and our willingness to become a bit more “Social Media Savvy.” But, do not fear, for we are with you! During upcoming #Coffee Hours, we will partner young social media guru users with older social media novice users, for more #Joy for the #Journey Together!

We invite you to join us on Social Media, which now includes Facebook, #Twitter, and Instagram. For everything in one easy location, and for, “All the News That’s Fit to Print,” concerning St. John’s Episcopal Church in Charlestown, Massachusetts, The Massachusetts Diocese, the Episcopal Church in New England, and The Episcopal Church throughout the World. We encourage you to help St. John’s invite everyone in all our many communities to events such as #Harvest Fair and #Lessons & Carols, and to #Sunday Morning Worship, and #Coffee Hour.  

Please leave a message, if you have any questions or comments. Meanwhile, enjoy #Uplifting, #Inspiring, and even at times, #Concerning, or #Mobilizing St. John’s social media posts that will engage you, from National Episcopal Church Women, Episcopal Cafe, Sojourners, El Camino Project, Episcopal Intercultural Network, The Episcopal Church, Reverend Michael Curry, Liturgical Musings, Forward Movement, Episcopal Youth, and much, much, more!

Here are the St. John’s Social Media user names:

On Facebook: St. John’s Episcopal Church 02129

(Please be patient locating us on Facebook, as our old Facebook page is scheduled for deletion and it can be tricky to find our new Facebook page!)

On Twitter: @SaintJohns02129

On Instagram: stjohnsepiscopalchurch02129 / SaintJohns02129