The Rev. Philip Zoutendam, Associate Rector and The Rev. Sarah Phelps, Rector First, a message from Fr. Philip: Dear beloved people of St. John’s, I have some bittersweet news, and I’m sorry that the bitter part will inevitably come as a shock. I’ll be moving to New Jersey this fall to follow my wife,…
We’re moving………..the choir pews 😊 Have you noticed how many individuals are sharing their musical talents with the Cantate Vocal Choir at our 9:30 AM Eucharist? The choir pews are filling up and the time it takes us to gather up by the keyboard and altar rail has increased and the risk of choir members…
I am back at St. John’s after 2 ½ weeks of vacation and I’m feeling exceedingly grateful: Grateful for the extended rest and time with friends and family while on vacation; grateful for our Associate “Rev. Drs.”, Lorraine and Jim, who are always so supportive and willing to serve when asked; grateful for Lois Sauer,…
COHESION: the act or condition of cohering; the tendency to stick together. Since returning from the Intergenerate Ministry Conference last month, there is a “buzz” around St. John’s. That “I” word keeps surfacing in conversations, sermons, announcements, the eNews. There is excitement paired with nervousness, right? And that nervous energy is a positive attribute! Imagine…
Our Refugee Resettlement Ministry Update on Welcoming a Ukrainian Family First, thank you for actively loving our neighbors. Not long ago we posted a photo of the Ukrainian family which we at St. John’s have been assisting with resettlement. Two members of the Fostiuk family were able to leave Ukraine via a circuitous route after…
It’s graduation season, and there are signs of celebration all around! There are balloons and flowers, candy bouquets and class parties, yard signs and yearbooks, and caps and gowns as far as the eye can see. Social media platforms are exploding with pictures of little ones now all grown up and moving from one level…
Awesome Arts Adventures Camp! 2nd graders thru High Schoolers welcome Registration is now open – CLICK HERE to register! 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…
“Awesome is God in his sanctuary, the God of Israel; he gives power and strength to his people. Blessed be God!” Psalm 68:35 Can you feel the incredible energy in the air at St. John’s? It’s AWESOME! God’s presence is heard/felt/seen in all things and the excitement that is generated for worship, formation, outreach,…
Now what? We have arrived at Easter. Our Lenten journey is complete, and we have witnessed our annual reliving of the drama of the Last Supper, Passion, and Resurrection again. Finally, the tomb is empty, Angel’s proclamation is heard, and Jesus lives! What a relief, but now what do we do? In my Sunday sermon,…
“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…