This Sunday, one of the major feasts of the Church Year falls on a Sunday — February 2nd, the Presentation of Our Lord in the Temple. This was commonly known as Candlemas (just like Christmas), and for our ancestors of several centuries ago would have been a major celebration, and one of the highlights of the year. Falling 40 days after Christmas, the feast recounts the ritual presentation of Jesus in the temple in Luke’s Gospel, when the aged Simeon praises Jesus as a “Light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel.” It was a kind of final bookend on the Christmas seasons, and marked another celebration of growing light in the waning darkness of winter. It became known as Candlemas because the faithful would bring candles for the year (precious commodities back then!) to be blessed at church. We won’t be blessing candles or holding a Candlemas procession, but if you notice extra candles around the altar on Sunday, that’s why!  Read more about the history of this Feast.

The celebration of the life of Don Higgins will be on Saturday, February 1, at 10 AM, followed by a reception at St. John's.

We know the Super Bowl is this weekend, but St. John's Super Bowl is just getting started. The Chili Cook-Off is only two weeks away! And if you consider yourself a masterful chef in all things chili, or a novice looking to spread his or her wings, we want you in this competition!

If you enjoy cooking up a hot bowl of chili on your stove top or in your trusty crockpot on a cold winter's day, then this is for you! If the heavy aroma of spices, melted cheese, peppers, and spicy baked beans just touch down to your soul, the parish wants you to throw your name into the chef's hat!

 

On Sunday, February 9th at 5:00 PM the competition will be in full swing down in the undercroft. We currently have two contestants competing for the People's Choice awards and we would love to have five or six more! We also have a guest judge, Jennifer Kendall, Olive Oyls owner! To throw your name in the running, please contact Chelsea DiDonato at  [email protected]  or 860-767-8095 ext. 10. 

If cooking chili isn't your forte, don't put us in the trash quite yet -- because the parish still wants you too! We would love to have some side dishes and desserts and to enjoy your company for this friendly competition among friends!

We hope you'll join us in the fun!

All are welcome - and non-alcoholic beverages will be provided.

You are welcome to bring your own favorite non-alcoholic beverage if you wish, but please leave all other kinds of beverages at home. Thank you! :)

And everyone knows...

Nothing follows chili better than...

Pancakes!!

Shrove Tuesday 2020 falls on Tuesday, February 25 this year! St. John’s will be offering a Pancake Supper at 6 PM. Our gracious coordinators, Marlene and Jeff Going are looking for some fabulous helpers to setup, cook, and clean up.

If you would like to help them, please contact Chelsea at the office, 860-767-8095/ [email protected] or Marlene Going, [email protected]/860-767-1596. We also have sign-up sheets in the narthex! 

In addition, Scott Konrad, and the fantastic band of musicians that he successfully recruits for a Jazz Concert will follow at 7:00 PM on that evening — so do plan on sticking around!

As we move through the end of January and February, please remember to be kind and pay it forward to those in need. One way you are able to do so is to donate to the Essex Oil Fund directly through St. John’s by writing a check and putting on the memo line “Essex Oil.”Thank you for your generosity!

Bishop Ian Douglas will confirm four on St. John's young people on Sunday, February 23, at. 10:30 a.m. at St. Anne's, Old Lyme. Are you an adult who came to St. John's from another tradition? Have you wanted to know more about the Episcopal Church. Do you wonder what it means to officially join the Episcopal Church? To officially join the Episcopal Church, one is received or confirmed by a Bishop. Some adults choose to reaffirm their baptismal vows. Adults at St. John's are invited to join an Inquirers' Class with the Rev. Linda Spiers. We'll use Scott Gun's and Melody Wilson Shobe's book entitled Walk in Love: Episcopal Beliefs & Practices. We will meet at a time that works best for the group. Please call Linda in the office or speak to her Sunday. Books are currently available, and we will begin meeting the first week of February. 

LOOKING TO OWN AN AFFORDABLE HOME?

Middlesex Habitat for Humanity Invites You to Attend an Application Information Meeting for a Habitat for Humanity Home in Westbrook, CT

Monday, February 3, 2020 | 6 PM

Westbrook Town Hall | South Conference Room

(866 Boston Post Rd, Westbrook, CT)

Snow Date - Wednesday, February 5, 2020 | 6 PM

The purpose of this meeting is to provide information about the Habitat for Humanity application process for home ownership. At this time, Middlesex Habitat will be distributing applications for the program. To find out the basic requirements and more information, please visit their website: www.habitatmiddlesex.org

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