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Sunday, February 16 is the

Sixth Sunday after the Epiphany

Service at 10:00 AM, Holy Eucharist

Find this week's readings in the bulletin.

In early January, long-time parishioner Henry McCarl died. See his obituary here. On Sunday, February 23, all are welcome to join in the Thompson Room after the service for sharing and prayers.

In addition, a memorial service for Hank will be held at St. John's on Friday, May 16, at 3:00 pm.

Mary Jane, the kitty, seeks a new home

From Francesca Morgan, Hank McCarl's stepdaughter: I've known Mary Jane for 4+ years, since Hank and my mother adopted her in 2020 during the lockdown. She is a spayed long-haired tabby, approximately 5-7 years old, with no apparent health problems. She might be shy at first and hide away for some weeks in her new home. But in 2020, after she emerged after 2-3 weeks, she was sweet, loyal, and affectionate. She even uses a scratching post. She has peaceable relations with the small dog in the house, but I have not seen her around other cats. It's important to me that Mary Jane be kept indoors because she's never been outside and has never tried to get out.

If you are interested or want to know more, email Elizabeth or call the office at 978-283-1708.

Despite the fact the weather wasn't on our side last Sunday, we did start St. John's celebration of Black History Month. For those in attendance, the liturgy was engaging, the music uplifting, and the sermon insightful. This Sunday, we will continue our celebration of Black History Month with a mini-exhibit in the Parish Hall recognizing some of the leaders of the labor movement in Black History, along with books available from our library that can be viewed and borrowed to read. We hope this will provide an opportunity for all of us to participate in recognizing the contributions made by our country's citizens.

It's cold and it's snowing, which means comfort food is a welcome respite. Families are hunkering down and the need for good nutrition doesn't take a break, despite the weather. The Open Door would appreciate the following items: chicken soup, healthy cereal, granola bars (great for when the kids get home from school), and pasta. Any other items you would like to donate would also be appreciated.

Lenten Compline Services

Compline is a brief, luminous service that marks the close of each day and welcomes the quiet of nighttime in praising the source of light and life. We will follow the service “An Order for Compline” in the Book of Common Prayer of The Episcopal Church ending with the Night prayer from the New Zealand Common Prayer. All participants will be asked to bring a candle.

This March and April, St. John's will be offering three compline services at parishioners' homes. A meal will be served at 6:00 pm and the service will begin at 7:00 pm. You may join for one or the other or both. Please sign up in the Parish Hall or call the office at

978-283-1708, or email Marge.

• March 19, Home of Connie DeSimone
• March 26, Home of Rev. Marya DeCarlen
• April 2, Home of Rick Britton

We need gutter help!

St. John's is in need of a gutter company to look at a gutter leaking on our cement steps. If you've worked with someone in the past and can make a recommendation please reach out to Sue Lupo. Thanks!

Common Threads will meet the third Saturday of each month. Join us on February 15 at 11am in the Thompson Room, with your handiwork, for fellowship between the fingers, heart and soul!

Stop neglecting to show hospitality to strangers, for by showing hospitality 

some have had angels as their guests without being aware of it.

---Hebrews 13:2

Role of Congregation in Welcoming Newcomers

Newcomers are gifts to congregations. They bring fresh expressions of God’s image before us and challenge us in often needed ways. They represent potential new partners in care and accountability. They remind of us of why it’s essential that our church exists. If we delight in their presence, invite them with intentionality, and watch how their belonging to God and to our congregation moves us ever closer God’s call for us, well then, HALLELUJAH!! 

If you see someone you don’t know, introduce yourself and greet them! If you see someone standing or sitting alone at coffee hour, join them! And….Thank you!!!!!

It's been a while since we have looked at food donations for the Open Door. In the past month, weekly donations have been fewer than usual. Hopefully we have all recovered from the busy holiday season and are ready to continue our support of this important ministry. Picking up an extra item or two when food shopping, and bringing it to church on Sunday, is a positive way to show St. John's continuing support. Items that would appreciated include: soups, oatmeal, bread mixes, pasta, healthy cereal, and breakfast bars. Many thanks.

Music Notes 

From Director of Music, John Churchwell: As we continue to observe Black History month, I invited my friend, Wolff von Roos, Director of Music at Grace Church Newark, to write a few words regarding the singing of Black Gospel Hymns and African American Spirituals. 

Hello & a Merry Black History Month to you all!

Black History Month is a time to not only celebrate African American history, but also the arts, such as music. African American music has a strong history in this country, especially in the church. African American Spirituals, or “Negro Spirituals” if you want to get truly historical, background to the days of which slavery was all the rage back in the 18th century and constitutes to be a huge backbone in the music of the church and American folk music. They were a way to keep the faith, spirit, and the hope of the enslaved up and strong in those times of horror and depression. It was a way to remind them that in these tests of faith, that God was watching over them and would one day save them from evil. These hymns also got through a significant point in history where African Americans fought for their freedom.

Today, these songs remind us of that very belief, to help keep the faith that God is watching. This is why it is important for ALL OF US, no matter the color, gender, etc, to be singing these songs. IT’S NOT JUST FOR AFRICAN AMERICANS. I’m speaking as an African American Director of Music for a high Anglo-Catholic Episcopal Church when I tell you that these hymns that are in our books are a huge significant part of our faith and greatly makes us think of the history of all the children of God who helped us fight against hate and oppression, even to this day in difficult times! They not only sing praises to our Lord, but each of those hymns asks God for the same request: “Lord, please watch over and protect us all our days, from this day forth forever more”.

The church I currently work at has not only Caucasians, but a handful of Black Americans (from the Caribbeans, South African, Nigeria, African Americans, and more). Until I came along, they had never even heard a Negro Spiritual in this church. The first one I introduced was called “Let Us Break Bread Together on our Knees” during communion. I received a number of happy responses saying they felt a deep sense of historical connection and it “reminded them where it came from”. As you can see, the hymns also educate us in some way no matter who you are. To also add a few jazzy harmonies here and there might also help spark it, should the organist be up for the challenge. I then went on to explain about the tune and that there’s more of them like that written. Now even though not all of those spirituals are in the 1982 hymnal, there are others such as the “Lift Every Voice” hymnal, which has a handful of significant hymns. Take a peek! Get curious! Learn about them! Most importantly, sing them all WITH GLADNESS! 

Lift Every Voice & Sing!

Wolff von Roos

Director of Music & Organist of Grace Church in Newark (Episcopal)

Monday, February 17 is Presidents' Day and the office will be closed.

Vestry Notes – February 8, 2025

- The annual vestry retreat was held February 8 at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Lanesville. New and current vestry members enjoyed social time, and were treated to two dynamic, educational presentations. Parishioner Don Crane spoke about strategies for community outreach, and choir-member Sarah Grow, Director of Advocacy and Development at The Open Door, offered multiple ideas around effective fund raising. Warden Patricia Anders offered the closing prayer from Ephesians 6:9: “Let us not get tired of doing good…we will leave a harvest of blessing by not giving up.”

- Maryann Tapiro is creating a new program called Seaside Strings to provide musical instrument lessons to under-resourced children and adults. Maryann is an accomplished cellist, and she has enlisted John Churchwell and Gail Crane as co-creators and teachers of organ and piano. Maryann is seeking additional donated instruments, and, a violin/viola teacher. She hopes to be ready to launch by mid-March and possibly produce a children’s recital at the end of the year.

- Sue Lupo reported that the church-wide wiring project was successfully completed, coming in slightly under budget! All knob and tube wiring has been upgraded, fuse boxes inspected and maintained where applicable, and unappealing single fixture light bulbs…replaced. Work on the proposed commercial kitchen continues, as a certified commercial kitchen inspector has found additional areas in need of upgrade.

- Marya reminded the vestry that her ministry at St. John’s began nearly 18 months ago! Diocesan regulations stipulate that a PIC and vestry are required at this juncture to participate in a Mutual Ministry Review, facilitated by a regional canon. The process is designed to help all participants share joys and concerns and identify areas of growth. The event will happen on March 1, 9am-12pm with the Rev. Gregory Perez facilitating.

- Consideration was given to how - and if – the church might provide resources and space for parishioners and/or neighbors to sort through Gloucester’s response to state-mandated MBTA zoning changes. Marya said she would send vestry members a YouTube link featuring a city council person explaining the issues as a point of departure for further discussion.

- Gloucester will be hosting on June 21-22 the Bunker Hill 250^th Anniversary re-enactment event. 5-7,000 people are expected to attend, and the vestry is considering outreach opportunities. The worship team may offer a service from the 1662 Prayer book on Sunday, June 22. 

This Valentine’s Day we can reaffirm the importance of immigrants and their many contributions to the social and economic fabric of our town and nation with their vibrancy and strength. We honor families’ sacrifices, struggles, and successes, because America’s strength is reflected in our diversity built over generations. 

The Associated Clergy of Cape Ann are planning a “Love your neighbor STAND OUT" on Grant Circle, TODAY, February 14 at noon. 

Additionally we will be hosting a "STAND UP for Democracy"  on Monday, February 17 (President’s Day) also at noon at Grant Circle. JOIN US WITH OR WITHOUT A SIGN!!♥️

CDBG Gloucester Community Development Survey Use your voice. If you live or work in Gloucester, take this survey by scanning the QR code or click here and let the city know your preferences for the use of grants from the Dept. of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) that help communities develop and improve their infrastructure, housing and economic opportunities.

Introduction to Inquirer’s Class - February 16 at 11:45am

Prayers in memory of Hank McCarl - February 23 during Coffee Hour

Mini-Annual Meeting - March 2, during the worship hour

Ashes To-Go on Middle Street - March 5, 12:00pm – 1:00pm

First Sunday in Lent & Imposition of Ashes before Worship - March 9

Compline - March 19 6:00pm Meal, 7:00pm Compline

Home of Connie DeSimone

Compline - March 26, 6:00pm Meal, 7:00pm Compline

Home of Rev. Marya DeCarlen

Compline - April 2, 6:00pm Meal, 7:00pm Compline

Home of Rick Britton

Choral Evensong - March 12, 6:00pm

Choral Evensong - April 9, 6:00pm

Palm Sunday - April 13, 10:00am

Maundy Thursday and Agape Meal - April 17, 6:00pm Meal,

7:00pm Service

Good Friday Reading of the Passion - April 18, 11:00am

Easter - April 20, 10:00am

Morning Prayer - April 27, Jason Kinchen, Officiant

"May The Fourth Be With You" Silent Movie Concert

May 4, John Churchwell, Organist

Sign-Ups

Altar Flowers

Flowers beautify the Sanctuary of our church, and are a gift which honors God’s creation. A contribution to the flower fund is a meaningful way to honor or remember a loved one. After worship, the flowers offer further blessings to people in special circumstances as they are delivered by members of the flower team with a note of encouragement. Cost:$35

Sanctuary Light

If you look up while seated in our sanctuary you will see a candle suspended in water near our high altar. It is called the Sanctuary Candle and it is a symbol in the Episcopal Church of the Light of Christ. Our light was designed and made by sculptor John Fleming, formerly of Rockport, whose work you may see in the Franze Denghausen Room in the Rockport Library, and possibly at the Rockport Art Association. It burns continuously as a reminder that consecrated bread and wine are always present and available for people in special circumstances. It is also a reminder that God is always with us. In the Jewish tradition, the lamp is known in Hebrew as ner tamid, which translates to eternal light or flame and also symbolizes God’s eternal presence. A contribution to the sanctuary lamp fund in honor of a saint who has gone before us, is a way to link their heavenly life with yours. Cost: $10

All offerings will be mentioned in the bulletin and noted before the Eucharistic prayer.

Coffee Hour

Coffee Hour is an extension of the Eucharistic table and helps us come together in fellowship. We appreciate your support and dedication in making this ministry a warm and welcoming experience for everyone. Currently there are four teams serving on Sunday mornings. If you’d like to join a team of 2-3 people or create a new team, please email Marge or call the office at 9781-283-1708.

Action Lunches returns in the spring.

February 16, 2025

The Sixth Sunday after the Epiphany

10:00 AM

Download the bulletin to see who is participating in the liturgy.

CONTACT MARYA (Priest-in-Collaboration) at mdecarlen@comcast.net or 978-590-1642

St. John's Intercession List: Continued Peaceful Negotiations with Israel and Palestine, in the Midst of the Cease-fire with Hamas, Carmine Gorga, Fozzie Hill, Dolores DeRuscio, Lois Lupo , Steve Jencks, Ben, Rosie, Reverend Stephen Woods, CoCo Baxter, Francisco Lococo, The People of the Middle East, Jim LaBelle, Eric Leibowitz, Ruth and Gabriel Leibowitz, Anna and Isabelle, Ondine, Don Baker, Mandy, Marjorie Frontiero, Hope, Brie-Anne Martel, Patty Reed, Marjorie Fergusson, Laurie Menard, Jeremy, Lucy,  Gaëlle K., Sean G., Josh R., Sean, Alexis Morris, Charlie Bishop, Sarah Clifford, Ace Torrence and Family, Jacoby, Jay Featherstone, Isabelle Higgins, Christopher Antonuk, Miranda Featherstone and Family, Marsha White, Claire Stahler, Carole Secrest, Chris Klosterman, Sereda Feener, Alex Furth, Simeon Teitelbaum, Miriam Teitelbaum,  Len Berry, Ellen, Wayne Martin, Ernie Runnells, Jack Ketchopulos, Michael Rocha, Liana and Joe Webb, Linda, Malcolm Henderson, Emelia Currier, Danny, John Fleming.

Contact prayer list manager: Joan Gorga 978-283-5926 or jmgorga@yahoo.com

Please notify Joan Gorga if there is any change with the people on this list. Thank you.

WEEKLY CALENDAR

Sundays               

• 9:00-9:30 am Choir rehearsal (Sept. through June)
• 10:00 am Sung Eucharist

Mondays             

• 9-noon Church open for prayer and meditation
• 9-noon Ms. Fixits Women gathering to tend to the fabric of the church

Tuesdays

• 9-noon Church open for prayer and meditation
• 4:30 pm Women's Cursillo Reunion Group (1st and 3rd Tuesdays)

Wednesdays

• 7 am Men's Bible Reflection, (Bible study) 
• 9-noon Church open for prayer and meditation
• 10 am to 2 pm Thrift Shop and Regal Rummage Open
• 7 pm Fish City AA

Thursdays    

• 9-noon Church open for prayer and meditation
• 7 - 8:30 pm Parish Choir rehearsal (Sept. through June)
• 7:00 pm AA

Fridays

• 10 am to 2 pm Thrift Shop and Regal Rummage Open

Saturdays             

• Action Shelter Lunch-Making, Carolyn Stewart
• 10 am to 2 pm Thrift Shop and Regal Rummage Open
• 7 pm Big Book AA