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Sunday, February 9 is the

Fifth Sunday after the Epiphany

Service at 10:00 AM, Holy Eucharist

Find this week's readings in the bulletin.

On Sunday, February 9, we will celebrate Black History month with a special liturgy with selected Lessons, Psalm, and music. This year's theme is “African Americans and Labor.” The focus this year is on the various ways that “work of all kinds-free and unfree, skilled and unskilled, vocational and voluntary-intersect with the collective experiences of Black people.” (Quote from the Association for the Study of African American Life and History, the founder of Black History Month.) Please be sure to check out the mini-exhibit in the Parish Hall during coffee hour, and the list of resources provided.

WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE AN EPISCOPALIAN? Are you new to the Christian faith and want to explore what it means to follow Jesus? Join us to discuss how you might grow deeper in faith during the season of Lent, meet regularly with a group of other inquirers to share your faith journey, learn about the history, worship and faith practices of the church, and discern your membership and ministry at St. John’s. If you are interested in The Episcopal Church or learning more about confirmation or reception please join us for an introductory meeting.

Annually, we offer 4 interactive class for those who are curious. Before we schedule classes, The Rev. Marya DeCarlen will offer an informal conversation on February 16th in the Thompson Room after the 10:00 a.m. service. (Of course, after you have had time to munch on coffee hour goodies!) If you’d like to join the classes, you can share your questions and curiosities so we can address them in the classes. Please call the office if you are interested. (978-283-1708)

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 Saint John's continuing support. Items that would appreciated include: soups, oatmeal, bread mixes, pasta, healthy cereal, and breakfast bars. Many thanks.

A Note About Pledge Envelopes ...

After 2025, St. John's will no longer order booklets of printed pledge envelopes. This year, use your envelopes as always, or, if you do not use them but already picked them up, you're welcome to return them to the office.

In 2026, we will make recycled envelopes available in the sanctuary for those who choose to use one. Those who regularly make cash donations will need to be SURE to write their name on whatever envelope they use so we can track your giving. If anybody else's needs are not met by this system, please contact Elizabeth.

Music Notes 

Are you familiar with the music of Lena McLin? What about Carl MaultsBy? Surely, you have heard of Florence Price? We have all sung hymns by Andrae’ Crouch, Charles Albert Tindley, and Thomas Dorsey, right?

This Sunday, February 9, 2025, we will celebrate Black History Month by singing compositions from these African American composers and arrangers from the Lift Every Voice and Sing Hymn II Hymnal (LEVAS). LEVAS was commissioned by the Episcopal Church to keep the stories of Black Gospel Hymns and Spirituals alive. LEVAS was dedicated to the memory of The Revered Curtis Winfield Sisco Jr. (1958-1992), a creative liturgist, gifted musician, and devoted priest. The text of our first hymn, Blessed Absalom, was written by The Canon Harold T. Lewis (b. 1947), set to the LAUDA ANIMA.

Click here to learn more about Sunday's composers and arrangers.

Your Friend,

John 

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

“Not A Teenage Love Story" by Vanessa Rindone: Author's Reading & Book Signing Event at All Saints Episcopal Church on February 9 at 11 AM February – the month of lovers and Valentines - is a good time to raise awareness of and promote education around teenage dating violence. Be the Light Ministry at All Saints Episcopal Church of the North Shore and HAWC will co-host a special event promoting Vanessa Rindone’s newly published book, "Not a Teenage Love Story." This event will feature an author's reading and book signing from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM at All Saints Church, following the church service. Refreshments and a light lunch will be provided. Books will be available for purchase and autographing. RSVP to bethelight.asns@gmail.com For more information, see the flyer, or the press release.

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. Millions of individuals have enriched the United States 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 “Walk of Love” on February 14. Stay tuned for more details.

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.

Vitality Team Meeting - February 9 at 11:45am

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 9, 2025

The Fifth 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