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Sunday, October 6 is the Twentieth Sunday

after Pentecost.

Service at 10:00 AM, Holy Eucharist

Find this week's readings in the bulletin.

Save the dates!

* Sunday, 10/13: Indigenous Peoples Day, service at 10 am

* Sunday, 10/27: Evensong with Annisquam Village Church at SJC, 4pm

BLESSING OF THE ANIMALS - THIS SUNDAY!

On Sunday, October 6 from 2:00 to 3:30, come to the side yard of St. John's Church with your favorite critter - no matter if it's furry, scaley, has a shell or lives in a bowl!

We will collect monetary donations for Cape Ann Animal Aid, a non-profit, no-kill organization dedicated to facilitating appropriate placement of adoptable animals. Learn more about this organization below or see their web site.

All people and animals are welcome!

Tell your friends and neighbors!

Cape Ann Animal Aid

This Sunday, at the Blessing of the Animals, St. John's will collect monetary donations for Cape Ann Animal Aid in Gloucester.

Here is a snapshot of the work this organization did in 2023:

* 1,612 animals serviced

* 1,312 adoptions

* 606 animals fostered

* over 10,000 volunteer hours logged

* 826 cats and dogs spayed/neutered

* 3,600 vaccines provided

* 4,780 lbs of pet food donated to The Open Door

To learn more - and see some photos of cute dogs and cats (AND opportunities to adopt some of them!) see their web site.

Pictured below: John Churchwell, Director of Music, along with The Rev. Marya DeCarlen and Claudette Chmura, delivered a $500 check to Kelsey Roberts and Sarah Grow of The Open Door. These funds were raised during The Northshoremen Barbershop Chorus Concert on September 20, 2024.

Thank you for your support! 

Bring a Friend!

From Marya: I found an article published in Episcopal Church Foundation Vital Practices this week (Making our Congregations More “Find-able” by Jacob Sierra) and I wanted to share a survey with you. It states boldly that 265 of the people in the pews in Episcopal Churches are there because someone invited them to be there. Beyond Ask-a-Neighbor-to-Church Sunday, which we celebrated in September, please consider again inviting someone you know who could benefit from an invitation to lengthen life their expectancy, strengthen their immunity, improve their body's response to stress and boost sources of prayer filled encouragement, growth and support in their lives!!! When you invite someone, please let me know before worship!!! - Marya

Parking!

We know that the parking lot is getting crowded on Sunday mornings (due to increased attendance - a great problem to have!) and we are taking steps to make parking easier in the future.

In the meantime, on Sunday mornings until noon, parishioners may park in spaces #7, 8, 9 and 10.

Thanks for your patience!! And thank you for filling up our parking lot!!

Village Fair Planning

Plans for the Village Fair are in full swing! There are many ways to participate in this annual fund-raising event, especially if you are not available to be there on that day (or even if you are). Donating a gift card to a local business for the raffle is one way to do this. If you frequent a coffee shop, bookstore, restaurant, or other Gloucester business, it's easy to pick up a gift card while you are shopping or dining and drop it off in the office. The raffle always brings in a significant amount of funds, so be sure to take advantage of this opportunity to contribute to the Village Fair. Many thanks!

It's now October, and folks are settling into a new season. At the Open Door, requests to assist folks facing food insecurity continues to grow, especially where hearty food is concerned. Food items needed this week include: flour, cooking oil, bread mixes, flavored rice, and oatmeal. Let's keep that basket in church filled to the brim! Many thanks.

FREE!!! Music Lessons? Yes!

Have you ever wanted to learn how to play the piano? Have you ever wondered how the pipe organ functions? Do you look at the music in the hymnal and question all the components of a hymn? These questions can be answered by your Director of Music, John Churchwell, during private music lessons! You heard that right! John is offering 4 people, 4 music lessons, during a 4 week period, FOR FREE! Each weekly lesson is 30 mins. This is a time for you to spend with John and learn anything and everything you have ever wanted to know, ask, and learn about music. There is no catch, no smoke and mirrors, and no guilt-trip for you to join the choir or display what you have learned. This is a personal time for you. Music lessons start the week of October 7, and run each week through the week of October 28.

There will be three more opportunities to take have music sessions with John: the weeks of Nov. 4 through Nov. 25, the weeks of Jan. 6 through Jan. 27, and the weeks of Feb. 3 through Feb. 24. These special times are for YOU IN THE PEWS. FIRST COME, FIRST SERVED! If you have any questions or want to request one of the 4 time slots for any of the 4-week sessions, email John Churchwell at john@stjohnsgloucester.org. 

The Village Fair is Coming!

Plans are well underway for our annual fair on Saturday November 23rd, and you can expect to get a call to find out how you might like to participate. But if you'd like to have some fun right now, consider joining us at 10:00 on October 7th for dog treat baking. Something for everyone!

Music Notes

Kathleen Armstrong Thomerson (b. 1934) is a native of Tennessee. She wrote “I want to walk as a child of the light” during the summer of 1966 during a visit to the Church of the Redeemer in Houston, Texas, the location providing the origin for the tune name HOUSTON. Her musical education took place at the University of Texas and Syracuse University, with additional studies at the Flemish Royal Conservatory in Antwerp.

Ms. Thomerson directed music at University United Methodist Church in St. Louis and was on the organ faculties of St. Louis Conservatory and Southern Illinois University in Edwardsville. From 2004 through 2013, she served Mt. Olive Lutheran Church in Austin, Texas. In addition to this hymn, she contributed tunes for hymns by Patricia B. Clark in their joint collection, A Taste of Heaven’s Joys: A Collection of Original Hymns (2005).

“I want to walk as a child of the light” comes to us by way of the Episcopal Hymnal 1940 supplement, Songs for Celebration (1980). The melody conveys a text based upon a wide range of biblical images. “I want to walk as a child of the light” communicates deep conviction. The first-person perspective invites the singer to join Christ, the Light of the World, in discipleship – a journey of faith. The second line of each stanza deepens this commitment:

Stanza 1: “I want to follow Jesus.”

Stanza 2: “I want to look at Jesus.”

Stanza 3: “I want to be with Jesus.”

The theology of this hymn outlines sanctifying grace, the perspective of Christians as they move toward perfection in the faith, becoming transformed in the image of Christ. Each stanza adds greater luminosity to this walk. In the first stanza, “God sets the stars to give light to the world.” Christ in turn becomes the “star of my life.” References to stars support the hymn’s initial theme for Epiphany. Stanza two expresses the desire to “see the brightness of God.” The “Sun of Righteousness” illumines “the way to the Father.” The final stanza extends the journey toward the “coming of Christ,” an eschatological direction toward our future hope.

As in most gospel hymns, it is the refrain that carries the essence of its meaning with scriptural references that virtually quote from Revelation 21 and 22, that distinguishes this hymn from many earlier expressions of discipleship. The simplicity of the music and text does not imply a simplistic faith. “I want to walk as a child” reminds us of one of the paradoxes of our faith, that we need to become as a child to fully understand the realm of God (Matthew 18:2-4).

Your Friend,

John Churchwell

Looking Ahead: More Dates for Your Calendar!

Indigenous Peoples Sunday Sunday, October 13 at 10:00am

The Rev. Julia E. Whitworth Ordination Saturday, October 19 at 11:00am, Trinity Church Boston

Shrine/Diorama Workshop for in honor of Lynn Runnells for All Saints Sunday Sunday, October 20 during Coffee Hour

Evensong with Seating of the Bishop

Sunday, October 20, 2024,5:00pm, Cathedral Church of Saint Paul

The Rev. Ali Lutz Preaches at St. John's Sunday, 10/27 at 10:00am

Evensong (St. John’s, Annisquam Village Church, First Congregational Rockport, Trinity Congregational Gloucester)

Sunday, October 27, 2024, 4:00pm at St. John’s Episcopal Church

All Saints Sunday and baptism Sunday, November 3 at 10:00am

The Rev. Ali Lutz Preaches at St. John's Sunday, 11/10 at 10:00am

Generosity Sunday Sunday, November 17 at 10:00am

Village Fair November 23, 2024

Advent Calming Service Sunday, December 1 at 10:00am

A Service of Lessons and Carols Sunday, December 15 at 10:00am

Christmas Eve Service Tuesday, December 24 at 8:00pm

A Service of Christmas Carols Sunday, December 29 at 10:00am

Pilgrimage to the Presidency As we approach the US presidential election, with politics dominating the news and many people’s thoughts, we explore how Christians have grappled with the political world, and what that means for us in a 21st century democracy as we look to do the same. Beginning the week of September 15th, join Br. Lucas for weekly videos and conversations with guest speakers about theology, prayer, and discernment, along with livestreamed conversations with SSJE brothers and a livestreamed vigil through the night on Election Day. We seek to answer the question: how can we the Church engage in the realm of politics while maintaining our integrity, our love of God and neighbor, and our commitment to the common good? Follow along at pilgrimagetothepresidency.org

Dear Friends in Christ,

In the wake of last week's Hurricane Helene, the deadly Category 4 storm that caused widespread damage throughout the U.S. Southeast, we are urging our churches and people to continue to keep all the affected communities in our prayers, and to consider donating generously to Episcopal Relief & Development's Hurricane Relief Fund. Episcopal Relief & Development is supporting dioceses and faith-based and community-led organizations throughout the Southeast, including in Florida, Georgia, Tennessee, South Carolina and North Carolina.

Additional information on how to help with hurricane relief efforts in the region is also available on the Diocese of North Carolina's website.

Jesus reminds us all that when we give even "a cup of water to the least," we are serving Christ. May we all be generous in our giving and care at this time of crisis and great need.

Faithfully,



The Rt. Rev. Alan M. Gates, Bishop Diocesan

The Rev. Julia E. Whitworth, Bishop Diocesan-elect

The Rt. Rev. Carol J. Gallagher, Assistant Bishop

A CASE FOR LOVE IS STREAMING!

A CASE FOR LOVE, a documentary that investigates how Bishop Michael Curry's teachings of unconditional, sacrificial love are applied in the wider community, includes interviews with well-known personalities and common people. This film reminds people that unselfish love and care for one another are paramount in our relationships and communities, particularly during election season. A CASE FOR LOVE is now on all CABLE, SATELLITE, & DIGITAL RENTAL OUTLETS. Find the movie everywhere, from Amazon Video, iTunes, and the Dish Network, to Vudu, Direct TV, and more!

Saturday, Oct. 19, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. Join in celebration with the Episcopal Diocese of Massachusetts when The Rev. Julia E. Whitworth is ordained and consecrated a Bishop in the one holy catholic and apostolic Church and 17th Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Massachusetts. The ceremony will take place at Trinity Church, 206 Clarendon Street, Boston. Seating is available as capacity allows. Register to attend, watch the livestream, or join a watch party: www.diomass.org/consecration

Evensong with Seating of Our New Bishop Our new bishop will be seated at the Cathedral Church of St. Paul, 138 Tremont Street, Boston on Sunday, Oct. 20 at 5:00 p.m. 

On Tuesday, September 24, Bishop-elect Julia Whitworth sent a message to the Diocese of Massachusetts. To learn more about her upcoming plans and how she's been preparing, click here.

October 6, 2024

The Twentieth Sunday after Pentecost, 10:00 AM

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

SIGN-UP IN THE PARISH HALL! We always need people to contribute funds for the weekly burning of our sanctuary lamp and for altar flowers. Pick a date that has special meaning for you (anniversaries, birthdays, etc.)! We also always need donations of any kind for the Open Door food bank (no expired items or glass containers please). And don't forget about helping provide lunches for the Action Shelter so people can have something to eat on Sundays!

Sign up in the parish hall for future dates for flower and lamp, Action Sandwiches and coffee hour.



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

Join us for Zoom Coffee Hour, aka Reliable Joy! 

Reliable Joy meets Sundays at 12:30. 

Use this Zoom link to join in. Meeting ID: 873 3272 1412

Passcode: 01930 Dial by location: 1 646 558 8656

WEEKLY CALENDAR

Sundays               

• 8:30 - 9:15 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 

St. John's Intercession List: Abby Baxter, CoCo Baxter, Isaiah Woods, Nancy Neschis, Francisco Lococo, Clayton Dyett, The People of the Middle East, Jim LaBelle, Eric Leibowitz, Ruth and Gabriel Leibowitz, Anna and Isabelle, Ondine, Don Baker, Mandy, Nina Ziv, 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, Lyn Brakeman, 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, Anne Sullivan, 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.