Nov. 6, 2026

A Brief Thought on

Moving Beyond Midterm Elections

Most of us are familiar with the Prayer for Peace attributed to St. Francis.

Some versions have slightly varied language. The primary difference in the Episcopal liturgical text, found in our Book of Common Prayer, is the deliberate use of corporate language ("us" and "our" instead of "me" and "my"), and the addition of "discord, union" to the petition.

The Episcopal Church does not take part in partisan politics (who to – or not to – vote for). However, we do our best to follow Jesus’ teachings about right relationships and building community, which is all the original word “politics” (i.e., how we organize our common life together) really means.

Regardless of how – or whether – you voted in this week’s midterm elections, I invite all of us to take a deep breath and ponder our choices (individual, corporate, and societal) for moving forward as God’s children and God's beloved community. After all, growing in faith, living in hope, and serving in love is what we say we seek to do.

#Godincommunity

#wegathertogetherwithjoy

Let us pray:

Lord, make us instruments of your peace.

Where there is hatred, let us sow love;

where there is injury, pardon;

where there is discord, union;

where there is doubt, faith;

where there is despair, hope;

where there is darkness, light;

where there is sadness, joy.

Grant that we may not so much seek to be consoled

as to console;

to be understood

as to understand;

to be loved

as to love.

For it is in giving that we receive;

it is in pardoning that we are pardoned;

and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life. Amen.

BCP, page 833

Blessings,

Rev. Lisa

We are pleased to announce that Archdeacon Don Burr has joined us at St. John's as our Deacon. In fact, he introduced himself to us at our service last Sunday.

Don was ordained in June of 2019 and most recently served with the people of Christ Church in Stratford. He is also a long-time employee at the Norwalk Public Schools.

He'll tell you more about himself in his first 'Deacon's Bench' piece below. Going forward, Rev. Lisa's 'PIC Ponderings' and Deacon Don's 'Deacon's Bench' will alternate in St. John's Connects, each appearing once a month.

In his Ministry Moment at church Sunday, Don explained the deacon's role as one that helps us look out into the community to see how we can be of service.

When he joined the men's group for dinner last week he asked those who were there to think about needs in the community that aren't being met or are being underserved and help bring them to his attention to determine if there are ways that St. John's can help. We're sure he'd ask that of all of you as well.

(PIC Note - Don will be with us on two Sundays a month. He will not be replacing or supplementing our Morning Prayer lay Officiants or Preachers. We both are here to support our whole community in lifting up your ministries and growing your faithful voices.)

Don, we welcome you and we're looking to a fruitful three years together.

Greetings, St. John’s!!! 

My name is Don Burr, I currently serve as one of the four ECCT archdeacons. My current area of responsibility is spending time with the ECCT Northwest and Southwest Regions.

Driven by a passion to encourage the Church to live out our common Baptismal Covenant, my ministry experience is broad and includes a leadership role as part of an ECCT Southwest Regional effort to establish Laundry Love - a monthly ministry which creates space to build relationships with, and provide laundry resources to, neighbors in need.

Deacons, unlike transitional deacons (those who may eventually be ordained as priests), often hold full-time jobs outside of the church and are deacons for life. I have been employed by the Norwalk Public Schools for more than three decades – most recently as Executive Coordinator for Curriculum/Instruction and Leadership Development. 

You can see the rest of my bio HERE.

I have been married to Beth for nearly 38 years; and we have four grown children and two grandchildren. We enjoy camping (especially along the mid-coast of Maine and in the Northwest corner of Connecticut) with our immediate and extended family; and in my spare time, I am an amateur photographer and historical archeologist - especially where those avocations help tell the story of the Church.

As I begin this season of ministry alongside Rev. Lisa, I look forward to learning (from you) how St. John’s engages with its neighbors. 

So, let’s go in peace to love and serve the Lord.

Peace, Don

The Venerable Donald Field Burr, II

Archdeacon with the ECCT Western Regions

Our 2026 Pledge Drive Continues!

Our 2026 Pledge Drive is off to a good start. Letters and pledge cards were mailed last week to everyone and several of you returned your pledge cards yesterday at church. 


Please return your pledge for 2027 no later than Sunday, Nov. 15. Meanwhile, you will be getting a phone call soon from one of our callers who will be happy to answer any questions you may have.   

Our campaign is about more than meeting a financial goal. It is about building up the Body of Christ, strengthening our ministrie and ensuring that our church continues to be a place of faith, fellowship and service for generations to come. 

Please continue your support of St. John’s in 2027. And if you have not pledged before, please consider doing so this year. Together, let us continue to Rise Up and Build through faith, generosity and a shared commitment to our church community. 

Thank you!

Holiday Dinner Out

Wow! Here we are again - already! It's time to make plans for our annual Holiday Dinner Out!

This year's dinner will again be at Italia Mia. Monday, Dec. 7, at 6 p.m. The price is $55 per person. (same as last year).

The price includes chicken marsala, eggplant parm, salmon and penne a la vodka's as well hors d'oeuvres, desserts, beer, wine, soda, coffee, tea, taxes and tip.

If you'd like to go please let one of the Vallos know, - Ron here, Mary here. (or see them in church.)

The money must be collected by Sunday, Dec. 6. (Earlier is better so we can give the restaurant an early idea about the number of folks coming.)

As we have done in the past, we will accept donations from anyone who'd like to help someone attend who might find the price prohibitive.

The monthly men's and women's nights out are on hold for now because we'll all be getting together on Dec. 7.

The Holiday Dinner Out is a fun night and Italia Mia always does a good job and makes us feel welcomed. We hope to see you there!

New Milford Santa Fund

We, again this year, will be participating in the New Milford Social Services' Santa Fund project, and, once again, our efforts are being led by Tanya Deppen.

We are sponsoring three childre - all siblings. There are two girls, ages 10 and 12 and a five-year-old boy. We will be buying each a gift on their wish list and a $50 gift card.

Tanya has all the details. If you would like to purchase a gift or donate toward the effort please contact Tanya HERE or see her in church.

Youth Group News

An 'all-ages" youth group event was held on Sunday, Oct. 25.

The kids met up at March Farm in Bethlehem (Ct. - just so we're clear) for apple and pumpkin picking.

Looks like there was a corn maze too. (And we're pretty sure they all made their way out.)

This Sunday's Youth Group Plans

The St. John's Youth Group will meet this Sunday, Nov. 8,, right after coffee hour in the Parish Hall.

We'll have ice cream sundaes and will be making Thanksgiving cards for our parishioners and local nursing home residents.

Please RSVP to Jen Kamp if you haven’t already so we'll have enough supplies for everyone.

Next Food Collection - Nov. 18

Our next food drop-off will be Wednesday, Nov. 18, from 10 a.m. to noon.

The food will be delivered to Our Daily Bread Food Bank.

We're in front of the church to collect your donations of non-perishable foods and personal-care items on the first and third Wednesdays of each month.

Please remember that you can always bring in food on Sunday mornings and place your offerings in the donation baskets behind the last pew in the church.

A Message From Paul Manfredi

Parishioner Paul Manfredi who, among many other things, is a member of two groups that have had an impact on his life. He would like to tell you about them.

Why Education for Ministry?

EFM has taught me how to apply reason to both tradition and scripture. I am more secure in my faith having completed three years of the four-year course.

I was born and raised as a Roman Catholic. In my thirties I was accepted in the Episcopal Church. As an Episcopalian, my approach to God is different from my Roman Catholic upbringing.

The Anglican balance of authority has been characterized as a “three-legged stool” which falls if any one of the legs is not upright. The three sources of authority are scripture, tradition and reason.  These three sources uphold and critique each other dynamically. 

Why Braver Angels?

Braver Angels has given me the tools to express my religious values in a constructive way. I find myself not walking away when confronted with different opinions and ideas.

Together EFM and Braver Angels has made me more confident and understanding when expressing an idea, fostering deeper conversations and truly listening to ideas I might not agree with. 

As Jesus said “Love your enemies” or treat them with respect.

Let me know if you would like to hear more.

Thanks,

Paul Manfred

Annual Diocesan Convention Bishop's Address

The text and audio of the Rt. Rev. Jeffrey W. Mello's address from Oct. 24, 2026 during morning Eucharist at the 242nd Annual Convention at the Bristol Event Center is available. 

You can hear Bishop Jeff's gracious and prophetic words HERE. 

Flora Quammie and Herb St. Jean attended the convention as Lay Delegates, along with Paul Manfredi, Donna Sullivan, Rev. Woody and Rev. Lisa.  Feel free to ask them what they heard, felt and need to share!

Below are a few photos of part of the St. John's contingent in Bristol.

Tomorrow!! Tomorrow!! Tomorrow!!

LVG Wins Leadership Circle Award!

Our friends at Literacy Volunteers on the Green were recently feted in appreciation of the outstanding work they do in the community.

LVG, and another New Milford "can't-do-without" program, the Wheels program, were recipients of this state-wide award.

Mayor Pete Bass recently congratulated the two groups and shared the following note in a recent newsletter:

"Thank you to Literacy Volunteers on the Green, Executive Director Lynn Davies, and the Wheels Program of Greater New Milford Executive Director Carrie Lee Bunblasky for the great job they and their organizations do for our community! 

"Congratulations to them both as they are winners of this year's Connecticut Community Foundation Leadership Circle Awards! 

"It's great to see two New Milford organizations win the award! 

"Outstanding! Let's congratulate both organizations! 

"New Milford Proud & Strong!"

For more information on these outstanding organizations: 

Wheels of New Milford - https://www.wheelsofnewmilford.org/

Literacy Volunteers on the Green- /www.lvg-ct.org/about/

Below is a photo of the award - proudly displeyed outside the LVG office in our Parish Hall.

Congrats to Lynn, Cecelia and their many volunteers and students!

And, since we're talking LVG here, and since it's stewardship season, Lynn was wondering if you might consider joining St. John's parishioners Carolyn Breeze, Mary Vallo and Ron Vallo, who are part of the LVG tutor team. If you'd like more info email Lynn Davies HERE.

A Coldplay Musical/Candlelight Experience

Coming to New Milford 

at St. John’s

Saturday, Nov. 14

3 seatings: 4, 6 & 8 pm

Click here to book your tickets A Coldplay Candlelight Experience

NOTE: Rev. Lisa has a few free tickets for anyone who missed out on sold-out seats! Please speak with her if you are interested.

Join us at 5 p.m .for a service of beautiful music, inspiring words, and Holy Communion in the language of the Celtic Christian tradition, led by the Rev. Tuesday Rupp and accompanied by Pete Miserendino on guitar- our friends from St Paul's, Woodbury.

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Contemporary and contemplative, a beautiful offering to God.

Following worship, join us at 6:15 p.m. for dinner - a time of community, conversation and wonderful food!

Come for worship and-stay for dinner, or just come for dinner.

Your choice. All are welcome!

In lieu of a ticket price for dinner, we welcome your generous donation at the table. All proceeds will go the CW Campership Fund, offering need-based financial assistance to our campers and retreatants.

​​

Gather your family, organize a parish carpool or extend an invitation to a neighbor and make plans to join us at camp.

The event runs from 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Registration is required.

Register for the dinner here

JUST FYI: The Thanksgiving Day dinner at Camp Washingrton is already full. To get on the waiting list call 860-567-9623.

Prayers for The Ill, Homebound or Those In Need

For parishioners: Pat Welch, Pam Morgan, Bob Lawrence, Carolyn King, Pat Greenspan and Paul Talaska.

For family: Sarah (sister/sister-in-law of Jim and Linda Rains); Susan (mother of Andy Cabell); Andy (brother of Carolyn King), Theodora (mother of Tamara Wallace), Christine (daughter of Paul Manfredi); Brendan (family member of Donna Sullivan), Gary (uncle of Amie Altemus), Maureen (sister of Margo Terwilliger), Linda (niece of Herb St. Jean), Artie (brother-in-law of Paul Manfredi).

and friends: Kelly, Angelo, Ted, John, Vanessa, Steve and Sandy (friends of Jim and Linda Rains), Dawn, Christian, Lynn (friends of Paul Manfredi); Rich and Jeanne (friends of Estelle Tortora), Holly, Tessa, Johanna and Rich (friends of Carolyn King), Steward, Maria, Dennis and Douglas, Mark and family (friends and family of Lise Smith).

Remembering the people of the Ukraine and the Middle East. For the lives lost and the lives upended by war, including members of the military.

The next regular issue of St. John's Connects will be published on Nov. 20.

If you have something to share in the next newsletter, please send the info to Ron Vallo by Wednesday, Nov. 18.

A Public 'Thank You': I'd like to thank the gentlemen of the the St. John's Men's Group for taking a moment during our recent night out to present me with a major award.

They all know my nerves took a beating last month as my beloved Cleveland Guardians clawed their way through the baseball playoffs - but not all the way to the World Series.

Thanks guys, for your thoughtfulness! It's no FIFA Peace Prize, but it will do.

Upcoming Birthdays



Sam Shackelford (11/6); Jens Larsen (11/10); Tim McQueen (11/15); James McQueen (11/16)

Anniversaries

Ivana and Sandra Violette (11/4); Donnie and Katie Maxwell (11/14)

Congrats to all who are celebrating!

Found this on Facebook. Click to see/hear the performance.