"To know Christ and to make Him known . . . " | | The Weekly Sunday Bulletin of St. John’s Episcopal Church | | |
Then Jesus told this parable: “A man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard; and he came looking for fruit on it and found none. So he said to the gardener, ‘See here! For three years I have come looking for fruit on this fig tree, and still I find none. Cut it down! Why should it be wasting the soil?’ He replied, ‘Sir, let it alone for one more year, until I dig around it and put manure on it, If it bears fruit next year, well and good; but if not, you can cut it down.’” (Luke 13:6-9)
“This parable means that God offers patience and opportunities for repentance, but ultimately expects the bearing of spiritual fruit as evidence of growth. The act of cutting down the fig tree signifies judgment for those who remain unproductive despite the opportunities and care provided by the Lord. A key lesson of this parable is that it illustrates God’s patience and willingness to give us time to repent and bear fruit in our lives. However, this patience has a limit, and we should not take it for granted. The vine dresser’s request for more time to tend to the fig tree represents the opportunities God gives us to turn from our unproductive ways and start producing spiritual fruit. The owner’s initial desire to cut down the barren tree serves as a warning of the eventual judgment that will come upon those who fail to live a fruitful Christian life. The expectation for the fig tree to bear fruit is akin to the expectation that Christians will show evidence of their faith through their actions and character. As a Christian, you should reflect on your spiritual condition, make the most of your time and grace given by God, and strive to live a life that bears good fruit. You can do this by praying to the Lord and asking for the Holy Spirit to guide you in bearing good spiritual fruit. The gardener’s intervention to fertilize and care for the tree suggests that, with divine help and personal effort, it is possible to change and become fruitful in our spiritual lives.” (Biblevise)
I find it fascinating that folks can call themselves Christians and yet do not follow Jesus in the way they live their lives. At St. John’s, we put politics aside and help you to build a relationship with Jesus Christ. We teach children in our Sunday school and in our nursery school that they are loved by God. We are all asked to love God and to love one another. Today, we will feed the homeless. Tomorrow, we will cloth the naked at our Thrift Shop and visit the sick and homebound folks. Sunday, we will bring food to feed the hungry. Monday, I will go to the day shelter and pray for some men in very difficult situations. Tuesday, we invite everyone to learn to read the bible in Alpha at 6:00 pm. We encourage non-believers to join us so that we might bring them living water. After that we will grow organic vegetables from seed with our children and do all that God calls us to do and be.
You are the fig tree in the parable. Please join us and bear fruit.
In Christ,
Fr. Duncan
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The Lessons
Genesis 45:3-11, 15
1 Corinthians 15:35-38,42-50
Luke 6:27-38
Psalm 37:1-12, 41-42
Join us for Worship at 8:00 am and 10:00 am in the church or remotely on Zoom and Facebook.
8:00 am - Rite I Holy Eucharist
Zoom: 83803451202
Facebook Live Stream: facebook.com/stjohns1745
Bulletin: Rite I HE - Lent
9:40 am - Sunday School
10:00 am - Rite II Choral Eucharist
Zoom: 86739553648
Facebook Live Stream: facebook.com/stjohns1745
Bulletin: Rite II HE - Lent
The Music
Opening Hymn: 147 Now let us all with one accord
Sequence Hymn: 439 What wondrous love is this, vs 1-2
Offertory anthem: "A 1000 second chances" by Bonnie Masi
Communion Hymn: LEVAS 201 I've got Peace like a river
Recessional: LEVAS 228 When Israel was in Egypt's Land
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HIHI is the Huntington Interfaith Homeless Initiative. St. John's partners with other local houses of worship to provide food, clothing and shelter during the winter months.
This winter, St. John's is preparing hot meals for those in the local shelter. Anyone who would like to help cook and serve, please meet in the kitchen on the following days:
Friday, March 21st at 3pm
Youth are welcome to help on any HIHI day for service credit.
We are also supporting HIHI by collecting gift cards to local fast food restaurants of $5 or $10 amounts to distribute to homeless in Huntington. If you would like to contribute, you may drop your Dunkin Donut, Burger King, McDonalds, or other gift cards off at St. John's, 12 Propect St, Huntington.
Please reach out to Fr. Duncan with any questions, dbu632@gmail.com, or (631) 427-1752, ext. 102.
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Curious about faith?
There's a seat for you at the table.
You can ask anything - it's a safe space to question life, faith, and meaning. Everyone is welcome.
Who will you Invite?
TUESDAYS IN LENT - Now until April 8
5:30 pm- Stations of the Cross in the Church
6:00 pm - Meal in the Great Hall
6:30 pm - Program & Conversation - What do you think?
| | JAZZ RISING STARS SHOWCASE | | |
Sunday, March 30th at 5pm
A next generation jazz showcase in our beautiful, historic church. This is a free event open to the public.
A Jazz Connections - Natalie Rae Memorial Concert Series presentation, promoting the art and education of jazz music here at St. John’s Huntington!
GET YOUR FREE TICKET HERE
| | SING OUT! A TOUR FOR HARMONY | |
Sunday, April 6th at 3:00 pm
St. John's welcomes international soprano Brenda Marie Turner for a multi-genre concert in our beautiful sanctuary, creating unity through the perpetual gift on music.
This concert is made possible through the support of generous donors and is free to the public. Presented by Open the Music.
GET YOUR FREE TICKET HERE
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To help beautify St. John’s Altar at Easter we ask for your donation for Easter Flowers to remember your deceased loved ones or in thanksgiving for your blessings.
If you wish to have your dedication listed in the Easter Bulletin, please complete and return this form to the Parish Office by the DEADLINE of Wednesday, April 7th.
DOWNLOAD EASTER FLOWER MEMORIAL ORDER FORM
ORDER ONLINE
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Monday Bible Study meets at 6:30 pm on Zoom. For Lent, we will be studying Fleming Rutledge's Three Hours: Sermons for Good Friday. We will start this on March 10 and go until April 14. To order a paperback or e-book click on the following link--Three Hours Link. The book is also available at Thriftbooks.com or Amazon.com. You could also reach out to Fr. Zach to order through him.
Monday Bible Studay Zoom link: 83373971746.
Wednesday Morning Bible Study at 11:00 am in person in the Guild Room. We read and discuss the lectionary readings for the upcoming Sunday.
Please reach out to Fr. Zach with any questions, (631) 427-1752, ext. 105.
| | FOOD INSECURITY CONTINUES WITHIN OUR COMMUNITY | |
Please bring a nonperishable food or toiletry item to church with you each Sunday, and place them in the basket at the back of the church. Your items will be received and blessed at the offertory.
Specific needs include:
• Canned tuna
• Canned chicken
• Canned Beef stews
• Canned salmon
• Bean soups
• Canned or dried beans
• Baked beans
• Canned chili
• Peanut Butter
• Canned nuts
• Personal Care items
Thank you to Gayle Brady and Paula Dodge who faithfully deliver to Helping Hands --- where the need is great!
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The Thrift Shop is regularly open 12 - 3 pm, Tuesday, Thursdays, and Saturdays.
To volunteer or find our more, please contact Mary Beth Dieterle, (631) 427-1752, ext 106.
Donations welcome. We accept donations of new or gently used clothing, accessories, and household items. Please, no books, furniture, out-dated electronics, or damaged items.
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Morning Prayer meets at 9:00 am, Monday through Friday on Zoom.
Our short prayer service is followed by some fellowship and discussion. Feel free to join us occasionally to listen and pray, or come more often to participate as a leader or reader, and to start your day with your focus on Christ and a deeper connection with your friends at St. John's.
Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/8604114654
| | On Wednesdays, the church is open from noon to 1 pm for noonday prayer which starts at 12:15 pm. All are welcome. | | |
ECW MEETING - Help us to help others! Our next meeting will be on Sunday, April 4th at 11:15 am in the Guild Room. Contact Carol Goldbaum, ECW President for more information.
PRAYER SHAWL MINISTRY - Learn how to crochet a prayer shawl in this loving, supportive group. We meet on the first Thursday of each month at 6:30 pm in the Guild Room. Please contact Lynn Hansen for more information.
RACIAL RECONCILIATION & SOCIAL JUSTICE MINISTRY - For meeting days and times or more information contact Heather Kress or Bill Kiley.
SPIRITUALITY GROUP - Next meeting, Thursday, April 10th at 5:00 pm in the Canterbury Corner. Meetings are held on the 2nd Thursday of every 2nd month. Contact Patti Aliperti for more information.
ST. HILDA'S GUILD - Join us for crafts, sewing, and friendship. Weekly meetings are on Tuesdays from 12:30 to 2:30 pm in the Guild Room. Contact Sue Hartman for more information.
VESTRY MEETING - Tuesday, April 22nd in the Guild Room and on Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87350494837.
YOUTH GROUP - For all who are those in 7 - 12th grade. Our next meeting will be on Sunday, April 13th at 6:30 pm at Trinity Northport. We meet from 6:30 - 8:30 rotating between St. John's Huntington, Trinity Northport, and St. John's Cold Spring Harbor. Contact Fr. Zach or Noelle DeLorenzo for more information. View Schedule.
| | PRAYER CONCERNS FOR ST. JOHN'S | | |
We prayer for: Sandy, Richard, Lynn, Amy, Kim, Christine, Cole, Luke, Geralynn, Lori, Noa, Jim, Irene, Debra, James, Linda, Ken, Larry, Mary, Cheryl, Amy, Kate, Nils, Betty, Gabby, Kaye, Coralis, Tony, Denise, Andrea, Gladys, Christian, Kaitlyn, Anthony, Richard, Lisa, Patti, Barbara, Sue, Marianne, Julie
The Perpetual Light a gift of David & Nelly Lasek, given in loving memory of Bertha, Frank, and John Lasek, and Natividad and Modesto Roman.
Please send your prayers or updates to prayers@stjohns1745.org, call Coral in the Parish Office, 631-427-1752, ext. 101.
| | Anyone interested in joining the Sunday service ministers' roster, please reach out to Fr. Zach or Fr. Duncan. | |
CHALICE UPDATES & PARISH CALENDAR
Notices for events to run in the Chalice, to post on the website and social media must be received by the Parish Administrator by 9:00 am on Tuesdays prior to publication.
All parish events and building use must be submitted to the Parish Office and approved by the rector.
CLICK HERE TO VIEW ST. JOHN'S CALENDAR
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St. John's Episcopal Church
12 Prospect Street
Huntington, New York 11743
(631) 427-1752
stjohns1745.org
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