News & Announcements

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Weekly News
The week of March 26

From the Vicar

"You can't get there from here."

I live in Marblehead, so I understand that sentence quite well. Sometimes getting to a destination is practically impossible. This is true literally and metaphorically. When it comes to Easter, you can't get there without traveling through Lent. Oh sure - you can get to an Easter basket or an Easter brunch. But arriving at Easter with a heart full of joy because for a moment you truly grasp the breadth and depth of God's love for humanity ... well, that means traveling through Lent and Holy Week. It's a big commitment.

There are three windows on the chantry side of the church that depict, from left to right, the Incarnation, the Crucifixion, and the Resurrection. 

But resurrection only makes sense if Jesus died. And Jesus' death only makes sense if we spend time learning about his life and ministry and how it challenged the powers that be. It's not an easy story to read, much less take to heart. But it's so worth it! Take time in these last couple of weeks of Lent to observe a holy Lent, so you can arrive at Easter and truly rejoice.

God bless,
-Kate +

MONDAY NIGHT SUPPER

This Monday, March 27th, we will prepare and serve a meal at First Baptist Church, 221 Cabot Street in Beverly, for neighbors in need of nutrition and fellowship. 
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If you’re interested in helping out, please speak with Leslie Leathersich or Kate.

MARK YOUR CALENDER

INNOVATA- The Last Concert of Our 37th Season

Sunday, April 23rd- 4PM at St. John's Church

​Wonderful transcriptions from the Baroque to Dixieland are all part of an INNOVATA concert, but the original music they present is written exclusively for them, and audiences love it. These are pieces that are written specifically with the audience in mind and are popular with the masses. From great music to informative tidbits between pieces, to the performers’ light-hearted banter, INNOVATA concerts are family-friendly, and a lot of fun!

NEW BOOK CLUB STARTING

Do you love to read and discuss good books with friends? Join us at the church on April 27th, 7-9pm, to discuss The Flag, the Cross, and the Station Wagon by bestselling social commentator Bill McKibben.

​Contact Steve MacKinnon stephenmmackinnon1@gmail.com if you plan to come or with questions.

THE GLOBAL REFUGEE MISSION OF NEW ENGLAND

NEW DONATION GUIDELINES!

​The Global Refugee Mission of New England is accepting donations for its Spring drive through June 24th. Donations may be brought to St. John's Church Monday through Friday. For donation pickup, email Gail Campbell (gpcamp47@gmail.com) or Terry Jennings (terrilljennings@yahoo.com).

The following items will be permitted across the Turkish border:

• NEW toys
• NEW clothing with tags attached
• NEW & USED tents and sleeping bags
• Non-perishable food

All donations must be in plain cardboard boxes with no writing on the sides. Financial assistance with rising shipping costs is also gratefully accepted and much needed. If you have donations that do not fall within the parameters of the spring drive, please consider donating them to our Community Shop. 100% of our profits go to local charities.

The Global Refugee Network is most grateful for the generosity and prayers of our mission partners.

CALLING ALL VOLUNTEERS!

Thanks to all of you who signed up already! There are still more opportunities to serve. Please consider any of the following opportunities to serve God and your neighbor!

We are looking for people who are willing to read the lessons (that’s a lector), read the prayers of the people (that’s an intercessor), and administer the chalice (chalice bearer). Currently, there is a sign-up in the church entryway for lectors and intercessors. However, if we get a pool of people who are interested, we may start assigning all the Sundays through the end of the program year. Training is available for all of these volunteer positions, so if you're interested, contact Kate a.s.a.p.

Other Sunday volunteers: If you are interested in being an usher, please speak with Curtis Vouwie. If you are interested in participating in our welcoming ministry, please speak with Robin MacLeod. 

Finally, we need some new people to provide coffee hour snacks. It may seem like a small thing, but hospitality is one of the ways we tangibly show our love for one another. This takes NO training, very little effort, and you'll be about 30 people's hero for a day.  Please consider signing up on the board in Celebration Hall.

Thank you!

ADULT FORUM IS BACK! 9:00 IN THE LIBRARY

This week we'll be discussing the recent earthquake in Turkey and Syria, and how that makes us think about God's activity in the world. If you want to read in advance, click here, but no preparation is required in order to participate. Come and discuss!

LENTEN BOOK STUDY

Beginning February 26, in place of our usual Sunday adult forum, we will discuss Refugia Faith: Seeking Hidden Shelters, Ordinary Wonders, and the Healing of the Earth by Debra Rienstra. The book explores how Christian spirituality and practice must adapt to prepare for life on a climate-altered planet. If you ordered a book from the church, it's in the office (in exchange for $15). The book is also available in book stores. A copy of the discussion questions is available here.

As always, you will be able to participate in our Sunday discussion without preparation, but certainly it will be more fulfilling if you read the book!
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​THINKING OF YOU

The Pastoral Care Committee  is putting together small baskets to deliver to people who cannot attend church because of illness or injury. We would love for members of the congregation to contribute items for these baskets. Be creative! What would you like in a basket? Consider donating small bottles of lotion ... a scented votive candle ... a note pad or some note cards ... something sweet - or salty! We will keep these items on hand, and assemble baskets as the need arises. We really do think about, and pray for, those who can't be with us, so why not make "an outward and visible sign" of that? Contributions can be left with Hannah, or on the front desk if she's not available.
We welcome your help. If you or someone you love would like a visit or phone call, please contact any member of the pastoral care committee listed below (or Kate). If you’d like to join this ministry, please speak to Jodie Stevenson or Maida Broudo. 

The committee members are:
Jodie Stevenson
Maida Broudo
Wendy Waller
Tony Mason
Gail Campbell
Ellen Hutchins
Steve McKinnon
Curtis Vouwie
Bob Woodbury
​Joan Lockwood
Becky Roy
Eileen Young
Marla Royle
​Penny Randolph

THIS MONTH - BEVERLY BOOTSTRAPS

For the month of March, Beverly Bootstraps, which serves our neediest neighbors, has asked for donations of dried or canned beans. You can drop these on the table outside the front office Sunday-Friday or, on Sundays, at the back of the sanctuary. Please avoid glass containers.

FESTIVAL CHORAL EUCHARIST- April 15th-16th

Our presiding bishop, the Most Rev. Michael B. Curry, will be in Boston April 15-16, and you are invited to participate in the events and services he has scheduled.

On Saturday, April 15, Bishop Curry will spend time with our youth and young adults during two free diocesan events under the theme "Meditations from the Heart." Bishop Curry will meet with middle and high school students (and their adult mentors) from 9 to 11 a.m. at St. Cyprian's Church in Roxbury, and with young adults (over 18) from 2 to 4 p.m. in Barristers Hall in Boston University. To register or for more information, click HERE.
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Then on Sunday, April 16, Bishop Curry will be at Old North Church for two celebratory services commemorating Old North's 300th year and its role in American history. Bishop Curry will preach at the Festival Choral Eucharist at 11 a.m. and he will also be the guest speaker at a ticketed Lantern Service at 6 p.m. that is open to the public and promises to be an inspirational evening of rededication, culminating in the lighting of Old North's steeple lanterns, with a reception to follow. For more details and tickets, visit www.diomass.org/Old-North-300 .

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