June 2014 The Rev. Salin Low, Rector

St. John’s mission is to nurture all people in their spiritual growth, in their Christian education, and in their relationship with God.

of St. John’s in Pine Meadowof St. John’s in Pine Meadow

Pentecost & a Growing Community

According to the account in Acts, about 3,000 people were baptized on the first Pentecost, which we think of as the birthday of the church. We cer-tainly haven’t welcomed 3,000 people in the last year. However, this is a good time to mention some of the people who have become regulars during that time.

Terry and Lou Moscaritolo

Carol Cheah

Matt and Jane Allyn, sons Bode and Grayson

Stephen Dukenski

Maryelen Wielock

Martha Busemeyer, son Thomas and daughter Julia

Kelly and Peter Ficalora, daughters Olivia and Amelia, son Anthony

Hailey Patch, who has brought along parents Ryan and Amanda since her baptism

And in June we will be baptizing Nicholas and Leila Lukiwsky

So it’s not quite 3,000. But it’s enough to make a difference in the ministry of St. John’s. The youngest of the lot have become important members of our Godly Play group. The adults have supported fundraisers, the 30-hour famine, made a prayer shawl or two, signed on as readers, and taken pictures of the confirmation.

They came because they were seeking some-thing - spiritual comfort or group involvement in worthwhile projects. They sought those things and have become involved in them in varying propor-tions, depending on time and interests.

We are glad to know that being part of St. John’s offers those who join us a message and ex-periences which add meaning to their life. Every-one who participates in our community has many choices about how to use their time and energy. Their presence is giving part of their lives to make Christ known in our world.

I realize that I am in a unique position to know who each of these people is and to have heard at least a small part of their story. I urge each of you to take time in the months ahead to introduce yourself to some of our new people and to both listen to them and also to let them know you a bit better than offering the peace during worship.

After 3,000 were baptized on Pentecost, they shared meals, worship, and even their worldly goods with one another. That strengthened the church to reach out to new people every day and year. We can strengthen the church in our day by taking a few minutes to get to know some folks we don’t really know - whether they started com-ing in the last year or have been coming for many years. That’s how we learn the gifts people have to share. That’s how we show others the face of the Risen Christ among us.

Blessings and Peace,

 

HOW WE’RE DOING SO FAR

April 2014 April 2013

Operating Income: $ 11,358 $ 11,711 Operating Expenses: $ 18,154 $ 16.758

YEAR TO DATE

2014 2013

Operating Income: $ 52,217 $ 48,525 Operating Expenses: $ 67,273 $ 62,728

Larry Espinet, Treasurer

Bits & Pieces 

Shopping Cards An Easy Way to Help

Now Available for Immediate Purchase $100 Stop & Shop Cards

When you buy shopping/gift cards through St. John’s, you are making a contribution that does not cost you financially. It may take a little planning. Or-ders are usually taken the 1st and 3rd Sundays, and cards are delivered on the 2nd and 4th Sundays. Or-der forms are available in the narthex and parish hall and can be placed in the lockbox at any time.

Prayer Requests— Requests are handled confiden-tially through the office or by speaking to the Rec-tor. You may fill out a prayer request form or contact the office. If you would like to be a part of the prayer circle, please speak to the Rector. Prayer is part of our concern for one another. Church Office Hours — Office hours are 8:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m., Monday through Thursday. Flower Chart Posted in Narthex—Sign up for the Sunday of your choice. Cost is $50, or you may bring flowers from your garden in the summer. The office will contact you about memorials. Opportunity for Ministry—We need volunteers to address birthday and anniversary envelopes every month. Please call the office if you are interested.

Next Ingathering—June 1st

The total for the year to date is $264.86. Bring coins anytime. We will keep them safe.

PARISH REGISTER

Confirmed Caroline Hannah Bremer

Colleen Megan Doyle Garrett Michael Healey

Luke Arthur Healey Christian Gabriel Johnson

Elena Grace Morgan Jacqueline Patricia Riberdy

Baptism Hailey Catherine Patch

Daughter of Ryan & Amanda Patch (Granddaughter of Barbara & Paul Patch)

Deaths In Memory of Jonathan M Messenger

Born 1960— Died April 20, 2013 (Son of Sanna & Mert Messenger)

Richard Poulton

Commissioned 2nd Lieutenant - U.S. Marines Morgan James Castonguay

(Grandson of Betty & Henry Castonguay)

Rhythms of Grace

The worship service held on the third Sunday of the month at 1p.m. Rhythms of Grace is designed to meet the needs of families with children on the Au-tism Spectrum and with other special needs. Those who help feel it is a rewarding experience to work with children and families who need the attention and who are new to St. John’s. Contact Linda Snyder at llsnyders4@charter.net for information.

Coffee Hour Hosts Needed

10:00 a.m. Service June 22 & 29

Special thanks to Ron & Joan Caine, Tom Chap-pell, Bruce Wearne, Bob Osborne and Rick Smith for cleaning the church.

Special thanks to Mac Wilson for taking care of the lawn maintenance.

Special thanks to the following church school teachers and volunteers who have devoted so much time and energy this past year: Deb Althen, Sue Bremer, Candy Flaherty, Carol Wilson, Kathy Riberdy, Beth Coates, Lucie Martocchio, Kevin Case, Marie Prelli-Keefe, Crystall Case, and to Linda Snyder for her guidance throughout the year.

Specials thanks to Julie & John Gargiulo and Maryelen Wielock pitching in on coffee hour. It’s good to have last minute volunteers.

Thanks to the volunteers who helped with the Spring clean-up of the Gill Garden.

Thanks to the choir for their devotion to the music of the service; Diane & Guy Hayes, Barbara & Paul Patch, Anne Hall, Jamie Hall, Steve Jaku-bowski, and Joanne Ritchie are the regulars. And of course, thanks to Halyna Petronchak for her di-rection and wonderful selection of music.

Thanks to Norma Pappalardo, Jill & Rick Smith, who have made spring at St. John’s especial-ly beautiful with tulips, pansies and other flowers in the garden, planters, and front of the church.

Thanks to everyone who helps with the mission and ministry of St. John’s.

This is an important part of our ministry of hospi-tality — to visitors, to children, to one another. Coffee supplies other than cream are available in the kitchen. Baked goods are terrific, whether home baked or purchased - whatever works for you will encourage our hospitality.

A sign-up sheet for the spring is posted in the parish hall. All who attend the 10 a.m. service are asked to host once through June.

PETER’S RETREAT

Thanks to those who help.!

To learn more about participating in this important outreach, please contact the Rector. Members of St. John’s provide and serve a meal on the 4th Saturday of the month—every month but November and De-cember. If you would like to host, please email: salin@reddoors.com. The date of the next meal is June 28, which will be hosted by Candy Flaherty and Lucie & Louis Martocchio. Special thanks to The Bremers for hosting the May meal.

Gill Memorial Garden Volunteers Needed

For June

We could use a few more volunteers to help with weeding and watering during the summer. Each volunteer will be responsible for one week. Let us know if you are willing to help. Call the office at 379-3062 or email office@reddoors.com. Most weeks in June are still available.

The Episcopal Church We’re Here For You

Sunday Worship 8:00 & 10:00 a.m.

Wednesday

7:30 pm

Address Correction

P. O. Box 27

Pine Meadow, CT 06061 Phone: 860 379-3062 www.reddoors.com

news from 

church school 

Activities Continue through June Church school completes its first year of Godly Play on Sunday, June 8th with Pentecost, the celebration of the Holy Spirit’s descending on the Apostles giving them the gifts to spread Christ’s life, words, and love throughout the world. Although our program year ends that day, there will continue to be activities for children who attend church and want to participate through the end of June. Each Sunday, June 15, 22, 29, there will be an activity led by Linda Snyder in the Godly Play room. All ages are welcome!

SUNDAY JUNE 8TH AWARDS * FAREWELL TO DENISE * PICNIC

We will have gifts and awards for graduates, Godly Play students, and teachers. We will also give Denise a great sendoff as she heads for the next chapter in her diaconal ministry! We plan to grill our lunch, ac-companied by cake and side dishes. Help us make Pentecost the celebratory feast that it is meant to be!

Mission Trip to Honduras

Jill Smith is going with a Christian organization on a mission trip to the most impoverished part of Honduras on July 3rd. Honduras is the second poorest country in the Western Hemisphere. The group will be working to improve education, hy-giene and basic Christian values. Donations of medical supplies would be appreciated: antacid; acetaminophen (Tylenol); antiseptic wipes; triple antibiotic; 4x4 gauze pads; band aids, cotton balls; masks; hand sanitizer. Items can be placed in the labeled box in the narthex. Monetary con-tributions will be used to purchase additional medical supplies.

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

1 8 & 10 AM Holy Eucharist

2 Vestry Meeting 7 PM

3 Norma & John Pappalardo

4 Holy Eucharist 7:30 PM AA 8:00 PM Donna & Gary Colavecchio

5 Joyce & Paul Halladay

6 AA 8:30 PM

7

8 8 & 10 AM Holy Eucharist

Pentecost Bash Awards & Picnic

9

10

11 Holy Eucharist 7:30 PM AA 8:00 PM

12

13 Caren & Gordon Ross

AA 8:30 PM

14

15 8 & 10 AM Holy Eucharist

16

17

18 Holy Eucharist 7:30 PM AA 8:00 PM Diane & Guy Hayes

19

20 AA 8:30 PM

21 Open Door Leah & Larry Alibozek

22 8 & 10 AM Holy Eucharist

23 Vestry Meeting 7 PM

24 Susie & Gray Horn

25 Holy Eucharist 7:30 PM AA 8:00 PM

26 Betty & Henry Castonguay

27 Ann & Robert Atwood Nancy & Jeff Linton AA 8:30 PM

28 Peter’s Retreat

29 8 & 10 AM Holy Eucharist

30

June 2014 St. John’s Church - Calendar of Events

Anniversaries in Italics

June Birthdays 2-Jun Rick Smith 3-Jun Elena Morgan 3-Jun Julia Busemeyer 6-Jun Molly Read 7-Jun Caren Ross 7-Jun Molly Keefe 7-Jun Jane Allyn

9-Jun Stephen Brehm 9-Jun Catherine Carrier 9-Jun Kendall Moraski 9-Jun Laura Wearne 12-Jun Lauren Alibozek 15-Jun Brian Jones 16-Jun Eleanor Ross

16-Jun Aidan Lukiwsky 16-Jun Jill Smith 20-Jun Polly Pobuda 21-Jun Ellen Childs 22-Jun Reid Hester 24-Jun Lou Moscaritolo 30-Jun Scott Hoskins

Hailey Patch, daughter of Ryan and Amanda, was baptized on April 27.

On May 10 a group from St. John’s, led by Deacon Denise, participated in the Canton Hun-ger Walk. We even had a dog!

Confirmation with Bishop Douglas on May 18 was won-derful. The church and grounds were readied and looked beautiful. The bishop laid hands on each confirmand; we applauded them; the bishop chatted with the children; and many pictures were taken, before we enjoyed lunch.

There was a graduation ceremony for the confirmation class on May 4. Confirm-ands who are musicians accompanied a hymn, and there was a dinner afterward.

If you take pictures at a parish event, please send the files to office @reddoors.com. Thanks to Paul Patch, Martha Busemeyer, Deacon Denise, and some parents for helping with the pictures used in this newsletter.

Local, Regional & Global Outreach Opportunities The Deacon’s Wall June, 2014

“Somewhere out there is a unique place for you to help others, a unique life role for you that only you can fill.”

Thomas Kinkade

REACH OUT BECAUSE YOU CARE!

KNITTING GROUP is a collaboration of folks committed to providing prayer shawls or baby blankets, hats and scarves, etc. for distribution in our community and beyond. A call for completed Prayer Shawls for the purpose of dedicating them in prayer by the Rector occurs on a quarterly basis at both Eucharist Services. THIRD SUNDAY IS FOOD

SUNDAY Donations of non-perishable food items are collected in the narthex and given to the Pleasant Valley Food Pantry. OPEN DOOR SOUP KITCHEN

Teams from St. John’s staff the soup kitchen in Winsted every third Saturday of the month. Please consider signing up as often as you are able. For more info see Joan Caine or Brian Jones or sign up in the Parish Hall to volunteer. Anyone interested is welcomed to participate!

PETER’S RETREAT is an ongoing outreach program. Volunteers are needed every fourth Saturday of the month between January and October. Please consider volunteering to host a meal for one month. Contact Salin if you are able to help.

CHERRY BROOK would like volunteers to visit with some of their residents. This would be an excellent ministry for anyone who would like to read to patients, take them outside for a little fresh air and/or provide them with a little companionship, etc.! See Joan Caine for a volunteer form.

Dear Friends,

As most of you have already heard by now my assignment here is ending

on Pentecost Sunday, June 8th, 2014. It is with a heavy heart that I must

say farewell to you after (3) years of serving with you as your deacon. I

have been so very Blessed to have been able to serve with such loving,

caring, generous and compassionate parishioners like you for my first

assignment. I have grown in confidence and resourcefulness under Salin’s

direction and leadership. You have all taught and inspired me in so very

many ways. I have learned patience, humility and most importantly the

value of waiting on the Lord’s timing. I couldn’t have asked for a better

congregation to grow and share my ministry with! I am taking memories

of you with me that I will cherish for a lifetime. Wonderful memories of

our working together in Hartford for Lunches in the Park and Church by

the Pond, Open Door, Peter’s Retreat, Brodie Park and Flatbreads

fundraisers, tag sales on the Green, hikes in Norfolk and Walks For

Hunger to name just a few. I’m also taking memories of how we shared

and cared for one another by bringing meals to our sisters and brothers

who were in the hospital or sick at home, bringing Eucharist out to those

who could not be with us in Church and knitting prayer shawls. These

and many more have enriched my ministry and my life. And I want to

say THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart.

I’ve been asked by many where I will be going next. At this point I really

don’t know. My next assignment won’t start until September which

leaves me some time for discernment and exploration. But I trust that God

will lead me to where and how He wants me to serve in the midst of His

congregation there also.

It makes me sad to have to say goodbye but please know that I will miss

you all very much.

I pray that your willingness and commitment to discovering various ways

for serving the needs of the poor and disabled locally, regionally and

globally will continue to sustain, fulfill and reward you.

In closing I ask that you keep your eyes heavenward, your heart in Christ

Jesus, your arm around a neighbor in need and your hands always

extended in love…

Blessings & Love to all of you,

Deacon Denise