Upcoming Events at Saint John’s Episcopal Church
A new Story Walk perambulates the fence at children’s eye level: Tomie de Paola’s The Friendly Beasts.
Sunday School has resumed! Children will have special opportunities to draw near to God as they reflect on the liturgical colors, Advent stories and Messianic prophecies of this rich season. The children have been gathering from 9 to 10:30 a.m. in their beautifully prepared place with Katie Brillat, Children’s Ministries, on Sunday morning. To begin, be in touch with Ms. Brillat kbrillat@stjohnstroy.org.
Children’s Bell Choir will rehearse right after church on December 5th, 12th, and 19th in anticipation of their playing at the 4 p.m. service on Christmas Eve. No musical experience is required, and children ages 3 to 12 are welcome.
Adult Education: On Wednesdays at 7 p.m. on Zoom, we will explore the life and significance of Advent figure John the Baptist as expressed in the art of the National Gallery and Churches of England. These evenings will feature a series of short films created through a joint program of the National Gallery of Art in London and Kings College London. The Zoom link is available from the office.
The Thrift Store is doing a brisk business these days. Clothes for adults and children, household items such as small appliances, quilts and decorations, the popular holiday room, and freebies are all available at low (or no) prices for masked patrons to peruse. Hours for shopping and dropping off are from 9 to 12 on Wednesday and Saturday mornings. Volunteers are welcome, and on Saturdays free coffee and snacks are also served. The Rector gives impromptu tours of the sanctuary with its collection of beautiful windows by Tiffany and other artists, as well as its murals and mosaics.
Our next food pantry day will be Saturday, December 4th, from 10 until noon. Volunteers will gather to unload and pack food, which includes a generous number of fresh fruits and vegetables, on Friday, December 3rd at 11 a.m.
Advent meditations: Wednesdays, 4-5 p.m. December 1, 8, 15 and 22: enjoy a wordless hour of beautiful, candlelit meditation in the Church, accompanied intermittently by instrumental music. This year the meditations will take place an hour earlier than last year so that we can take better advantage of the dimming sunlight as we reflect in this season.
Chime Concert: Sunday, December 6th, there will be a chime concert by Andy Mace beginning at noon. Come to Saint John’s parking lot, drink cocoa from a thermos, and enjoy the music of the season with the beauty of our chime. And Andy is taking requests! Be in touch with the office by phone or email (office@stjohnstroy.org) to make your suggestions for this concert of seasonal favorites.
Christmas services: Christmas Eve: 4 p.m. Eucharist and Children’s Bell Choir; 9:30 chime concert, 10 p.m. Eucharist
Of interest to those who have missed our lovely neighborhood indoor caroling, Lessons and Carols will be on Sunday, December 26th at the 10 a.m. service. This will be the traditional 9 Lessons and Carols—no sermon, no Eucharist. Come live into the Christmas 12-day season and enjoy this pre-emptive strike on post-Christmas day doldrums.
Saint John’s is located around the corner at 146 1st Street (518) 274-5884. The Rector is neighbor Judith Malionek, who can be reached by phone or at rev.jmalionek@stjohnstroy.org.