the tower - st. john's church – barrington, risanford & barbara blossom ~ september 6,...
TRANSCRIPT
Over the summer we welcomed Gloria Cruz, a member of our extended St. John’s family from the St. Ann’s Episcopal Church in the Bronx, to come and share a few words about the impact that the St. John’s community had not just on St. Ann’s but on her own family’s life. At one point Gloria spoke of how from seeds planted by St. John’s God was able to grow unimaginable blessings. This image of the sower is probably fairly familiar, as Jesus talks quite a bit about sowing seeds, the sowing parables are actually among my favorites. These parables give us a glimpse of who God is, but also give us a glimpse of what God expects from us. Sure, God loves us all unconditionally and we don’t need to do anything to earn that, we don’t need to change anything to deserve that. But that does not mean God doesn’t expect something from us when we come to know that love and grace. In one of Jesus’ seed parables we hear that we are called to sow the seed without worry about what comes next. When it comes to spreading the Good News, sharing the Gospel, working at building God’s Kingdom, we are not supposed to sit back in fear and worry about if everything is worked out, or what will come next, or if we’re prepared enough. Those things are of course important to hopefully figure and work out, but they’re not to be hindrances to getting out and actually sowing those seeds. They’re not to be hindrances to sharing God’s love and grace with the world. Jesus tells us in these parables that if we go out and sow God will do the rest. Simply put, as Christians we are called to go out and share the Gospel, share the love and grace of God. Not worrying about what comes next, but just getting out and sharing that love and grace. I encourage you all to take heart from Gloria’s words to us. Keep in mind the wonderful things God has accomplished through seeds sown by members of the St. John’s community. But don’t stop there. Remember that we are called as followed of Jesus Christ to keep going out and sowing that seed, spreading the Gospel and sharing the love of Christ. Take heart in the amazing things God has done through and with us, but continue to dream of new ways that we can go out sowing that seed, sharing God’s love and grace with the world around us.
Yours in Christ,
Patrick+
The Tower September 2019
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ST. JOHN’S TOWER Please consider writing for
The Tower.
Personal reflections, articles, poetry,
essays and commentary are always
welcome!
Next Tower Deadline: September 18th.
The October Tower will be mailed on
September 26th.
Please send articles, announcements and
“Letters to the Tower” to
ENCORE
We will be accepting fall clothing on
September 10th, 11th and 12th.
We will open on Tuesday, September 17th.
We hope to see you then!
DIRECTORY
Clergy The Reverend Patrick Greene
Rector
Ext. 16
Staff
Dale West
Parish Administrator
Ext. 11
Mary Clark
Business Manager
Ext. 13
Heather Annis
Children & Youth Ministries
Director
Ext. 18
Jacob Stott
Director of Music Programs
Ext. 19
David Murray
Head of Buildings and Grounds
Ext. 12
Vestry
Pattie Mitchell, Warden
Jay Billingsley, Jr. Warden
John Cavanagh, Clerk/Secretary
Kelly Deering, Treasurer
Pat Anderson
Denise Javery
Amanda Jocelyn
Steve Primiano
Bobbi Wexler
Eva Dupre
401-245-4065
www.stjohnsbarrington.org
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September 1st
9:00am Holy Eucharist
10:00am Adult Formation
5:30pm Holy Eucharist
September 2nd
Labor Day—Parish Office Closed
September 3rd
9:00am Staff Meeting
September 4th
9:30am Holy Eucharist
8:00pm Compline
September 5th
7:30am NYA Bible Study
12:30pm Warm Wooly Knitters
7:00pm Choir Rehearsal
September 6th
5:00pm Art Gallery Opening
September 7th
8:30am John’s Meals
September 8th
8:00am Holy Eucharist
9:00am Church School Registration
9:45am Church School
10:00am Holy Eucharist
10:00am Blessing of the Back Packs
11:00am Church School Registration
5:30pm Holy Eucharist
6:15pm Youth Group
September 9th
7:00pm Executive Meeting
September 10th
9:00am Staff Meeting
10:00am ENCORE Accepting Clothing
3:15pm Art Team
September 11th
9:30am Holy Eucharist
10:00am ENCORE Accepting Clothing
10:15am Women’s Bible Study
6:45pm Confirmation Class
8:00pm Compline
September 12th
7:30am NYA Bible Study
10:00am ENCORE Accepting Clothing
12:30pm Warm Wooly Knitters
7:00pm Choir Rehearsal
September 13th
6:30pm Movie Night
September 14th
8:30am John’s Meals
September 15th
8:00am Holy Eucharist
9:00am Adult Formation
9:45am Church School
10:00am Holy Eucharist
10:00am Stewardship Kick Off
11:00am Homecoming Celebration
11:00am Loaves & Fishes
5:30pm Holy Eucharist
6:15pm Youth Group
September 16th
6:00pm Finance Meeting
7:00pm Vestry Meeting
September 17th
9:00am Staff Meeting
10:00am ENCORE Open
September 18th
Tower Deadline
9:30am Holy Eucharist
10:00am ENCORE Open
10:15am Women’s Bible Study
8:00pm Compline
September 19th
7:30am NYA Bible Study
10:00am ENCORE Open
12:30pm Warm Wooly Knitters
7:00pm Choir Rehearsal
Continued on page 12
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COMMISSION ON CHILDREN’S FORMATION
Children’s Programming
Sunday, September 8 9:00 & 11:00 am Church school and youth registration
9:45 am Church school classes begin
Sunday, September 15 9:45 am Regular classes
Sunday, September 22 9:45 am Children in Church/RSCM
Sunday, September 29 9:45 am Regular classes
Youth Formation
Sunday, September 8 6:15 pm Youth group
Tuesday, September 10 3:15pm Art team
Wednesday, September 11 6:45 pm Confirmation class
Sunday, September 15 6:15 pm Youth group
Sunday, September 22 5:30 pm HS mission
6:15 pm Youth group
White Water Rafting!! This August, several members of our youth group and adult chaperones spent the day whitewater
rafting down a 7-mile stretch of the Deerfield River in western Massachusetts. We had a great time
making our way around obstacles, having water fights, floating in calm areas of the river, taking in
the beautiful scenery, and paddling through the class III rapids at Zoar Gap. Our guides were terrific
and we enjoyed a cookout and slide show at the end of our adventure. We hope to do this again next
summer and hope you’ll join us!
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COMMISSION ON CHILDREN’S FORMATION
Church School Back by popular demand, Church school will meet on Sunday mornings from 9:45 to 10:30. As of
this writing, we expect to have two classes, divided into Pre-K through grade 2 and grades 3-5,
though this may change depending on attendance. Each class will include a Bible lesson, craft or
other activity, and conclude with all students gathering for prayers and music in our Children’s
Chapel before joining their parents for worship during the exchange of the peace. Fall classes will
begin on Sunday, September 8th.
On the fourth Sunday of most months, children will have the option of attending the full 10:00
service, either sitting with their classmates as a group (front row seating!) or with their parents, or
participating in the new RSCM choir program for children and youth (see Jacob’s announcement
below). During these Sundays, Patrick will offer a special children’s sermon or opportunity for kids
to be more active participants in the liturgy.
A contact and consent form is required for all children participating in church school programs
(even if they participated last year). Forms will be available during both coffee hours on September
8th; copies can also be found in each classroom. For more information, please see Heather Annis or
call her at 245-4065.
AND ALSO WITH YOUTH! Youth Group will begin meeting on Sunday, September 8th from 6:15-7:45 p.m. in the youth space.
Open to kids in grades six through twelve. Contact and consent forms are required for all those par-
ticipating in any youth programs; forms will be available during both coffee hours on Sunday, Sep-
tember 8th and in the youth space.
On Sunday, September 22th at 5:30, the high school mission group will have its first meeting of the
program year. Incoming freshman are especially encouraged to attend this first meeting. Beginning
in October, this group will resume regular meetings on Wednesday evenings from 7-8, dates TBA.
Our first youth art team meeting of the program year is scheduled for Tuesday, September 10th –
exact meeting time will be determined by the final decision about new school start times in town
and will be announced then.
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COMMISSION ON OUTREACH
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COMMISSION ON OUTREACH
Need a Ride?
Did you know that if you need a ride to a Dr’s appointment, to get groceries, to a hair appointment or any-
where else we can help you. We are also looking for any one who would like to make an occasional visit to
our shut-ins or to help out with rides.. Men are welcome and are encouraged to help as we have male pa-
rishioners in need also.
Please call Dale in the office at St. John’s (245-4065) if you are interested in helping or if you need a ride.
Movie Night
Movie night at St. John’s has been a great success!! Join us on Friday, September 13th for a movie in
Field Hall. The movie will start at 6:30pm and popcorn, snacks and drinks will be provided. This
month we will be watching Pixar’s Toy Story. If you can’t join us on the 13th we’ll be doing it again
on the second Friday of each month.
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COMMISSION ON OUTREACH
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COMMISSION ON MUSIC
From the Director of Music Programs….
St. John’s Episcopal Church is looking to form a chapter of the Royal School of Church Music in the
coming year. A program for students from third grade through twelfth grade, singers will receive
education in proper singing technique, music theory, performance practice and will perform some
of the great masterpieces of vocal writing, spanning from the Middle Ages to the twentieth century.
The Royal School of Church Music is a tuition free program open to the entire community. An open
house will be held on Thursday, September 5th from 6-7pm to learn more about this program.
If you have any questions please be in contact with The Rev. Patrick Greene at
[email protected] or Jacob Stott, the Director of Music Programs, at
COBSJ Concert
The Chamber Orchestra of Barrington at St. John’s will be kicking off its third season on
September 29, 2019!
On the program is the famous Adagio for Strings and Organ attributed to Albinoni, Le Roi S’amuse
by Delibes, as well as Symphony in C by Bizet. Please remember to come early as seating fills up
fast!
Admission is free. Sunday September 29, 2019, St. John’s Episcopal Church, Barrington, RI, 3:00
pm
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COMMISSION ON ADMINISTRATION
Transitions
September Anniversaries Sanford & Barbara Blossom ~ September 6, 1981 ~ 38 years
Stuart & Mary Collins ~ September 7, 1991~ 8 years
Bryan & Karen Cooper ~ September 8, 1984 ~ 35 years
Andy & Mary Davis ~ September 11, 2010 ~9 years
Andrew & Esther Scott ~ September 13, 1980 ~ 39 years
Jay Billingsley & Rose Murrin ~ September 20, 2002 ~ 17 years
Christine & Phillip Wallis ~ September 20, 1975 ~ 44 years
John & Cheryl Pace ~ September 24, 1988 ~ 31 years
Carl & Nancy Seadale ~ September 27, 1969 ~ 50 years
Paul & Joy Twelves ~ September 30, 1989 ~ 30 years
Homecoming Celebration!!
On Sunday September 15th at 11am please join us for a Homecoming celebration at St. John’s! As we
start to trickle back to the routine of our lives as summer is ending we want to kick off this new year
right. We’ll have a cookout in the back with plenty of time for fun and fellowship. There will be a
dunk tank!!! We will also have information available on all the different ways you can get more involved at
and through St. John’s.
Fall Parish Breakfast Join us for Fall Breakfast on Sunday, Sept 22nd, @ 9:00 am Eggs, Sausage, Home fries, Fruit ....
All are welcome. For an estimate of attendees a sign up sheet will be in Field Hall two weeks prior.
Volunteers are needed to assist with set up, cooking, clean up and to provide breakfast baked
goods. Please e-mail [email protected] if you would like to volunteer.
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The mission of St. John’s Church is to be a community of Christians committed to the care,
nourishment and spiritual growth of all.
Presorted Standard U.S. Postage
Paid Permit No. 3
Barrington, RI
Return Service Requested
September 2019
The Reverend Patrick Greene, Rector St. John’s Episcopal Church 191 County Road, Barrington, RI 02806 Phone: 401-245-4065 Fax: 401-245-0518 Website: www.stjohnsbarrington.org
Parish Office Hours Monday – Thursday 8:00am - 4:00pm Friday — 8:00 - Noon
Worship Services Sunday: 8:00am, 10:00am and 5:30pm Wednesday: 9:30am
Calendar continued
September 22nd
8:00am Holy Eucharist
9:00am Parish Breakfast
9:45am Church School
10:00am Holy Eucharist
5:30pm Holy Eucharist
5:30pm HS Mission Meeting
6:15pm Youth Group
September 23rd
6:00pm Property Meeting
September 24th
9:00am Staff Meeting
10:00am ENCORE Open
September 25th
9:30am Holy Eucharist
10:00am ENCORE Open
10:15am Women’s Bible Study
6:45pm Confirmation Class
8:00pm Compline
September 26th
Mail Tower
7:30am NYA Bible Study
10:00am ENCORE Open
12:30pm Warm Wooly Knitters
7:00pm Choir Rehearsal
September 27th
5:00pm Pumpkin Delivery
September 29th
8:00am Holy Eucharist
9:00am Adult Formation
9:45am Church School
10:00am Holy Eucharist
3:00pm COBSJ Concert
5:30pm Holy Eucharist
6:15pm Youth Group