of St.

Johns in Pine Meadow

St. Johns mission is to nurture all people in their spiritual growth, in their Christian education, and in their relationship with God. The Rev. Salin Low, Rector June 2013

The power of Memories

We are headed into Memorial Day weekend as I write this. While the occasion has a name and date decreed by federal law in 1968, it has had several names and dates over the years. There is even dispute about who originated the remembrance and when. And while it is generally accepted that the occasion was begun to honor those who had died in the Civil War, it now honors all who have died while serving in the U.S. military. However, it is Veterans Day in November that honors all who have served in the military, living or dead. Thinking about the various ideas about the origin of Memorial day, what it should be called, when it should be held, whom it should honor, brings to mind many disagreements about the customs and traditions of the church. People come to the church with various experiences and with histories in various parishes. Too often we think the church should put most of its energies into trying to replicate past experiences in hopes of creating the same impact on younger generations or on people who are new in their church affiliation. It is good for us to think about what events and practices had a strong impact on us in times gone by. It is also good for us to think about how the world has changed and to consider what affects people of different ages in our time. When we listen to one another and compare our memories, those reflections can bring us together. And when we attempt to do things in ways that speak to who we are today, we have a better chance of making new memories which can strengthen the faith of the church we are and the church god is calling us to be. Blessings and Peace,

Helping Oklahoma
We seem to be aware of disasters with greater and greater frequency. I hope it is because of our global communications, which make us ever more informed of what is happening in other parts of the world. With awareness may come the desire to help in some way. One way in which Episcopalians can help, with or without a specific disaster, is through Episcopal Relief and Development (www.episcopalrelief.org). They have set up a Tornado Relief Fund to help those in Oklahoma and elsewhere after tornadoes strike. Help for Oklahoma can also go through the Episcopal diocese. Make your check payable to "The Episcopal Diocese of Oklahoma." In the notation line write "Tornado relief." Send Checks to: Episcopal Diocese of Oklahoma 924 North Robinson, Oklahoma City, OK 73102 or go directly to their website www.episcopaloklahoma.org. Googling Oklahoma City donations gives various options for short and long term assistance and for donations which are more or less specific by location.

Bits&Pieces

HOW WERE DOING SO FAR

APRIL 2013 RESULTS
Operating Income Operating Expenses $ 11,711 $ 16,758

Prayer Requests Requests are handled confidentially through the office or by speaking to the Rector. 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. Church Office Hours Office hours are 8:30 a.m. 1:30 p.m., Monday through Thursday.

YEAR TO DATE
Operating Income Operating Expenses $ 48,525 $ 62,728

Drum Circle takes place the second Sunday of the month at 4:00 PMJune 9th is the next session.

During the summer, when you may be away for several Sundays, those of you who do online banking could arrange for pledge payments to be sent to the church. Sue Bremer, Treasurer

Alzheimer's Series at St. Johns

For those affected by Alzheimer's Disease Light Supper @ 5:30; Program 6-8 p.m.

Thursdays - June 6, 13, 20 & 27 June 6th - Overview of Alzheimer's Disease June 13th - Communication Techniques June 20th - Resources & Family Dynamics June 27th - Legal & Financial Issues Call 860 828-2828 to register.

Shopping Cards
An Easy Way to Help

Now Available for Immediate Purchase $100 Stop & Shop Cards
When you buy shopping/gift cards through St. Johns, you are making a contribution that does not cost you financially. It may take a little planning. Orders are taken the 1st and 3rd Sundays, and cards are delivered on the 2nd and 4th Sundays. Order forms are available in the narthex and parish hall and can be placed in the lockbox at any time.

PARISH REGISTER
(Broadly Defined)
Let the office know about happenings in your own life and in the lives of other parishioners, especially hospitalizations. Deaths Robert Lippincott (Father of Linda Snyder) Jonathan Messenger (Nephew of Peggy Hitchcock)

Next IngatheringJune 2nd The May offering was $100.91. We collect all month, so feel free to bring in at any time and bless it on the first Sunday of the month. The total for the year to date is $345.92. Bring coins anytime. We will keep them safe.

Edward Hayes (Brother of Guy Hayes) Millege Bremer (Father of Brad Bremer) Bryan Gill (Son of Charlie Gill)

Rhythms of Grace
Special thanks to Ron & Joan Caine, Tami Millard, Tom Chappell, Bruce Wearne and Rick Smith for cleaning the church. Special thanks to Mac Wilson for taking care of the lawn maintenance. Special thanks to Jill & Rick Smith and Pam & Michael Tooke for organizing and preparing the food and festivities for the Cinco De Mayo Fiesta. Thank you for everyones efforts. Special thanks to the following church school teachers and volunteers who have devoted so much time and energy this past year: Debi Althen, Joe Kenney, Sue Bremer, Beth Coates, Kathy Riberdy, Gary Pontelandolfo, Lucie Martocchio, Crystall Case, and to Linda Snyder for her guidance throughout the year. Thanks to the choir for their devotion to the music of the service: Guy and Diane Hayes, Barbara and Paul Patch, Anne Hall, Jamie Hall, Steve Jakubowski, and Joanne Ritchie are the regulars. And of course, thanks to Halyna Petronchak for her direction and wonderful selection of music. Thanks to Ann Atwood, Norma Pappalardo, and Rick Smith, who have made spring at St. Johns especially beautiful with tulips, pansies, and other flowers in garden, planter, and front of the church. Thanks to everyone who helps with the mission and ministry of St. Johns.

Rhythms of Grace, a monthly worship service on the first Sunday at 1 p.m. was designed to meet the needs of families with children on the Autism Spectrum and with other special needs. The first session was held in February, and those who helped felt it was a rewarding experience to work with children and families who need the attention and who are new to St. Johns. Contact Linda Snyder at llsnyders4@charter.net for information.

NEWS FROM DEACON DENISE

Open Door Soup Kitchen - At least five volunteers are needed for the 3rd Saturday of every month to participate by cooking, serving, answering phones, and/or stocking canned foods, etc. There are sign-up sheets posted downstairs through October 2013. Please sign up as often as you are able! Knitting Group meets after the 10 am service on the first Sunday of the month. Denise is able to show the basic knitting stitch thats needed to make a simple scarf or prayer shawl. Come join us!!

PETERS RETREAT
Thanks to those who help. Next Meal on June 22

Graduates To Be Honored June 9th

At the 10:00 a.m. service the parish will be honoring all those who are graduating from high school this year. We want to give thanks for their years at St. Johns, wish them well as they head toward the next part of their lives, and present them with a gift that reminds them of St. Johns. Let the office know about graduates from college, etc., to list in the next newsletter.

We take dinner to an HIV/AIDS residence in Hartford on the 4th Saturday of every month. If you would like to learn more about participating in this important outreach ministry, please contact the Rector at salin@reddoors.com. Special thanks to Denise Adessa, Barbara Henri, Anne Hall, Jennifer Caine and Colleen Doyle for helping with the May meal. The Rector will be coordinating the meal for June. If anyone would like to help out, please contact the office.

Coffee Hour Hosts Needed June 16, 23, & 30

JUNE 2
Our church school program year will be ending on June 2nd. We will thank our teachers and leaders that morning and join in an indoor luncheon following the 10 AM service. Parents of the church school children are asked to bring a side dish to share. Sandwiches and refreshments will be provided.

10:00 a.m. Service

It can be kept simple. The important thing is to offer hospitality to all - visitor or member, adult or child. Coffee supplies other than cream are available in the kitchen. Help setting up the pots is available. A sign -up sheet is posted in the parish hall. All who attend the 10 a.m. service are encouraged to take a turn maybe more than once.

P. O. Box 27 Pine Meadow, CT 06061 Phone: 860 379-3062 www.reddoors.com

Address Correction

The Episcopal Church Were Here For You

Sunday Worship 8:00 & 10:00 a.m.
Wednesday 7:30 pm

news from

church school

The Church School teachers are very excited about some of the changes that we will be implementing over the summer. You will be hearing more about these changes during the next couple of weeks and throughout the summer. The new curriculum is called "Godly Play.". It is modeled after the Montessori design of education. It combines storytelling with individual or small group response to the story using the sets of pieces to tell the story. If you would like to learn more about this program, a YouTube video introduces Godly Play at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Aw_mrzZJx00. There will be a presentation of one of the stories and information about the curriculum during coffee hours in June. We will also look to members of the parish to help effect the change by donating toward the program sets, which cost approximately $200 each, or by helping to make some of the pieces with our in-house carpentry skills. Check out the display for pictures of the sets, and watch for ideas in weekly emails to come.

June 2013
St. Johns Church - Calendar of Events
Anniversaries in Italics

Sun

Mon

Tue

Wed

Thu

Fri
1

Sat

8 & 10 AM Holy Eucharist Awards & Picnic

Vestry 6:30 PM Norma & John Pappalardo

4
Donna & Gary Colavecchio

Holy Eucharist 7:30 PM AA 8:00 PM Joyce & Paul Halladay

Alzheimers Series - 5:30 PM

7
AA 8:30 PM

8 & 10 AM Holy Eucharist Grads Honored Drum Circle @ 4 PM

10

11

12

Holy Eucharist 7:30 PM AA 8:00 PM

13

Alzheimers Series5:30 PM Caren & Gordon Ross

14
AA 8:30 PM

15
Open Door

16

8 & 10 AM Holy Eucharist

17

18
Diane & Guy Hayes

19

Holy Eucharist 7:30 PM AA 8:00 PM

20

Alzheimers Series5:30 PM

21

Leah & Larry Alibozek AA 8:30 PM

Peters Retreat

22

23

8 & 10 AM Holy Eucharist

24
Susie & Gray Horn

25

26

Holy Eucharist 7:30 PM AA 8:00 PM Betty & Henry Castonguay

27

Alzheimers Series5:30 PM Ann & Robert Atwood Nancy & Jeff Linton

28
AA 8:30 PM

29

30

8 & 10 AM Holy Eucharist

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

9-Jun 9-Jun 9-Jun 9-Jun 12-Jun 15-Jun 16-Jun

Stephen Brehm Catherine Carrier Kendall Moraski Laura Wearne Lauren Alibozek Brian Jones Eleanor Ross

16-Jun 16-Jun 20-Jun 21-Jun 22-Jun 30-Jun

Aidan Lukiwsky Jill Smith Polly Pobuda Ellen Childs Reid Hester Scott Hoskins

Another fun evening at Brodie with food, drink, friends, a raffle, karaoke, and even some dancing. Special thanks to the Smiths and Tookes who had the inspiration and did so much work! Thanks!

On May 6 a contingent from St. Johns joined a large group in Hartford to walk against hunger and support Foodshares. It was a lovely day, a fun time, and something which deserves our attention every day and year.

The Gill Garden and other grounds around the church have looked especially lovely this year. Thanks to Mac Wilson for refurbishing the birdhouse in the garden. All the effort makes the church so much more welcoming.