Sunday, February 13, Sixth Sunday After Epiphany
O God, the strength of all who put their trust in you: Mercifully accept our prayers; and because in our weakness we can do nothing good without you, give us the help of your grace, that in keeping your commandments we may please you both in will and deed; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Sunday, February 13 is the Sixth Sunday After Epiphany. Download the worship booklet here.
Also, watch the recorded service and read Pastor Lise's sermon.
Worship Options: We will continue to worship in one service of Eucharist at 9:30 am through February, open to in-person worshippers and also livestreamed on Facebook. The YouTube link for the service and sermon in written form will be sent out on Tuesday. There is no coffee hour following worship. If you are worshipping virtually: You can request for blessed communion wafers to be mailed to you or to pick them up at the office. Email Marge or call the office at 978-283-1708. If you are worshipping in person: We ask that you wear a mask at all times in the building (we strongly recommend N95, KN95 or surgical masks) and keep your distance from others. Air purifiers will be running during the service. There is no coffee hour following worship.
If you want to join the Zoom coffee hour at 12:30, please email the Parish Administrator for the information.
Understanding Race and Racism: Black History Month February has been designated nationwide as Black History Month. As an added activity to Saint John’s ongoing project, “Understanding Race and Racism,” Connie DeSimone and Claudette Chmura have identified a series of films that members of our community could watch while at home during these cold days and nights. Most of them are streamed, which means you can watch at your own convenience. The streaming platforms are provided, and reviews/summaries can be found on the website, Rotten Tomatoes. Click here to download the list.
Thrift Shop Has Resumed Normal Hours: The Thrift Shop is now open Wednesdays and Saturdays, 10-2. The Regal Rummage Shop is having a two-for-one sale from February 16 until mid-March (or stock runs out)!
The Souper Bowl of Caring Returns! Every Sunday through the end of February, we will be taking up an extra collection for the Souper Bowl to fund a donation to the Open Door Food Pantry. Please consider giving whatever you can. You can also send in a check with “Souper Bowl” on the memo line, or use our web site donation page to donate with your credit/debit card or Paypal. (If you do this, please send an email to Elizabeth confirming that the donation is for the Souper Bowl.) Or you can call the office (978-283-1708) and we can also run your credit card. Thank you so much!!
Ash Wednesday is March 2nd. There will be two services, one at noon, without music, and one at 7 pm with music, which will also be live-streamed.
Lenten Focus on “Systemic Sin.” While Lent traditionally is a time to look inward and reflect on our relationship to God, it often is couched in terms of personal responsibility. This year, we will reflect on “the evil powers of this world which corrupt and destroy the creatures of God” (Service of Holy Baptism) and of which we are a part. Some of these are racism, economic disparities/poverty, materialism, militarism, and environmental destruction. If you would like to briefly share your reflections on one of these areas—how you personally are aware of the evil and feel your complicity in it AND see the larger forces that make it hard to change—for maybe 3 minutes on a Sunday in Lent, please reach out to Pastor Lise.
Stay Safe! Please stay masked whenever you are around people outside your household. Cloth masks are not very effective; at the minimum, use a surgical mask. KN95 and N95 masks are best! If you or household members develop cold-like symptoms (sore throat, runny nose, tiredness or loss of taste or smell), isolate and get tested. Avoid larger gatherings or eating situations with others. Getting vaccinated or boosted is a good defense against serious illness.