Please join the St. John’s Choir for the annual service of Advent Lessons and Carols on Sunday, Dec. 8 at 5 p.m. Through a series of Scripture readings emphasizing the loving purposes of God, interspersed with choir anthems and congregational hymns, this unique service draws us ever closer to the saving event of the Incarnation of Jesus Christ. Held during the season of anticipation, this is not a Christmas liturgy but one that points us toward the coming of the Prince of Peace. This long-standing parish tradition is followed by a candlelight reception in Upper Weld Hall.
Advent and Christmas at St. John’s
Evenings in Advent
The season of Advent is a time of preparation; watching and waiting expectantly, as we look to celebrate the light of Christ entering our world. As part of our Advent journey this year, Fr. Edward Thornley and Dr. Devon Abts will be offering a series of opportunities to gather, pray, and share in fellowship during the season.
On Sunday evenings, youth group students will have the opportunity to learn about preparing for confirmation classes amidst their usual activities. Then, students and their families, with all parishioners are invited to experience compline: an ancient, candlelit service of evening prayer. Compline is a beautiful service; sometimes chanted, but mostly simply spoken, and only 15 minutes long. It is one of the oldest services in the church and offered at the end or completion (compline) of the day. Compline will be gently offered in the parish church each Sunday evening, led by Fr. Ed, and then followed by a time for silent prayer and meditation by candlelight until 9 p.m.—a peaceful way to begin one’s week in a busy yet prayerful season. The service is open to all.
Then, on Wednesday evenings during Advent, Fr. Ed and Dr. Abts will be hosting an Advent meditation and discussion at the Rectory, accompanied by a simple meal and compline. When you come to church on the Sundays in Advent, you will notice that we light the Advent Wreath at the beginning of the service. Each candle lit represents a different aspect of the Biblical narrative which prepares for Jesus’s birth. Each Wednesday evening, we will read a poem, a passage of scripture, and then engage in a short discussion around the Advent Wreath and the theme for the week, during which food and drinks will be served, and then a short, spoken compline service will conclude the evening. If you wish to attend, please email Fr. Ed directly at ethornley@stjohns-hingham.org to RSVP. Participants will be sent the readings and poems in advance of the gatherings for discussion. Printed copies will also be provided on the evening.
Below you will find a full list of our Advent gatherings, as well as our Christmas services. We look forward to welcoming you to St. John’s in this joyful season!
Advent
The First Sunday of Advent—December 1
8 a.m. – Holy Eucharist, Rite I
10 a.m. – Holy Eucharist, Rite II
11 a.m. – Advent Wreath Making
6 p.m. – Middle School and High School Youth Group, with Confirmation Class FAQ
7:30 p.m. – Compline
7:45 p.m. – Silent Meditation
Wednesday Evening in Advent I—December 4
6:30 p.m. – Advent Meditation and Discussion with Compline at the Rectory
The Second Sunday of Advent—December 8
8 a.m. – Holy Eucharist, Rite I
10 a.m. – Holy Eucharist, Rite II
11 a.m. – St. Nicholas visits Coffee Hour
5 p.m. – Advent Festival of Lessons and Carols, followed by reception
7:30 p.m. – Compline
7:45 p.m. – Silent Meditation (until 9 p.m.)
Wednesday Evening in Advent II—December 11
6:30 p.m. – Advent Meditation and Discussion with Compline at the Rectory
The Third Sunday of Advent—December 15
8 a.m. – Holy Eucharist, Rite I
10 a.m. – Holy Eucharist, Rite II
6 p.m. – Middle School and High School Youth Group, with Confirmation Class FAQ
7:30 p.m. – Compline
7:45 p.m. – Silent Meditation (until 9 p.m.)
Wednesday Evening in Advent III—December 18
6:30 p.m. – Advent Meditation and Discussion with Compline at the Rectory
The Fourth Sunday of Advent—December 22
8 a.m. – Holy Eucharist, Rite I
10 a.m. – Holy Eucharist, Rite II
7:30 p.m. – Compline
7:45 p.m. – Silent Meditation (until 9 p.m.)
Christmas at St. John’s
Christmas Eve—Tuesday, December 24
2 p.m. – Tots and Toddlers Eucharist, Rite II
4 p.m. – Christmas Pageant and Eucharist, Rite II
9:30 p.m. – Midnight Mass
Choral prelude begins at 9:30 p.m.
Eucharist, Rite II, begins at 10 p.m.
Christmas Day—Wednesday, December 25
10 a.m. – Christmas Day Eucharist, Rite II
The First Sunday after Christmas—December 29
8 a.m. – Holy Eucharist, Rite I
10 a.m. – Holy Eucharist, Rite II, with Baptism
Note from the Wardens—A Special Thank You
Thank you to all who joined us for a beautiful evening Tuesday to celebrate Fr. Ed's Institution as our ninth Rector! On behalf of the Vestry, we wish to share our immense gratitude to our Rector Search Committee and Transition Team.
We thank the incredible Rector Search Committee—Chairs Rob Hess and Elizabeth Moulds and their team Matthew Ginn, Sara Dickison Taylor, Barbie Dwyer, Bill Carter, Dan Fickes, Caitlin Slodden, Jane Carr, Molly Powers, and Cathy Torrey—who after months of prayerful discernment, recommended Fr. Ed as our next Rector. It was wonderful to see them all in attendance on Tuesday evening, enjoying a well-deserved celebration together.
We are also very grateful to Sara Dickison Taylor, Jenn Gay-Smith and Elizabeth Moulds for their dedicated service as Fr. Ed’s Transition Team. For the past several months, they have worked tirelessly to welcome Ed and Devon to St. John’s—arranging meet and greets with parishioners, ensuring that the Rectory was comfortable for their arrival, and organizing the Institution and reception. Thank you Sara, Jenn and Elizabeth for your thoughtfulness, your time, and your faithful service!
Brian Locke introduced as Interim Organist
Dear friends,
I am delighted to announce our Interim Organist and Choirmaster for the New Year! Upon the retirement of Elisabeth “Buffy” Gray on Jan. 5, 2025, we will be welcoming Brian Locke as our new parish musician. In recent months, as we begin to celebrate and give thanks for Buffy’s music ministry among us, I have been working with several organizations to help us following our beloved Buffy’s departure. Brian’s name was immediately and enthusiastically recommended by numerous musicians and scholars in the church music world. Having met with Brian, and indeed witnessed several members of our parish getting to speak with him and hear him play, it was clear that he should be joining us. Following the Wardens’ and Vestry’s blessing, I am enormously grateful to Brian for him accepting this position.
Brian maintains a widely varied musical career as an organist, pianist, chamber musician, conductor, and vocal coach in addition to his daytime work in building operations and commercial real estate. Before his recent move to Boston last spring, Brian spent 10 years in Chicago and was Director of Music and Organist at St. Mary’s Episcopal Church, Park Ridge, Ill. (2018-2024), where he grew choral participation by 60% and introduced cross-diocesan parish partnerships with other music programs to stem larger musical ventures from combined small parish choirs. Before serving St. Mary’s Church, he was assisting organist at St. James’ Cathedral, Chicago and previously served at the Cathedral of St. Philip, Atlanta and Trinity Cathedral, Columbia S.C. among others. Brian holds degrees from the University of South Carolina (B.M.) and the University of Michigan (M.M.), the latter granting him the prestigious collaborative piano degree with Martin Katz.
Brian will begin his tenure with us on Jan. 6, 2025. He will be visiting the parish at various points in the coming months to connect with our glorious choir and choristers, our wonderful choir librarian John Lanza, and to also work with me in planning our musical offerings for the remainder of the program year. Please join me in warmly welcoming Brian. We are extremely blessed to have a musician of such caliber and, as you will soon experience, such kindness and humor join us!
With every prayer and blessing,
Fr. Ed.
A Note from Brian:
To the good people of St. John’s, Hingham—I am honored and excited to join you as your interim Organist & Choirmaster in January 2025. The fine reputation of your active and loving parish is widely known, and I hope to lead you all musically with Godly love, with liturgical good taste, with a bit of humor, and with efforts to highlight and grow your already wonderful musical heritage. Special thanks to Fr. Ed and to Buffy, who have both been tremendously kind and helpful in the beginning stages of this new chapter. I’ll look forward to meeting all of you in the new year.
Humbly yours,
Brian.
From the Rector: Thanks be to God for you.
“For just as the body is one and has many members, and all members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ.” 1 Corinthians 12:12
The Rev. Edward Thornley kneels before Bishop Whitworth Nov. 19 as he is instituted as the ninth Rector of the Episcopal Parish of St. John the Evangelist in Hingham.
On Tuesday, many in our community gathered at our parish church for my official Service of Institution with The Rt. Rev. Julia Whitworth, Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Massachusetts. Members of our parish, wardens, vestry, staff, search committee, transition committee, friends and family, and clergy from the deanery and diocese all came together to pray with me as we “officially” began this new chapter of St. John’s life together. It was wonderful to welcome so many new and familiar faces, and to have my dear friend Fr. Sammy Wood, from The Episcopal Church of St. Mary the Virgin in Times Square, preach at our service. Although Devon and I have been here since July, this was the formal moment at which point we now begin our time in this community. It was also very special to have the Bishop here for what was her first parish visitation and her first installation service as a Bishop.
I am extremely grateful (here come the “thank yous” again …) to everyone who took part; which means all of the people mentioned above! And I want to offer a particular thanks to the transition committee: Sara Taylor, Elizabeth Moulds, and Jenn GaySmith, for all their work in orchestrating the whole event, the food, and the beer … I cannot begin to tell you how much Devon and I, and our families appreciated not only the evening itself, but are thrilled at the sheer fact that you, the parish, called us to this new journey with you.
During the service, one of the most poignant moments for me was where members of our community presented a series of gifts: objects which represent aspects of our life together which are significant for our shared ministry. As well as being grateful to those who took part in this moment, it was a gift in itself to be reminded in that moment of something which shapes our life as a parish. And that is the very fact that this is a shared ministry. Everything we do here we do together. And even though this was the institution of a rector, it is just as much, if not more so, the institution and celebration of what it means for our whole community to be what it is, and for us to be who we are with one another.
When each person held up their gift—from a Bible to a Prayer Book, from a stole to a Godly Play parable, to Eucharistic vessels—I was helpfully reminded that, in the end, a priest is no more special, holy, or important than anyone else. We’re a pretty useless bunch, really, because the whole point of a priest’s role (as far as I see it, anyway) is simply to be a person who is asked by a community to remind them that they already have all the gifts they need to be the church. While I may have spent some time reading the Bible, learning how to preach, hanging around an altar, and praying in public, these are obviously forms of spiritual engagement that we all share in. As with any other vocation, there are specific gifts however they are always that which inspire others in their own gifts. “For just as the body is one and has many members, and all members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ.”
Thank you for a wonderful celebration. And, on this eve of the twenty-fourth annual Holiday Boutique, remember what you, as a parish, are already capable of. This is all because of you, because God has already given you the gifts with which to build his kingdom. Thanks be to God for you.
The Rev. Edward Thornley
Rector of The Episcopal Parish of St. John the Evangelist
Sunday School Update: Last Sunday School session before Advent season
Dear St. John’s families,
This Sunday we return to regularly scheduled programming and our last Sunday before Advent begins.
In our Godly Play classrooms, we will learn about the Ten Best Ways (otherwise known as the Commandments). We always make sure to emphasize the commandment of honoring your parents!
In the 3/4/5 classroom, the kids will continue learning about the period in Israel’s history when it was ruled by three great kings (Saul, David, and Solomon), the building of the Ark of the Covenant (where Moses’ commandments were kept), and the subsequent division in Israel following Solomon’s rule.
Our struggle today to be true to God and fit in with our peers is not unlike the struggles of the Hebrew people.
At coffee hour this week, we’ll be presenting a beautiful gift to Fr. Ed, made by Karen Slodden and the Sunday School kids. We were all so excited to formally welcome him last night with his institution service. We have much to look forward to!
Next week I’ll begin communicating the plans for the holidays, which are briefly outlined below. Please do save the date for our popular advent wreath making workshop which takes place at coffee hour on Dec. 1!
Warmly,
Alexis
Coming up:
Dec. 1
Advent wreath making at coffee hour
Dec. 8
St. Nicholas visits at coffee hour
Pageant costuming
Dec. 15
Pageant rehearsal after 10 a.m. service
Dec. 19
Pageant rehearsal (evening)
Dec. 22:
Pageant rehearsal during Sunday School
Fr. Ed featured in Keohane Funeral Home Newsletter
Fr. Ed Thornley was recently featured in the Keohane Funeral Home newsletter. He talked about his background, the meaning of divinity, and adjusting to life in New England.
A Special Week for St. John’s
Good Evening, St. John’s.
Today marks the first day in a very special week at St. John’s. On Tuesday evening, The Right Reverend Julia E. Whitworth will visit St. John’s where one of her first acts as Bishop will be to Celebrate the New Ministry and Institution of The Reverend Edward Thornley, St. John’s Ninth Rector.
St. John’s Parishioners had a vital hand in carrying the Church through the transition period. We would not be here without you. We hope you will join us to celebrate our community, our dedicated Rector Search and Transition teams, and this most joyous occasion. The Institution promises to be a meaningful service, a moment to recognize what we have been through, and to look forward together to our next chapter under the leadership of Father Ed. A celebratory reception will follow. We hope to see you there.
We also invite you to return to St. John’s Friday evening for the 2024 Holiday Boutique Cocktail Party—a beloved tradition and festive evening to shop, sip, and socialize. The Holiday Boutique is the Church’s largest annual fundraiser, and a wonderful opportunity to open St. Johns’ doors to the community and kick-off the holiday season. We are still looking to fill important volunteer slots. Please sign-up here. Every shift helps!
We are so grateful for our Church home, and all of you.
Faithfully,
Jody Jones Turner & Perrie O’Tierney-Ginn
Angel and Warming Trees
Starting Sunday, Nov. 24, you will see two decorated Christmas trees in the church entryway. One is a Warming Tree to go with our traditional Angel Tree.
On the Angel Tree, each ornament is a gift tag with a gift request on the front and instructions printed on the back. Please help us make a Christmas wish come true for a person in need by taking an ornament or two, purchasing the requested gift, and returning the gift and tag to the church office by Tues., Dec. 6.
A second tree, our Warming Tree, is also in the narthex. If you would like to provide hat and gloves/mittens for age 0–18, feel free to take a reminder flyer from the tree. Kindly return your gift and hang it on the tree by December 6.
Please leave all gifts unwrapped.
Thank you for your generous support. The gifts will be distributed to the following organizations in time for their Christmas gatherings:
Quincy Family Resource Center helps families to access and navigate resources in the local community.
Wellspring provides support and skills to people facing challenge to their financial, physical and/or emotional well-being to help them achieve independence and self-sufficiency.
South Shore Healthy Families offers home visiting services for young parents and their children, providing information about parenting and child development.
Youth Programs of St. Stephen’s in Boston serve neighborhood children by providing them with a safe, challenging and supportive community in which they can thrive.
Holiday Boutique Cocktail Party
RSVP today for the chance to shop and socialize with your fellow parishioners at the annual Holiday Boutique Cocktail Party, just one week away, next Friday, Nov. 22! The event features a live auction with some amazing items. This year, place bids on some exciting experiences like a week on Cape Cod, a stay in Stowe, Vt., hotel rooms in Chatham and Nantucket, tickets to the Celtics and Bruins, and more! You won’t want to miss out!
Please purchase your tickets using the link below, or contact Nancy in the office to RSVP and send in a check. See you there!
From the Rector: The vitality of Prayers of the People
When I first arrived in the Episcopal Church, one of the things that took me by surprise was the Prayers of the People in the Book of Common Prayer. In the Church of England, it is common practice to write one’s own intercessions. And so, following the sermon and the creed, instead of observing a set pattern from a prayer book, an intercessor offers either prayers they have written themselves or improvises on the spot. The reasons for this are many, among which is not only general liturgical reform in more recent years, but also a need in many communities to ensure that the prayers offered are true to the hearts of those worshipping among the congregation.
Of course, some Episcopalians may find this odd and for different reasons. Indeed, there is something calming, grounding, and comforting in knowing more exactly what is going to happen when you walk into church on a Sunday morning. Nevertheless, independently or communally written, or even extempore prayer is not an unusual tradition within the church, despite the fact that one might not usually find it in a principal weekly service. And I will say that there is something quite beautiful about being able to write your own prayers, share them with others, or, risky though it may be, to improvise and pray extempore in a regular worship setting.
In one parish I know “back home,” the priest often not only improvises the prayers of the people, but replaces the sermon with them. Thus, following the Gospel reading, the congregation is seated, and then the priest or another preacher offers a meditation on the readings given the issues of the day. And the meditation is shared in an intercessory manner, with the responsory, “Lord, in your mercy; Hear our prayer.” When I asked my colleague how they came to such a practice, they told me how, one Sunday, there seemed to be so much going on in the world, and so much in the readings that was challenging, that the only way they could get through the sermon and say anything meaningful, was simply to pray with the congregation. At that moment, the congregation didn’t need to be spoken to or preached at but prayed with. Of course, such mutual, shared ministry and intercession is something clergy and congregations practice together generally. And a priest should never preach at their congregation. Still, by offering intercession in this specific way in corporate worship served as a reminder of the community’s core purpose, especially in times when opinion, belief, and need are diverse.
This week, as we approach another busy transitional season, perhaps we can grant ourselves the opportunity to consider how we pray. As we contemplate the next two weeks; from my institution on Tuesday, to the Holiday Boutique on Thursday and Friday, to Thanksgiving, and indeed Advent and the beginning of a new liturgical year; we see that there is a lot going on. It’s busy, it’s challenging, and, amongst other things happening in our world, it is a time of change for all of us. But if we can grant ourselves the grace and the time to consider how we not only navigate but pray through such experiences, we might just discover something new. As the theologian Karen Kilby says, “a theologian is one who prays, but stumbles in their prayer, but then reflects on their stumbling.” It’s okay to stumble. It’s good to reflect. And it’s vital to pray.
The Rev. Edward Thornley
Rector, The Episcopal Parish of St. John the Evangelist
America Recycles Day—November 15
Check out these five tips from Cleaner Greener Hingham, with some specific tips on how to recycle in Hingham!
Recycle E-Waste Properly: Find designated drop-off points for electronics, as they require special handling. Household electronics can be recycled at the Transfer Station.
Use a Reusable Bag: Reduce plastic waste by bringing reusable bags for shopping instead of relying on single-use bags. Remember to wash your bags regularly.
Donate Before You Dispose: If items are still usable, consider donating them instead of recycling. The Hingham SWAP Shop at the Transfer Station is a great option for giving your gently used items a new life.
Use Recyclable Packaging: When shopping, opt for products with recyclable (like aluminum) or minimal packaging. And always remember your reusable bags and refillable water bottles!
Participate in Local Cleanups: Join community cleanup efforts to help keep your neighborhood clean and raise awareness about recycling. Keep an eye out for more information on Cleaner Greener Hingham Day coming in spring 2025!
Greening Advent brought to you by your Creation Care Ministry
This Advent season, let’s embrace sustainability and care for our planet with these simple yet impactful actions:
Shop Locally: Support local businesses to reduce shipping emissions and strengthen our community, such as the holiday boutiques Nov. 23 at St. John’s and Hingham High School.
Use Recycled Wrapping: Choose recycled or reusable wrapping materials without glitter to minimize microplastics and waste. Some additional tips and wrapping paper alternatives here.
Compost Your Christmas Tree: After the holidays, compost your tree to enrich the soil instead of sending it to the landfill here via the Hingham Boy Scouts and Weir River Farm
Together, we can make a positive impact this Advent. Thank you for joining us in this green journey!
Sunday School Update: Welcoming the new Bishop
Dear St. John’s families,
This Sunday, we begin preparing for exciting events happening next week!
On Tuesday Nov. 19th at 6 p.m., we will formally install the ninth rector of our parish, Fr. Ed Thornley! Our new bishop, the Rt. Rev. Julia Whitworth, will be celebrating the service. It’s a great opportunity to meet her as well! A reception will follow.
In preparation for the bishop’s visit we'll be learning all about what a bishop does, what they wear, and how the dioceses are organized. We’ll also be making a special welcome gift for Fr. Ed and Bishop Whitworth. Please plan to be there this Sunday and for the service next Tuesday!
If you haven’t done so yet, please consider making your pledge here so that we may continue programming next year at current levels at a minimum!
Warmly,
Alexis
The History of St. John’s Needlepoint Guild
Hand stitched kneelers are a long tradition in the Anglican community. They are both an adornment and an expression of faith. St. John’s Needlepoint Guild was formed in 1989, when the first two kneelers were gifted to us by our sister church, St. Andrew’s Parish in Hingham, England. Since that time nearly 100 people have provided their time and talents creating these works of art and expressions of faith.
Each row of 6 or 12 kneelers has a different theme. The designs are inspired by the Bible and Christian lore and represent the many symbols of our faith. Our designs range from the very traditional symbols to stories intended to appeal to the children of our parish. Each kneeler is dedicated by a parishioner, family, friend—or the stitcher—in memory or in celebration of a loved one. Next time you are in church, lift your eyes to the Lord, but look down too!
From the Rector: A living hope in a time of anxiety
Dear friends,
During our All Souls Sunday Eucharist, which we will celebrate this weekend, our second reading will come from The First Letter of Peter: 1 Peter 1:3-9. In this reading, we find an often used saying in the Church: “a living hope.” The phrase “a living hope” is a curious one. It holds together two perhaps contradictory ideas. On the one hand, we have the word “living.” Living means to be alive right now, to be present in this world, engaged in the here and now. “Hope” inspires a different thought. Hope is a word more concerned with that which is not here yet, things yet to come; perhaps something we yearn for or desire, but which is not immediately within our grasp. So, what does it mean, then, to experience a “living hope?”
The writer, who we believe is Peter the Apostle, is speaking about what it means to live somehow simultaneously both in the present and in the future. This is a central aspect of the Christian faith: to live now in light of not only the past we have come from, but the future, the Kingdom of Heaven, which we anticipate and which we might even experience in this moment. Why speak of this? And how, exactly, does this work? Peter writes these words so that one might contemplate what it means to live in faith, especially in moments when even the present, let alone the future, is not entirely certain. And the way we might accomplish this is to do those things which God in Christ calls us as Christians to practice: to love one another.
In the Christian faith, when people love one another, remember one another, engage with one another, we live in a way which unites those three dimensions of past, present, and future. A way of life which honors others, which acknowledges all three dimensions; and where one seeks to inspire confidence by focusing on what makes someone or something so important, thus helping you understand why you love them so much, and where this love is ultimately going. In the original Greek language of the New Testament, the word for “hope” is ἐλπίς (elpis), which means expectation, hope; and, in particular, a hope, trust, or confidence which is focused intently on the author or the source of one’s hope. In other words, by focusing on, meditating on, and contemplating who is important to us, we are reminded of what it means to truly live in the light of the resurrection: the eternity beyond death itself. For All Souls Day, “a living hope” is very much at the center of our prayers and our living of them, as we honor those who we love, and indeed how their lived example brings us closer to God, the source of all hope itself. But this reading, I find, is also helpful elsewhere right now.
This past week has been a challenging one, to say the least. Not only do we find ourselves in a season in the Church where both death and our perceived life beyond it are front and center, but where we share other facets of life which inspire different anxieties and concerns. To put it bluntly perhaps, the election of the next President of the United States of America has brought this about. This week’s events have occupied every newspaper, every online publication, every air wave, and every news bulletin, as much as every prayer list. And the prayers, the concerns, and the anxiety continue. Indeed, no matter which side one finds themselves on, and even if one finds does not align themselves with any particular ideology or group, there is very much a common, shared experience. That is, to feel caught in the midst of something which does not seem to be fully reconciled, in fact far from it. Two things manifest themselves, then: an anxiety at the lack of harmonious resolution, and a desire for it. Two things which, interestingly and importantly, we all share, even if we do not see eye to eye on where this anxiety resides and how the resolution might be sought.
One thing that is worth remembering amid such a time, is precisely that wherever we locate ourselves, we all actually share those twin experiences of anxiety and desire for reconciliation. In an odd way, at a time where we often find ourselves divided, this two-fold experience unites us. We are united, perhaps, in our shared anxiety and need to resolve it. That’s not a good thing in itself, but it is something; something that maybe, just maybe, might become a starting point for conversation, collaboration, or even, risky as it may feel, to engage what it means to embody a living hope. In other words, we remember the past, we hold the present, and we look to the future; and we ask one another what this means and what this might look like. And yes, again, that is a risk, depending on who you talk to. It’s not easy. Furthermore, it hurts. And it hurts even when we begin to contemplate how to engage again with those who we fear, or who we fear may hurt us. But if the Christian faith teaches one thing that we can all begin with, no matter what, it is that desire for and the opportunity to engage in a living hope. How we navigate that exactly is the task, but the fact that it is a possible task means there is a possible way. And I am confident that our own parish community, like any and every other community, can do it. And when we struggle, may we listen to those words of scripture, and allow the one who accomplishes them accomplish that same reconciliatory spirit in us. That is something worth living in hope.
The Rev. Edward Thornley
Rector
Welcome Jameson!
Fr. Ed Thornley baptizes Jameson DesRoche Nov. 3, as family and Sunday School children look on.
Dear St. John’s families,
This past week we welcomed Jameson DesRoche into our church community. What a gift to be a part of this very special day, the primary moment in the life of a Christian person to be remembered and looked forward to. Congratulations to Mom and Dad, Jamie and Michael, and big brothers Justin and Tyler!
This week in Sunday School we continue our lessons of the Old Testament, learning the origins of the Holy Bible in our Godly Play classrooms and the story of the Ark of the Covenant in our 3/4/5 classroom.
At this time of year, we start to anticipate and plan for our treasured holiday traditions such as the Advent wreath making and the pageant. It’s also the time of year we begin thinking about programming for the next calendar year. As a reminder, all costs are borne by us as parishioners. Please make your pledge here so that we may continue programming at current levels at a minimum!
Lastly, please mark your calendars for the institution of Fr. Ed Thornley, the ninth rector of our parish! The service will be performed by our new bishop, The Right Reverend Julia Whitworth at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 19. A reception will follow.
Warmly,
Alexis
SSM Taize Service
Join the Society of St. Margaret for a special Taizé Service tomorrow, Nov. 5, at 7 p.m. in Duxbury. The chapel opens at 6. This moving candlelit service features songs, prayers, and silence. It will take place in St. Margaret’s Chapel, 30 Harden Hill Road, Duxbury.
Learn more about the Society of St. Margaret at societyofstmargaret.org.
Prayers for Election Day
Dear friends,
As we reach the week when the election takes place for the next President of the United States, we all find ourselves at a time of profound discernment. For some, there is wondering and contemplation. For some, there is anxiety or concern. There may be expectation, or there may be fear. For some, there could be any combination of the above, and for different reasons. Wherever you are in your journey at this time, The Episcopal Parish of St. John the Evangelist is here to support, love, pray with, and journey with you, as we walk together through this important week.
In this note, you will find a selection of prayers from different resources in the Episcopal Church, which you might use in the coming days. Furthermore, the Parish Church will be open for private prayer on Tuesday and Wednesday evenings, from 6 p.m. until 9 p.m. I will also be available during these times for anyone who wishes to meet, talk, or pray at the Parish Church.
Again, wherever you may be on your journey this week, know that St. John’s is your spiritual home, and a place where you are welcome and loved for who you are as a beloved child of God.
With every prayer and blessing for the week ahead,
Ed
The Rev. Edward Thornley
Rector of The Episcopal Parish of St. John the Evangelist
A Collect for an Election
O God, you made us in your own image
and redeemed us for the sake of your love:
Look with compassion on the whole human family;
take away the arrogance and hatred which infect our hearts;
break down the walls that separate us;
unite us in bonds of love;
and work through our struggle and confusion to accomplish your purposes on earth;
that, in your good time, we may all serve you in harmony around your heavenly throne.
Through Jesus Christ, Our Lord.
Amen.
Adapted from “Holding onto Hope—A National Service for Healing and Wholeness,” Washington National Cathedral, Washington DC, Nov. 1, 2020.
A Prayer for an Election
Most merciful God, whose son Jesus Christ taught us to love and to serve, may we be guided by your Holy Spirit in this time of decision for our nation.
Help us to remember that there are so many around the world who do not have this freedom, and remember, too, the lives lost to fight for our right to vote here in this democratic republic we call home.
Grant us wisdom in our discernment as we choose our leaders, and the grace to accept the results with humility—win or lose.
And once the election is decided, give us all the strength and compassion to work to heal this divided nation, that we may be empowered in common purpose to work toward the noble ideals that are the foundation of our republic, and that we may together love and serve the least of these.
All this we ask in Your name. Amen.
From Christ Episcopal Church, Glen Ridge, N.J.
Prayers of the People for an Election
Loving God, creator of this world who is the source of our wisdom and understanding, watch over this nation during this time of election. Help us to see how our faith informs our principles and actions.
Intercessor: God, our creator,
People: Guide us in truth and love.
We give thanks for the right to vote. Help us to hold this privilege and responsibility with the care and awareness it merits, realizing that our vote matters and that it is an act of faith.
Intercessor: God, our creator,
People: Guide us in truth and love.
Guide us through this election as a nation, state, and community as we vote for people to do work on our behalf and on the behalf of our communities. Help us to vote for people and ballot initiatives that will better our community and our world so it may reflect the values Christ taught us.
Intercessor: God, our creator,
People: Guide us in truth and love.
Help us create communities that will build your kingdom here on earth—communities that will protect the poor, stand up for the vulnerable, advocate for those who are not seen and heard, and listen to everyone’s voice.
Intercessor: God, our creator,
People: Guide us in truth and love.
We pray for this nation that is deeply divided. May we come together for the common good and do as you have called us to do—to act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with you through creation.
Intercessor: God, our creator,
People: Guide us in truth and love.
Help us act out of love, mercy and justice rather than out of arrogance or fear.
Intercessor: God, our creator,
People: Guide us in truth and love.
Lord, continue to guide us as we work for the welfare of this world. We pray for places that are torn by violence, that they may know peace.
Intercessor: God, our creator,
People: Guide us in truth and love.
We pray for communities who are struggling with inequality, unrest, and fear. May we all work toward reconciliation with one another and with God.
Intercessor: God, our creator,
People: Guide us in truth and love.
Help us to listen in love, work together in peace, and collaborate with one another as we seek the betterment of our community and world.
Intercessor: God, our creator,
People: Guide us in truth and love.
By Rev. Shannon Kelly, Director Department of Faith Formation, The Episcopal Church
From “Vote Faithfully—An Election Engagement Toolkit,” The Episcopal Church Office of Government Relations
All Souls’ Sunday
Next Sunday, November 10, is All Souls’ Sunday. Please fill out and return the bulletin insert or email the office by November 6 if you would like to include names of loved ones who are no longer with us in the All Souls’ service.
The Choir will be hosting Coffee Hour next week and has invited anyone who wishes to bring framed photos of their loved ones (5x7 or smaller) to church to display around Upper Weld Hall.