Chimes Advent 2024

In this issue

Prepare the way...

Advent: Waiting, Preparing, & Watching

This has been a beautiful fall, although unusually dry and surrounded by what seems like more fallen leaves than ever. But now, we have the opportunity to turn our hearts and minds to the Season of Advent, the beginning of a new year in the life of the church. The word Advent comes from the Greek word, adventus, which means "to come". In this season we are called to prepare for both the baby who came into this world to change our lives and hearts forever and the savior who will return again to draw the whole world to God. The liturgical color for the season of Advent is blue or purple. Blue is considered a little less penitent that purple, which is appropriate for Advent versus Lent. Advent is a time for active waiting and the preparation of our hearts to make room to receive Christ.

Many of us kid ourselves when we say, “Okay, this is the year I will really slow down and live into the season of Advent,” only to then find our days full of offerings at church, in our relationships, and in our community. So, I am inviting you to enter this season in perhaps a different way than in the past. Prayerfully approach Advent as a journey seeking to encounter God at work daily in your life and in the world around you. Be mindful that every day is another day to see God. There are many opportunities in which to participate during this season, so prayerfully seek and engage in whatever speaks to your heart and invites you to be mindful of God’s presence in your life.

I also invite you to pray this prayer every morning as you start your day:

This is another day, O Lord. I know not what it will bring forth, but make me ready, Lord, for whatever it may be. If I am to stand up, help me to stand bravely. If I am to sit still, help me to sit quietly. If I am to lie low, help me to do it patiently. And if I am to do nothing, let me do it gallantly. Make these words more than words, and give me the Spirit of Jesus. Amen. (Book of Common Prayer, page 461)

Peace, Rev. Lisa

Check out these opportunities to enhance your Advent journey this year:

Advent Adult Formation - This is another day

The Rev. Deborah A. Lee (www.revdeborahlee.com), Episcopal priest, spiritual director, and parish ministry leader, will be discussing her book This Is Another Day: Reflections on Scripture, Faith, and Prayer for Action on Advent I, Sunday, December 1. The book is a collection of daily meditations crafted to be a companion on our spiritual journey. Written from the heart, these devotional reflections invite us into God's word in order for us to speak a shared language of love, inspiration, sustenance, and even challenge as we journey together into unknown seasons. Buoyed by the overwhelming grace of Christ, we are called by Jesus—whose resurrection transcends death and fear—to keep our hearts and minds set on hope, love, mercy, justice, thanksgiving, and reconciliation.

The Rev. Lisa Mason and the Rev. Dorothy Greene will continue this discussion on December 8 & 15 after the 10am service in the Living Room. This is another day….to pray, hope, restore, learn, wonder, explore, and so much more.

Advent Devotions & Prayer Resources

Advent Meditations and Prayers from the Seminary of the Southwest, a series of contemplative devotions for the season, available in English & Spanish. The list should be posted soon.

Brother, Give Us a Word from the Brothers at the Society of St. John the Evangelist (SSJE) in Cambridge, MA. The daily meditations are 2-3 sentences. Give it a try!

AdventWord is a series of daily meditations for the Advent season, from Forward Movement. Daily emails December 1-24.

A Quieter Advent Service - Monday, December 2 at 7pm

You may have also heard of this type of service as a “Blue Christmas” service. This is offered for people who have experienced personal grief and loss in their lives and may not be ready to jump straight into the joy and festivities of Christmas just yet. This service is Monday, December 2nd at 7:00 p.m. in the sanctuary.

Wednesday 7am Holy Eucharist in Advent

As is our tradition during Advent and Lent, we offer a midweek Eucharist at 7:00 AM. These will be brief, to allow those who need to get to work to participate.

Weekly Videos

Rev. Lisa will also offer brief videos each Friday of Advent sharing a few words about what each week of Advent offers to us.

Formation Update

This fall has been an incredible season filled with activities and milestones worth celebrating! We successfully raised funds for the SJYEC through an exhilarating skydive event—click here to check out Rev. Lisa and Lori’s video if you haven’t seen it yet!

We hosted the first-ever Sound Shore joint youth group gathering, bringing together St. Thomas, Trinity, and St. John’s for an unforgettable evening of fun, faith, and worship. It was a joy to see Youth Group members participating, and we ended the night with S’mores around the fire. We can’t wait for the next event at St. Thomas!

Our Sunday morning Formation classes are off to a fantastic start, with more students registered and attending than ever before. Meeting in the undercroft, both our Sparklers and Explorers are engaging in the Godly Play curriculum, sparking wonder and discovery each week. New students are always welcome—register anytime using this link!

Youth Group sessions have been buzzing with energy, curiosity, and acts of service. We learned about the Sharing Shelf and made hygiene kits for students in need. We’re also participating in Lifting Up Westchester’s Holiday initiative, creating stockings to spread luxury, joy, and a sense of belonging. As always, all are welcome to join youth group—click here to register anytime.

Our Acolyte program is thriving, with a training session completed and new acolytes joining to serve. We are grateful for their dedication to our community. Children in third grade and up are encouraged to participate. Reach out to Lori Wilson to schedule training and get involved. We hope students will serve through high school and commit to at least one service per month. Thank you to all our acolytes! Click here for the Signup Genius for Acolytes to sign up to serve.

We had a great time at our Advent Wreath-Making Party!

A Look Ahead: Mark your calendars for our Christmas Pageant on Sunday, December 15th, at the 10 AM service. Click here to register. Rehearsals will be held on:

  • Sunday, December 1, from 11:30 AM to 1 PM
  • Sunday, December 8, from 11:30 AM to 1 PM
  • Saturday, December 14, from 12:30 PM to 2:30 PM

Music in the manor

The first concert in our Music in the Manor was a great success. St. John's welcomed Trio Raconteur for a fabulous and intimate concert.

For our next concert, join us to ring in the New Year with J. S. Bach’s most famous orchestral works: All six Brandenburg Concertos – performed in their entirety!

Matthew Lewis leads an all-professional group of instrumentalists for these celebratory pieces. The event includes a festive reception, with a smorgasbord of savory delights, and a gala dessert buffet, Mimosas, Champagne, fresh fruit juices and mocktails.

Tickets are only $75. Click here to reserve your tickets, before December 18!

Annual Giving Reminder

The clock is ticking on our Annual Giving Campaign which ends in a few weeks. Have you submitted your pledge yet for 2025? We’re counting on robust support from the entire St. John’s community to ensure our church can stay strong and fulfill our shared goals as a parish. Please let Russ, Taddy or Adrienne know if you would like more details about the critical role of your annual giving in our budget.

You can help build support for a successful campaign by adding your own short video (20 seconds or less) to those already submitted, about why you think St. John’s is great. Send your video to videos2024@stjohnslarchmont.org. (Tip for iPhone users: Send it via MailDrop!) We plan to distribute a compilation of these videos later in the campaign.

Thank you for your support and participation! We really appreciate it.

Giving FAQ

What is a pledge?

A pledge is a financial commitment to the church for the upcoming year.

Where does my pledge go?

All pledges support our operating budget which contains costs like:

  • Employing the priest and staff, including our parish administrator, and our directors of children, youth and family ministries, music, communications, and facilities, and our bookkeeper
  • Providing our wonderful formation programs for children, youth, and adult, including Godly Play and middle and high school youth groups
  • Performing outreach in the community and beyond, including Midnight Run and meals for Hope Kitchen
  • Our incredible music program
  • Offering hybrid worship services
  • Maintaining, heating, and cooling our beautiful historical building so it continues to be a space where everyone is welcomed and comfortable
  • Keeping our grounds safe and beautiful
  • Paying our assessment to the Diocese of New York, which in turn supports the national Episcopal Church. As Episcopalians, we are part of something bigger than ourselves: the Diocese of New York and The Episcopal Church. We bless each other in our relationships and are able to do more together than as individual congregations.

Why should I submit a pledge card?

Just as you create your household budget, the vestry sets an annual budget using the total pledges submitted as an income figure. While we are fortunate to have an investment fund to supplement our income, our goal is to reduce our reliance on these funds.

Does St. John’s receive money from the diocese and the national church?

Unlike some other denominations, we give money to the diocese-what is known as our apportioned share-and each diocese funds the national church through their respective apportioned share.

What if I am unable to fulfill my pledge?

While a pledge is a commitment, we understand that unforeseen circumstances may arise. The Rev. Lisa Mason, the Rector, is always available to have a private discussion with parishioners.

How much should I pledge?

There’s no easy answer to that question as there are no “shoulds” in giving. It is a personal decision: think about what God has given you and how much you wish to give back to the work of God here at St. John’s.

Below is a proportional giving chart which reflects the notion of giving in proportion to what you have or earn. This is a very biblical idea – that we give a portion of what we’ve been given.

Prayerfully reflect upon what percentage of your resources you wish to give back to God at St. John’s.

We all are aware that costs overall are increasing. This is why it would be helpful to St. John’s if you can increase your financial commitment each year as well.

To be clear: there is no expectation regarding level of giving, and every single pledge is very much valued and welcomed, no matter the amount.

2024 Christmas Bazaar

A Great Success!

save These Dates

Sunday, December 1 - Advent Begins
  • 11:15 AM Advent Formation Class with the Rev. Deborah Lee
Monday, December 2, 7pm - Quieter Advent Service

The Quieter Advent Prayer Service is a service of prayer and traditional Advent hymns wherein we pray for those we love (and perhaps have lost) and where we experience the power of Advent but in a softer way. No demands for happy-happy at this service; this service lets us feel all our feelings and invites us to lay them in the loving arms of God. It’s perfect for those who find the hyper-commercialization of the secular Christmas season just too much to bear. Come yourself and invite others to experience this powerful service.

Wednesdays in Advent (December 4, 11, & 18) - Holy Eucharist at 7:00 am

As is our tradition during Advent and Lent, we celebrate the Eucharist at 7:00 a.m. on Wednesdays. These will be brief, to allow those who need to get to work to participate. Please join us for a beautiful mid-week connection as we journey through Advent.

Thursday, December 5 at 7pm - Special ECW Advent Event

WOMEN of St. John’s - Please RSVP to your invitation to a Special ECW Advent Event at the Rental Rectory on Thursday, December 5. Dinner and Advent Reflection. All the women of St. John's are invited to join us for this special event. Please check your email box for the invitation that was sent this week.

If you did not receive an invitation, please let us know by emailing or calling the office (office@stjohnslarchmont.org, 914-834-2981). Please RSVP by Sunday, December 1st. Note: carpooling is encouraged due to limited street parking.

Friday, December 6 at 10:30am - ECW Christmas Wreath Bow Making

Calling all bow makers! Please join us in the Parish Hall entry/Port Cochere to make bows and put them on wreaths. Join us for some fellowship and fun!

Sunday, December 8 - Advent 2
  • 10:00 AM - It's St. Nicholas Day - we expect a special visitor at this service! Please have children leave their shoes in the hallway outside the Thorne Room.
  • We will bless the Undercroft after the 10:00 AM service. Join us!
  • 11:15 AM - Adult Formation with Rev. Lisa & Rev. Dorothy
Sunday, December 15 - Celebration Sunday & Christmas Pageant!

Our Christmas Pageant this year is December 15 during the 10:00 AM service. All youth 3 years old through high school are invited to participate. High Schoolers will be our narrators. Major parts will be given to older students. Please click here or on the button below to fill out the registration form before our first rehearsal on Sunday, December 1.

Click here to complete the registration form

Rehearsals will be held on:

  • Sunday, December 1 from 11:30 am - 1:00 pm
  • Sunday, December 8 from 11:30 am - 1:00 pm
  • Saturday, December 14 from 12:30 pm - 2:30 pm

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We will also be celebrating Annual Giving by the parish in support of St. John's for 2025. If you have not yet returned your Pledge Card, please plan to submit it by Sunday, December 15. If you prefer to submit your estimate online, please click here. Thank you for your continued support of St. John's!

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Our coffee hour after the 10:00 AM service on December 15 will be extra special. Bring something to share and come have some fun fellowship with your parish family.

Rev. Lisa & Rev. Dorothy will also offer the third and final session of this year's Advent Adult Formation, after the 10:00 AM service.

Saturday, December 21 at 3:30pm - Ecumenical Community Caroling
Sunday, December 22 - Advent 3

Start warming up your vocal chords! After the 10:00 AM on December 22, we will have a fun time of caroling together in the Parish Hall at coffee hour. Everyone is welcome.

It's Time to Order Your Wreaths!

The ECW's much-loved Christmas wreaths are back! This year, there's a choice of a plain wreath ($25), or a wreath with a red, plaid, gold, or "SURPRISE-ME" bow ($27).

Wreaths may be picked up at St. John's on Saturday, December 7, 10 am - noon or on Sunday, December 8, before or after the 10 am service (9-10 am or 11:15 - noon). For those living in the Larchmont-Mamaroneck-New Rochelle area, you can opt to have it delivered right to your door.

Order deadline is Monday, December 2 so click here to place your order today! Questions? Contact Becky Kirkham.

Christmas Eve, Tuesday, December 24

3:00 PM Family Christmas Service. A service especially appropriate for young children and families, with Holy Communion and Christmas carols.

6:00 PM Festive Choral Eucharist.Communion Service with the St. John’s choir, sermon and carols.

9:00 PM Festive Choral Eucharist. Communion Service with the St. John’s choir, sermon and carols.

Christmas Day, Wednesday, December 25

10:00 AM Holy Eucharist. Communion service with sermon and carols.

CHRISTMAS FLOWERS & Music

Each year as we gather to celebrate Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, our worship is enhanced by poinsettias, trees, and greens, and by festive celebratory music for choir, organ, and the addition of special musicians. Your generosity makes this possible.

We invite you to remember your family, friends, and other loved ones with a donation towards our Christmas flowers and music (suggested donation $50). Please place your order by Wednesday, December 11, 2024.

CLICK HERE TO ORDER ONLINE OR DOWNLOAD THE PAPER FORM

Celebrating our Good News

Carolyn Gallaher carried the Anne Hutchinson DAR chapter's flag in procession.

Choral Evensong with Act of Remembrance

Attended by the Patriotic and Historical Societies of New York

On Sunday, November 10, 2024, Carolyn Gallaher felt honor and excitement on carrying Anne Hutchinson DAR chapter's flag in procession at this stirring event at St. Thomas Fifth Avenue. (See the video here.) This was a companion to work done in August for the Bicentennial Tour of the Marquis de Lafayette event at Mamaroneck Harbor in which both Cindy Taleb and Carolyn were participants.

Have good news to share? We'd love to share in your joy! Please email any good news to communications@stjohnslarchmont.org. Thanks!

Recipe of the Month

Just in time for Thanksgiving, here's a delicious and easy recipe from your humble editor, Chris Marmora Palmer. Years ago I was tasked with sharing a sweet potato dish at a friend's seder. I wanted to find a simple, savory option and landed on this yummy recipe from Epicurious. I've adapted it over the years, and it doubles (or triples!) easily. It is now a staple for Thanksgiving. Enjoy!

Roasted Sweet Potato Rounds with Garlic Oil and Fried Sage

For sweet potatoes:

  • 3 large garlic cloves (use more!)
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 3/4 tsp salt
  • 2-1/2 pounds sweet potatoes, peeled and sliced into 1/2-inch-thick rounds

For fried sage:

  • 1/3 cup olive oil (use less!)
  • 24 sage leaves

Roast sweet potatoes:

  1. Preheat oven to 450 degrees with rack in upper third.
  2. Puree garlic with oil and 3/4 tsp salt in a blender until smooth.
  3. Toss sweet potatoes with garlic oil in a large bowl, and then spread in 1 layer in a 15x10 inch shallow baking pan.
  4. Bake until golden in patches and cooked through, 20 to 30 minutes.

To fry sage leaves:

Heat oil in a small heavy skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers, then fry sage leaves in 2 batches, stirring, until crisp, 30 seconds to 1 minute per batch. Transfer with a slotted spoon to paper towels to drain.

Serve sweet potatoes with sage leaves scattered on top.

Notes:

  • Sweet potatoes can be cut and tossed with garlic oil 4 hours ahead and chilled in a sealable bag.
  • Sage leaves can be fried 4 hours ahead and kept at room temperature.
  • This is also delicious without a blender - I usually just toss the sweet potatoes with chopped garlic in a ziploc, and chill them until I'm ready to put them in the oven.
  • I have filled my oven with several trays of these beauties at a time. If you are using multiple shelves, rotate the trays at least once for more even roasting.
  • I found the amount of oil suggested for frying the sage leaves to be excessive. I use way less in a small pan and fry the leaves in several batches. You can also pour the sage-infused oil over the roasted sweet potatoes.

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Have a recipe to share? Join the fun and send it to communications@stjohnslarchmont.org. Yours just might be the next Recipe of the Month!

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Likewise, your photos and news from your ministries are always welcome. Please forward your submissions to communications@stjohnslarchmont.org. Let your ministry's light shine through Chimes!