Chimes August 2025

Members of the St. John's Youth Empowerment Council (SJYEC) began their Urban Pilgrimage at the Cathedral of St. John the Divine. Bishop Heyd provided breakfast and a blessing for the day.

In this issue

• Message from Rev. Lisa
• Archives Project Update - Do you recognize these kids?
• Formation Updates - Children, Youth & Adults
• St. John's Youth Empowerment Council (SJYEC) - Urban Pilgrimage
• Adult Formation Opportunities
• Vacation Bible School - Recap & Looking Ahead to 2026
• Music Updates
• Where's Rev. Lisa?
• Coming Events - Mark Your Calendars!
• Recipe of the Month: Greek Yogurt Zucchini Bread

A Message from Rev. Lisa

While we are still enjoying summer, finding time to relax, unwind, and breathe, we are invited to look ahead to fall and the many opportunities on offer at St. John’s. During the summer, we have been blessed to have new people come into the life of St. John’s, and it will be fun to get to know one another as we move into the fall.

On September 7th, we will Bless Backpacks at 10:00 am and then have a Welcome Back to Fall coffee hour. We will celebrate the beginning of a new school/program year and then have an opportunity for fellowship and discovering how God is calling us to participate in the life of St. John’s.

On September 14th, children and youth formation will resume. Refer to Lori Wilson’s article in this issue of Chimes for more details.

On September 29th, we will have a gathering at the rectory for parents who have had a child (or children) baptized during 2024 and thus far in 2025. We have celebrated a total of 27 baptisms over this time – 11 children in 2024 and 16 so far in 2025. This gathering will be a fun way for members of our younger families to get to know one another. In addition, it will be an opportunity to learn what the church offers for further formation, as well as discovering how baptism continues to form us as we grow.

As you may know, I am passionate about priest formation. I am so pleased to share that toward the end of September we will be welcoming a seminarian, Shoji Mizumoto, to St. John’s. Shoji comes to us from Berkley Divinity School at Yale. He is an experienced professional in the banking world, lay church leader, and a rising middler (second year) in seminary. He and his family live in White Plains. We will celebrate welcoming him into the life of St. John’s, and we are blessed to part of his formation for the priesthood.

On October 19th at 2:00 pm, we will have the first concert of the 2025-2026 season of our Paul-Martin Maki Music in the Manor Concert Series. For more exciting details and a sneak peek, see below in this issue of Chimes.

I am so thankful for all that God is doing in the life of St John’s this summer. As fall approaches, I am looking forward to discovering what God will be calling us to do.

Blessings and much love, Lisa+

Easter Appeal Update

In the face of shifting immigration policies and the termination of several crucial government programs, the Community Resource Center (CRC) is facing unprecedented need for family legal assistance support. The St. John's Easter Appeal committee unanimously voted to direct any funds raised in this year's Easter Appeal to these efforts at CRC. In addition, an anonymous St. John's parishioner generously offered to match all funds raised dollar for dollar, up to $30,000. At the conclusion of the Easter Appeal -- 50 days from Easter to Pentecost -- $23,572.01 had been received for this effort. In addition, the generous matching parishioner donated the full match of $30,000 directly to CRC.

Thank you to all who participated in this important work, including the Easter Appeal committee and Dacey Hall for serving as this year's Chair.

Our Prayers and Call to Action Continue

On Monday, August 18, we hosted a prayer vigil for those who have been unlawfully detained, for their loved ones, and for all those who are afraid. About 60 people attended, in person and via Zoom. We shared prayers, music, and silence, and candles were lit in solidarity with those who are suffering.

Below I am again sharing the prayers from the Rt. Rev. Matt Heyd, Bishop of New York. Please continue to lift these prayers and hold all of our vulnerable brothers and sisters in your heart:

Let us pray for all those held in unjust detention, for their families, and for all whose lives are disrupted by fear, injustice, and the misuse of power. Lord, hear our prayer.

Uphold all who are detained without cause, and all whose dignity is denied by unjust systems. Give wisdom and courage to those who work for their release and advocate for their rights. Lord, hear our prayer.

Give your Church grace to speak with boldness, to stand with the oppressed, and to bear witness to your Beloved Community, where open doors offer sanctuary, the weary find rest, and your steadfast love is a refuge in time of trouble. Lord, hear our prayer.

This fall, we will again join with the wider Episcopal Church and celebrate the Season of Creation. This season will be marked by special readings and other wording in our Sunday worship liturgies. The season begins September 1 and continues through Sunday, October 5, when we will celebrate the Feast of St. Francis - including our fabulous annual Blessing of the Animals! Come enjoy these beautiful liturgies with a focus on God's amazing Creation.

Are you, like so many others, drowning under the weight of fresh zucchini from your garden? Can't shred it fast enough? Already left too many on your neighbor's porch under cover of darkness? Here's a recipe that can help you survive the season's bounty. Enjoy!

Greek Yogurt Zucchini Bread🍞

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cook Time: 45 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour | 10 servings

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups grated zucchini (about 2 medium)
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
• 1/3 cup honey or maple syrup
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil or melted coconut oil
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour (or all-purpose flour)
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or chocolate chips (optional)

Method:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, Greek yogurt, honey, oil, and vanilla extract until smooth.
3. Stir in the grated zucchini.
4. In another bowl, combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
5. Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined. Do not overmix.
6. Fold in walnuts or chocolate chips if desired.
7. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread evenly.
8. Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
9. Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

* * *

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!

* * *

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!