Chimes Lent 2025

In this issue

An Invitation to a Holy Lent

As we approach Lent this year, I am more aware than ever of the need to really take a deep inward examination of my soul in the midst of everything going on in our country and in the world. Lent calls us to repent from what is distracting us from who we are and whose we are as beloved children of God. So many people are living in fear of an unknown future, many of whom are seeking peace, hope, welcoming, and prayer from our community. We need to have our eyes and hearts open for all that God is calling us to do in our own lives, the lives of our family and our church to discover the light of Christ residing in each of us and to take heart in God’s promise to never let us go.

Lent offers each of us a call to a season of metanoia, which is Greek for literally turning around and returning to a place of love and an intentional closeness to God. How can we do this work in our lives? We can search for what we are grateful for in our lives, we can add prayers and devotions (see some examples in this Chimes), we can engage in the sacrament of Reconciliation of the Penitent, just you and the priest, which begins on page 447 in the Book of Common Prayer (BCP), which is a powerful way to name the sins that you have not been able to let go of through your private prayers with God and in our corporate confession in worship services. One of my most favorite prayers in the BCP within this sacrament is on page 450.

There is much division in this world, and in Lent I try to focus on ways to find common ground as beloved children of God, so that despite our differences, regardless of how small or gigantic, we find the holy in one another and those we encounter, and strive for peace and justice. Please pray over the choices of healing and pondering and prayer that will be offered this Lent. Dive in to the gift of examining and preparing your soul this season to be ready to be open to the journey of the brutal death of Christ, who intimately knows our suffering, and God’s promise to make all things new through the resurrection of Jesus on Easter.

Peace, Lisa+

Lenten Resources

The Disciple's Way

One of the choices we are offering for Lenten meditations is The Disciple’s Way, published by the Forward Movement of the Episcopal Church. The daily meditations are written by leaders across the church. The 7 areas of meditation are: turn, follow, learn, pray, serve, worship, and share. The image of a large sailing ship offers these topics as sails on the boat that carry us on the journey.

We have several copies in the office; feel free to pick one up, and a $5 donation is appreciated as you are able. You may use this book on your own, or join us each Wednesday after the 7 a.m. Holy Eucharist: March 12, 19, 26, and April 2, 9, 16.

Walking Together - Sundays after Church

Come to the Undercroft after the 10:00 am service on March 16, 23, 30 or April 6 to try something new! Check out any or all of these offerings:

  • Walk the Labyrinth: Instruction will be given by Lori Wilson.
  • Silent Meditation on the faces of Easter, in the small classroom. Information will be there.
  • Rev. Lisa & Rev. Dorothy will share Lenten practices in one of the classrooms.
Check out these prayer resources
  • Daily Meditations from Episcopal Relief & Development (ERD). This Lenten season, join us for Episcopal Relief & Development’s 2025 Lenten Meditations, authored by Jerusalem Jackson Greer. Titled “A Commonplace Lent,” through daily reflections, readers are invited to embrace their shared spiritual journey and the ordinary gifts of community. As we walk this path together, let’s celebrate our connections through prayer, worship and service. Visit episcopalrelief.org/Lent to subscribe to daily emails, read the meditations online or download a PDF.
  • 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!

Midnight Run Recap

A Rainy Night of Service: Our Midnight Run

On a cold and rainy Friday night in January, a dedicated group of middle and high school students, along with adults from our parish, gathered in the Undercroft—not for shelter from the weather, but to serve. Together, they sorted, labeled, and assembled bags of toiletries, clothing, and food, preparing to share warmth and care with those in need on the streets of New York City.

For many, this was their first experience participating in a Midnight Run, but their willingness to step into this ministry was nothing short of inspiring. Instead of spending their Friday night elsewhere, these compassionate individuals chose to be the hands, heart, and voice of God, offering kindness and dignity to those who need it most.

A heartfelt thank you to everyone who donated food, toiletries, and clothing—your generosity made a tangible difference. And a special thank you to the Conte family for taking on the reins of leadership for this service project at St. John’s. Your dedication and guidance made this outreach possible.

We look forward to our next Midnight Run this spring and invite you to be part of this meaningful ministry!

Welcome & Reach Lenten Series

by Dolores Battalia and Robin Ingram, Community Outreach Co-Chairs

Inspired by a phrase in one of Rev. Lisa's January sermons, "Welcome and Reach," the Community Outreach Committee met and decided to create a Lenten series of speakers to increase awareness in the parish about the many organizations that we support through the ECW bazaar and White Elephant, the annual church budget, and the activities of parishioners and youth. Each Sunday in Lent we have invited a different organization that we support financially to speak during the 10 AM service for 5-10 minutes to share why this ministry continues to be so important. Some speakers may stay around for Coffee Hour at 11:00 am to meet you and answer questions. At this time we aren't sure whether any speakers will join us for the 8 AM service, but they have been invited.

These are the organizations that are participating in this series:

  • Sunday, March 9: Larchmont Mamaroneck Community Counseling Center La Casa Program
  • Sunday, March 16: Midnight Run
  • Sunday, March 23: Larchmont Friends of the Family
  • Sunday, March 30: Meals on Main Street
  • Sunday, April 6: Sharing Shelf

As part of our Lenten series we are asking families to donate something simple for each organization; for example we are collecting travel toothpaste for Midnight Run and making homemade cards during Coffee Hour for Larchmont Friends of the Family. There will be a collection box in the back of the church each week. On the last day of our series, April 6, we will ask the children to bring forward the items donated and created to be blessed at the Offertory.

It is our sincere hope that you will learn about some of the ministries valued by our parish community.

St. John's Vestry 2025

Did you know? You can easily find information on the Vestry on the Vestry page of the St. John's website, including minutes from Vestry meetings and the Annual Meeting. Simply go to: I'm New then click Vestry.

Here's a pic of the current Vestry from their retreat earlier this month.

Top row: Sonny Wooten, Adrienne Skinner, Melany Gray, Frank Pierson, Christine Healey de Casanova, Matt Wrzesniewsky, Chris Plunkett, Pete Bennitt, Trish Patterson. Bottom row: Dacey Hall, Rev. Lisa Mason, Erin Constabile, Kurt Wiesenfluh, Ollie Maggard, Brooks Powlen. Not pictured: Gus Harwood

Book Recycling

by Carolyn Gallaher

For some of us, books are special; often bringing a sense of relaxation and anticipation as you open the cover and then become engrossed in someone else’s story or perspective. For others, especially those with less means, a book is something that is truly theirs alone-a friend, a companion. For environmental reasons, we also try to keep children’s books not sold at the Holiday or White Elephant event out of the waste stream.

This December, Hope Community Services received over 200 pristine books - 80% of them accompanied by a washed and refurbished stuffed animal (from the Bazaar) banded to the book and related to the subject. Trinity-St Paul in New Rochelle received about 10 books including a French Dictionary (for their Haitian clients), 6 Christian/Christmas books (including an exquisite edition of the Twelve Days of Christmas), age- appropriate activity books for their preschool and Sunday school kids along with 15 absolutely beautiful hand-puppets including 8 wild animals, 4 Mickey Mouse & Donald Duck. These items will add spark to lessons for their Sunday School and daily pre -school program. Amy Tietz, President of the Friends of the New Rochelle Library, was delighted with the selection of like-new books she received for their holiday sale. Children’s books that don’t sell at their event are packaged for teachers for use in their classroom and libraries. This amazing group raised $75000. through such fund-raising efforts this past year. One box of books was taken to Scarsdale Women’s Club which has a book committee that will forward the books to their projects. Last week I finished patching, gluing, covering up dedications with colored paper or designs about 45 interesting and in-demand books that have been put on the Free Book Shelf on Palmer.

The most helpful item was what looked like a frog stuffed animal but on closer look, the vest opened up to display the interior organs of the frog with description of function printed out on cards attached by a ribbon to the organ. Jennifer Keefe of Sheldrake was thrilled with this teaching tool as well as the 8-10 like new paperback and hardback books focused on the environment and nature. A few are duplicates which Jennifer appreciates because now they have a lending copy.

In early March ECW will hold their White Elephant sale where, again, children’s books can be donated. As with books donated in December, those unsold will find good homes and a second life with appreciative readers, some of whom will value the books as treasures.

First Communion Classes

A Special Journey for Parents & Children

Join us for our upcoming First Communion Classes, where parents and children will explore the meaning and process of First Communion in the Episcopal Church. There is no set age or timeline—this sacred step is a personal and meaningful journey for each family.

📅 March 9 & March 23, 2025 ⏰ 9:00–9:45 AM 📍 Living Room, St. John’s

All are welcome! Whether your child is preparing to receive Communion for the first time or you simply want to learn more, this is a beautiful opportunity to grow in faith together.

Living Stations at St. John's

A Powerful Evening of Reflection

Join us for an unforgettable Living Stations of the Cross at St. John’s. This powerful evening of faith, fellowship, and reflection brings the journey of Christ’s Passion to life in a deeply moving way.

📅 Sunday, April 6, 2025 at 6:30 PM (for Families, Friends & the Community)

Sound Shore Youth Groups are invited to participate in this immersive experience. Families, friends, and the entire community are welcome to witness and take part in this sacred event at 6:30 PM.

We look forward to sharing this special evening with you!

St. John’s Youth Empowerment Council (SJYEC) – Making a Difference!

Our St. John’s Youth Empowerment Council (SJYEC) is officially up and running! This dynamic team of young leaders is committed to making a real impact in our community.

Meet the SJYEC Leadership Team:

  • Chair: Wyatt Lonegro
  • Vice-Chair: Morgan VanderWoude
  • Minutes: Luka Mincemoyer
  • Communications: Ele Esposito
  • Treasurer: Owen Lonegro
  • Archivist: Lucy Foglia
  • Advisors: Robin Ingram, Rev. Lisa Mason, Lori Wilson

The council is hard at work finalizing their mission and vision statement and developing a grant application process to support youth-led initiatives. They are excited to host a grant ceremony on June 1, 2025—stay tuned for more details!

We are so proud of these young leaders and can’t wait to see the incredible work they will do.

VBS 2025: Walking in God's Love

Experience God’s Love in Action at VBS!

Get ready for an incredible summer of fun, faith, and friendship at St. John’s Larchmont! Our Vacation Bible School (VBS) theme, Walking in God’s Love, invites children to discover love in action—through forgiveness, patience, and compassion—while having a blast.

For Our Youngest Adventurers (Ages 2–Kindergarten)

📅 June 16–20, 2025 ⏰ 9:00 AM–Noon

Little ones will embark on a joyful journey filled with prayer, play, creative activities, music, and hands-on acts of kindness. Plus, exciting surprises await to make their week truly unforgettable!

For Our First Through Fifth Graders

📅 July 14–18, 2025 ⏰ 9:00 AM–3:00 PM

Older children will dive into an action-packed week of faith-filled activities, uplifting music, and meaningful ways to put God’s love into practice. Afternoons will be filled with laughter, adventure, and surprise fun—creating memories to last a lifetime!

Registration Details

💰 Fee: $300 per participant (includes program materials, a T-shirt, and snacks). Students should bring their own lunch.

VBS is made possible by our incredible team of high school and college youth and adults. High schoolers can earn service hours while making a meaningful impact—sign up as a volunteer today! (On the registration form, select “Volunteer” under “Participant’s upcoming grade.”)

Adults, we need your gifts and talents, too! Click here to learn more about volunteering opportunities.

✨ Ready to Join the Fun? Click here to register your child today! Two weeks before VBS begins, you'll receive an email with all the details on drop-off, pick-up, and everything you need to know.

We can't wait to walk in God’s love with you this summer!

~*~

Music Updates

We are preparing a children’s musical and would like lots of kids to participate! There are spoken parts, choruses and solos. We are casting for all parts in the coming weeks, so it would be great to have everyone come to our weekly choir rehearsals after church, 11:15 AM - 12:00 PM in the Chapter Room.

The musical is The Lost Boy: Young Jesus in the Temple, by Allen Pote and Tom S. Long. It tells the story from Luke when Mary and Joseph lose track of twelve-year-old Jesus during Passover. They later find him teaching in the temple. There are fun choruses, solos, speaking parts and narrators. This is a lot of fun - we hope you can participate!

Email Matthew Lewis with any questions you might have.

Upcoming Liturgical Choir Highlights

  • Ash Wednesday, March 5 - A soloist from the choir will sing at the noon and 7:00 PM services
  • Sunday, March 9 - The first Sunday in Lent begins with the Great Litany in procession
  • Easter Sunday, April 20 - Music for choir, organ and trumpet at both 9:00 & 11:00 AM services
Staff fun: Lori Wilson, Laura Rawlings, and Chris Palmer

St. John's: More Than a Parish—A Community Hub of Faith, Connection, and Service

by Lori Wilson

St. John’s is more than just a local Episcopal parish—it is a vibrant center of faith, connection, and community life. While we are deeply rooted in the liturgical, sacramental, and communal traditions of the Church, our mission extends far beyond Sunday worship. Every day, St. John’s opens its doors to bring people together in meaningful, life-giving ways.

A Place for Learning and Growth

From the youngest members of our community to lifelong learners, St. John’s is a hub of education and spiritual formation. On any given day, you might find:

  • A lively nursery school filled with the laughter of young children learning and growing.
  • Adult and youth formation classes that deepen faith and foster personal growth.
  • Interfaith prayer services that build bridges of understanding among different traditions.

A Gathering Place for Healing and Wellness

St. John’s is also a place where people come to find support, renewal, and well-being. We host:

  • AA meetings, providing a space for those seeking strength and healing.
  • Yoga classes that promote physical and spiritual wellness.
  • At Home on the Sound, supporting older adults in living independently with dignity.

A Center for Outreach and Service

Service is at the heart of St. John’s. We believe faith calls us to act with compassion in our local and global community. Here, we:

  • Organize meal programs and Midnight Runs to serve those in need.
  • Host bazaars and white elephant sales, with proceeds supporting outreach programs that benefit women and children.

A Home for the Arts and Celebration

St. John’s is also a cultural and artistic hub, welcoming all to experience the beauty of creativity and community. We offer:

  • Professional music concerts that inspire and uplift.
  • A home for Valley Road Theatre, a local youth-run theater company, bringing performances to life.
  • A sacred space for weddings, baptisms, and funerals, marking life’s most important moments.

At St. John’s, faith is lived out not just in the pews, but in the way we gather, serve, and celebrate together. Whether you’re here to worship, learn, heal, serve, or simply connect, you’ll find a place where you belong. Come and experience St. John’s—where faith and community meet.

Mark Your Calendars!

Tuesday, March 4 at 6:30pm - Shrove Tuesday Pancakes & Bacon!

This upcoming Tuesday evening you are all invited to come to a Pancake and Bacon Party at St. John’s Church in the Undercroft to prepare our hearts and minds for Lent. Shrove Tuesday is celebrated as a day of fasting and confession before entering the season of Lent. The popular tradition of eating pancakes recognizes the celebration of life before we turn our faces to Jerusalem and all that happens on that journey. Pancakes are a symbol of emptying your pantry of eggs and fats in preparation for the fasting and foregoing of large feasts during Lent.

There will be our traditional children’s activities of burying the alleluia caterpillars and decorating an Easter banner. Burying the alleluia caterpillars represent that we “bury” the alleluias in our service to worship in a more penitential manner. On Easter we will celebrate Christ's resurrection as we “unbury” the alleluia caterpillars and unfurl our Easter banner.

Hope to see you next Tuesday, 3/4 at 6:30pm.

Peace, Lisa+

PS - there are still a couple of spots available on the signup. Please click here to take a look and help if you can! Thank you.

Wednesday, March 5 - Ash Wednesday

Holy Eucharist with Imposition of Ashes

  • 7:00 am - Holy Eucharist Rite I
  • 12:00 pm - Holy Eucharist Rite II with music & zoom
  • 7:00 pm - Holy Eucharist Rite II with music & zoom
Rev. Lisa will again be offering Ashes to Go at the Larchmont Train Station.
March 7-8 - White Elephant Event

REMINDERS:

  • We are accepting donations beginning Sunday, March 2 through Wednesday, March 5. Hours: Sun, Mar 2, noon-4pm and Mon-Wed, Mar 3-5, 9am-3pm.
  • We still need volunteers to help set-up and sell! Click here for more info and to sign up on SignUpGenius.
  • For MORE INFO on donations and volunteer opportunities, please click here for our White Elephant Tag Sale web page.

Proceeds benefit the ECW Outreach Grants which support local not-for-profits helping women and children.

Sunday, March 30 at 4:00 pm - Wine & Cheese Easter Egg Stuffing Event

Join the Fun!

Get into the Easter spirit with a fun and festive Wine & Cheese Easter Egg Stuffing event! We’re looking for 10 adult volunteers to help us prepare for Easter by stuffing eggs while enjoying great conversation, a glass of wine, and the joy of serving our parish.

📅 Sunday, March 30th ⏰ 4:00 – 5:00 PM 📍 Rev. Lisa’s Office

It’s a simple yet meaningful way to give back, connect with friends, and celebrate the season. Come sip, chat, and stuff some eggs with us!

Sign up here: Wine & Cheese Easter Egg Stuffing Signup

Wednesdays in Lent

Wednesdays in Lent (March 12, 19 & 26 and April 2, 9 & 16), the following will be offered:

  • 7:00 am Holy Eucharist (30 minutes)
  • 7:30 am Discussion Group - "The Disciple's Way"
  • 7:00 pm Compline

Sundays in Lent

Every Sunday this Lent, we will offer our regularly-scheduled activities:

  • 8:00 am - Holy Eucharist Rite I
  • 9:00 am - Morning Prayer (outdoors)
  • 10:00 am - Holy Eucharist Rite II with Choir
  • 10:00 am - Godly Play Sunday School for Sparklers & Explorers
  • 11:15 am - Children's Choir practice (Chapter Room)
  • 4:00 pm - Confirmation Class (Rector's Office)
  • 5:00 pm - Voyagers (Chapter Room)
  • 6:00 pm - Youth Dinner (Chapter Room)
  • 6:30 pm - Navigators (Balcony)

In addition, please note the following offerings for each of the Sundays in Lent:

Sunday, March 9 - Lent 1
  • 9:00 am - First Communion Class (Living Room)
  • 10:00 am - The service will begin with the Great Litany
  • 10:00 am - Our outreach speaker will be from Larchmont Mamaroneck Community Counseling Center La Casa Program
  • 11:15 am - Back by popular demand: Priest on a Hot Seat!
Sunday, March 16 - Lent 2
  • 10:00 am - Our outreach speaker will be from Midnight Run
  • 11:15 am - Lenten Practices in the Undercroft: Walk the Labyrinth, Meditate on the Faces of Easter, or discuss Lenten Practices with Rev. Lisa & Rev. Dorothy. Try one or all this season!
Sunday, March 23 - Lent 3
  • 9:00 am - First Communion Class (Living Room)
  • 10:00 am - Our outreach speaker will be from Larchmont Friends of the Family
  • 11:15 am - Lenten Practices in the Undercroft: Walk the Labyrinth, Meditate on the Faces of Easter, or discuss Lenten Practices with Rev. Lisa & Rev. Dorothy. Try one or all this season!
Sunday, March 30 - Lent 4
  • 10:00 am - Our outreach speaker will be from Meals on Main Street
  • 11:15 am - Lenten Practices in the Undercroft: Walk the Labyrinth, Meditate on the Faces of Easter, or discuss Lenten Practices with Rev. Lisa & Rev. Dorothy. Try one or all this season!
  • 4:00 pm - This week only: Confirmation Class will meet in the Balcony
  • 4:00 pm - Wine & Cheese Egg Stuffing Party (Rector's Office)
Sunday, April 6 - Lent 5
  • 10:00 am - Our outreach speaker will be from Sharing Shelf
  • 11:15 am - Lenten Practices in the Undercroft: Walk the Labyrinth, Meditate on the Faces of Easter, or discuss Lenten Practices with Rev. Lisa & Rev. Dorothy. Try one or all this season!
  • 4:00 pm - Sound Shore Youth Groups gather for Living Stations of the Cross
  • 6:30 pm - Friends, family and the community arrive for Living Stations of the Cross

Walk Together Through Holy Week at St. John's

Sunday, April 13 - Palm Sunday
  • 8:00 am - Holy Eucharist & Palm Procession and Newcomer Covenant
  • 9:00 am - Morning Prayer (outdoors)
  • 10:00 am - Holy Eucharist & Palm Procession and Newcomer Covenant
April 14-16 - Holy Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday
  • 7:00 am - Holy Eucharist Rite II
  • Note: On Holy Wednesday (4/16), Compline will also be offered at 7:00 pm.
Thursday, April 17 - Maundy Thursday
  • 6:30 pm Agape Meal, Foot Washing, and Holy Eucharist
Friday, April 18 - Good Friday
  • 12:00 noon - 3:00 pm - Good Friday Liturgy & Meditations
  • 3:00 pm - Bells toll 33 times
Sunday, April 20 - Easter Sunday
  • 6:30 am - Larchmont Ecumenical Easter Sunrise Service at Manor Park
  • 9:00 am - Holy Eucharist with Flowering of the Cross and Music for Choir, Organ and Trumpet
  • 10:00 am - Easter Egg Hunt
  • 11:00 am - Holy Eucharist with Music for Choir, Organ and Trumpet

Easter Flowers & Music

Deadline: Wednesday, April 9, 2025

The beautiful flowers which adorn St. John’s Church at Easter and the special celebratory music for trumpet, choir, and organ are offered to celebrate the Resurrection of Christ and to glorify God. We invite you to remember your family, friends, and other loved ones with a donation towards our Easter flowers and music. Dedications may be given in memory of or in thanksgiving for a family member, friend, or any blessing. The suggested donation is $50.

Dedications received by Wednesday, April 9 will be included in the Easter Sunday bulletin.

How to contribute to St. John’s Easter flowers:

  1. Click here to donate online using PayPal, OR
  2. Click here to download the paper order form. Deliver the completed form and a check to St. John’s Church (indicate “Easter Flowers & Music”), 4 Fountain Square, Larchmont, NY 10538.

Thank you!

~ * ~

Snow-covered Fountain Square

"God Has Chosen YOU!"

A special poem by Marilyn Paul (2/17/2025)

This month's recipe comes to us from our very own Kirk Mason. "The recipe below is an old traditional favorite in my family. My mother could quickly prepare it in large quantities for the five of us, especially with three growing, athletic, busy boys. It is full of flavors and textures. This beef stroganoff continues to be a favorite in our family. Our two sons make it and often request it when they visit us. It may not be the healthiest dish, but it sure is comfort food."

Hamburger Stroganoff

Ingredients

  • ¼ c. butter
  • ½ c. chopped onions
  • 1 lb. ground chuck
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 2 T. flour
  • 2 t. salt
  • ¼ t. accent
  • ¼ t. pepper
  • ¼ t. paprika
  • 2 small cans of chopped mushrooms
  • 1 small can of sliced water chestnuts
  • 1 can of cream of chicken soup
  • 1 c. sour cream
  • Snipped parsley
  1. Sauté onions in butter till golden in skillet.
  2. Stir in meat, garlic, flour, salt, accent, pepper, paprika, and mushrooms; sauté 5 min.
  3. Add soup; simmer uncovered 10 min. Stir in sour cream.
  4. Serve over rice, buttered noodles, baked potato. Sprinkle with parsley. Serves 6.

Enjoy! ~ Kirk

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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!

Even silly photos can make it into Chimes!