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Chimes

June 2026

In this issue

Greetings from Lisa+

Summer is off and running! On June 7th, we had two fabulous services with the Rt. Rev. Matt Heyd. This was his first official visit to our church and the energy was flowing abundantly, his and ours. He was so gracious engaging our "8 o’ clockers”, the vestry, our confirmands, and our youth empowerment council. The 10:00 AM service was packed full of all types of blessings and liturgical milestones. (See Lori Wilson’s article for more details). The picnic was so fun as well, with fabulous food, games for our children, and super and abundant conversation. Thank you to ALL who helped in any way to make everything over the top!  Vacation Bible School 2026 is in the books and was absolutely fantastic! We had 44 children divided into four age-appropriate groups and wonderful teachers and leaders. I was blessed to lead each group in a Godly Play lesson each day and lead the singing overall. There is so much joy, learning, playing, engaging in art projects, and sharing snacks together with fascinating conversations. Thank you to those of you who showed up at 11:30 this past Friday to literally see and hear the Light of Christ glowing abundantly, followed by yummy snow cones made by our own Lisa Young. Thank you again to Lori Wilson and the church staff, nursery school teachers, and volunteers who gave generously of their time to make it all happen! And thank you of course to the parents for entrusting us with your children.  The St. John’s Nursery School had another wonderful year! The end of the year celebrations and the graduation of the 4-year-olds was so moving. I do say I will definitely miss all the noise and joy they bring to the classrooms, hallways, and playground during the school year. Thank goodness that many of the nursery school students were in our VBS! We had a very productive summer vestry retreat on June 13. We are blessed to have an engaged, wise, creative, and committed vestry for which I am thankful, and I know you are as well. We gathered at the rectory for a brief official vestry meeting Friday evening to make sure we are prepared for the summer, as the vestry does not officially meet again until September. This was followed by a yummy dinner and good conversation. The actual retreat part of the meeting was Saturday and we immersed ourselves into the areas of worship, formation, outreach, campus care, and fellowship from the beginning of 2026, the present time, and where we are headed! 

Interesting happenings

There is a relatively large stuffed Jesus showing up around our campus. I have seen families place Him in their pew on a Sunday. I have placed Him in different places around the campus, and people enjoy discovering His presence. Feel free to put Him in a pew or somewhere else on the campus because “running into Jesus” is a fun encounter.

I was excited and blessed to attend the Seamen’s Church Institute’s annual Silver Bell Awards Dinner and the blessing of many of the boats that serve to protect the people on and near the New York waterways. I found it very moving and it called me to intentionally remember all the ways people are committed to protecting humanity on a daily basis.

There is a lot happening on our campus, much of which is covered in this issue by those overseeing them, so please read this whole wonderful issue and enjoy the photos, too! I pray you have a blessed summer here and wherever you go! And in case you have not heard me say this recently, I love you all and am so thankful and honored to be your rector!   Peace and gratitude, Lisa+

Rev. Dorothy on "Scoot", enjoying life on the Cape.

Midnight Run: May 15, 2026

by Joe Conte

Another great turnout for our Midnight Run on May 15th and a highly positive group effort by our parishioners and the greater community. Once more, we were able to count on the MHS Midnight Club, which sent several teenage volunteers. Members of St John’s of all ages, including families with young children, showed up to lend a hand that evening.   Everyone worked together as a team, sorting donated clothes and toiletries and loading these essentials into the cars and van that headed into NYC that night for four (much appreciated) stops. So many of you provided bagged lunches that we had more than enough to feed those we served, and took several shopping bags worth to a local shelter the next day!   We would also like to highlight how our teenage volunteers, some who are still in middle school, have demonstrated a level of leadership, responsibility, and dedication beyond their years to this process. A huge thanks to everyone for coming together and making this happen. We could not do this without your support and assistance.

St. John’s 2026 Easter Appeal:

The STEM Alliance “Summer Matters” Campaign

We are thrilled to announce that the total raised from our 2026 Easter Appeal to support The STEM Alliance’s Summer Matters Campaign is $21,131.34! Thank you to all who supported this incredibly important program (ministry in my mind) to keep children and youth engaged in learning and fun in community through the summer! It matters!  Thank you Dacey Hall for being our Chair, and Robin Ingram and Dolores Battalia for keeping track of all our many different outreach ministries. Peace, Lisa+

Campus Updates

by Chris Plunkett

It is a busy time at St. John’s!  Besides the normal activities and maintenance that is a constant at the Church, we are installing a much-needed new roof on the School / Administration building.  Work started on June 23 with the loading of all supplies by crane onto the roof.  Mt. Kisco Roofing is the contractor that was selected for the project.  You may recognize the name as they were the contractor who handled the recommended repair work to the various slate roofs of St. John’s last year.  This project is anticipated to last about 2 weeks, but Mother Nature has the ultimate say! 

This week also saw the start of the 2nd floor school bathroom project. Once done this will complete the long anticipated bathroom updates in the school building with modern and functional facilities. Elite Design continues as the project contractor, and we are very excited for the continuity and quality of work that we have come to expect from Elite Design. You may remember that Elite also was the lead contractor for the new Rectory. A new sound system in the Parish Hall has been recently installed. The system has met and exceeded our expectations both in quality, function, versatility and ease of use! I hope you have been able to share the benefits at recent functions in the Parish Hall!

Why is the Church so dark?

from the Archive Committee

If you have been at St. John’s in the past week or so, you have undoubtedly noticed that our beautiful stained glass window at the rear of the church has been removed for minor repair. The main repair is actually to the wooden frame, particularly the sill portion, which has become rotted from water damage. It was necessary to remove the window in order to access the damaged portions of wood. The window will also be treated with a protective plexiglass coating which will further protect it for the future. The work is being done by trusted master craftsmen, CR Lamb & Co., who have been deeply involved with the restoration and maintenance of our windows for many years. Click here to visit their website if you are interested in more information.   Here is some information about the window. The magnificent window at the rear of the church depicts St. John the Evangelist and Apostle for whom the church is named. It was made by Charles M. Shean, an American artist who worked in the 1800’s. The window is in the shape of a large Gothic arch and is divided by an overlay of wood tracery into three lancets, a rosette and several spandrels. The central lancet depicts St. John in Glory holding his Gospel with an eagle at his feet. The eagle is the particular attribute of St. John the Evangelist. The eagle is also a symbol of the Resurrection based on an early belief that the eagle periodically renewed its plumage and youth by flying near the sun and then plunging into the water. The window was given in memory of Charles H. Murray by his children after his death in 1897. Mr. Murray was the primary benefactor of St. John’s in its early years.

June 7: A Holy Gathering

Bishop Heyd Joined St. John's for Confirmation Sunday

Our "Super Mass" as Wyatt Lonegro called it!

by Lori Wilson

On the morning of June 7th, something unmistakable was in the air at St. John's. The 10 AM service drew together every thread of who we are as a community, and the result was one of those mornings you hold in memory for a long time. The Rt. Rev. Matthew F. Heyd, the 17th Bishop of New York, was with us for the full morning. He began by celebrating our 8 AM Rite I service along with Reverend Lisa and celebrated the 10 AM service as well. Before the liturgy, Bishop Heyd took time to meet with our Vestry, with our confirmation students, and with the St. John's Youth Empowerment Council. Those conversations mattered. A bishop who sits down with young people before he ever stands at the altar is showing us something about the kind of church we are called to be.

The service itself held the full richness of initiation. We began with a baptism, welcoming a new member into the Body of Christ and renewing, as a congregation, our own baptismal covenant. Confirmation, Reception, and Reaffirmation are all rooted in that same baptismal covenant, and we honored each of these rites on June 7th. Five individuals were confirmed, each making a mature and public affirmation of their faith through the laying on of hands by Bishop Heyd: Lloyd Chapin, Hewett Kenney, Lulu Kenney, Ellen Payne, and Cate Vance. We are so proud of each of them, and so grateful for the journey they have walked to arrive at this moment. Christina Battalia and Dolores Battalia were received into the Episcopal Church, a rite by which baptized Christians confirmed in another tradition are welcomed into the fellowship of the Episcopal Church, publicly affirming their faith and renewing the Baptismal Covenant. We are grateful they have found a home among us. Ollie Maggard had the opportunity to reaffirm his baptismal vows, a rite for those who desire to publicly renew their Christian commitment in the presence of the bishop and the community. What a gift to witness that renewal.

The SJYEC had a moment in the service as well, presenting their grant, the fruit of months of discernment, planning, and hard work. And Brian Halloran shared the story behind Break the Hold, speaking with honesty and heart about why he started it. There is something powerful about a congregation that makes room in its worship for the voices of people doing difficult, necessary work in the world.

After the service, we spilled out onto the lawn for a picnic. Laughter, food, and all of us together in the June sunshine. It was the right ending to a holy morning.

We are grateful to Bishop Heyd for his time, his care, and the grace he brought with him. And we are grateful to everyone who showed up, in whatever way they were able, to make June 7th what it was: a celebration of the living, breathing, growing Body of Christ at St. John's.

VBS 2026: God's Big Table

A Joyful Week at VBS!

by Lori Wilson

We had a wonderful Vacation Bible School week with our youngest children from June 15–19! With 44 students, 10 teachers, an art director, a master of song and Godly Play storyteller, and dedicated staff support, the week was a tremendous success and a joyful celebration of faith, friendship, creativity, and learning. Our theme for the week was God’s Big Table, and each day invited children to explore what it means to be welcomed, nourished, and sent out in God’s love.

  • Monday – Come as you are We began the week by exploring God’s invitation and welcome, remembering that everyone has a place at God’s table.
  • Tuesday – Sharing our gifts  Through the story of the loaves and fishes, children reflected on bringing what we have and how God can use our gifts to bless others.
  • Wednesday – Tables around the world  As we explored the story of the Sower, we reflected on how all living things need food and how God provides for creation in so many ways. Wednesday also brought a special surprise: a petting zoo! The children delighted in meeting an alpaca, goats, a sheep, bunnies, and a chicken, adding even more joy and wonder to the day.
  • Thursday – Many hands make a feast  We focused on community and caring for one another through the story of the Good Samaritan, learning that love is shown in action. One of the highlights of the day was making our own pretzels with Christina Battalia, our art director. Throughout the week, children also used their creativity to decorate their own placemats, aprons, and tablecloths, helping bring the spirit of God’s Big Table to life in colorful and meaningful ways.
  • Friday – Going out fed  We ended the week by thinking about being sent out to serve others, inspired by the Great Commission and reminded that God’s love is meant to be shared. To celebrate the end of the week, we set a large table and enjoyed our snack together as one community — a joyful culmination of all we had been learning about welcome, sharing, and belonging at God’s table.

  Along the way, there was plenty of time for outdoor play, singing, storytelling, and laughter. Some favorite songs from the week included “This Little Light of Mine,” “I Have Decided to Follow Jesus,” “He’s Got the Whole World in His Hands,” and “Light of the World.” To prepare for Godly Play, the children also sang “Lord, Prepare Me,” creating a calm and prayerful space for listening and reflection. We are deeply grateful for the many people who made this joyful week possible. Our teachers were Leslie Adamski, Gilda Blaiston, Diane Blass, Sharyn Boswell, Meegan Insley, Andrea Karamitsos, Cara Moore, Luke Palmer, Ellen Payne, and Tara Ryan. We also give thanks for Christina Battalia, our art director; Rev. Lisa Mason, our master of song and Godly Play storyteller; Lisa Young, who always helps with snow cones; and our wonderful staff support team: Lori Wilson, Chris Palmer, Francisco Vargas, Lisa Sommer, and Laura Rawlings. It was a beautiful week of storytelling, art, music, play, and growing together in faith around God’s Big Table.  Here is a video that captures the flavor of VBS:

Watch: VBS 2026

~*~

Formation Registration Now Open!

At St. John’s, we believe faith grows best in community — through stories shared, questions asked, and relationships built. That’s why we’re excited to invite your children and youth to be part of our 2026 Formation programs!  Sunday Mornings: Formation for PreK – Grade 5  Each week at 10:00 AM, children gather for Godly Play — a creative, story-centered way to explore faith. With hands-on materials and quiet wonder, kids engage deeply in the stories of our tradition. Children return to the sanctuary to join their families during the announcements. Sunday Evenings: Youth Groups & Confirmation Prep  Our Sunday evening programs create space for connection, reflection, and fun:

  • Confirmation Prep (8th grade & up): 4:00–5:00 PM
  • Middle School Youth Group - Voyagers: 5:00–6:00 PM
  • High School Youth Group - Navigators: 6:30–7:30 PM
  • St. John’s Youth Empowerment Council: 6:30-7:30PM

These gatherings help teens grow in faith, serve others, and build meaningful friendships — all in a welcoming and supportive environment. Ready to Join?  We’d love to welcome your family! Please click the button to register.

Register today

There is no cost to participate. While regular attendance helps build community, we understand families have busy schedules.  Calendars will be posted on the website when they are finalized.  Let’s grow in faith together this year!

~*~

EfM: Adventures in Faith

Two Spots Left in Education for Ministry

St. John's EfM 2025-26

We’re excited to share that there are just two spaces remaining in our 2026-2027 Education for Ministry (EfM) group. EfM is a small-group program developed by the University of the South’s School of Theology and offered throughout the Episcopal Church. Over four years, participants explore scripture, church history, theology, and the call to live out their faith in daily life. You don’t need to be on a path to ordination — most participants aren't! You just need to be open to thoughtful conversation, learning, and a desire to understand more fully how your faith really impacts your daily living. Our group meets weekly on Tuesday evenings at St. John's, in addition to four Saturday mini-retreats. Our new year of study begins September 29, 2026. If you’re curious or interested, please contact the group's co-mentors, Chris Marmora Palmer or Lori Wilson. We’d love to talk with you about joining this transformative journey.

EfM co-mentors Chris & Lori

There is another possibility...

Something new is coming to St. John's this fall, and we think it might be exactly what some of you have been waiting for. In addition to our EfM: Classic group that meets onsite at St. John's, we are offering EfM: Wide Angle — a one-year formation experience from the School of Theology at the University of the South in Sewanee — with an alternative format: one Sunday a month, 3 hours, via Zoom. EfM: Wide Angle is a one-year experience of all things EfM, created to offer an authentic small-group formation experience for those who want to explore scripture, history, spiritual practice, and theological reflection — without the four-year commitment of EfM: Classic. Preparation draws on a variety of learning resources: videos, podcasts, and short readings alongside other books. 

What will we actually do together? Each session gathers us around three things EfM has always centered: worship, discussion and theological reflection. You will bring your real life into conversation. You will be heard. You will be invited to think more carefully — and more honestly — about what you believe and how that shapes what you do. EfM helps participants explore their faith, deepen their spiritual lives, engage with the ministry we all share called life, and discern how God is calling you to serve in the world.   This might be for you if...

  • You have been curious about EfM but not sure you could commit to a weekly onsite group
  • You completed EfM: Classic and want to keep the practice going
  • You are somewhere in the middle of your faith journey and looking for honest companions
  • You want more than a Bible study, but you are not ready for a seminary course

The details:

  • One Sunday a month via Zoom, beginning September 20, 2026
  • 3 hours per session
  • Facilitated by Chris Marmora Palmer and Lori Wilson, both accredited EfM mentors
  • Group size is no more than 12

To register or ask questions, contact Chris and/or Lori. We are glad to talk it through with you before you decide.

Adventures in Faith. That is what one of our group members called it, and we have never found a better description.

~*~

SJYEC

St. John's Youth Empowerment Council

This past year our St. John’s Youth Empowerment Council raised $10,000 for the cause they identified - youth mental health.  After a year of hard work, they awarded their grant on Sunday, January 7th to John Halloran of Break the Hold.  

Watch the grant presentation

Four SJYEC members are graduating seniors – Wyatt Lonegro, Daniel Wetmore, Luka Mincemoyer, and Morgan Vanderwoude.  They were thanked for their leadership by Ele Esposito, the new chair of the council.   They are beginning to raise funds for their 2027 grant.  You can help.  The group will identify their focus in the early fall.  In the meantime, we are fundraising for the cause already. 

👉 Make a Donation to SJYEC (select "SJYEC" from the dropdown menu)

Want to Get Involved?  Please talk to your High school or college-age students about getting involved in this wonderful opportunity to really make a different.  All are invited to apply to become a SJYEC board member and be part of this exciting, faith-filled work. 

👉 Apply Here

Thank you for supporting the next generation of compassionate, faith-driven leaders!

~*~

Music Updates

On May 31, the parish was treated to a wonderful production of Life of the Party: The Story of Mary & Martha, by Allen Pote and Tom S. Long. The performances were delightful and brought a lot of joy to the congregation!

July 12: A Special Piano Recital

Dudana Mazmanishvili, an incredibly accomplished pianist, came into our lives at the age of 8. Through connections with our son Rand's piano teacher, she and her mother came from the Republic of Georgia to stay with us in our home in Corpus Christi, Texas to participate in an international piano competition. She blessed our house with phenomenal music under the tutelage of her mother. Rand has remained very good friends with her ever since. We have been honored to attend several of Dudana's concerts in NYC, and next month she and her young daughter will stay in the rectory while performing in the city at this year's International Keyboard Institute & Festival. While in New York, she has offered to play a concert at St. John's on July 12th at 2:00 p.m. This is not part of the Music in the Manor Concert Series, but rather a gift from Dudana in celebration of our now very long friendship. There are no tickets to purchase, but rather a concert to simply enjoy. If you feel so called, you may offer a donation, but none is required.    Come meet our longtime friend and enjoy a lovely concert.    Peace, Lisa+ 

A Labyrinth for St. John's

Owen Lonegro, a Life Scout in Troop 4 and rising junior at Mamaroneck High School, is preparing to complete his Eagle Scout service project at St. John’s this August and September. Troop 4 is sponsored by St. John’s, where Owen and his family are parishioners, and Owen has also been active in the life of the church through the Navigators youth group and as Treasurer of the St. John’s Youth Empowerment Council. To earn the rank of Eagle Scout, each candidate must plan, lead, and carry out a significant service project that benefits the community. For his project, Owen will build a meditative labyrinth in the corner of the playfield next to the new rectory, across Grove Avenue from the church. Inspired by the historic labyrinth at Chartres Cathedral, the project will create a scaled-down, five-circuit walking path outlined with light-colored stone blocks set nearly flush with the ground so that the space remains safe, low-maintenance, and compatible with playfield use. Owen chose this project as a way to give back to St. John’s and to help create a quiet, meaningful place for reflection, prayer, and meditation that can be used and enjoyed by parishioners and the wider Larchmont community.

We are thankful and excited about Owen’s Eagle Scout project. A labyrinth on our campus will offer a beautiful prayer and reflection experience for the parish and the wider community. Information about how to walk the labyrinth will be provided in a waterproof box attached to the fence. We are hoping to have a bench or two to provide a place to prepare to pray the labyrinth or to sit and reflect on the journey you just experienced.  We are inviting the St. John’s to be a part of this beautiful addition to our life by donating $10.00 per stone; we need 560 stones for this project. These stones do not lend themselves to engraving, but the whole community has the opportunity to literally be a part of this holy addition to St. John’s. To buy a stone, go to Tithely, select “Other” from the fund dropdown, and enter “Stones” in the memo. If you prefer, you may give a check made payable to St. John’s Church, noting “Stones” in the memo.  When the labyrinth is complete, we will gather to thank Owen and our donors, and bless this new holy place together!  Peace, Lisa+ 

St. John's Nursery School

Congratulations to this year's graduates!

This month's recipe was shared by a friend, who believes it was originally from Taste of Home magazine. Enjoy the delicious bounty of the summer harvest, with a peachy twist!

Peach Caprese Salad

Ingredients:

  • 1 large heirloom tomato, sliced
  • 2 medium peaches, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
  • 8-12 fresh basil leaves
  • 8 ounces fresh mozzarella, sliced or broken into small pieces
  • 2 Tbsp. EVOO
  • 2 Tbsp. balsamic vinegar
  • Sea salt, to taste
  • Coarsely ground pepper, to taste

Layer the peaches, tomato, cheese, and basil on a platter. Drizzle with EVOO and vinegar, then sprinkle with salt and freshly-ground pepper to taste. Makes 4-6 servings.

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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!