Chimes January 2026

In this issue

Epiphany Message from Rev. Lisa

Each year on January 6th, we enter the season of Epiphany; a season of light, revelation, and experiences of manifestations of Christ. We hear and “see” the journey of the wise men, or the three kings, as they follow the star of wonder to behold the baby who came into this world who would change the world forever. Upon their arrival to the manger, they immediately recognize that they are in the presence of the Holy One, and Christ is revealed to the gentiles. This past Sunday, the revelation of who Jesus was and is, came from the voice of God proclaiming “This is my Son, the Beloved, with whom I am well pleased.” As we journey through this Epiphany season, be watching and listening for the presence of Christ in others, in yourself, and in the places you live and move and have your being. God speaks and appears in the most amazing subtle and not-so-subtle ways; may we have eyes to see, ears to hear, and hearts ready to receive the light. Rev. Lisa+

Annual Meeting

Please attend to get an update on St. John's finances, outreach, and other ministries.

This year’s annual parish meeting will take place on Sunday, January 25. Here are the details:

  • After an abbreviated Eucharist service at 10:00 am in the sanctuary, we will move to the Parish Hall for this year's annual meeting. Please note that while the 10am service will be Zoomed, the annual meeting will not be, as you need to be present to vote.
  • The nominations will be presented and we will vote for this year’s Nominating Committee.
  • We will elect four Vestry members and the Junior Warden. (Note that Pete Bennitt will continue as Senior Warden, as there is another year remaining in his term.)
  • As we have announced, the 2026 Nominating Committee has put forward the following slate: Junior Warden for a second, two-year term: Chris Plunkett; Vestry candidates for three-year term: Bob Goodman, Paul Luce, Lexi Massey, and Nancy Pierson. Please see the bios for each candidate, below.
  • The Annual Report will be distributed in the week before the Annual Meeting. Please read the Annual Report before the meeting. This will give you a chance to reflect on what is presented and to formulate any questions you'd like to share at the meeting.

Reminder to Ministry Leaders: Please submit your reports for the Annual Report by Monday, January 19. Thank you!

The Vestry Nominating Committee, comprised of Susan Matelich (Chair), Maile Lesica, Charlie Chubet, Diana Hechler, Barbara Gessler, and Caroline Norton Vance, is pleased to announce the slate for Vestry members to be elected at our Annual Meeting, January 25, 2026.

Junior Warden

Chris Plunkett

I am a proud lifelong resident of Larchmont and currently hold the role of Director of Operations for a non-profit trade association based in New York. In addition to my professional endeavors, I have actively contributed to my community in various ways. One of my most fascinating and invaluable experiences was serving on the Co-op Board where I live, taking on different roles and eventually serving as President. Moreover, I've dedicated my time to volunteering on the iconic High Line in Manhattan. St. John's holds a special place in my heart, as it has been a part of my family for as long as I can remember. My connection to the church traces back to my mother, who was a devoted member. Some of my fondest memories involve assisting my mom in replenishing supplies after the 8:00 am services, joining in on the beautiful church decorations for holidays, baking for the Bake Sale, and even preparing mouthwatering chili for the Bazaar, (it was the recipe, not the cook!). Through my volunteer work at St. John's, I have witnessed firsthand the incredible impact the church has on the parish and the wider community. As I've grown older, St. John's has become an integral part of my life. I've come to realize that I receive immeasurable fulfillment from being a part of this community, far beyond what I could ever give back. It is truly an honor and fills me with eagerness to continue contributing to the wonderful work being done at St. John's. I am excited about the opportunities that lie ahead and the positive impact we can make together.

Three-Year Term

Bob Goodman

I was born and raised on Long Island and grew up attending the Catholic Church. My wife, Diane, and I moved to Larchmont in 1989 and joined St. John’s that year. We soon discovered it was a great fit for us and our soon to be growing family. Our three children (Vicky, John, and Katie) were baptized and confirmed at St John’s and were all involved in Sunday School, the junior choir and as acolytes.     As a member of St. John’s, I’ve served on the Finance and Investment Committee, the house committee for the renovation of the new rectory, and I am a proud honorary member of the Altar Guild (hymn boards are my specialty).     Professionally, I’ve worked in the finance industry since graduating from college some 40 plus years ago. I currently work for a small firm in Connecticut and am lucky enough to work mainly from home.   I would be honored to serve on the Vestry and look forward to the challenges and rewards of carrying on the Church’s mission.

Paul Luce

I first came to St. John’s in 2017, shortly after moving to Scarsdale from London. On my very first Sunday, I was warmly welcomed by Jmel Wilson, who—within minutes—discovered that I had sung tenor at my parish church in England. Before coffee hour ended, Wendy McFee insisted I be introduced to then Music Director Paul Maki, and I left that morning as a newly-minted member of the St. John’s choir. Talk about a great first Sunday!   Around the same time, I began training as a ramen chef at a small restaurant and Japanese supermarket in Scarsdale. I worked my way into senior management and am now a partner in the business, which opened its second restaurant in Ardsley in July of last year.    This year, I also joined the Church Pension Group, the Episcopal Church’s pension fund and benefits organisation, where I manage client relations across New England, Long Island, Newark, and with our Spanish-speaking clientele in Central America.   As a millennial, I’m deeply motivated to take an active role in St. John’s continued growth.  I’m especially inspired by how the parish has flourished under the leadership of the Rev. Lisa Mason and the incredible transformation of our music department under Dr. Matthew Lewis, and look forward to helping strengthen and expand that momentum in the years ahead.

Lexi Massey

I am a native of Cape Elizabeth, Maine where I was raised in my local Episcopal Church. My faith journey began at St. Albans Episcopal Church, where I attended Sunday School, participated in Youth Groups, was confirmed, and eventually married my husband, PJ Massey of Larchmont, NY. Faith has always been an integral part of my identity, and St. John’s has been an important part of my family’s life since PJ and I moved to the area and started a family. We joined as parishioners in 2021 and have embraced our church community more and more each year. Our children, Bodie (4) and Lily (16 months), were both baptized by the Rev. Lisa Mason, and I actively participate in both adult and family programming. Bodie enjoys Godly Play each Sunday and both children have participated in the annual Christmas Pageant (Lily making her debut as Baby Jesus in 2024). I typically attend the 10:00 AM service.  Professionally, I have dedicated nearly a decade to admissions work for Independent Schools, including my roles at the Convent of the Sacred Heart - 91st Street in Manhattan, and most recently at Rye Country Day School in Rye, NY. In June 2025, I made the significant decision to stay at home to raise our two children. Throughout my life I have been an active community member and volunteer where and when I can. I would be honored to serve St. John’s on the Vestry and am committed to helping it fulfill its mission.

Nancy Pierson

I moved with my husband Frank and three daughters to Larchmont in 1993 and we immediately joined St. John’s.  Our three girls attended Sunday School and confirmation classes,-though only one chose to make her confirmation.  Two were in the Junior Choir and there were a few attempts at being Altar Servers. I was a Sunday School teacher, and co-chaired the Children’s Bazaar for a few years before becoming co-chair of the White Elephant.  I have been on the selection committee for the Vestry membership and co-chaired the Search Committee that eventually recommended Rev. Lisa to the Vestry.   Most recently, I co-led the ECW for 3 years and am currently an active member of the Altar Guild.  In 33 years, I have never been on the vestry and look forward to serving. I was raised and married in the Episcopal Church, graduated from Colgate University and have an MS in Speech and Language Pathology.  I was an active member in our local PTAs, including SEPTA (Special Education) and served on the Mamaroneck Board of Education for nine years. Currently, when not visiting my four grandsons in Wyoming, I spend my time volunteering as chair of our local Human Rights Committee, teaching English to new immigrants and volunteering weekly at Furniture Sharehouse, and I fit in as much Bridge and Travel as possible.

Music in the Manor

All Six Brandenburg Concertos on New Year's Day

New Year’s Day at St. John’s continues to be a day to be remembered for years to come. As part of our second year of the Paul-Martin Maki Music in the Manor series, we again celebrated a wonderful New Year’s Day concert. As we did last year, we had a full audience, selling all 100 tickets! The Bach Brandenburg Concertos were each and all breathtaking. The way the Parish Hall was set in an oval surrounding the musicians on three sides offered you an up-close immersion with the musicians. You could see them interact with their instruments, each other, and the audience. Time almost stood still as each movement was played. The audience was a mix of parishioners and people from the community. The intermission reception was delicious and a wonderful opportunity to visit with those in attendance as well as the musicians. Thank you to Locals 10538, other cooks from the parish, and dedicated volunteers who set up and cleaned up. The air was full of joy, gratitude, and excitement. I also enjoyed Matthew’s harpsichord solo, giving the parishioners in attendance an opportunity to see him in a different context other than in a liturgical setting. Thank you to all who made this experience a gift to remember!

We have one more concert in this year's Music in the Manor Concert Series, on Sunday, May 3 at 2:00 pm, when we will welcome two-time GRAMMY-award winning Attaca Quartet and others for "Fanny & Felix". Felix Mendelssohn composed his stupendous Octet at the age of 16 and it is considered one of the great musical achievements of all time. This beloved masterpiece is paired with the beautiful but rarely heard quartet by Felix’s prodigiously talented sister Fanny.

We appreciate your contributions in support of this wonderful concert series. If you would like to make a donation to Music in the Manor, you may click here to donate via our website, or mail a check payable to St. John’s Church (indicate Music in the Manor), 4 Fountain Square, Larchmont, NY 10538. Donations to Music in the Manor are used exclusively for concerts. Thank you!

Happy 95th birthday Rev. Dorothy!

Birthday blessings, dear Dorothy. We love you!

My Trip to Japan

by Shoji Mizumoto, Seminarian Intern

The trip to Japan over the New Year of 2026 was planned rather hastily in November out of consideration of my Shakuhachi teacher Yamato-sensei's health.  At 91 years of age anything can happen suddenly and he's had some close calls.  So in caution, I decided the winter break would be the best time to meet him to receive the O-Menjou (License or Diploma) on January 5th.   Going to Japan during one of the busiest times was challenging as the transit system is jam-packed with those returning to their hometowns from major cities (Tokyo, Osaka, Kobe) as well as those returning after the celebration.  The stores tend to be closed on the first three days of the new year as well adding to the inconvenience.  But I had clear agendas outside of tourism. On January 2nd I was in Sasebo, which is next to the City of Nagasaki.  My cousin took me to the cemetery where my family's grave is found, so that I can pay respect to my uncle's soul.  He died a year ago in December, 2024.  I also paid respect to my mom and dad whose ashes are also interred there.  It's interesting that because Japan is such a small country there's not enough space for an individual's grave.  There are plots for families instead.

On January 4th, we visited a small Anglican Church in the City of Oita.  Then my brother-in-law took my wife and me to Usa-Jingu in Usa, Japan, where the New Year festivity of "Hatsu-mode" or the "Beginning Festival" was wrapping up that day.  Worshipping the Lord with the Japanese Christians on the Second Sunday after Christmas, and then paying respect in a Shinto Shrine, all on the same day!  Not sure if that was a taboo (lol), but imagine what life is like in a country where the majority of the population is not Christian, where the culture is not built around Christianity!  In fact, less than 1% are Christians.

On January 5th, we were finally in Wakamatsu in Kita-Kyushu, where I met Yamato-sensei, to receive the o-menjou.  He looked as healthy as ever, dispelling any notion of illness or age!  A small formal ceremony was done for him to hand over to me the wooden block that is to certify that I had mastered his school's style of playing.

On January 7th, I spoke with Fr. Hayashi who is the Bishop's assistant in the Diocese of Kobe.  He and I discussed the Extended Internship which I hope to do in June and July this coming summer.  During my internship I may be able to visit the Anglican seminary in Kyoto and another in Tokyo.  My hope is to learn and experience Christianity in Japan and understand more fully the relationship between Shintoism, Buddhism and Christianity from the context of a Japanese.  I also want to see how churches exist and are seen by others in Japan.  I want to be ready to be helpful in any way in bridging the gap between Japan and the USA in terms of spirituality. We returned back to White Plains on the night of the 9th (Friday).

Outreach Opportunity

Midnight Run: Friday, January 23

St. John’s is preparing for our next Midnight Run. Midnight Run is a program in which volunteers bring food, clothing, toiletries, blankets and compassionate conversation to homeless persons on the streets of New York City. Our next run is scheduled for Friday evening, January 23, 2026.

We need your help to gather all of the items that we will be giving out on our run. Please clean out your closets and put the following new or gently used items in the bins outside the Church Office:

  • men’s coats / jackets (this is our most needed item)
  • men’s pants / jeans
  • warm socks (dark or white)
  • men’s or unisex sweaters, sweatshirts, and hoodies
  • men’s t-shirts
  • men’s gloves
  • men’s winter hats
  • casual shoes / sneakers / work boots. Sizes 9 through 14. Lightly worn sneakers or athletic shoes (no spikes), soft-soled shoes and work boots preferred. No dress shoes.
  • belts, sizes 32 to 46
  • blankets
  • sleeping bags
  • backpacks

We have also created an Amazon Wishlist to purchase new underwear, socks, gloves, and hats, as well as toiletries. Please click here to check out the list and order any of the items. Items can be shipped directly to St. John's.

Most of the homeless persons being served are men, so please do not donate dress clothes, baby clothes, or items for children. We are in need mostly of men’s items, but we will take some women’s clothing along as well.

Families with small children are invited to help pack lunches and pack toiletries. We’ll also need volunteers to help prepare coffee for the run as well as to sort and size our donated clothing. And, of course, we’re counting on folks to volunteer to make the actual run! And a few volunteers to help clean up on Saturday morning would be greatly appreciated.

If interested in participating in any way or if you have any questions, please text Joe Conte @ 914-473-4425

Chris Plunkett, member of our awesome Tech Team, working hard streaming the service.

Bazaar Wrap Up

Children's Books Distribution

by Carolyn Gallaher

A little girl comfortably sitting on the parish hall floor with a book in her lap, a mother paging through a story book with a fond smile saying “I remember this story.  It was a favorite of mine.”   Such quick studies are part of the charm at the Children’s Book Section at our Annual Holiday Bazaar.   Hundreds of children’s books were sold at the Holiday Bazaar and 17 boxes of unsold were recycled.  A few books with torn or scribbled pages had to be tossed, others were repaired for the Community Book shelf.  Sheldrake Nature Center received a boxful with both non-fiction books on nature, science, astronomy and biology as well as stories about animals one might find in our area. Canon Deacon Hyacinth Lee of Trinity-New Rochelle received age-appropriate story books for their preschool children, some of them on sensitive subjects that a teacher could use to stimulate discussion.  Other books had with religious theme (two in French) for their Sunday school which includes Haitian children. Receiving the largest number of books (15 boxes) was 914 Cares in Armonk for use in their Literacy Program.  914 Cares vision is to help those struggling here in Westchester.  Their mission statement includes the desire “for everyone in Westchester to live a full, healthy, and happy life free from the hardship of poverty” and to implement that vision “914Cares works to ensure our neighbors in need are cared for by collaborating, supporting and providing resources to local organizations, educating the community about poverty and encouraging generosity.”  They give a wide range of items to 125 local organizations including clothing of all types (including baby clothes and diapers), personal care and hygiene products as well as books for literacy libraries.  914 Cares is a good source for learning about poverty in our county.  We are proud to help them expand awareness and give them tools to help promote their literacy and reading projects in Westchester.

Save the Date - White Elephant Sale March 6 & 7!

SAVE THE DATE AND YOUR TREASURES! St. John’s GIANT White Elephant Tag Sale will be returning in March. Donations will be accepted Sunday-Wednesday, March 1-4, and the sale itself will take place on Friday and Saturday, March 6-7. We'll need plenty of volunteers to help with donations, set-up and sales, so mark your calendars for this fun parish-wide event! Be on the lookout for the White Elephant Tag Sale email for more details. Details may also be found on our website: https://stjohnslarchmont.org/white-elephant-event/ including information on the donations we are looking for and a link to the volunteer sign-up. Proceeds support local not-for-profits helping women and children.

ECW Advent Dinner at the Rectory

Help Guide Our Youngest Members in Their Faith

  We are looking for interested adults to help lead Sunday Morning formation for our youngest members using the Godly Play methodology. Our program has two levels: Sparklers and Explorers, designed to nurture curiosity, wonder, and a deeper understanding of faith.   Adults can train to serve in one of two roles:

  • Storytellers – lead the Godly Play stories. This role involves some preparation during the week.
  • Door People – support the classroom and help guide children. This role does not require weekly prep.

  Training will be held with Rev. Lisa and Lori Wilson on Sunday, February 1 from 3-5PM. No previous experience with Godly Play is required — just a willingness to share your time and love with our children.   To sign up or learn more, please email Lori Wilson.  

Come be part of shaping faith, curiosity, and community at St. John’s!

Mark Your Calendars!

Sunday, January 25 at 10:00 am - Annual Meeting

Please be sure to join us!

Monday, January 26 at 7:00 pm - New Parent Gathering at the Rectory

If you have a child who was baptized some time over the past two years, please join us for this fun event. Come spend some time with Rev. Lisa, Lori Wilson, and other parents to learn more about all that St. John's has to offer, and have some fun! Hors d'oeuvres and assorted beverages will be served. Click here to let us know you're coming. We look forward to seeing you there!

Tuesday, January 27 at 6:30 pm - Men's Dinner

This year’s men’s dinner will be held on Tuesday, January 27th at the church, starting at 6:30pm. The dinner will be an Italian buffet, with appetizers and dessert. An invite has been sent out to our existing men's dinner email list, but if you do not get an invite, never fear, you’re still welcome and invited – please RSVP to Frank Pierson if you didn't get the evite.    We are still working on the menu, but we expect the price to be $50/person. It will be BYOB. Non-alcoholic drinks will be provided.

Sunday, February 1 at 3:00 pm - Godly Play Training

Join us to learn more about the Godly Play methodology and consider joining our team! We are in need of additional teachers to meet the needs of our expanding program. Perhaps now is the time you are being called to join us. Come check it out and see where you can share your gifts with youngest members.

Sunday, February 8, 4:00 PM - Choral Evensong
Tuesday, February 17 - Shrove Tuesday

Pancakes & Bacon return for 2026! Stay tuned for details and ways you can help.

Wednesday, February 18 - Ash Wednesday

Services are scheduled for 7:00 am, 12:00 noon, and 7:00 pm, and Ashes to Go will be available throughout the day, including at the Larchmont Metro North station.

~*~

Scenes from Advent & Christmastide

Christmas Pageant

Caroling in the Parish Hall

Christmas at St. John’s was full of joy, gratitude, hope, love and beautiful music that caused hearts to soar! Between Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, we had four services and over 900 persons in attendance. There were many young families, many new to St. John’s, as well as some returning and those we see often. It was a full house, including the largest attendance on Christmas morning based on our records. People were so happy to be here and see one another, meet new folks, greet old friends, and sing, worship, and be fed spiritually and literally by breaking bread together!

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!