In this issue
- Message from Rev. Lisa
- Outreach Updates
- Formation Updates - Children, Youth & Adults
- St. John's Youth Empowerment Council (SJYEC)
- Vacation Bible School - Registration is Open!
- Music Updates
- ECW Updates
- Coming Events - Mark Your Calendars!
- Recipe of the Month: Lisa's Strawberry Rhubarb "Sommer"time Sauce
A Message from Rev. Lisa
May and June invite us to turn our attention to the ushering in of summer. Those months are full of adventures and opportunities in our own lives and in the life of St John’s! This past Sunday, following the 10:00 AM service, we blessed the new rectory and enjoyed a fun and yummy coffee hour. If you were not able to join us, I promise you will have many opportunities to see it as we go forward.
During the next month we have several weddings and baptisms-which I see as opportunities to bless life! On May 29th, the ECW (Episcopal Church Women) invites the women of the church to gather for a meal and to hear from parishioner Brandis De Simone, as she shares some of her life story.
On June 1st at 2:00 PM, the third concert of the Music in the Manor Concert Series features our own soprano, Rebecca Farley. Look for more details below and in the e-news! Also, on June 1st at 6:00 PM, the St. John’s Youth Empowerment Council (SJYEC) will make their very first grant presentations. On June 7th, we will travel to the Cathedral of St. John the Divine in New York City, where our 6 confirmands will participate in a confirmation service. Later that same day, the vestry will gather at the rectory for a half-day mid-year retreat. On June 8th, we will celebrate Pentecost, the gift of the Holy Spirit made known to us. Please wear red and we will take a photo of the congregation. Also on June 8th, after the 10:00 AM service, we will have the first (on the record) children’s musical, The Lost Boy, performed on the stage in the Parish Hall. Following that spectacular event, we will go out and enjoy a picnic on the front lawn of St. John’s. Vacation Bible School (VBS) for preschoolers runs June 16th-20th. On June 23rd, we will be doing a fundraiser for SJYEC…more info to come.
I hope to see you in church and at many of the events I just mentioned. In the life of the world at this moment, when every day holds a lot of unknown, fear, and division, it is lifegiving to be in a community that prays, plays, breaks bread, worships, and shares life and love and grace together. All are welcome!
Peace, Lisa+
St. John's Staff
Midnight Run
Our next Midnight Run is happening this Friday, May 16. Thank you to all who volunteered and supported the Run with donations. We ask your prayers for all who are participating from St. John's, and for all those we will encounter on the Run. Thank you!
Welcome & Reach Lenten Series
by Dolores Battalia and Robin Ingram, Community Outreach Co-Chairs
Our Lenten Welcome and Reach speaker series was a great success, and we hope you have enjoyed learning about some of the ministries that our parish supports in its budget and through the Episcopal Church Women's Christmas Bazaar and White Elephant sale. The ministries list opportunities to volunteer or donate on their websites so I have included those websites below. My husband Dave and I have looked at the organizations supported by the parish and used that to help shape our personal charitable giving beyond the money donated by St. John's; perhaps that idea might work for your household.
We collected items through Palm Sunday, and delivered them to the ministries listed right after Easter. Our ministries were:
La Casa (part of Larchmont Mamaroneck Community Counseling Center)
- Requested donations of small acoustical musical instruments and art supplies
- Requested donations of travel toothpaste
- Our next run is May 16.
Larchmont Mamaroneck Friends of the Family
- Requested small cards to give out to clients - many of our children took home several to decorate and return.
- Our Youth Groups also decorated small pots to hold succulents to bring to families
- Requested donations of unopened spice bottles, jars or cans
- Requested donations of diapers, wipes and children's toiletries
Thank you again for your support of these ministries.
ECW White Elephant Tag Sale
To our many White Elephant volunteers, donors and shoppers,
Many, many and sincere thanks for all you did this year to make our 2025 White Elephant Tag Sale a huge success. We may still receive a few receipts but our final number will be close to $8,000! This amount will be added to our profits from the November Christmas Bazaar and will be distributed to close to 20 local charities. (Details will be listed at our end-of-year dinner in May.)
Special call-outs:
- The Jewelry-Lila Bankston, Tiffany Andrade- and Collectibles-Pat Melrose and Ellen Martin- teams who stepped up for both the WE and the Bazaar.
- The men of the Parish who answered our last-minute calls to set-up and take down those crazy heavy rental tables.
- Carla Berry who can always make sense of the mountains of linens and Trish Paterson who sorted and stacked our artwork and many frames.
- Tori Pough, who added a new table of new and nearly new gifts.
- Ellen Martin, doing double-duty, who led the clean-up brigade and Mary Conway who set up our MHS student volunteers.
- Carolyn Gallaher and Phil and Diane Oldham who took the books, records, cds and dvds off our hands and to someone who wants or needs them.
- Bill Sjostedt, Terry Martin and Tim Sawyer who loaded their cars with the items that didn't fit in boxes to drop off at Green Drop in White Plains.
- Diane Goodman, Jackie Plumez, Lisa Mason, Tori Pough, Maile Lesica and Miriam Harwood for providing lunches during the week for the volunteers.
- To Laura Rawlings who printed out forms and flyers, fielded phone calls and gracefully put up with us invading her space, and to Catherine Bucci for relocating those beautiful Nursery School students.
- And to Rev Lisa, whose boundless energy boosts our own and who prayerfully reminds us to find, see and be God's love in the messy work of the White Elephant.
To the many donors--many of whom are anonymous--your offerings were wonderful and plenteous. They have gone to new appreciative owners and, hopefully, left you with a sigh of relief at your new-found space. Don't fill the space too quickly...and keep a White Elephant box handy--2026 is right around the corner.
To the shoppers!!!!
And finally, to over 50 volunteers!-- the greeters, the haulers, the sorters, the organizers, the stagers, the pricers, the sellers, the cleaners...your reliable presence, your energy, your enthusiasm, your support, your welcome to the newbies, your chatter, your laughter, your flexibility, your hard work...We can’t do it without you and we loved the time spent together, our thanks and love!
See you next year.
Nancy and Linnet
Book Recycling
by Carolyn Gallaher
Below is a report of children's book distribution/donations from the White Elephant Sale.
Final count:
- 5 boxes to 914 Cares (have literacy program)
- 3 boxes to New Rochelle Library, l box teen literature to Larchmont Library
- A few books in French to French-American school for book sale
- l box and l full box housed in a cute wastepaper basket to Trinity St. Paul's in New Rochelle to Deacon Hyacinth, preschool
- 30-40 repaired books to Palmer Ave. free book shelf
- l children's Chess board to Stem Alliance and l set to CRC
- 4 "collectible (I hope) dolls" to Larchmont Ave. Church Fair
- 1 smaller box to Sheldrake w/ great titles like "Diary of a Worm"
Glad to get the books out and in circulation.
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Got St. John's Memorabilia?
Share it with the Archives Committee!
Have any old St. John's photos, Chimes, mail, articles, etc? Then the St. John's Archive Committee would love to hear from you! We are in the process of gathering and safely preserving all items. Please email Erin Constabile, Trisha Patterson and/or Kelly Chubet! Thank you!
Celebrating a Joyful Year of Youth Formation at St. John's
As we near the close of our program year, we give thanks for a vibrant and meaningful season of spiritual growth for the children and youth of St. John’s.
Our Sunday School programs, Sparklers and Explorers, have flourished using the Godly Play methodology. With wonder and imagination, our children explored Bible stories and deepened their understanding of God’s love. Thanks to the dedication of our volunteers and families, attendance has doubled this year! As we begin planning next year’s calendar, we invite those interested in becoming trained storytellers or door people to reach out to Lori Wilson—your presence can make a lasting impact.
Our middle school youth group, Voyagers, has journeyed through the Way of Love curriculum. With the support of Dave Ingram and Meg Marrero, the group engaged in enriching lessons and hands-on service experiences. One highlight has been exploring their favorite hymns—an inspiring blend of faith and creativity.
For our high school students, the Navigators have led the way through the exciting launch of the St. John’s Youth Empowerment Council (SJYEC). With guidance from Rev. Lisa Mason, Lori Wilson, and Robin Ingram, these young leaders have taken charge in shaping their faith through service. The Navigators also took part in impactful service projects throughout the year, organized by Robin Ingram.
We are especially proud of our six confirmation candidates, who will be confirmed on June 7, 2025, at the Cathedral of St. John’s the Divine. These students have spent the year exploring their faith, embracing the Episcopal tradition, engaging in service, and preparing their hearts for this important sacrament. Please keep them in your prayers as they mark this significant milestone.
Mark your calendars! The last day of formation for all students will be Sunday, June 1, 2025. During that day, we will celebrate with a special grant ceremony, where our SJYEC leaders will be awarding their very first grants to support youth challenged by food insecurity. It’s a moment of vision and generosity not to be missed!
In addition, SJYEC will be launching a fundraiser in June to help support next year’s youth-led projects. Stay tuned for more details in the coming weeks on how you can support their inspiring work.
We give heartfelt thanks to every child, youth, family, and volunteer who made this year such a success. We can’t wait to see what next year will bring!
Celebrating Our Faithful Teachers of St. John’s Youth
At St. John’s, we believe that nurturing the faith of our young people is holy work — work that takes time, creativity, deep compassion, and a heart rooted in Christ’s love. We are incredibly grateful for the dedicated group of adults who have offered their time, talent, and faith to lead our youth through Sunday School and Youth Group this year.
These giving, loving, patient, and faithful leaders have walked alongside our children and teens, helping them ask big questions, discover God’s presence in their lives, and grow in spirit and community. With every lesson taught, game played, story shared, and prayer whispered, they have reflected the grace of God in beautiful and lasting ways.
With heartfelt thanks, we honor:
Youth Group Leaders
- Dave Ingram
- Robin Ingram
- Meg Marrero
- Kirk Mason
Sunday School (Sparklers and Explorers) Teachers
- Tiffany Andrade
- Christina Battalia
- Carla Berry
- Alex Hoerle
- Sophie Kent
- Ollie Maggard
- Laura Page
- Katie Thaeder
- Caroline Vance
- Jmel Wilson
- Connie Wooten
We especially thank Rev. Lisa for her leadership and this fantastic team. Her support has been a steady foundation for all that our youth formation programs continue to offer.
We invite the entire parish to join us in honoring these wonderful individuals at the 10:00 AM service on Sunday, June 1st. Come celebrate their ministry with us, and let them know how much their gifts have meant to our St. John's family.
SJYEC Grant Ceremony
June 1 at 6:00 PM
We are thrilled to invite the entire St. John’s community to witness a powerful moment in youth leadership! On Sunday, June 1st at 6:00 PM in the church, the St. John’s Youth Empowerment Council (SJYEC) will host its first Grant Ceremony, awarding their inaugural $5,000 grant. A small reception will follow.
This remarkable group of young people has spent the year working diligently—crafting their mission and vision, organizing a leadership structure, developing a grant application process, and thoughtfully reviewing submissions. Their passion, discernment, and commitment have been nothing short of inspiring.
Come support and celebrate the SJYEC as they take this exciting step forward in their ministry. All are welcome!
Want to support their work?
You can donate through the St. John's website (choose "SJYEC" from the dropdown). And mark your calendars for their upcoming fundraiser on June 23rd: an Urban Pilgrimage Challenge—a 20-mile walk from the Cathedral of St. John the Divine in NYC to St. John’s in Larchmont, visiting several historic Episcopal churches along the way. The pilgrimage will conclude around 5:30 PM with a small celebration at St. John’s.
Walk the whole way, join for a segment, or greet the pilgrims at the finish line. More details will be shared soon—and we’ll be posting live updates throughout the day on social media!
Let’s continue to support and empower the next generation of leaders as they reveal God’s love in our blessed and broken world!
Adult Formation
Explore Your Faith in Community: Join EfM at St. John’s This Fall
Have you ever found yourself wondering how scripture, tradition, and theology speak to your daily life? Do you long for deeper conversation and spiritual growth within a supportive, thoughtful community? Whether you’re a lifelong Episcopalian or new to St. John’s, the Education for Ministry (EfM) program might be the next step in your faith journey.
EfM is a unique four-year course of study for laypeople, developed by the School of Theology at the University of the South (Sewanee). Each year builds on the last, but participants commit to one year at a time. The curriculum weaves together scripture, church history, theology, and contemporary reflection—offering not just knowledge, but tools for spiritual discernment and personal growth.
Usually on a weekly basis, our St. John’s EfM group gathers in a seminar-style format where participants read, reflect, and share insights together. It's not a class—it’s a sacred space where people journey together in faith, ask meaningful questions, and support one another as they discern their own call to ministry, both in the church and the wider world.
What You Can Expect from EfM:
- Approximately weekly gatherings in a small-group setting
- Guided readings across scripture, history, and theology
- Engaging discussions and personal theological reflection
- A supportive community committed to spiritual growth
- Discernment of your unique call to live out your faith in everyday life
- New and deeper relationships, fellowship, and fun!
Now Accepting New Participants for Fall 2025
Our local EfM group has space for five new adult participants for the upcoming year beginning in Fall 2025. Whether you’re brand new to faith exploration or looking to go deeper, EfM welcomes you into a community of curiosity, care, and transformation.
We invite you to an informational session on Sunday, June 1 at 11:15 AM in the Parish Hall. This is a great opportunity to learn more about the program, ask questions, and hear from current participants about their experiences.
Spots are limited, so don’t wait! To express interest or reserve your place, please contact Chris Palmer or Lori Wilson.
Come and see how your faith can grow in a community committed to thoughtful learning, spiritual formation, and deep conversation. EfM could be the journey you've been waiting to begin.
Get ready for VBS 2025 at St. John's!
Faith, Friendship, and Summer Fun Await!
Vacation Bible School (VBS) is one of the most joyful and spirit-filled ministries of the year at St. John’s—and we’re thrilled to announce that registration for Summer 2025 is almost closed!
Each VBS session is packed with opportunities for children to grow in faith through play, prayer, music, movement, storytelling, recreation, and compassion in action—all in a safe, welcoming environment filled with laughter and love. Whether your child is taking their first steps into a church community or already knows the songs by heart, VBS is a highlight of the summer.
This summer, we are offering two exciting sessions:
🧸 June 16–20, 2025 | 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM – Closed/Full
For children ages 2 through Kindergarten (a gentle, play-based morning program tailored for our youngest friends)
🎒 July 14–18, 2025 | 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
For children entering Grades 1–5 (a full-day adventure with faith-filled activities, games, and deeper engagement)
Spots fill up quickly—register today to reserve your child’s place!
👉 Click here to register for Grades 1-5
And VBS isn’t just for kids—it takes a village to make this week amazing! We welcome youth and adult volunteers to serve in a variety of roles, from group leaders to snack coordinators to recreation helpers. It’s a rewarding way to give back, build community, and share God’s love with our youngest members.
🙌 Interested in volunteering? 👉 Click here to learn more about volunteer opportunities
We can’t wait to welcome your children—and you—into another unforgettable summer of VBS at St. John’s!
St. John's Nursery School
Art Show & Family Fun Day
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Summer Choir
Join us Sunday mornings in June! All singers are invited to come to the Chapter Room Sunday mornings at 9:00 AM. We will rehearse the hymns and service music for the service to follow, wear cassocks and cottas (choir robes) and join in the procession and singing the service. It's fun! There are no requirements to participate - just come and sing.June 1, 8, 15 and 22.
Children's Musical
We are very excited for our children's musical, coming up on Sunday, June 8, immediately following the 10:00 AM service. 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. Don't miss it!
The Paul-Martin Maki Concert Series
The third and final performance of this season of our Music in the Manor series will be Sunday, June 1 at 2:00 PM in the Parish Hall. This will be a wonderful recital, featuring soprano Rebecca Farley. No need to reserve. Invite a friend, and come enjoy the recital! The suggested donation is $20 at the door.
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ECW Updates
All the women of St. John's are invited to join us for our festive Annual Women's Dinner, in the Parish Hall. This year, Brandis DeSimone will be our guest speaker. There will also be a very short Annual ECW meeting.
6:30 to 7:00pm - Sip and Mingle | 7:00pm - Dinner and a Conversation with Brandis
Dinner will be buffet style, catered by Augie's. Vegetarian and gluten-free selections will be available. The cost of dinner is $25 paid online in advance, $30 at the door. Please bring your own beverage.
Please note there are two different RSVP links for this event, one to pay in advance, and the other to pay at the door.
OR
RSVP deadline: Monday, May 26.
Questions? Please contact Nancy Pierson or Fiona Farrell.
The ECW Needs You!
Specifically, we are looking to fill the following positions on the ECW Board. The Board traditionally meets the first Friday morning of each month throughout the school year. Board members attend as many functions as possible and help the various committees as needed.
Co-president or vice president – will assist our incoming President, Miriam Harwood as needed. Includes helping set the agenda; co- leading the monthly meetings; helping plan and coordinate fellowship events, the ECW Bazaar and White Elephant and our Outreach Grants; and being a liaison with clergy, office staff and Vestry.
Hospitality Co-chair – join Vonnie Sullivan to coordinate food and beverage for up to four fellowship events a year. The co-chairs are responsible for planning the refreshments, but fellow Board members help provide the items.
Welcoming Chair – as our parish continues to grow, we would like someone to take the lead to personally invite our newest parishioners to our events and to be there to greet them.
St. Martha’s Guild Co-chair – work with Penny MacIntyre to organize and run the Baked Goods Table for the Christmas Bazaar. Attendance at the monthly meetings is encouraged but can be shared.
2025 Christmas Bazaar Silent Auction Chair (or Co-chairs) – would work directly with Maile Lesica, our experienced Bazaar Chair. While not specifically a Board position, attendance at Board meeting is always welcome. Without a Silent Auction Chair, we can't run the Silent Auction, our most profitable section of the Bazaar.
Continuing Board members for 25-26 year include:
- President – Miriam Harwood
- Treasurer – Tiffany Andrade
- Communications – Linnet Tse
- Secretary – Mary Conway
- Outreach Co-chairs – Trish Patterson and Mallory O’Connell
- Inreach – Carolyn Gallaher
- Hospitality – Vonnie Sullivan
- 2025 Bazaar Chair – Maile Lesica
Guilds
- Altar Guild – Pat Melrose
- St. Anne’s – Lucy Smeets
- St. Martha’s – Penny MacIntyre
Clergy – Rev. Lisa
Please contact Nancy Pierson or Fiona Farrell (current Co-presidents) or Miriam Harwood (incoming President) to discuss and volunteer!
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Scenes from Easter Sunday
Mark Your Calendars!
Sunday, May 18 at 6:00 PM - The Climate Game
Don't miss out on this fun interfaith game night at St. John's with youth from neighboring congregations. All are welcome - register today!
Thursday, May 29 at 6:30 PM - ECW Spring Dinner
Please Join Us!
All the women of St. John's are invited to join us for our festive Annual Women's Dinner, in the Parish Hall. This year, Brandis DeSimone will be our guest speaker. There will also be a very short Annual ECW meeting.
We look forward to catching up with friends and welcoming many of our newcomers! The dinner will be a wonderful opportunity to get to know Brandis better and be inspired by her story. We hope to see you there!
Sunday, June 1
It's our last day of formation for the 2024-2025 program year. Come celebrate our programs, kids, and volunteers at the 10:00 AM service.
At 11:15 AM, come to the Parish Hall to learn all about our EfM program. We have space for 5 adults in next year's cohort. Might the time be right for you to join us?
At 2:00 PM, we will enjoy a fabulous recital in the Parish Hall, featuring soprano Rebecca Farley. No need to reserve - the suggested donation is $20 at the door. Tell a friend!
At 6:00 PM, the St. John’s Youth Empowerment Council (SJYEC) will host its first Grant Ceremony, awarding their inaugural $5,000 grant. A small reception will follow. All in the community are invited. Please join us and support these amazing young leaders.
Saturday, June 7 - Confirmation at the Cathedral
Please keep our six confirmation candidates in your prayers as they journey to the Cathedral of St. John the Divine to be confirmed by the bishop.
Sunday, June 8 - Pentecost
Everyone please wear red!
We will have our usual worship schedule in the morning, followed by two fun events!
- 8:00 AM - Holy Eucharist (Rite 1)
- 9:00 AM - Outdoor Morning Prayer
- 10:00 AM - Abbreviated Holy Eucharist
- Immediately following the service - Children's Musical in the Parish Hall
- Immediately following the musical - Parish Picnic!
Come and celebrate with your parish family.
June 16-20 - VBS for Preschoolers
We're looking forward to welcoming our littlest ones for a fabulous week of VBS! You will see lots of kids and activity all around the campus that week. Please keep all of our kids, teachers, and volunteers in your prayers.
Although this session is now full, there are still some spaces left in our second week of VBS for kids in 1st-5th grade, July 14-18. Click here to register your older kids.
Sunday, June 23 - SJYEC Fundraising Event
Save the date for our Urban Pilgrimage to raise awareness and donations for next year's SJYEC grants. Stay tuned for details on this innovative fundraiser, which will take our pilgrims from the Cathedral of St. John the Divine back to St. John's in Larchmont.
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Good Shepherd Sunday
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This month's recipe comes to us from St. John's Bookkeeper, our very own Lisa Sommer. It's a perfect treat for this time of year! Enjoy.
Lisa's Strawberry Rhubarb "Sommer" time Sauce
Ingredients
- 2 cups strawberries, chopped
- 2 cups rhubarb, cut small
- 1.5 Tbsp sugar
- Lemon or orange zest, or citrus of your choice
Combine all ingredients in a saucepan over medium low heat. Simmer for about 30 minutes, until it reduces to a syrup, stirring every 10 minutes or so. Cool. Serve over ice cream, yogurt, French toast, or whatever you like.
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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!