The State of the Parish (I)
One of our more agreeable habits at St John’s is an Annual Meeting that accomplishes necessary business in a businesslike fashion. This year was no exception. With Graham Sadler, the Senior Warden, in the chair, concise yet pithy reports were received concerning finances, property, and stewardship; a slate of new Vestrymen was elected; the clergy had their say. I thought Fr. Jameson spoke better than I did. Though the naming of individuals is invidious, we owe a debt of gratitude not only to Mr. Sadler, but also to Floyd Whittington, the treasurer; Doug McManamy, chairman of the Stewardship Committee; and Charles Ezelle, chairman of the Property committee. To summarize their reports: our finances are sound, even though certain expenses – notably insurance premiums – keep growing; pledges of giving for 2026 are on track for a modest increase; the challenges of property maintenance and repair never end, but are being met. The refurbishment of the Mall has been a great success, and plans are well advanced for the long-overdue renovation of the Choir Room in the new year.
There is a great deal going on at St. John’s, and here is a roundup of some of those activities. Next week, I will turn to the thoughts of the clergy on our mission as a parish.
Music: since William Douglas came on board in August 2024 as Organist-Choirmaster, the Organ and Carillon have been repaired after serious lightning damage in August 2024; the adult Schola choir has almost attained a full complement (short just two tenors); a core of young choristers has been recruited and have begun singing twice a month at the family service; a concert series (Music on Madison Square) of outstanding quality has begun; a fundraising arm to support the music programming has been established (the Aquila Music Foundation).
Youth Ministry: This year saw the departure of Steven Vanderlip, whose large shoes we sought to fill. To bridge the gap while the search for a new Youth Minister moves forward, parishioner Pete Pollak took on the Sunday morning youth catechesis, and a band of parents took on monthly Youth Group events.
Online Ministry: To make St John’s more visible in the online space, we have overhauled our Website, making it more beautiful and easy to navigate; and we have elevated our Social Media presence with short, beautifully crafted videos on faith and doctrine, as well as clips from sermons. Online Morning Prayer is offered with brief comments on the scriptures that are read.
Outreach: Volunteer service continues in partnership with the Living Vine (the local Christian maternity home) and with PACK, a local charity supplying food and clothing to children at risk.
Hope Haven: This year, we launched a ministry to people experiencing brain changes like dementia and to their caregivers. It offers twice-a-week programming with art, music, exercise, lunch, and daily devotions. It also offers free monthly caregiver support groups as well as quarterly dementia education events. Funding for this ministry comes from membership fees as well as generous donors, whose gifts are critical in this start-up period. The Critz family has offered a matching-grant opportunity of $15,000.00 through December 31st, so please think of Hope Haven in your year-end gifts.
Stephen Ministries: This year also saw the inauguration of Stephen Ministries at St. John’s, under the leadership of Bishop Lambert, Sally Lambert, and Rick Wright. A dedicated team of Stephen Ministers received extensive in-depth training and have begun the quiet, confidential work of supporting and encouraging individuals going through grief, illness, or other rough patches. Another training program is being planned for early 2026 (dates to be announced). Because care-giver must be of the same sex as the care-receiver, there is a need for volunteers of both sexes, but especially men, where demand exceeds supply!
The Keepers of the Green Meldrim House: Just two and a half years ago, the Vestry of St John’s entered into an agreement with a new charitable entity, the Keepers, to manage the house on behalf of the church, which remains the owner. This relationship, carefully planned and provided with a generous start-up funds by the Vestry and Women of St John’s, has flourished under the chairmanship of Sherry Holtzclaw and its executive director, the experienced and enthusiastic Jamie Credle. Enhanced programming, reconfigured displays, longer hours, more docents, have all supported growing revenues, and this National Historic Landmark still remains available for its Parish House functions, such as coffee hour, bridal dressing, receptions after funerals, and new events like Faith and Fiction, and the Sunday Night Sessions.
Finally, my own thanks to the Women of St John’s who once again brought goodwill and energy to the Holly Days Bazaar, a venerable institution that raises money for good works, engages the community, and brings women parishioners together in partnership.
EYCS Scholarship Drive, Sunday, November 23
We’ll have a special collection for the Episcopal Youth and Children’s Services (EYCS), an organization that provides need-based scholarships to deserving children at Honey Creek and in college within our diocese. You may place cash or checks in the collection plate (made out to EYCS; with “St. John’s” in the memo line) or mail them to the church. You may also visit StJohnsSav.org/give (select “special collection” and add “EYCS” in the memo box).