Tuesday, March 18, 2025
The Chapel St. Chronicle
Welcome to the Chapel Street Chronicle, your weekly St. John’s digest.
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Sermon Series
"In The Face Of Threat"
The Rev. Robert E. Stevens, Jr.
In the face of threat, we humans tend to have one of two responses: Fight, or Flight. Jesus offers another way. In the face of threat, Jesus doesn’t run or fight he simply stays the course. He keeps on working the work. He remains true to his identity and calling, and he bids us to do the same. I pray that we resist the urge to run or devolve into violence. May we choose vulnerability and the courage to stay present to the sweet work of striving for justice for all, and caring for all people.
MUSIC
“Peace I Leave With You,” Amy Beach; featuring the St. John's Parish Choir, under the direction of Jennifer Mulhern, Director of Music.
Featured Communion Anthem at the 10:00am Rite II Service of Holy Eucharist on Sunday, March 16, 2025.
Did you know that the composer of this short piece, Amy Beach (Sept. 5, 1867 - Dec. 27, 1944), was born in Henniker, NH? That's right, she is a New Hampshire native, and holds the honor of being the first female composer to have a symphony performed by a major orchestra. In fact, her "Gaelic" symphony was premiered by The Boston Symphony Orchestra in 1896. Click here to read more about Amy Beach.
FROM STILLNESS TO SERVICE: A WHOLEHEARTED LENT
Lent invites us into a season of deep listening — a time to slow down and notice what opens us to God’s presence and what distracts us from it. What keeps us from being fully available to the Spirit’s movement in our lives? This week, as part of our Lenten offerings, we share this poem as a guide for reflection. May it open space for you to listen with curiosity and trust, knowing that God moves with us in the unfolding.
Clearing, by Martha Postlethwaite
Do not try to save
the whole world
or do anything grandiose.
Instead, create
a clearing
in the dense forest
of your life
and wait there
patiently,
until the song
that is your life
falls into your own cupped hands
and you recognize and greet it.
Only then will you know
how to give yourself to this world
so worthy of rescue.
As you reflect, what might God be inviting you to release or embrace in this season?
Join St. John's for a variety of Lenten offerings designed to nourish the soul and strengthen our shared commitment to love and service.
SABBATH WALKS: REST, RENEWAL, AND CONNECTION, Wednesdays, 5-6PM
Join us for a gentle, reflective walk with poetry and prayer, embracing the sacred in creation. Led by The Rev. Aaron Jenkyn at Little Harbor Trail Head, with an indoor option in case of inclement weather.
PRAYERS FOR PEACE, Thursdays, 9-9:30 AM
The sanctuary will be open for private prayer and reflection at 9 AM, followed by our Service of Healing Eucharist. Come pray for peace in your heart, our community, and the world.
EXPLORING AN ALTAR IN THE WORLD, Sundays 5-6PM
Gather for a weekly discussion of Barbara Brown Taylor’s “An Altar in the World,” led by The Rev. Rob Stevens. A simple soup supper will accompany our reflections on finding the sacred in everyday life.
SUNG COMPLINE: A TRADITION OF PRAYER AND PRESENCE, Sundays 7PM
Experience the beauty of ancient prayer and sacred song with The Compline Choir, directed by John Stromgren. This quiet, contemplative service offers a space for rest and renewal.
Click the button below for additional information about our Lent programs.
What are you reading? Listening to? Thinking about? Do you have any great recommendations that you're eager to share? Let Aaron know!