Rector’s Message

October 2003

My Dear Friends,

This month, a number of programs begin, programs of which you will want to be aware. They all have to do with education and parish outreach.

First, I plan to inaugurate a series of Rector’s Forums in October, once per month. On 12 October, 9 November and 14 December, there will be a brief forum offered by me at 1:00 pm after the coffee hour. Here is what I have in mind: Each time we meet, we will do three things. I will have some subject about which I will want to say something – sometimes it will have something to do with the parish program, sometimes a commentary or analysis of some theological issue or something going on in the broader church, sometimes a comment about arts or music affecting the church, then, the second part will be time for discussion and questions. Then, each time I will ask for other subjects about which we might talk. In this way, you will have the opportunity to ask me to research something or develop ideas about some question. So, there they are: a series of Rector’s Forums for St. John’s in the Village.

Second, I want to call your attention to the celebration of the 150th Anniversary. The committee, under the leadership of Margot Shields, has been working hard and we have two events about which I want to talk. First, on 18 October, at 8:00 pm, there will be an evening of music typical of various decades of St. John’s community life. This will be a delightful celebration and I am hoping that you can plan to attend. This is also a great time to bring others to St. John’s – particularly those whom you think might enjoy getting acquainted with the parish. And, then, there will be a celebration of All Souls’ Day on 3 November 2003, at 6:30 pm. The parish has been given a gift of music for that day by Polyhymnia, a local choir under the direction of John Bradley. The choir will sing most of a mass by Jacobus Clemens non Papa, a 16th (?) Century composer. It is a delightful, beautiful, and solemn requiem called the “Missa defunctorum” and a piece which is rarely performed.

Third, remember the Feast of the Dedication, which we celebrated this past Sunday, 5 October.. By now you know that this was Stewardship Sunday, and you have been asked to make your pledge for financial support of the parish in 2004. The stewardship committee has already written to you, as have I, so I would, at this time, just add my reminder that your support is necessary if we are to continue and expand parish program.

Fourth, we began Church School again on 28 September, and from now until 14 December, there will be classes for children from 5-9 years of age during each 11:00 Eucharist. Children will begin in church with parents or guardians, leave after the opening hymn, and have a class in the conference room until the peace, then they will return to Church for the last part of the Eucharist, including Holy Communion for those who are baptized.

And remember, as always, to check the parish website for more information about parish programs week by week. It is located at: www.stjvny.org.

Faithfully,

The Reverend Lloyd Prator
Rector