News

Editors’ Note

Give Thanks

Giving thanks so close to Thanksgiving seems natural, and the theme has brought out the best in our contributors to this issue of the Voice. Fr. John Thompson, Brian Boom, and Wendy Langlois have given us warm and articulate reports well worth reading. Check out Jane Peck’s Hike Report and the video interview of the late Dorothy Baker, too. We are thankful the Community Harvest Festival went so well! Everyone enjoyed the music, the food and drink, and the company, and thanks to stellar efforts by a host of parishioners … Read more

Harvest Festival Auction Hike

For one of the Harvest Fest auction items I offered to lead a hike. Louise Peterson won the hike. I made several suggestions and Louise and Dale decided they would like to hike the Keystone Arch Bridge Trail in Chester, MA. It is a beautiful trail along the West Branch of the Westfield River. Spanning the river over the course of 2.5 miles are 5 keystone arch bridges built in the 1830s without mortar or reinforcing. On a beautiful day in September we did the hike along with a picnic … Read more

Word from the Senior Warden

We all probably have a favorite season of the year. For me, it’s autumn. In our part of the world, there’s of course the beautiful foliage, but I also like the feel of the natural world slowing down – plants are becoming dormant, animals that don’t migrate are going into hibernation, storing food, or otherwise hunkering down for the coming cold weather. I feel the vibe of this slowing of nature and it puts me into a contemplative, introspective mood that evokes a feeling of gratitude for all the good … Read more

Capital Campaign Update

We are pleased to report that St. John’s Capital Campaign’s total pledged amount has now risen to $281,424, which is 88% of our Campaign’s goal envisioned at the outset of $320,000. Earlier this year, the Committee decided to extend the timeframe for the Campaign, which was originally planned to be completed in 2022, by one year, through 2023. The reasons for the extension are the ones we are all familiar with that were catalyzed by the COVID-19 pandemic. Yet, through all the disruptions due to the pandemic, the Capital Campaign … Read more

The 2023 Stewardship Pledge Drive

I came across a description of Stewardship that I really liked – “Our gratitude for what God has already done gives us faith in what God will do in the future. We give not to make God happy or pay him back, but because we trust that God is working through our resources to share his Good News with the world.” The 2023 Stewardship Pledge Drive is underway. I’m so grateful when I look back on this past year. After making our way through the ups & downs of 2020 … Read more

Dorothy, Rest in Peace

Dorothy P. Baker, 97, of Copake, NY, a longtime member of the Church of St. John In The Wilderness, passed away peacefully October 17, 2022. She was born in Woodbridge, England, March 31, 1925 and became a British War Bride when she married Tom Baker of the U.S. Army. “We gave dances for the troops,” she told the Roeliff Jansen Historical Society, and “I grew to love Copake Falls.” She was predeceased by her husband and is survived by her son, Jeffrey Baker of Copake, NY. Dorothy, may you rest … Read more

Thoughts from the Wilderness

Father John and Cleo

Thanksgiving is a good holiday, many people’s favorite. It’s a time to relax and to get together with loved ones. It’s a time for good food. And it’s a time to be thankful – especially if we have these things – time to relax, the presence of loved ones and delicious food. Yet as good as life can be, it’s short compared to eternity. And that’s okay, because we’re promised that too (eternity) by Jesus himself. This is a good thing, as some people don’t get much happiness on earth. … Read more

May You Both Rest in Peace

Rev. Barbara Morgan and Jean (Bathrick) Peck

Rev. Barbara Morgan Reverend Barbara MorganRev. Morgan, 83, former Rector of St John In The Wilderness, passed away peacefully on May 30 at her home. She was ordained an Episcopal Priest in 1992 and named Rector of St John’s in 1998, serving until her retirement in 2007. During her tenure, Barbara was well known for her ministry to both the congregation and the Roe Jan community. She was lovingly cared for by Betty Shufelt and family of Ancramdale over the last twelve years. Rest in peace, Barbara. Jean (Bathrick) Peck … Read more

God Bless the Children

The Driscolls

Philip Joseph Driscoll On Sunday, August 7, 2022, Philip Joseph Driscoll was baptized at St John’s in the Wilderness. Grandparents Dale and Louise Peterson were present for the joyous event. Pictured: Philip’s mother and father, Alice Peterson Driscoll and Mark Driscoll; Philip’s sister Maeve; and Philip. Congratulations!

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