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Thoughts from the Wilderness

Father John with his cat Cleo

“Cultivate an attitude of gratitude” is one of the slogans that people in 12 step recovery programs use. For someone recovering from alcohol or drug addiction, being grateful can be a life or death choice. That is, for an addict to wallow in ingratitude or resentment can lead to a relapse, which can lead to death. Of course gratitude is a good attitude for everyone to have when possible, as it opens us to far more than sobriety. An attitude of gratitude brings us joy, peace, and better relationships. Most … Read more

Word from the Senior Warden

Senior Warden for St John in the Wilderness Judy Whitbeck

Fall, A season of colorful leaves, orange pumpkins, red apples, and the fruits of our labor… The Capital Campaign Committee has met with Jeff Budd of Budd Iron Works in Copake Falls. Mr. Budd has given an estimate in 2023 cost to repair and restore the fencing surrounding the Pomeroy Graveyard. The committee is waiting for estimates to complete the water and electricity lines to the Pavilion, the landscaping surrounding the church and the remaining work to be done at the Prayer Circle.Building and Grounds Committee has entertained new estimates … Read more

Harvest Festival: We Are Grateful

The Harvest Festival, St. John’s big fundraiser, was held on September 9 and began with a wonderful concert of American Songbook favorites in the church by lovely singer Erin Shields and her husband, piano/violin maestro David Shenton. Beginning with “Too Darn Hot” (it was), beautiful, creative renditions of such classics as “I Left My Heart In San Francisco” (RIP, beloved Tony Bennett) and “Moon River” (everybody sang along) were heard, and the artists received a tumultuous, heartfelt standing ovation. Next, to the tent (golf carts helpful) where a wonderful buffet … Read more

Capital Campaign Update

a plaque that reads Rheinstrom Garden created in spring 2023 with generous support from Rheinstrom Hill Community Foundation

“Gratitude Brings Abundance” is a theme that very much summarizes how the Capital Campaign, launched in 2019, has accomplished so much to date. As the Campaign progressed from one project to the next, fueled by the generosity of parishioners, private foundations, and friends, these blessings were reinforced by the gratitude that The Rev. John P. Thompson, St. John’s lay leadership, and members of the congregation consistently showed towards the Campaign’s many donors. As it turns out, St. John’s gratitude begat more abundance of Campaign donations. Take, for example, the case … Read more

Stewardship Fund Drive 2023

The Stewardship Fund Drive is well underway. The fund drive runs from September through December. This is the most intensive time for our fundraising because it gives us a good picture of how much income we can expect and what our budget for 2024 will be. A “Pledge” is a promise of payment to the church for the coming year. It is the money specifically needed for our annual bills, payroll and upkeep of the property. The following Stewardship letter was mailed out to our parishioners recently and it best … Read more

Winter Market to be held Sunday, December 3, 11:00am-3:00pm

The annual Winter Market at St. John in the Wilderness, as part of Copake Falls Winter Walk, will be held on December 3, 2023, 11:00am-3:00pm on the rectory porch. Holiday greenery, ( fresh cut wreaths, evergreen centerpieces, floral bouquets), homemade soups for takeout, baked goodies (cookies, pies, shortbread), bundles of kindling, and festive gifts including vintage linens will be on sale.

Editors’ Notes

Gratitude Brings Abundance, our theme for the Thanksgiving/Christmas issue, is illustrated from several perspectives here: And now, on to the Winter Market! Everywhere, we’re blessed with gratitude and abundance–indeed, the indispensable Bob Callahan remarked, clearing umpteen tables and chairs from the tent the Sunday after Harvest Festival, “This is my church attendance.” No doubt we need gratitude more than ever in these perilous times, overseas and across our country. This is the final issue of A Voice In The Wilderness for 2023 and we’d like to get input from you, … Read more

Thoughts from the Wilderness

Father John with Cleo

The fact that we are all different is a gift, a gift to each other. And a gift to ourselves. It’s important to realize that you are a gift of God to yourself; I am a gift of God to myself. With our various talents, abilities and gifts, with our unique beauty, with our various flaws – we are each a gift. Start by accepting the reality of you as you are, as a gift of God to yourself. I know what it’s like to be tempted to not love … Read more

Word from the Senior Warden

Judy Whitbeck, Senior Warden at St John in the Wilderness

We raise our “Voice” to make “a Joyful Noise” Capital Campaign:A letter was sent from Father John Thompson, the Wardens, the Vestry and the church community thanking Richard Koskey and the Rheinstrom Hill Community Foundation for the gift of $14,000 to complete the landscaping project at St. John in the Wilderness. Building and Grounds:There are three trees on Church property that have been assessed as diseased by three Tree Service Co. arborists. Each arborist examined the following trees and recommended that the trees be removed.A) large Oak in GraveyardB) Maple … Read more

Capital Campaign Update

We are pleased to report that St. John’s this year has received payments, totaling $6,225, on several Capital Campaign pledges made in 2022 that were scheduled to be paid out in 2023. Additional pledges made in 2022 that are anticipated to be paid out in 2023 will total $3,375. Later this month, we will send out letters to parishioners who have not yet made gifts or pledges to the Capital Campaign, or those who might like to make another gift, with the reminder that our goal is to successfully close … Read more

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