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
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
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
Community Harvest Festival Saturday, September 9 Food & Drink | Live Music | Silent AuctionTickets are $75 FOOD & DRINK: A buffet of hearty appetizers catered by Harvest Smokehouse, plus appetizers and desserts by Wendy Langlois and her team, will be served from 6:00-7:30pm, with tables and chairs arranged under the big tent. Erin Shields and David Shenton MUSIC: NYC husband and wife duo of Erin Shields and David Shenton, whose numerous concert credits include Carnegie Hall and Lincoln Center, will perform music from their show, “The Great American Songbook: … Read more
The painting is attributed to John Bunyan Bristol (1826-1909) born in Hillsdale, NY. Hudson River School of Painting.
Pictured: John’s brother-in-law, sister, John and brother on Pewaukee Lake.
Greetings, Friends! As we prepare diligently for the Harvest Festival September 9, there is music in the air, and in this issue. Fr. John cites “world” music as an example of our diversity and differences being expressed in song, offered up in response to our creation and Creator. All part of a larger message Rev. Gary Davis adapted from the Bible when he sang, “Just as long as I’m in this world, I am the Light of this World, I am the Light of this World!” In the Capital Campaign … Read more
Life is astounding and bewildering. The words astound and bewilder have overlapping meanings of surprise, wonder, stun and confuse. We all know life has good surprises and bad ones and much we don’t understand. A recent opening collect (prayer) on Sunday morning celebrates our limited understanding with joy and hope: “O God, you have prepared for those who love you such good things as surpass our understanding: Pour into our hearts such love towards you, that we, loving you in all things and above all things, may obtain your promises, … Read more
June is the month of vibrant bloom, creativity, warm weather, graduations, and outdoor church activities.Members of St John in the Wilderness Buildings and Grounds Committee are: Marjorie Hoog, Brian Boom, Lucy Eldridge, Elen Freeston and Bobby Flynn. The Committee plans to complete the restoration of the iron fence surrounding the Pomeroy Graveyard plus adding power and water to the new shed. Some maintenance projects have been completed… The Water Softener is now on a 6-month schedule for salt and an annual service by Clavarack Pump, fuel cost is being addressed … Read more
Since the last issue of this newsletter, there has been much progress in the Capital Campaign on multiple fronts. In this update, we will report on three Capital Campaign projects that have been completed or substantially advanced with funds raised and the Campaign’s plans for the upcoming weeks. Concerning the new prayer circle, six new benches fabricated by Lukas Schwartz from black locust logs now form the circle. A layer of small gravel (pea stone) is to be added on top of the existing larger gravel, some enriched topsoil is … Read more