Deeply moved by your generosity

At Sunday's Vestry meeting we convened as a group for the first time since the shootings on December 14th. As with any vestry, we attended to the business and mission of the church.

Of course, almost every topic was tinged with the subject of the evil that visited our town and our neighborhood. We reflected on the response of the community and the world. We are especially reassured by the embrace we have received from Episcopal Churches around the country and other members of the Anglican community globally. In the past weeks we have been buoyed by the support; the knowledge that we're not alone has made it possible to move forward.

Please know that your gifts are going to good use. The Vestry decided that all cash donations made to the church will be donated to two charities that have been established to support victim's families, support members of the community and to memorialize the events of last December.

All specific donations for victim's families will be forwarded to the town government for distribution to those families.

Memorial items, the many posters, quilts, and other items will be displayed at our annual Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper on February 12th. Several items will be selected for permanent display at the church.

We appreciate your continued support for our church and our community. May God bless you all.

Join us tonight: Christmas Eve Service

Tonight at 7 p.m. please join us as we celebrate the birth of Christ in a traditional service.

Thank you

Saturday's prayer service was well attended by both those seeking peace and the media. Our decision to let the media participate was to ensure the church's message of peace and grace got out during this troubling time.

Of course, it was a circus.

This morning's service was well attended as well sans media. I am very thankful that those media representatives that were present outside the church were respectful of our wishes. The service was quiet and normal; it provided great comfort to those that attended.

Thanks to the many of you around the world who have left voicemails, emails, facebook posts, and posts on this blog. Your words and prayers are a great comfort.

May God bless you all.

Prayer Service, Saturday, December 15, Noon

St John's family wishes to express our deepest sympathies to the families of the victims of this unspeakable horror. We pray for the victims and hope that, in time, their loved ones will find some measure of peace through God's grace.

We invite the Sandy Hook community to join us for a prayer service at noon on Saturday, December 15th.

December Newsletter

Find out about our Advent and Christmas happenings here https://docs.google.com/open?id=0B3XmzcwDaACPdklXNWkxTTYxeHM

Tree Lighting Bake Sale this weekend

On Saturday, December 1st, St Johns will have its annual bake sale at the tree lighting ceremony in Sandy Hook center. The tree lighting is at 6:30 pm. If you'd like to drop off an item for the bake sale at the church we'll be there setting up at around 5:30 pm.

We'll have baked goods, hot chocolate and hot cider for sale to help stave off the late fall chill. We'll be located in front of the church for around 6 pm until around 7. Stop by to support the church and buy something yummy.

We look forward to seeing you there.

The Bishop Visits Next Sunday!

UPDATE: Unfortunately the Bishop has been called away on a personal emergency. Retired Bishop, Clarence Coleridge will attend and perform services in his stead.

On Sunday, September 9th at 9:30 a.m. the Right Reverend Ian T. Douglas, Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Connecticut, will be visiting St. John's to celebrate the sacrament of Confirmation.

Following the service there will be a reception with the Bishop as well as a vestry meeting to review our church's progress towards our vision.

All are welcome to the reception and presentation. I look forward to seeing you there.