“There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” Galatians 3:28

Dear St. John’s,

Earlier this year, WNYC radio host Brian Lehrer asked listeners to share the events that shaped them in a series called “News That Defined Your Generation.” While major events like Watergate and 9/11 immediately came to my mind, I realized that the event that affected me the most was one whose true impact I only felt years after it happened: the ordination of women in the Episcopal Church.

July 29 marks 49 years since the first 11 women became Episcopal priests in Philadelphia in what initially was labeled an “irregular” ordination. Two years later, General Convention officially approved ordaining women to the priesthood starting Jan. 1, 1977, and “regularized” those 11 ordinations and four more that followed in Washington, D.C., in September 1974.

I was a child when all of this happened and couldn’t have imagined the tremendous impact numerous female priests would have on my life, let alone that I myself would be called to ordination.

I can only imagine how hard it was for women who previously felt that call and were told “no” simply because they were not men. I remain incredibly grateful for the Philadelphia 11, the bishops who ordained them and all who worked for many years to allow all who hear God’s call to ordination the opportunity to pursue it.

Let us continue to work toward equality and equity for all within the church, for we all equally are children of God.

Rev. Sharon

P.S. – This Sunday, we will celebrate the anniversary of women’s ordination during our 10:30 a.m. Eucharist. Join us, and hear our guest preacher, Ms. Brigid Dwyer. She is the Youth and Children's Minister at St. George's Episcopal Church, Maplewood, and a PhD student in Bible and Cultures at Drew Theological School, where she also received her Master of Arts and Master of Sacred Theology, and was a classmate of mine. Brigid is also a nominee for Diaconal orders, serves on the ACTS/VIM board, and previously served on the Executive Board of the Union of Black Episcopalians, Diocese of Newark chapter.  

​Dear St. John’s,
 
This week, I attended the Summer Music Institute at Drew Theological School. The one-day program provided continuing education on music and liturgy and how to make worship relevant in today’s society. We celebrated Eucharist, heard a keynote speaker, designed elements for a worship experience and sang lots and lots of music.
 
For me, it was not only a day of learning but also a day of renewal. I saw beloved friends and worshiped and sang and exchanged news and broke bread with them. I made new connections. My son attended with me, and I experienced the joy of hearing him play cello along with the other instrumentalists. I ended the day energized, inspired and filled with new ideas and resources for ministry.
 
Where do you find renewal? What nourishes your soul? What stimulates your intellect and creativity, or provides you with peace and a needed respite from life’s stresses?
 
Perhaps you find it while gardening or baking or playing golf or walking through the woods or relaxing on a beach with a good book. Whatever it is, I hope you take time this summer to pursue it. Make time to do things that bring you joy, and may they renew your spirit.
 
Rev. Sharon 

Dear St. John’s,
 
I recently wrenched some muscles in my back. I tell you this not to gain sympathy, but to observe that pain focuses our attention. We look for ways to alleviate our pain. We may move more slowly or in different ways to avoid the pain. We may get a little grumpy. And all of this can distract us during other tasks or conversations.
 
The same is true with emotional pain. Someone who is grieving or dealing with another deep emotional pain may be forgetful or easily distracted or short-tempered. Unlike many physical injuries, emotional wounds are hidden. We often have no idea what someone else is going through, especially if they put on a brave front and a cheerful smile.
 
So let us give each other the benefit of the doubt. The cashier who’s a little brusque may be worrying about her mother who just went into a nursing home. The driver who cuts us off in traffic may be distracted thinking about a potential layoff. The impatient waiter may be nursing a case of sciatica.
 
Let us be kind, as we hope others are kind to us.
 
Rev. Sharon
 
P.S. – This Sunday will be Eucharist with music. Next week, July 23, we will have morning prayer without music. I indicated the wrong date for morning prayer in last week's announcements.
 
Also, a reminder that this Sunday is our monthly food pantry collection. 

Dear St. John’s,
​
Every congregation seems to have its own repertoire of favorite and familiar hymns. A beloved hymn in one church might be completely unfamiliar in another.
Perhaps this is not surprising, given the range of hymns available. The 1982 Hymnal alone contains 720 different hymns, and that’s only one of several Episcopal Church hymnals – not to mention all of the church music published elsewhere.
So what are your favorite hymns? What do you particularly enjoy singing (or hearing) during worship?
Make a note in the comments below, or send me an email. I’m anxious to hear what you think belongs on the “St. John’s greatest hits” list.
Rev. Sharon

​Dear St. John’s,
 
   I wanted to update you on what’s happening in our music program.
We soon will be posting an ad for a new organist and choir director. We hope to hire someone to begin sometime this fall.
  In the meantime, guest musicians will continue to accompany our services. During these quieter summer months, we will have two Morning Prayer services without music, on July 23 and August 27.
  Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions, or if you have recommendations for potential musicians for St. John’s.
   Wishing you all a fun and safe holiday weekend!

Rev. Sharon