A note from The Rev. Michael Muller, Rector
St. Peter's Episcopal Church

Dear friends,

Our 2nd "Got Faith" series of talks ended last night with a celebration of Holy Eucharist.  We now will go back to the rhythm of a weekly celebration of the Word of God (Bible Study in a liturgical setting) and a monthly Eucharist. The pattern we will follow is:

• 1st Wednesday of the month - presented and hosted by Church of the Saviour, Denville
• 2nd Wednesday of the month - presented and hosted by St. John's, Boonton
• 3rd Wednesday of the month - presented and hosted by St. Peter's, Mountain Lakes 
• 4th Wednesday of the month - Holy Eucharist - held alternately at the 3 parishes
• 5th Wednesday of the month (happens only occasionally) - no meeting

Attached is the proposed schedule for the remainder of the program year.

In my previous call there was a stained glass depicting the Resurrection and it always struck me that it had some message about the future. Perhaps something can be seen in the depiction of the three figures - The Saviour, St. John & St. Peter.  

Happy Epiphany!
 
January 6 marks one of the major celebrations in our church, when we remember how wise men from the East followed a star to locate and pay homage to baby Jesus in Bethlehem. An epiphany is a revelation or manifestation of the divine. On this day, we rejoice at the manifestation of Jesus to the foreign Magi, demonstrating that the incarnate Word came into the world for all people.
 
This Sunday, I hope you will join us as we celebrate Epiphany and welcome Deacon John’s great-granddaughter Phoenix into our congregation through the Sacrament of Holy Baptism. We’re also expecting a guest appearance of the three Magi!
 
As we contemplate the divine light that is Jesus, and the starlight that guided the wise men, let us also consider how we might share the light of Christ that is within us. One opportunity comes this Saturday, when St. John’s will provide the meal for the Saturday Luncheon Social. (If you can help, please let Sharon Liparini know at Sharon.Liparini@gmail.com.)

Our light also can shine brighter when we join in ministry with other light-bearers. This Wednesday, I invite you to attend a 7 p.m. prayer at service at St. John's with Bible meditations as we host members of St. Peter’s in Mountain Lakes and Church of our Saviour in Denville as part of the Got Faith? Christian formation program. This year, we also will continue to work with members of these and other congregations in supporting the Afghan refugee families in their resettlement.

I can’t wait to see how else St. John’s will spread light through our community in 2023.
 
I wish you all the joy of the Magi and look forward to seeing you on Sunday.
 
Rev. Sharon

Wednesday, September 21, 2022, to November 9, 2022 - 7:00pm to 8:00pm"Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest." Matthew 11:28
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: The Rev. Michael Muller, rector, St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, 973-334-4429; mmuller.stpetersml@gmail.com 

New program explores faith’s relevance today- MOUNTAIN LAKES, N.J. — How is faith relevant in my life? How do I deepen my faith? Where is God in my life? 

Beginning Sept. 21, an eight-week evening program of faith exploration and discovery will provide an opportunity to explore these questions.
The series will include inspirational talks, discussions and worship experiences, offered through the collaborative ministry of the Episcopal churches of Boonton, Denville & Mountain Lakes. It is open to anyone interested, whether they belong to a faith community, are exploring different faiths or have no faith affiliation.
Participants will gather Wednesdays from 7 to 8 p.m. at St. Peter’s Church, 215 Boulevard, Mountain Lakes. Free childcare will be available.
For more information, contact the Rev. Michael Muller at St. Peter’s at 973-334-4429 or mmuller.stpetersml@gmail.com.