Greetings Faithful Parish members

In reflection, we have been praying that GOD would use our Holy and Sacred space at St John Chrysostom for his glory in the last 2 years. It appears that he has blessed us with wonderful spiritual leadership from  the Rev Doug Bleyle  (Priest in Charge). Additionally, blessings include  the active partnership with St Joseph parish members and now with St Mary Magdelene Equal to the Apostles members added to our partnerships. I would like to officially welcome St Mary Magdelene Equal to the Apostles parish members and Father Chrys Frank to your new home with us. We were blessed to have hosted your confirmations and reception to the Episcopal Church during the Bishops’ visit in January 2024. We are equally thankful that Reverend Cannon Vanessa Stickler Glass at the Diocese offered up St John Chrysostom church and chapel for your consideration and relocation.

To all the members of our partnerships, if you haven’t seen the Chapel transformation, please stop, sit and rest in that beautiful space. The ICONS are beautiful and invite us into contemplation of the sacred.  The ICON of St John Chrysostom is present along with the Mary and Jesus and Mary Magdelene and others as we reflect and take the scriptures more deeply into our hearts. I had the amazing opportunity to join the Byzantine Rites during Holy Week and I can assure you that it was deeply moving. The music, chanting, incense and beauty of the liturgy enriched all the senses and was very impactful for all the members present. We look forward to more opportunities to enrich our spiritual journeys together.

For clarification, our usual Western Services will continue every 2nd and 4th Sunday at 10:00 am with Rev Doug and our Lay Pastoral Leaders will share the reserved sacraments on the1st and third Sundays. Father Chrys and the St Mary Magdelene members will celebrate their Eastern Orthodox Byzantine Liturgies at 11:30 in the chapel area on the 1st and 3rd Sundays. You are welcome to come, learn and attend as the Holy Spirit leads you. Being respectful of their sacred time and preparations for liturgy, I have asked the coffee hour to be moved to the Library on the first and third Sunday of each month as the SMM members set up and prepare for their services.

We can give thanks for all these opportunities and rest that GOD has a plan. Thank you everyone for helping us to be open to learn, grow and transform.

Jenni Marcols

Senior Warden @ StJohn Chrysostom