Woman To Woman In many Christian denominations, an acolyte is anyone who performs ceremonial duties such as lighting altar candles. The word acolyte is derived from the Greek word acolytos, meaning companion, attendant, or helper. The Acolyte ministry has its roots in the Old Testament of the Holy Bible, where the prophet Samuel is seen assisting Eli, the Levite priest, and Elisha is seen assisting Elijah the Prophet. Acolytes can be of either sex or any age (although usually no younger than ten). An acolyte can assist in worship by carrying a processional cross, lighting candles, holding the Gospel book, holding candles or "torches", assisting a deacon or priest set up and clean up at the altar, swinging a censer or thurible or carrying the incense boat, accepting the offering plates from the ushers, and many other tasks as seen fit by the priest or acolyte warden. CLICK HERE For Acolytes Page Stations of the Cross Every Friday During Lent - Stations of the Cross & Compline @ 7PM Stations of the Cross refers to a series of artistic representations, very often sculptural, depicting Christ Carrying the Cross to his crucifixion in the final hours (or Passion) of Jesus, and to devotions commemorating the Passion that use the series, often moving physically around a set of stations. The tradition as chapel devotion began with St. Francis of Assisi and extended throughout the Roman Catholic Church in the medieval period. It may be done at any time, but is most commonly done during the Season of Lent, especially on Good Friday and on Friday evenings during Lent. There are a total of fourteen traditional Stations of the Cross. The object of the Stations is to help the faithful to make a spiritual pilgrimage of prayer, through meditating upon the chief scenes of Christ's sufferings and death.

Ministries/Programs 'Quick Links' Ministries Acolytes Administration Adult Bible Study Altar(St. Mary's)Guild Buildngs & Grounds Brotherhood of St. Andrew Dance Ministry Finance Health Lay Readers LEMs Pastoral Area Group Stewardship Committee Ushers Website Design Women's Ministry Youth Group Programs Girl Scouts Needlework Walking Group Coming Soon: Young Adult Group St. John's Episcopal Church LENT Services - Fridays at 7PM SUNDAY SERVICES Worship Schedule  _______________________ Choral Eucharist 9:00AM 137-67 Belknap Street Springfield Gardens, NY 11413 MONTHLY BIRTHDAYS View Monthly Parishioners' Birthdays at: Events Link

"Bowling With The Bishop"  Under the Canons of the Episcopal Church, the Vestry of St. John's Parish is responsible for the economic health of the Parish and for providing support for the ministry of the clergy. The Vestry consists of the two wardens and six members who are elected by the members of the congregation. The eight members serve staggered terms. Vestry members are eligible to serve two consecutive 3-year terms as voted by the congregation and the Wardens can serve up to two consecutive 2-year terms. CLICK HERE For Vestry Page Acolytes In many Christian denominations, an acolyte is anyone who performs ceremonial duties such as lighting altar candles. The word acolyte is derived from the Greek word acolytos, meaning companion, attendant, or helper. The Acolyte ministry has its roots in the Old Testament of the Holy Bible, where the prophet Samuel is seen assisting Eli, the Levite priest, and Elisha is seen assisting Elijah the Prophet. Acolytes can be of either sex or any age (although usually no younger than ten). An acolyte can assist in worship by carrying a processional cross, lighting candles, holding the Gospel book, holding candles or "torches", assisting a deacon or priest set up and clean up at the altar, swinging a censer or thurible or carrying the incense boat, accepting the offering plates from the ushers, and many other tasks as seen fit by the priest or acolyte warden. CLICK HERE For Acolytes Page

Weekly Inspiration Week of 3/11/12 VERSE: Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience -- Colossians 3:12 THOUGHT: What an incredible thought! We are dearly loved as God's chosen and holy children. No wonder God calls us to a lifestyle of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience! Think of how often our Father needs to use these qualities with us! How can we not share with others what God so abundantly shares with us? PRAYER: Father in heaven, thank you for valuing me so highly. While I know some of the ways I fall short of what you want me to be, and many reasons why you might not want to choose me as your beloved and holy child, I thank you that you love me so richly and value me so highly! Please work powerfully in me through your Holy Spirit to make me more like you, not for my glory, but for yours. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen. Source: www.heartlight.org