Dear St. John’s community,

This is my final Chalice article and I wish to express to you all my deepest gratitude and love for all of you. It has been a wonderful two years of being your curate and I have been honored and blessed to journey alongside you. As I move on from here, I exhort you as Paul exhorted the Colossians in this weekend’s reading, “continue to live your lives in Jesus, rooted and built up in him and established in the faith…abounding in thanksgiving.”

St. John’s is a special place and as we near the 300th anniversary of its founding, I know that it may seem like the next 300 years is near impossible to fathom. I can’t predict the future, but the church universal has continued to exist for the past 20 centuries that I trust that our Lord will bring the church along in the coming centuries as well, if He doesn’t return before then. Jesus Christ is the chief cornerstone. He will provide for the church, whether our local parish or the universal church, “for everyone who asks receives, and everyone who searches finds, and for everyone who knocks, the door will be opened.”

As Christians, we are to know Jesus Christ and make Him known to the world. I pray that this church continues to have the passion and clarity for preaching Christ crucified in a world full of human philosophies and deceits that lead to distractions, sufferings, and longings. We are to be the place where people come seek solace, peace, and hope. The love and care you show the neighbor as well as the truth of the Gospel of Jesus Christ are both key to a flourishing Christian community. Remember, it is the Holy Spirit that guides and grows the church. I pray that you continue to live your life guided by the Holy Spirit, giving all thanks and praise to the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Amen.

In Christ,?

Fr. Zach

A few months ago, I was with a good friend as we went to a worship event in the city. We went, worshipped, and on our way back I remarked to him how much I was thinking about what I needed to do and how to do it. He responded, “You’re not supposed to think about yourself, ya know?” In that moment, I realized he was right! I had sat through that entire service thinking about me, me, me. But not sitting in silence, allowing the music, silence, and the experience overall to wash over me, waiting on a word from God. You see, even us clergy can get caught up in our own ego and need to be reminded that to be in relationship with God requires us to check ourselves and be aware that God might have something to say.

In this Sunday’s Gospel, a short little pericope with Jesus and sisters Mary and Martha (the only time outside of the Gospel of John we encounter these two sisters). We have Martha, doing busy work, and her sister, Mary, who is sitting at the feet of Jesus hanging on to every word. Martha is questions Mary and why she isn’t helping her, egging on Jesus to do something. But, in fact, Mary has done the correct thing, by paying attention to the guest. The work that Martha is doing is work that distracts her. The language being used implies that Martha is putting this all on herself and allowing herself to be distracted, when she should be listening to the logos.

The world today is distracting enough without having to blame ourselves for it. We are bombarded with distractions each day. Yet, Jesus offers us a word in order to regulate and exhort us to do what is right and just in our lives. Are you listening? Do you sit at the feet of Jesus? Or, do you, like me some months ago, come to church and think about all the stuff you did last week and all the stuff you have to do this week? Surely, we need to place our anxieties and frustrations at the feet of God. But then, we need to listen to God. We need to remind ourselves that we come to church, not as a social club or nonprofit service organization (as good as those things can be), but as a community of believers who seek God’s Word and comfort in our lives and giving Him praise and thanksgiving for what He’s done for us.

I pray that each of us listen and through listening experience God speaking to your heart. Amen.

In Christ,

Fr. Zach

In this weekend’s Scripture readings, we read a few times of the intimacy of God in our lives. How close He is to us and how much His word and presence can be with us. This also shows in the Gospel reading, which is the very famous parable of the Good Samaritan where Jesus asks of his disciples, both then and now, to show mercy. “Go and do likewise,” he instructs. To be an ambassador of God in the world, we must know our God and what He speaks to us and places on our heart. But how can we do that if we are not listening?

Theologians Jacques Ellul and Gabriel Vahanian both wrote about God’s silence in the world today. Both decried the “God is dead” philosophy because it leads to nihilism and hopelessness. It isn’t that God is dead, both argue (they were compatriots and peers), it’s that we have turned our back on God. We no longer listen to him. We are even forgetting to how to listen to him. The Deuteronomy reading instructs us to, “turn to the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul.” This is the only way we can truly hear from our God. Our God is not silence because His Word is always speaking.

One of my favorite Ellul quotes says that we must, “demand God be God.” We need Him to speak to us. And He wants to! Many of our hearts are yearning for something new. We are waiting on a word from God. I know I am. My prayer is that we can always be turning toward God. Contemplating with a silent and open heart and ever knowing that our God is here and now waiting to show us his mercy and truth, so that we may live mercifully and in truth. Amen. God bless!

In Christ,

Fr. Zach

Brothers and sisters of St. John’s,

As we move forward into July and today celebrate the Fourth of July holiday, we tend to get ourselves in “vacation mode”. This usually means taking this slower and soaking up the heat and sun so we can store it up for winter. Relaxing on our patio or in the pool. Making sure our kids are safe yet enjoying their time being kids.

The Year C Lectionary, however, definitely seems to have other plans. The readings last week and now this week make us think as Paul continues to exhort the Galatians to do what is good and live into the freedom Christ offers us. But not just the Galatians of course, but all of us today.

So in the reading from Galatians 6, we see a very famous phrase that “we will reap whatever we sow.” How is your spiritual and faith life going? Are you living into the Spirit so that you may have abundant life? The summer is a good time to rest and take stock of what God might be calling each of us to do and who to be. Maybe summer isn’t a slower season for you so how might you incorporate silence, prayer, and rest in your schedule?

My friends in Christ, there is much to reap from the Spirit-filled life. Much to discover about who we are and who we are called to be when we take a moment and listen for a word from God. This is imperative if we wish to be a church that knows Christ and makes Him known. Notice that Jesus has the disciples take almost nothing into their ministry. Christ calls each of us not to bring books and paper and props to show others who He is but knows that our very selves can be enough to bring others into relationship with our God.

My prayer for you all is that each of you know that you are enough and if you don’t feel like you are enough then come to Jesus and place your burdens and anxieties on Him and let the Spirit sow onto your heart the love and peace of God. Amen.

In Christ,

Fr. Zach

A FAREWELL FROM: SEAN BUTLER, WARDEN

Fr. Duncan has served St. John’s admirably for nearly 11 years as Rector. In his tenure as rector, he has significantly improved the financial position of St. John’s. With his faithful leadership along with a strong finance committee, we are more financially secure than ever before.

He has been a wonderful steward of the building, often making sure the sidewalks are cleared after a snowfall, conserving the energy of the building, and wiping down the floors in a flooded basement after a rainstorm.

Fr. Duncan epitomizes St. John’s Mission of "To Know Christ and to Make Him Known” through his passion for heading several of our ministries; most notably, the HIHi initiative welcoming and feeding the homeless at our church along with purchasing food vouchers to area food chains. He is a true advocate for marginalized and vulnerable people.

He has led several mission trips to Puerto Rico and other places, spreading love, compassion and the word of Christ by helping communities in both urban and rural areas. He has faithfully led the efforts of our community garden which feeds countless individuals who have food insecurity. He demonstrates compassion and love while providing visitations to our sick parishioners at their home or the hospital as he is often called to perform the last rites.

His steady and prayerful leadership during the pandemic helped guide us through a most difficult and unprecedented time in our lives.

On a personal note, he welcomed my husband Mike and I to St. John’s in October 2016 and has been an advocate against hate and prejudice toward the LGBTQ+ community. He has marched in the Long Island Pride Parade, most recently last weekend. I will miss our conversations about the Dodgers and Yankees.

However, it is now time for Fr. Duncan to enjoy the rewards of years of dedication and sacrifice. We hope that he and his wife Barbara may enjoy a most wonderful, fulfilling and long-lasting retirement with their family and friends with a nice tailwind at their back as they sail the calm seas.

-Sean Butler, Warden

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A FAREWELL FROM: RECTOR, REVEREND DUNCAN A. BURNS

When the days drew near for Jesus to be taken up, he set his face to go to Jerusalem. And he sent messengers ahead of him. On their way they entered a village of the Samaritans to make ready for him; but they did not receive him, because his face was set toward Jerusalem. When his disciples James and John saw it, they said, "Lord, do you want us to command fire to come down from heaven and consume them?" But he turned and rebuked them. Then they went on to another village. (Luke 9:51-55)

In Luke’s gospel, the disciples are met with apathy by a group of Samaritans. They reject them because Jesus and the disciples are set on Jerusalem. Samaritans are a religious sect that follows the Pentateuch or first five books of the Bible but places the Holy Temple in Mt. Gerizim instead of Jerusalem. This difference caused prejudice and ill feelings. When the disciples James and John saw that the Samaritans were not accepting Christ, they said, "Lord, do you want us to command fire to come down from heaven and consume them?" But Jesus turned and rebuked them. Then they went on to another village.

The bombing of Iran reminds me of another war that was started to destroy weapons of mass destruction. In 2003, when the United States felt threatened by Saddam Hussein and his weapons of mass destruction, I was serving as the press secretary’s chaplain. Most of the CIA and national security advisors found no compelling threat in Iraq. At that time three percent of Americans were opposed to invading Iraq. A million lives later and a trillion dollars and now most Americans think it might have been a mistake to reign down fire on the Iraqis. I oppose every war that is not for the preservation of American lives, and I am aware that many of you differ from my perspective. I can only tell you that Jesus offers another choice. Reinhold Niebuhr once said: "Basically love means . . .being responsible, responsible to our family, toward our civilization, and now by the pressures of history, toward the universe of humankind." The Gospel of Jesus allows us to see beyond our own times and through our own biases. Jesus said that we should love our neighbor as ourselves. We have affirmed as a nation that all people are created equal by God. In the Gospel of Luke, Jesus breaks down the biases of Samaritans, Gentiles, Women, Lepers, the sick, and the poor. More importantly if we are careful listeners, the gospel can break down the biases of our own day. We cannot let ourselves think for a moment that we don’t have biases. By now, you all know that I am a pacifist and that I oppose entering another war.  So how can we follow this path of love to our neighbor when we have veered in the past?  

I thank you all from the bottom of my heart for allowing me to serve these past eleven years at St. John's. I’m filled with gratitude for the countless moments we’ve shared in this parish. Together, we’ve celebrated joys—baptisms, weddings, and countless services where we’ve encountered God’s grace. We’ve also walked through sorrows, leaning on each other and on God’s strength. You’ve welcomed me into your lives, shared your stories, and allowed me to serve as your priest. That trust has been the greatest privilege of my life. Your generosity, your time, prayers, and support—has sustained me through every challenge and triumph. Whether it was a kind word at coffee hour, a helping hand at a parish event, or your faithful presence in the pews, you’ve made this community a true home. As I step into retirement, I carry with me memories of your faces, your faith, and the ways you’ve shown Christ’s love. I ask for your continued prayers, as you will always have mine. Though my role is changing, my heart remains with you. I trust that God will continue to guide this parish, bringing new shepherds to lead you with wisdom and grace. May God bless each of you abundantly, and may we always remain united in His love. Thank you, again, for everything.

In Christ's love,

Fr. Duncan

One would think that a healing, whether physical or demonic, would be a great and amazing thing to bear witness to, a cause for celebration and joy. Yet, for the villagers who witnessed the healing of the demoniac in this weekend’s Gospel reading from Luke, they ask Jesus to go away. Once they figure out it was Him who healed, they want nothing to do with him. Indeed, “they were filled with great phobos”, that is fear. But why fear when the healing should be something good and joyful?

I wonder how often we might be struck with such fear or nervousness because of a change. We are often scared of change. Denying that it's actually happening or self-medicating ourselves to numb any feelings we might have with distractions. Fear can be such a strong emotion that leads to us becoming tense or despairing. But it can also be a good tool as fuel in order to get done or move through the reality that is confronting us. In many stories in the Gospel, it’s obvious that fear is what is driving any one of the particular characters. Peter is a prime example of this. Peter falls into the water because the fear of the moment overcomes his belief in Jesus Christ. He denies Jesus because he is afraid of the consequences. Yet, Peter becomes the first Christian preacher who on Pentecost declares the truth about God and Jesus Christ and our need for Him.

Fear, like any emotion, does not define who you are. When we are confronted with fear as an emotion that arises within us, we should take stock about what is truly happening. In our faith and spiritual life, change might lead us to feel fear but as believers in a God of peace and security, such fears should always be given back to Him, trusting that He will see us through. In the weeks and months ahead, I pray that you all at St. John’s will recognize fear as it comes and then turn to God, in prayer, in community, in Scripture, and remember how much God has done and see the faith, love, and courage you all have because of God to make Him more known in this community. God bless!

In Christ,

Fr. Zach

On Trinity Sunday, we are asked to follow the Holy Spirit in our diversity, to unity in the love of God as portrayed by the life and ministry of Jesus Christ and sustained in the power of the Holy spirit. Creator, God bring us into a new life of peace, hope and love. Jesus, Redeemer, renew us through your Gospel. Holy Spirit, Sustainer, strengthen and guide us in unity through our diversity. Jesus tells the disciples, “I still have many things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now. When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak on his own but will speak whatever he hears, and he will declare to you the things that are to come” (John 16:12-13).

Jesus will show that it is only through self-giving love that they will understand the peace of God and that all people are loved and forgiven. The Trinity is steeped in theology that is too much for most of us to bear, but the idea of unity in diversity is the key to understanding three in one. “The first person of the trinity is God the Father, creator, the unoriginated origin, source, Father of the only begotten Son, breathing out the Holy Spirit. The Son is eternally begotten of the Father, receives the divine nature, essence and substance from the Father, consubstantial with the Father, the Word, image and sacrament. Holy Spirit, proceeds, consubstantial with the Father and the Son, breathed out.”

In today’s lesson, we are promised the Holy Spirit to guide is into all truth. Jesus did not leave us as orphans but left us with the Gospel. God the Father leaves us with the Holy Spirit. In today’s reading from Proverbs we hear, “Does not wisdom call and does not understanding raise her voice…On the heights, beside the way, at the crossroads she takes her stand.” Elizabeth A. Johnson said, “Another, even more explicit way of speaking of the mystery of God in female symbol is the biblical figure of Wisdom. This is the most developed personification of God’s presence and activity in Hebrew scriptures. The word for Wisdom is feminine and Hokmah in Hebrew, Sophia in Greek. Sophia has knowledge, insight, and strength that she wishes to impart; her words are truth. She loves those who love her and promises that those who seek her will find her.” Does this not sound like God? When we say God the Father we speak of the unknowable except through Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit. Wisdom was created before the heavens and the earth and helps us to unravel the mystery of God in feminist theological discourse. The word Sophia is used to understand truth that has stood for all time. It is past, present, and future like the words of John. As you go forward from the crossroads, I use this example of looking at God from a new perspective. Perhaps Sophia will help us to move in new directions that will bring the love of God at St. Johns to new generations. Please preserve the best of what we do at St. John’s but be open to new ways of looking at God, the Trinity, and the church.

In Christ’s love,

Fr. Duncan

“Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore, honor God with your bodies” (1 Corinthians 6:19-20)

50 days past Easter. 10 days after the Feast of the Ascension. We have come to Pentecost. The commemoration and celebration of the Holy Spirit being sent among the early disciples and apostles and first ignition of the work of the Church. It was the spark needed, as promised by Christ Himself, for the early followers of Jesus in order to proclaim the Good News of God’s salvation. And it is still the spark needed in our Christian life and faith.

Yet, for many, that spark doesn’t seem to be there. Maybe it was there and now it is not. Maybe we feel like we’ve never had the spark. Indeed, for many Christians the Holy Spirit seems like a mystery (which isn’t exactly wrong), when, in fact, it is the gift God has given us and is meant to be accessible to all who proclaim Christ crucified. The gift of the Holy Spirit isn’t one-dimensional either. It includes many more gifts within its interior life. The fruits of the Spirit, the peace of God, the conviction and forgiveness of sin, and more. Without the Holy Spirit to direct and guide the church and our lives, then we would be “back and forth by the waves”, as Paul describes our lives without God.

In our life, we must discern the Holy Spirit and where He is leading us. Yet, too, is our own self a place in which the Holy Spirit takes up residence, as shown in the Scripture above. The Holy Spirit is supposed to dwell within us. Our bodies are temples and our lives are the fruits of this residency. While the Scripture is not one of the readings this weekend, it is important to understand the role the Holy Spirit plays in our life.

This week, my prayer is that you at St. John’s continue well to discern where the Holy Spirit is both leading this church and your very self in whatever you are dealing with in life, in order that God’s glory and love can shine through us here and you wherever you are at. Amen.

In Christ,

Fr. Zach

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid. (John 14:27)

At the last supper in the Upper Room, Jesus speaks to the disciples. In Aramaic the word for peace is shlama. For Jewish Christians they probably used the Hebrew, Shalom. In Greek it is Erene or the place where the soul is at rest.

Jesus promises the disciples and all of us, the peace that passes all understanding. This peace is hard to grasp because it is not of this world. The world at peace is a world or family that are not fighting with one another. God’s peace is our contentment, fulfillment, completeness, soundness, satisfaction, prosperity, it is a divine dose of good or wellbeing. It brings us to wholeness of self and in harmony with God.

It has been my goal as your pastor these eleven years that God will wash you in all that is good and bring you into relationship with Jesus Christ. While some churches offer a superficial peace by setting off endorphins in your brain, Jesus offers you a lasting peace that comes through faith, worship, and prayer.

Those of us who do morning prayer together feel a bond through scripture and prayer. We feel God’s peace in our hearts and in community. This happens at noon day prayer on Wednesdays, at 8:00 in Rite I worship, at 10:00 in Rite II worship, and in community at the coffee hour. None of this could happen if Aninna, Sue, the lay ministers and the breakfast team did not give of themselves.

Our ministries like Prayer Shawl, Garden of Grace, Thrift Shop, EFM, Bible Study, St. Hilda’s Guild, Social Justice, HIHI, and Spirituality all bring us to peace in community. We are not a social service business, We bring people to God by bringing them the love and peace of Jesus Christ. We receive the goodness of God when we join together in God’s name in faith.

The world may criticize mistakes that we have done, but God keeps on sending the Holy Spirit to bring us from brokenness to wholeness and from death to life. Nothing is more important to this old grandpa then to bring the love and peace of God to the next generation. Our Nursery school children and our Sunday school children, and our own children and grandchildren are precious to us. Think of the love you have for the children and multiply it by infinity, and you might get a tiny sense of God’s love for you and God’s desire for you to have the peace that passes all understanding. Jesus will atone for the sins of the disciples in the upper room and for the sins of all mankind by his death on a cross and his resurrection on Easter. May we give all glory and praise to God for all that God has done, all that God is doing, and all that God will do. Jesus gives the promise of peace to all who believe.

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In Christ’s love,

Fr. Duncan