Bishop Laura Ahrens visits St John’s
Bishop Laura Ahrens visits St John’s and challenges us to consider anew our Christian mission
A packed service witnesses a confirmation
Sundae Sunday welcomes children back to a new program of Christian Education
Bishop Laura at St John’s
Bishop Laura Ahrens, the Suffragan Bishop of Connecticut, has urged St John’s to meet the challenge of a changing world in its ministry. In her sermon, Bishop Laura acknowledged that political conflict had produced divided and fractious times presenting new problems for Christian witness. She said parishioners should think carefully about what it meant to be a follower of Jesus in Niantic in 2026, and how to carry out God’s mission in the community and world as it is now.
A full house hears the bishop preach about God’s mission in a divided world
Jean Wiseman acted as bishop’s chaplain for the Visitation
Bishop Laura was at St John’s for the biennial episcopal Visitation to St John’s which allows the bishops of the diocese to assess the state of the parish, and to support and advise it. As well as preaching, Bishop Laura presided at the Eucharist and held a meeting with the vestry. She answered questions from parishioners in the church hall and told them how pleased she was to find a church so committed to its ministry in the community, adding “…and I think your priest is fantastic!”
Parishioners met in the church hall for the opportunity to question the bishop on matters of concern
Among the questions to the bishop was whether the political right appeared to be gaining a monopoly on the idea of patriotism, and how members of St John’s might respond as a Christian community. Bishop Laura said it was right that the church should engage in politics and policies, just as Jesus had done, but in a way that was independent of party allegiances. “Do politics, but not partisan politics” was her message.
The Lynch family, presented Gavin Lynch as a candidate for confirmation
Part of the service was set aside for the confirmation of Gavin Lynch as a full member of the Episcopal Church. The Lynch family, members of Christ Episcopal Church in Middle Haddam, took the opportunity of Bishop Laura’s presence at St John’s for Gavin’s confirmation.
Gavin, who is 14, is a lifelong Episcopalian, baptised as a child. He participated in an online program of instruction.
Sundae Sunday!
The Visitation coincided with Sundae Sunday, the ice cream focused welcome back to Sunday School for St John’s junior members. A new year of Christian Education was inaugurated with a combination of ice cream flavors and toppings in the church hall.
Top left: Evamarie Cooper serves Sunday sundaes to celebrate the start of a new school season
Evamarie Cooper and Jan Nykyforchyn, co-leaders of Christian Education at St John’s, have set out the program for the new school year. See our calendar for the family-focused events such as Advent Wreath Making, Bowling, Supercharged and the Christmas Pageant (in green on the calendar). We also have the Blessing of the Animals and the Halloween Cookout approaching fast!
More information about the Christian Education program and a link to the online registration form is here.
Safe church comprehensive & recertification training
Anyone interested in becoming Safe Church certified or in need of recertifying (2023 certifications are expiring 12/31/2026), please click on the link below and set up your class.
https://www.episcopalct.org/events/calendar/safe-church-training/
This training is required for anyone interested in Pastoral Care and/or Christian Education and/or participation in any youth activity.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Evamarie Cooper, Co-CE Director, at 860-460-9234.