The Ministries Fair “just the start” of St John’s “big ask” for potential volunteers
St John’s many ministries showed off their work and explained their need for volunteers at the Ministries Fair
Mother Jackie, the church wardens and the vestry thanked everyone who attended September 28th’s Ministries Fair, and said it was just the start of a continuing effort to find volunteers for the work that makes St John’s what it is.
Those who organize ministries within the church and as outreach to the wider community presented their activities to parishioners, and explained the help they needed to carry it out. All were represented, from the Altar Guild, Youth Education and the church’s music, to the New London Meal Center and the annual fundraising Carnival.
Evamarie Cooper said Youth Education had “a great day”
Evamarie Cooper, the co-leader of Youth Education at St John’s, said she had signed up volunteers to become “safe church certified” enabling them to work with young people and seniors. Among the new volunteers were new helpers for the Kindergarten and PreK classroom, the 1st to 6th grade classroom, and mentors for the 7th to 12th grade confirmation class “Confirm not Conform”.
“The fair was very special for the children of St. John's,” said Evamarie. “Today they got to see how they can be part of this vibrant community of believers. And... that was our lesson today! A community of believers, what we have in common and how we use our gifts, time, and talent at St John’s and in the world.”
Kathy Cooper at her church music desk at the Ministries Fair
St John’s Organist and Choir Director, Kathy Cooper, said the impression she had from meeting families at the Ministries Fair was that there was a store of valuable musical talent and interest in the parish, not least among children. She said the practical problems inherent in busy family life made it hard for some to commit to regular events at church, but that she was working on solutions to those problems.
“I am very excited to know that we have a number of youngsters who want to sing,” said Kathy, “and so beginning this fall, I’ll offer short sessions of music games and just-right-for-them songs during coffee hour."
“We are so glad to see young people at St John’s and welcome every bit of energy they bring!”
The Senior Warden, Jon Cook, says that it’s well understood that busy working and family lives make it hard for some people to volunteer.
However, he says, “No one should be discouraged by the idea that they will be quickly pressed into widening commitments."
“We have identified many ‘done-in-a-day’ events during the 2025/2026 year to accommodate our hectic schedules! Our ‘big ask’ is to urge everyone to contribute time to at least one ministry during the year.”
Among the stand-alone events for which volunteers are needed is providing and presenting refreshments at coffee hour in the parish hall after church. One person to sign up at the hospitality table, overseen by Mary Howard and Carolyn Miller, was Pat O’Malley. Pat has also joined the Newcomers’ Group, spotting and welcoming visitors to services at St John’s.
Pat O’Malley volunteers at the hospitality table, run by Carolyn Miller and Mary Howard
“I received a very warm welcome to St John’s,” says Pat, "and I’d like to share that with others who come here for the first time.”
She added, “I’m keen to participate, and not just occupy a place. Church should be about working together to support each other.”
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Mother Jackie and Jon Cook say everyone is needed if St John’s is to reach its full potential
Jon Cook says much of the burden in running St John’s is currently being borne by relatively few people.
“St. John’s is a vibrant community with multiple ministries, but we need everyone’s help in supporting these efforts to work at our best.”
Mother Jackie says the Ministries Fair showed how taking part in the life of the church could offer fun and a deeper sense of belonging
Mother Jackie says, “Time is precious for all of us, and it represents a highly valued gift to the church in its mission to pursue a Christian ministry both at St John’s and to our neighbors in Niantic and beyond."
“Those who have volunteered have found that participating is its own reward. We all need each other, and we all need to belong. But more than that, there are many fun, social and spiritually rewarding opportunities here.”
A new ministry made its debut at the Ministries Fair – started by Pat Procko (center) and Janice Bleasdale (right). St John’s Salon will be a place for people of all ages and abilities to gather to learn and create art.
St John’s ministries – serving the church, and the wider community
Education & Spiritual Formation
Children & Youth Education (Evamarie Cooper, Jan Nykyforchyn)
We see children are the future of our church and urge each adult to contribute in some form to the Education of our youth. There are many opportunities:
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Assist or teach in the Pre-K thru K or Grade 1 thru Grade 6 classroom - 8:45 to 9:45 am on one or more Sundays
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Be a mentor to a member of the Grade 8 thru Grade 12 confirmation class – at minimum 5:00 to 7:00 pm four Thursday nights (includes training).
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Assist in one or more extra Youth Activities throughout the year – about a two-hour commitment on a given day:
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Activities - Bowling, Supercharged, Pumpkin Painting, Christmas Saturday Christmas Crafts program, Christmas Pageant, Easter Egg Hunt, Good Friday Youth Program,
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Food preparation & serving at any event above
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Donation of supplies in support of an event
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Coordination of a new event
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Even if you do not feel comfortable interacting with the kids in a class environment, please do introduce yourself to our younger members and spend some time interacting with them, to help instill a sense of community and belonging in them.
Music
Kathy Cooper
St John’s choir welcomes new singers!
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Whether rehearsing, leading worship, or gathering for picnics, holidays, and birthdays, we enjoy being together in song and friendship. It is exciting to introduce new music to our wonderful singing parish, as well as sharing favorites from our vast heritage of sacred music.
St John’s Choir. The choir leads worship from September through early June. Part-year membership is also an option. We rehearse on Thursday evenings from 7:00 pm until 8:30 in the fellowship hall and on Sunday morning in the choir loft at 8:20am. The choir is geared towards adults and teens; previous experience is helpful, but beginners are welcome.
Singing for young people. Sunday mornings during coffee hour ~ Geared toward primary school age (K-5) and possibly younger TBD.
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Short sessions of about 20 minutes during coffee hour with a fun warm-up, a new idea and learning one song at a time. Goals: singing a song on a Youth Participation Sunday, during the Christmas pageant, or to sing the treble part on an intergenerational anthem. Teens VERY welcome to act as assistants.
Music Reading Basics for “I Can’t Singers” ~ Thursdays at 6:30 or TBD according to interest.
To musicians of all ages: Come, let us make a joyful noise!
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Contact Information: organist@stjohnsniantic.org
Pastoral Care
Sisters of Prayer
Laurie Locicero
We are a group of St. John's women called by God to offer intercessory prayers for individuals every day of the week.
We meet monthly, nine months of the year, on the fourth Wednesday of the month at 9:30am in the parish library.
Our purpose is to review prayer requests, add new requests, and delete those people who no longer need our prayers.
Laurie choses to belong to this group because she believes in the power of prayer. We welcome new members.
Knitting Guild
Jean Wiseman
The Knitting Guild meets the third Wednesday of the month at 9:30am in the library.
We knit or crochet for children and adults, prayer shawls, hats and scarves, and baby hats and blankets.
These are given to those battling cancer and other illnesses, new mothers, caregivers, and for baptisms.
Card Ministry
Lynn Lersch, Kirsten Babbin
The Card Ministry sends cards to parishioners who are confined at home or are in rehabilitation.
We send thinking of you, get well, and sympathy cards throughout the year, including holidays.
We sent a total of 153 cards in 2024, ensuring that parishioners were not forgotten when they were unable to attend services.
St. Francis Gardening Guild
Bonnie Legg
We are stewards of the church grounds using environmentally-friendly practices that maintain the health of our landscapes.
We weed, mulch, trim, prune, tend perennials, trees, and shrubs in the gardens on all sides of the church. We work together weekly for a couple of hours; some people offer to help at a different time to suit their schedules.
We are a loving group of volunteers committed to maintaining the Memorial Garden, respecting parishioners buried there, and providing a serene space for families to pray and remember their loved ones.
We need young and old, weak and strong, both to help in the gardens and to educate parishioners about the gardens and their connection with the environment.
Contact Bonnie Legg, 860-287-1320 or church office for more information or to volunteer.
Worship
Altar Guild (Lisa Bragaw)
Ushers (Rik Wells)
Chalice Bearers/Acolytes (Pam Dolin)
Readers & Intercessors (Pam Dolin)
Newcomer Welcome Package (Carolyn Miller)
Altar Guild
Lisa Bragaw
The Altar Guild is a quiet but essential ministry that helps prepare the sacred space for worship at St. John’s. Our members serve behind the scenes by setting the altar for weekly services as well as special holidays and holy days throughout the year.
Serving on the Altar Guild is both a spiritual offering and a practical act of service. Members work in teams, and the schedule is flexible – everyone is wonderful about taking turns and supporting one another when conflicts arise. This spirit of cooperation makes the work light and deeply rewarding.
Whether arranging linens, placing vessels, or preparing the elements for Holy Communion, Altar Guild members play an important role in creating an atmosphere of reverence and beauty for the gathered community.
We are always looking for new volunteers to join this ministry. No prior experience is needed – just a willingness to serve and a heart for worship. Training and support are provided, and new members are warmly welcomed into this dedicated and caring group.
Fund Raising
Kathy Cole
Summer Carnival (3rd weekend in July)
Volunteers needed to sell tickets in 3-hour blocks, help park cars, provide refreshment to volunteers, etc.
Christmas Basket Bazaar (2nd Saturday in November)
Parish donates baskets for raffle. Volunteers needed to prepare food (clam chowder, chili, vegetable soup), serve in kitchen, take orders and serve food (youth), sell tickets, and help with Attic Treasures.
Hospitality
Mary Howard
Done-in-a-Day Events
These are Done-in-a-Day Events for which we need volunteers to help with food preparation and serving.
Niantic Light Parade – 2nd Saturday in December (December 13, 2025)
Sell hot chocolate (Christian Education)
Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper (Feb 17, 2026)
Prepare pancakes
Maundy Thursday Soup & Salad Supper (April 2, 2026)
Bring soup or salad to share
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Mother’s Day Coffee Hour – 2nd Sunday in May (May 10, 2026)
Order flowers and organize volunteers for special coffee hour treats (fathers)
Picnic – Sunday before Father’s Day (June 14, 2026)
Purchase food, grill, and clean-up (Vestry)
Weekly Sunday coffee hour – preparing and presenting refreshments for our Sunday gathering in the hall after the morning service.
Easter Egg Hunt (April 5, 2026)
Donation of candy, load Easter eggs and distribute around church (Christian Education)
Non-food Done-in-a-Day Events
Dick Miller
Oyster Festival – 3rd Saturday (September 27, 2025)
Police cadets park cars
Niantic Triathlon – 2nd Sunday in August (August 9, 2026)
Park cars (5:30 -7:00am)
Here is a quick guide, summarizing our one-day events in 2025/2026:
​​Oyster Festival – 3rd Saturday in September (September 27, 2025)
Christmas Basket Bazaar - 2nd Saturday in November (November 8, 2025)
Identify food preparers, organize youth servers, prepare plates on day of bazaar
Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper (Feb 17, 2026)
Pancakes supper from 5 - 6pm
Maundy Thursday Soup and Salad Supper (April 2, 2026)
Bring soup or salad to share
Easter Egg Hunt (April 5, 2026)
Donation of candy and load Easter eggs and distribute around church
Mother’s Day Coffee Hour – 2nd Sunday in May (May 10, 2026)
Order flowers and organize volunteers for special coffee hour treats
Picnic – Sunday before Father’s Day (June 14, 2026)
Purchase food (hamburgers and hot dogs, water, condiments, paper goods), grill, clean-up
St. John’s Carnival – 3rd Sunday in July, East Lyme Day (July 18-20, 2026)
Volunteer to sell tickets for 3 hours
Niantic Triathlon – 2nd Sunday in August (August 9, 2026)
Help park cars from 5:30 -7:00am
Outreach
Kim Blake, Holly Cheeseman, Christie Hayes
New London Meal Center
Christie Hayes
St. John’s parishioners share our time, talent and treasures by purchasing food, preparing, and serving 120-150 dinners on the 3rd Sunday of every month at the New London Community Meal Center (12 Montauk Ave., New London).
A team of 4 volunteers from St. John’s prepares the meal from 2:30 - 4:30pm, and another team of 10 serves the meal from 4:30 - 6:15pm. We also have a team of 2 people taking turns in buying the food needed at Costco each month.
Christie Hayes welcomes first-time volunteers throughout the year. Call the church office at 860-739-2324 for more information or sign up on the bulletin board outside the church office.
Shoreline Soup Kitchens and Pantries
Anita Allen
Volunteers help clients from 8am - 5pm on Thursdays, driving and shopping for supplies. In 2024, SSKP served 73 families each week and provided a total of 84,879 meals during the year.
There are 53 volunteer positions within the five shifts.