In this Issue:

Rector's Message - 1

Senior Warden's Message - 2

Treasurer's Report - 2

Garden & Grounds - 2

Junior Warden's Message - 3

Scenes of Fellowship - 3

Children & Family News - 4

Adult Formation News - 4

Music News - 5

Outreach - 5 to 6

LEV News - 6

Hospitality News - 6

Milestones - 7

Passing of Bill Maxwell - 7

St. Barbara's Guild - 7

Daughters of the King - 7

Scouting News - 7

Call for Recipes - 8

Blood Drive - 8

As so many of you know, Beka and I began our 2023 by testing positive for

COVID-19. I am grateful that we experienced relatively mild cases, and certainly

grateful that so many folks reached out with prayers and meals. To be honest,

the worst part of our experience was having to stay away while we were testing

positive for the virus! Beka and I love the community at Saint John’s, and it was

a major disappointment to be absent from you at the beginning of the year.

Still, my heart was gladdened by what I would hear about the life of the parish

during my quarantine. I was delighted to hear that attendance at services was

still strong and that our fellowship times on Sunday morning continued to be

vibrant and filled to the brim with folks enjoying time with one another. Despite

my deep disappointment at missing the feast of the Epiphany with you, I heard

that once again the parish church was abuzz with the sounds of worshippers

and that the dripped beef dinner was busier than we'd dared to hope. As I have

said to several members of our parish groups lately, this is a clear sign of a

healthy parish, a parish that is committed to growing closer to Jesus and to one

another (even as the priest is out sick). As that priest, as your brother in Christ, I

am absolutely over the moon, giving thanks to God for you, and excitedly

anticipating what He means to do with and among us this year.

Therefore, as Epiphanytide wanes and Lent approaches, perhaps the continued

growth and health of the ministry at Saint John's might be on our hearts while

we begin our Lenten devotions. I'm looking forward to eating pancakes with you

on Shrove Tuesday (Feb. 21) and beginning the solemn penitential season of

Lent with you on Ash Wednesday (Feb. 22). As we'll hear on Ash Wednesday, St.

Paul reflected about his ministry among the Corinthians that it was "by purity,

knowledge, patience, kindness, holiness of

spirit, genuine love, truthful speech, and the

power of God (2 Cor 6:6)" that their efforts

were commendable and true. Beloved, I pray

those things would continue to flower among

us at Saint John's so that all who come to meet

Jesus here would find his name exalted and his

people working together to that end.

Your grateful Rector and brother in Christ,

A Newsletter

for Saint John's

Episcopal Church

Friends & Families

Greetings Beloved,

The Evangelist Page 1

The Rev. David Bumsted

Rector

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January/

February

2023

The Evangelist

Senior Warden's Report

- Susan Walker

The Evangelist Page 2

- Bill Chevaillier

Treasurer's Report

Below is a snapshot of the financial statistics for Saint John’s Church for the last year (numbers

still subject to change).

2022 Operating Revenue and Expenses

Total income of $1,379,846.42 was <$170,334.58> under budget for the year to date. Total pledges

were over budget for the year by $9,940.91. Contributions and Plate giving of $157,711.44 were

$12,711.44 over budget for the year to date. Miscellaneous Income of $258,453.07 (which includes

transfers of $200,000.00 from our Investment Account) was <$192,986.93> under budget.

Hospitality is certainly a core ministry at Saint John’s, and there is no ministry

that has bloomed more vibrantly over the last year than our Hospitality Team. It

is so appropriate that we receive the Eucharist in communion with one another

during the liturgy, and then reflect that common experience again when we

move to the Common Room. There we reconnect with our friends, share coffee

and a treat, and welcome newcomers into our midst.

It is incredible to see the growth both in the size of the group that gathers for post-service fellowship

each week, and the length of time people linger, talking, enjoying the time spent. Kathleen Moss

coordinates this ever-growing Hospitality Team and the team leadership is constantly seeking new

ways to discern how to nurture and serve young and old, newcomers and long-timers alike.

I want everyone on the Hospitality Team to know how much their hours of planning and work, their

delicious dishes, and most of all their creativity and care for the people of Saint John’s means to all of

us. Next time you see a Hospitality Team member in action on a Sunday, please thank them! And, join

me in expressing heartfelt “thank you and well done” to Kathleen and this team for helping to create a

friendly and inviting experience where our people truly enjoy spending time and building deeper

connections to our church and one another.

Expenses of $1,370,544.78 were $179,636.22 under budget for the year to date. Net Income was $9,301.64 (note: our

budgeted Net Income was $0). And the Operating Fund had a balance of $32,376.27 as of December 31, 2022.

Pledging Update

As of December 30, our 2023 Pledging Units (households) were 165 for a total of $954,568. We received 28 new

pledges, 51 households increased their pledge over 2022, and 9 households decreased their pledge for 2023 compared

to 2022. As a reference point, as of December 30, 2021, we had a total of 130 Pledging Units for the year 2022 and

those commitments totaled $953,741. Last year the church received 11 new pledges over the preceding year. Of the

households that pledged, 48 increased their commitment amount over 2021 while 14 households decreased their

pledge for 2022.

As of the first of this year, we have 20 Pledging Units that had committed annual giving for the year 2022 but are yet

to give us their prayerful decision for a 2023 pledge. If these pledges come in and are the same as 2022, we estimate

$1,009,000 in total pledge income for the year 2023.

Garden & Grounds

- Mike Reif

Our group, composed of five members eager to get started on warmer weather projects,

is planning a spring clean-up! This work day will be held in mid-March (exact date TBD)

and we need volunteers! For more information about our group's past projects (and

future plans), look for details in the forthcoming Saint John's Annual Report. Have

questions or want to help? Reach out to me at (405) 820-1404 or via email at

mereif@gmail.com.

A new year dawns at Saint John's, and your Building and Grounds crew

has continued the work to keep the church grounds looking good during

our winter months. The Garden and Grounds team has organized work days

to clean out fallen leaves in the window wells that have collected over the past

few weeks, which not only helps keep our grounds looking clean but also

helps with prevention of long-term damage and drainage. Tulip bulbs have

been planted in the garden beds around the Labyrinth, and some of the

other flower beds have been reconstructed for our upcoming spring flowers.

Seasonal plants have been updated in the urns around the entrances, and will

continue to be updated as the seasons turn. If you are interested in helping

in future clean-up days, contact Mike Reif or myself for more information.

We have also been working with our architectural partner on the basement

design update, and I am pleased to announce that we now have a working

concept that has been reviewed by the Building and Grounds Committee and

the Vestry. This concept was created after receiving input from the staff and

ministry groups that most utilize the basement (prior to its damage) while also

staying in line with the mission of our parish as we continue to grow.

This basement plan will definitely change the way we are able to use our

subterranean level in the future as it will open the area up to be a more

functional and vibrant part of our parish campus. While still a work in

progress, the main pillars of the layout are in place and have generated much

excitement from the Vestry and B&G Committee. I look forward to further

rolling this concept out during the Annual Meeting and subsequent

communication events. I'm very excited about the direction of the basement!

Parish Life: Seen and Heard in December and January...

Holiday Party: In December we gathered under the twinkling tree lights and Common Room snowflakes for the annual Parish Christmas

Party hosted by the Vestry. Thank you to Jay and Janice Cline for the wonderful food, the Vestry for the adult beverages and music, the

staff for helping set up, the flower team for the beautiful arrangements, and the volunteers who strung lights, bartended, and helped

clean up. It was a wonderful evening and here are just a few snapshots…

Christmas Tableau: There truly are few things more moving (and memorable) than celebrating the birth of Christ in the midst of the

youngest in our flock. As Luke recorded for us, “…suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and

saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men.” (Luke 2:13-14). During the Saint John’s 4:30 p.m. Christmas

Eve Holy Eucharist and Tableau service, the congregation was in the presence also of a multitude of little children, youth, and parents

participating in the immersive storytelling of Luke’s Gospel. Below are a few of the scenes from rehearsal day and December 24…

The Evangelist Page 3

Junior Warden's Report

- Marc McCaw

Sunday Bible Study - We are delighted that parishioner Dr. William Lyons has returned to teach a Sunday Adult Formation

series this winter. Come join us on Sunday mornings at 9 a.m. in the Common Room as we discuss the Book of Exodus.

Young Adult Brunch - Our Young Adults' Brunch meets on the last Saturday of each month. Kids are welcome! Be sure to let

me or Joseph know if you plan to attend so that we can reserve enough seats. We will announce the restaurant as our February

26 brunch gets closer.

Wednesday Evening Bible Study - Our Wednesday evening Bible Study starts at 6:30 p.m. and goes until 7:30 p.m. During that

time we go through a chapter of the Bible in detail. Led by Father David, our study time is currently looking at the Acts of the

Apostles. Join us at any time for this learning and fellowship time.

Dead Theologians Society - The Saint John's Dead Theologians Society is committed to the study of early theologians (think

fourth or fifth century church fathers). The group meets on Wednesdays or Thursdays and alternates between mornings and

evenings. Presently the group is studying Irenaeus of Lyons' "On the Apostolic Preaching." If you want more information on

dates, times, or joining this group of deep thinkers, reach out to Zach Malavolti at zmalavolti@sjtulsa.org.

Adult Formation

- Josh Corsaro

Summer Camp - Registration is open for the Episcopal Diocese of Oklahoma's St.

Crispin’s Summer Camp. Nestled in the woods near Wewoka, this is a community of daily

worship in the Episcopal tradition. Youth in grades K-12 (based on 2023-2024 school year)

are welcome and encouraged to attend, regardless of their faith tradition. Sign up

through the St. Crispin’s website: stcrispins.org/camp/#camp-dates-section. There you'll

find more about dates, camp types, packing lists, how to register, pricing, and

scholarships.

The Evangelist Page 4

Children & Family News

Youth Group - Our youth program meets on Wednesdays from 6 to 7:30

p.m. We offer dinner, followed by Compline, Bible study, and games! Teens,

parents, or grandparents, if you have questions about our teen ministry

programs please email me at jcorsaro@sjtulsa.org.

Christmas Tableau Gratitude - The staff and clergy wish to share a hearty

“thank you” with the parents who brought their kids, hung around for

rehearsal, and/or participated in the 2022 Saint John’s Christmas Eve

Tableau. And thanks to the young ones and teens who came to enact this

special living Gospel time: way to go! It’s been a long time since our church

has been blessed by so many joyful shepherds, sheep and angels! And, the

Moss family made a terrific Holy Family. See more highlights from

rehearsal and Christmas Eve on page 3.

Warm Welcomes - We want to extend a warm welcome to all the new families who have

been visiting or have joined Saint John’s! If you have not visited with a member of our

ministry team on ways to get your whole family or the young ones involved, please do so

soon. This month we debuted two “kid-sized” welcome signs. We hope you visit the one in

the Narthex or by the Bookstore to pick up crayons and a scripture-based coloring

booklet. Look for family-focused way-finding signs to appear soon too.

Children’s Chapel - Our chapel offering for young ones has been exploring the meaning

of Epiphany! We meet Sundays at 10 a.m. Parents are welcome to drop off children - ages

five and older - at Fox Library (which is next to Powell Hall and the Bookstore) before

heading in for worship. The children will be led to the Nave to join their families for

Communion during the time of the Peace blessing.

- Josh Corsaro

Music News

Music at Midday Season Eight Resumes in March!

Save the dates for the following free, half-hour recitals offered on

Wednesdays at noon. These are wonderful musical offerings and

a great reason to invite friends to Saint John's with you!

We will continue the fellowship after each performance with an

optional lunch. Boxed lunches from Lambrusco'z will again be

offered for $10 each and can be reserved by contacting Amanda

Storms in the office ahead of each concert. Look for lunch menu

options and ordering details in the March newsletter.

Previews of our upcoming March and April Music at Midday

programs are below. Details on the performances will be in the

March newsletter and our weekly e-news later this month.

- Joseph Arndt

The Evangelist Page 5

March 8

Owasso High School Saxophone

Choir

March 15

Joseph Arndt, organ

March 22

Nick Mancini, jazz vibraphone

Scott McQuade, jazz piano

March 29

Tess Remy-Schumacher, cello

David Forbat, cello

April 5

Holy Week Meditation

April 12

João Kouyoumdjian,

classical guitar

April 19

Holland Hall Singers

April 26

James Kealey, organ

Kealey is the First Place

winner of the 2022

American Guild of

Organists National

Organ Playing

Competition.

A Note From Music Staff member

Zachary Malavolti, D.M.A.

It has been an immense joy to grow into the fellowship here at

Saint John’s. It is such an honor to join our staff as Associate

Music Director.

In the last year, I was confirmed here at Saint John’s, completed

my doctorate, and earned several established conducting posts

around the area. I take incredible pride in our congregation,

ministry, and of course, the music of our parish.

I am grateful to all the parish for their support, to Father David

for his Christian leadership, and to Joseph for sharing the

responsibilities of great worship music. I am also personally

excited to work as a composer-in-residence for the purpose of

providing a collection of specialized music for the precise

needs of our parish. One such example that I am incredibly

excited about is a piece written for our choristers to premiere

on the morning of March 5. We hope you'll join us!

As we see our church blossom with so many new young

families, it is a delight to invest in this musical and spiritually

formative youth ensemble. I am looking forward to more

growth in all our programs in 2023!

Winter Outreach Warms Hearts, Tummies, and Our Neighbors (see story on page 6).

Winter Outreach

Feeding His Flock

A team from Saint John’s volunteers at the Tulsa downtown

feeding ministry called Iron Gate on the first Saturday of every

month. This wonderful program’s mission is providing hot

meals to our neighbors who are homeless, hungry, or food

insecure. Our volunteer group meets at Iron Gate (located at

501 W. Archer Street) at 8:30 a.m. and works until 10:30 a.m. (a

full shift). Anyone thirteen years or older is welcome and

encouraged to join us, though please note that volunteers must

If you want to sign up to be a part of this, email

jcorsaro@sjtulsa.org. After the Saint John’s Saturday shift,

please feel free to join Father David and myself to walk across

the street and have a treat at Hurts Donuts.

Merry Mitten Tree

Throughout the month of December, a Mitten Tree added

merriment and festive fun to our Common Room. Coordinated

by the Youth Group, this outreach project invited parishioners

to donate mittens, hats, socks, gloves, and small coats that

would be delivered to Iron Gate and Emergency Infant Services.

We raise a shout-out to the teens and children who decorated

the tree. And, we say “thank you so much!” to the members of

our church who made contributions and helped make the

season just a little warmer for those in need.

Blankets for Bitter Nights

Also in December, a request came to Father David to see if

Saint John’s could participate in an urgent blanket drive for a

consortia helping the homeless in our community. Because the

temperatures dipped into the single digits for multiple days

during winter storm Elliott, ministries across the city quickly

collaborated to pull together purchased or donated resources

to help protect this vulnerable population. The Rector’s Fund

and the speedy actions of Father David and Josh Corsaro made

sure our church was a part of this initiative to serve many of our

Tulsa un-sheltered brothers and sisters.

Partnership with Edison Prep

For the second year in a row, we were invited to assist the

administration of Edison Preparatory School with their

December Teacher & Staff Appreciation Holiday Lunch. Josh

Corsaro did a terrific job coordinating cookies, drinks, and a

wonderful barbeque meal for the staff and faculty of Edison’s

middle and senior high school. Josh, Father David, and

members of the principal’s office served the meaty options and

sides to more than 180 Edison team members. We are very

grateful to Rib Crib and the Chandler Hospitality Group for

extending a generous discount to make the delicious hot meal

possible.

Note: see outreach day photos on page 5.

Sunday Snacks

On behalf of myself and the parish, I wish to extend a

hug “thank you” to all our Hospitality Team members

for planning, preparing, and hosting fabulous snacks

during our November, December, and January Sunday

fellowship time!

Above: Nick and Kathleen get a little silly after

presenting a great Sunday spread. Whipped cream

is good on apple crumble...or just straight up!

A Call for Recipes from Saint John’s Members

The Hospitality Team is planning a Saint John’s

cookbook full of parishioner recipes. To do this, we

need your help! We invite you to send us your favorite

and delectable recipes for appetizers, main dishes,

sides, and deserts. If you have a special recipe, we’d

love to consider it for inclusion in the cookbook.

Proceeds from the sales of the cookbook will help the

Hospitality Team continue to provide delicious snacks

after our Sunday services.

To make a submission, print the recipe(s), include your

name and contact information on the sheet, and place

the recipe in the Hospitality Team basket in the

Common Room. We will provide updates about this

exciting project as it progresses.

The Evangelist Page 6

LEV News

- Kathleen Moss

Hospitality News

Lay Eucharistic Visitors (LEVs) are volunteers from our

parish who take Communion to shut-ins from our

church community. To become an LEV, the volunteer

attends a half-day training program and then the

Bishop will license the volunteer for this mission. Each

Saint John’s LEV agrees to volunteer one Sunday of

each month to visit one or two shut-ins. LEVs bring the

good news of Christ to our fellow parishioners. Before

COVID-19, Saint John’s had a very active LEV troop and

we look forward to re-growing our team again. If you

are interested in learning more about becoming an

LEV, contact Sharon Bell at sjbell@rogersandbell.com,

or talk with Father David.

Jenna Byers. Tammie Kolker

Michael O’Shea

Linda Arrington. Dutch Prather

Bradford Cummings, Zach Malavolti

Jon Cinocca

Jack Coon

Linda McAninch

Chris Field, Jim Mulcahy

Clark Phipps, Nancy Westfall

Anne Gillingham, Jan Schweiger

Conor Cummings.

Nick Bradford, June Marie Campbell

Meghan Joiner, Jim Landrum

Susan Lyons

Christine Payne

Melinda Billam

Suzanne Pierson

Debra Carder, Emma Cinocca,

Nancy Paul, Judy Randle.

Jude Bergquist, Bard Moss

Betty Briney, Tim Hager

Paul Schroedter

Gayla DeLay, Jerry Lee,

Harper McIntyre, Morgan McIntyre

Molly Baker, Jo Anna Dossett

Nathan Cinocca

Chris Osburn

Jo Farimond

Jeanette Hughes, Will Phipps

Susan Slattery

Nina Lipe, Robert Reed

Calvin Moniz

Jane Cowdery, Gerry Reif

Dianne Schroedter

Doug Burgess, Susan Walker

Ellen Atkins, Owen Cowdery

Robert Johnston, Courtenay Tetrick

The Evangelist Page 7

Troop 153 stayed busy through the holiday season with festivities as well as hiking,

advancement, and merit badge work. Recent campouts included a trip to one of our

favorite places, Robbers Cave State Park near Wilburton, as well as Winter Camp at

Mabee Scout Reservation near Locust Grove. This is the second year our troop has

attended Indian Nations Council Winter Camp and it has been a great experience for

our Scouts as well as our attending adults. This year we had twenty-one Scouts and

nine adults take advantage of this extended campout between Christmas and New

Year’s Day. There were merit badge classes for the Scouts and Assistant Scoutmaster

and Wilderness First Aid training for the adults as well as shooting sports, zipline,

cooking contests, and other fun activities.

The holiday season brought us a new Troop 153 Eagle Scout. Congratulations to

Garrison Hair! The new year brings new youth leadership for the troop. Joseph Moore

was voted in as our new Senior Patrol Leader. We look forward to seeing Joseph and

his new Patrol Leader Council steering one of the best troops around. Some of our

favorite events just took place. A Scout is reverent, and we appreciated worshipping

with our Saint John's family on Scout Sunday, February 5. Our annual Troop 153 Chili

Cook-Off at Saint John's was held on Friday, February 10. We want to thank all our

Saint John's family who bought tickets, came hungry, and helped us make this a

terrific evening..

BSA Troop 153 News

- Carolyn Davis

Daughters of the King

Passing of The Rev. Bill Maxwell

Sue Maxwell wrote to Jessica Stowell recently about

the passing of her husband, Bill. Many parishioners knew

The Rev. William F. Maxwell from his years of service as

Saint John’s fourth Rector (1972 to 1978). He also served as

the dean of cathedrals in Chicago and Salt Lake City. Sue

shared, “This holiday season was different for me and our

family as maybe it was for some of you. This is the cost of

living and loving fully." Bill passed on November 7, 2022, at

the age of 97. Sue welcomes any communication and warm

memories of Father Bill. She can be reached by

mail at 515 Van Buren St., Port Townsend, Washington,

98368, or by email 3max8@olympus.net.

Milestones

January Birthdays

Hugh Barber, Larry Mancini

Chris Barber, Chuck Blue, Tom Frisch

Bob Baker, Mary Jo Sartain

Anne Clark

Jessica Stowell

Lauren Houston

Ann Butler, Richard Harris

Nathan Breaux, Heather Graves

Sally Jones, Logan Osburn

Bill Boston

Paul Cole, Alec Moss, Michael Smith

Elise Crowe

Mary Dotson, Mark Lyons, Eryn Taylor

Pet Merifield, Mary Ann Stewart

Beth Dunkin, Chuck Steil

Allison Cotton, Charlotte Moss

Jim Hardwick, Betsy Tidwell

Zac Cox, Beverly Staedke

Dalton Wyrick

Harrison Graves, Todd Waldeck

Stephanie Jackson, Beth Latham

Duncan Gravis, Tom Schroedter

Baptisms

Delphine Elizabeth Thames

Passings

Sarah Ann Johnson

Barbara Putnam

Pat Armstrong

Betty McGranahan

- Sharon Bell

February Birthdays

December was a busy month for The Daughters of the King. During our December

meeting, we reviewed Psalm 78 in Father David’s Bible Study class. We enjoyed our

Annual Clergy and Staff Luncheon on December 7. We met in a private room at the

Big Whiskey and enjoyed good food and conversation. Finally, we prepared breakfast

for the congregation on December 18. I am always amazed at the creativity of our

food offerings. (We plan to provide food after the 10 a.m. service once a quarter.) The

Daughters of the King continue to pray daily for the well-being of our parish.

St. Barbara’s Guild is a group of women dedicated to the study of the Bible, service

projects, fellowship, and support of each other and Saint John’s Episcopal

Church. Our meetings are held on the third Thursday of each month at 11 a.m. in Fox

Library. We invite you to come, bring a sack lunch, and grab your Bible. We’ll provide

coffee and water. Please join us for our February meeting on Thursday, February 16, at

11 a.m. in the library. Father David leads us as we continue with our study of the Book

of Genesis. We would love to see you there! If you have questions, please feel free to

reach out to me by text or phone call at (918) 633-8881.

St. Barbara's Guild

- Kathleen Moss

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The Evangelist Page 8

The Evangelist - Jan./Feb. 2023

4200 South Atlanta Place

Tulsa OK 74105-4331