Greetings Beloved,
As so many of you experienced this past Lenten season, we used our
Wednesday nights to explore the practice of Lectio Divina. Part of what makes
this venerable exercise so powerful (and so challenging) is that it requires the
faithful to commit to periods of silence. This means no speaking, no
whispering, just reverent and prayerful silence. In beginning the process of
Lectio in this way, we hope to quiet our minds and await the wisdom and
presence of God in Christ, preparing our hearts to meditate on the Scriptures.
Having quite a busy life myself, I have relished even these short times of silence
before God and with my brothers and sisters. Recently, as we sat in the quiet of
the evening, half of a verse of Scripture gently eased into my mind. It was not a
part of the letter to the Ephesians, which would have made sense, given that is
the topic of our time together. Rather it came from Pauls Second Letter to the
Corinthians. In the tenth chapter, Paul encourages the church in Corinth to
"...take every thought captive to obey Christ." In the silence, I pondered why
this half-verse would pop into my mind, only to find that it was perfect
spiritual advice for many of the anxieties and worries that tend to accrue in the
life of a ministry, perhaps especially in one as wonderful as the one we share at
Saint John's. Indeed, I pray that my thoughts would be captive to Jesus as we
go, that his love, mercy, truth, beauty, and perfection would be at the top of my
mind, all our minds, as we head into the great Eastertide.
Perhaps that is one of the greatest gifts of Holy Week. For in being present to
his life and teaching in the Paschal Triduum, the Holy Three Days, we cannot
help but set our minds, our thoughts, our hearts, and our bodies, into the
rhythm of Christ's final days before his crucifixion. What better way to "take
every thought captive to obey Christ" than to actually tread as he trod (at least
liturgically)?
Thus I pray that you will join us for our Holy Week liturgies, and certainly on the
great Sunday of the Resurrection of Jesus, Easter. I hope you will pay special
attention to the Holy Week schedule and make time to be among us. I also
hope you will take some time to be silent. God gave me counsel in the quiet,
and I suspect you will find the same, beloved.
Your brother,
In this Issue:
Rector's Message - 1
Senior Warden Message - 2
Treasurer's Report - 2
Music News - 3
Adult Formation/Events - 3
Easter Triduum - 4
Youth & Family News - 4
Comms Corner - 5
Outreach Update - 5
St. Barbara's Guild - 5
Spring Luncheon Invite - 5
Hospitality - 6
Daughters of the King - 6
Altar Fund Giving - 6
Milestones - 7
Office Closure Note - 7
Scouting News - 7
Spring Clean Up - 7
Easter Services Invite - 8
VBS Save the Date - 8
A Newsletter
for Saint John's
Episcopal Church
Friends & Families
The Evangelist Page 1
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April 2023
The Evangelist
Hello! Below on page two, you will read the column from our treasurer, Bill Chevaillier, about the creation
of a new legacy endowment for Saint Johns. The new endowment is intended to be a foundational part
of a larger planned giving program we are working to put in place. It may be surprising to learn that Saint
Johns has not previously established a true endowment,dedicated to the preservation of the funds in
perpetuity, with an annual distribution of a small percentage of income. This will be an ideal vehicle for
parishioners who wish the principal of their bequests to be fully preserved and grow over time.
The new endowment, however, will not be the only vehicle by which gifts and bequests can be made to Saint John’s. For
example, we receive many gifts that parishioners direct us to use as and when needed. We also have multiple current funds for
which the donor directed a specific purpose, such as youth ministry or building and grounds, but who also made clear that they
want the fund to be prudently but actively used, rather than invested in perpetuity.
The overarching obligation of the parish when receiving a gift or bequest is to honor the intent of the donor, so far as it can be
ascertained. Therefore, when thinking about making a gift to Saint John’s, either during your lifetime or in your estate plan,
please consider two primary things: one, the time horizon that you will direct the Church to hold and invest the funds, and two,
the purpose for which you would like the Church to put the funds to use, even if that purpose is to fund the general operations
of the Church. These instructions will be invaluable in assisting in carrying out your intent.
There will be much more to come in the months ahead as we continue to build our structured Legacy giving program. However,
that does not mean that you need to wait If you have been thinking about planned giving and would like to have a conversation
at any time, please contact Father David or Bill.
You may also have recently seen messages regarding our rejuvenated Outreach ministry. I am so very pleased that Janice Ingle
has stepped up to lead our efforts. Janice is committed to proactively getting to know the actual needs of key locally-based
agencies and in partnering with those agencies as may appropriately match our ability to assist. Please open your hearts to our
outreach partners and provide generously as you are able, and support Janice and her team as they work to build our program.
I am looking forward to seeing the seeds of these two efforts take root and grow for the transformation of our parish life and to
the glory of God. Happy Spring!
From Our Senior Warden
- Susan Walker
The Evangelist Page 2
- Bill Chevaillier
Treasurer's Report
Over the next few months, you will hear me talk about the new Saint John’s Legacy Endowment. At Saint
Johns, making an endowed gift is one of the most powerful ways to have a lasting impact.
What is an endowment gift? An endowment gift is a donation that is given with the intent to preserve the
original value of the gift, and to grow it over time. The funds are held in perpetuity and invested, and the
accumulated appreciation and income on the investment are used to fund an annual distribution. The
annual distribution is spent according to the donors wishes. Through this dedicated stream of income, an
endowment gift ensures the stability of Saint Johns Episcopal Church. Donors are encouraged to work with
the Church to design the most meaningful gift to meet their goals.
What is an endowed fund's lasting impact? Endowed gifts provide a stable income stream to ensure Saint John’s continued
excellence. They help Saint John’s do what we have done for more than seventy-five years but better and with more impact. Let’s
look at a few examples. Over the years, Saint Johns has benefited from the incredible generosity of our donors in providing multi-
million dollar gifts to replace our organ, maintain our facility, create new programs in music and children’s ministry, and transform
our church for todays worship.
How does a gift to an endowed fund work? Endowment gifts are managed by Saint John’s expert investment team through its
commingled pool of endowed funds, not unlike a mutual fund. The scale of the pooled assets allows for the Church to take
advantage of an appropriate range of investment vehicles to provide a higher total return over time within an acceptable level of
risk, and in observance with the highest professional standards. The annual distribution policy is set by Saint Johns permanent
endowment policy. While the policies and the management of the endowment are executed centrally, the annual expenditure of
the distribution from each endowed fund is managed per the individual donors wishes, and with stewardship by the program
which it supports.
How does the endowment strengthen Saint Johns? The endowment creates a solid financial foundation for the future, providing a
reliable source of income to fulfill the Church’s mission. It also allows Saint Johns to weather short-term economic ups and downs.
Although we encourage contributors to establish endowment gifts with broad purposes that provide maximum flexibility to realize
the Churchs potential, some of Saint John’s endowment may be restricted to specific purposes such as facility maintenance,
supplement to clergy, ministry, music or program support designated at the time of the gift. Such restricted funding ensures
continued support for those specific purposes.
Seed the future. When you invest in St John’s through an endowment gift, you seed the future, create a legacy and assure
Saint John’s continued impact for generations to come. Join us.
Adult Formation & Events
- Josh Corsaro
The Evangelist Page 3
- Joseph Arndt
Music News
Sunday Bible Study - We are delighted that parishioner Dr. William
Lyons continues this month to teach a Sunday Formation series.
Come join us on Sunday mornings at 9 a.m. in the Common Room
as he leads us through the Book of Exodus.
Young Adult Brunch - Our Young Adults' Brunch meets on the last
Sunday 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. On April 26, we will meet at Roosevelt's.
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 Book of Acts. 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 third
or fourth 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.
Iron Gate Our service team regularly assists Iron Gate on the first
Saturday of every month to help feed the homeless and hungry.
THIS MONTH we will assist with an extra shift on the LAST Saturday
of the month also, April 29. In May we return to the first weekend of
the month schedule. Volunteers for either date need to commit to
arrive at 8 a.m. and stay until 10:30 a.m. Afterward, anyone who
volunteers is welcome to join Father David and me as we go to
Hurts Donuts. If you want to sign up to be a part of this, email me at
jcorsaro@sjtulsa.org.
April 5
Pergolesi's Stabat Mater, with Meray
Boustani, soprano, and Nicholas Garza,
countertenor, and an ensemble of period
instruments.
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.
Music at Midday Season Eight Continues this Month
Save the dates for the continuation of Music at Midday Season
Eight's free, half-hour recitals that are offered at noon on
Wednesdays through April 26. Each performance will be
followed by a time for fellowship and 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/ordering details in the weekly e-news or Sunday
bulletin.
Congratulations Noah
Congratulations to our Organ Scholar, Noah
Smith, for his appointment to Christ Episcopal
Church in Raleigh, North Carolina! Noah will be
full-time Organ Scholar there for the next
academic year. He moves to Raleigh after
graduation from OU in May. Please join us for a
special Choral Evensong and reception
celebrating his two years with us!
Celebration for Noah Smith
Sunday, May 7
5:30 p.m. Choral Evensong
6:30 p.m. Reception
June 2023 AGO Convention
Mark your calendars! American Guild of Organists
Southwest Regional Convention is coming to Tulsa! And,
Saint John’s will be well-represented! On June 28-29,
between 150 and 200 organists from Oklahoma, Texas,
Colorado, New Mexico, Arkansas, and Louisiana will be in
attendance. Our parishioners are invited to attend all
public convention events. These include:
On Wednesday, June 28, the events at Saint John’s are:
5 p.m. Choral Evensong sung by the Chamber Choir
7:30 p.m. Organ Recital by Nathan Laube, Associate
Professor of Organ at The
Eastman School of Music,
and sponsored by
Schoenstein & Co.
On Thursday, June 29 at
3:30 p.m., the Oklahoma
Bach Choir will be at Holy
Family Cathedral. The
program will include
cantatas performed 300
years ago in Leipzig, shortly
after Bach took up the post
of Thomaskantor. The
orchestra for this concert
will include trumpet,
oboes, strings, and organ.
This performance is
sponsored by Tom and Kay
Owens. Learn more at
https://agotulsa2023.com/.
Childrens Chapel - Our Childrens Chapel is entering the
Easter season, and we are going back to our Storymakers NYC
curriculum! 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.
NOTE: there will be no Children's Chapel on Easter Sunday.
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.
Choristers - Our children's choir meets for music and
fellowship at 5:30 p.m. most Wednesday evenings. All kids and
grandkids are welcome. Currently we are working on pieces for
Easter and Mother's Day.
Easter Egg Hunt - Get your baskets ready, Easter is coming!
Which means there will be a lot of bright and colorful eggs to
hunt on our church lawn! Our Easter Egg Hunt will be after the
9 a.m. service on Easter Day.
Vacation Bible School - Summer is around the corner, which
means it's almost time to sign up and it's definitely time to put
this on your calendar. Saint Johns kids, grandkids, and their
friends are welcome to join us the week of July 17-21. And, if
you would like to volunteer, please let me know soon.
Summer Camp - Registration is open for the Episcopal Diocese
of Oklahoma's St. Crispins 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.
Crispins 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
Youth & Family
- Josh Corsaro
Holy Week & the
Paschal Triduum
Holy Monday, April 3
Stations of the Cross at 7 p.m.
Holy Tuesday, April 4
Stations of the Cross at 7 p.m.
Holy Wednesday, April 5
Music at Midday noon
Tenebrae at 7 p.m.
Maundy Thursday, April 6
Maundy Thursday Liturgy at 7 p.m.
Good Friday, April 7
Solemn Three Hours from noon to 3 p.m.
Good Friday Liturgy at 7 p.m.
Holy Saturday, April 8
The Great Vigil of Easter at 7 p.m.
Easter Day, April 9
Holy Eucharist (Rite One) at 7:30 a.m.
Holy Eucharist (Rite Two) at 9 a.m.
Easter Egg Hunt at 10:15 a.m.
Holy Baptism at 11:15 a.m.
Choral Evensong at 5:30 p.m.
The Evangelist Page 5
Communication Corner
Confirmation Class 2023
Father David is working on details for the 2023 Confirmation
and Reaffirmation Class. If you have an interest in a family
member attending (or you!), please reach out to Diana in the
church office and ask to be placed on the email list for further
information.
Evening Prayer Invitation
The Daily Office is offered at 5:30 p.m. in addition to 8:30 a.m.
Anytime is the perfect time to join readers and staff for those
prayerful opportunities. Check the website or e-news for
updates. This schedule may vary during Easter Week.
The Sounds of Saint John's
Saint John's Adult Formation (from Sundays) and Father
David's sermons are now available to hear via three online
channels.
If you enjoy listening to a homily without the video (Sunday
morning sermons are already offered via Facebook) or you like
the convenience of the Sunday Bible lessons while you work,
bike, hike or drive we've got you covered! Simply download
one of the three optional handy apps Soundcloud, iTunes, or
Spotify on your smart device, select "follow" or "subscribe" to
YOUR Saint John's Episcopal Church, and enjoy! You can also
access this information on our SJC website. Under the Get
Connected tab, select the Class & Sermon Audio Offerings
page.
Welcome Booth Volunteers
The church is seeking parishioners who would like to serve the
parish by taking turns in the "welcome booth." Greeting
friends, visitors, and vendors of Saint John's is fun and a huge
help to the staff. Contact Diana Carter in the office if
interested.
St. Barbara's Guild
St. Barbaras Guild is a group of women
dedicated to the study of the Bible, service
projects, fellowship, and support of each
other and Saint Johns Episcopal Church.
Meetings are the third Thursday of the
month at 11 a.m. in Fox Library. Bring a sack
lunch and your Bible. Water and coffee are
provided.
Join us for our next meeting on Thursday,
April 20 at 11 a.m. in Fox Library. Father
David will continue our study of the Book
of Genesis. All are welcome to join us! Want
more information about these meetings
and events, simply contact me, Kathleen
Moss at (918) 633-8881 by phone or text.
And, save the date for our Saint John's
parish ladies' luncheon on May 18. Details
in the graphic to the right. We look forward
to this special time together every spring.
- Kathleen Moss
The Outreach Ministry is actively helping vulnerable
populations in our community. For two months, we
will focus on clients of a particular agency and provide
shelf-stable food, clothing, or other items of need.
In April, we continue to focus on the American Legion,
which serves the needs of our veterans (as well as
anyone else in need who seeks out the agency). A
basket has been placed in the Common Room where
you can place your generous donations. Great
contributions include canned goods (especially canned
protein), peanut butter, and other ready-to-eat items.
Clothing (such as new underwear, undershirts or
socks), toothbrushes, toothpaste, and other hygiene
and toiletry items are welcome. Have a walker you are
no longer using? Donate it!
This is an opportunity for our whole parish to become
involved to help those who served our country and
now are in need of our help.
Outreach News
The Evangelist Page 6
Hospitality News
Lay Eucharistic Visitors
The church staff, volunteers, parishioners, and I want to extend
a huge thank you to the Hospitality Team members and
ministry groups for the outstanding Sunday Snacks provided in
March. What incredible food and fellowship!
Announcing Hospitality Team Assist, a new way to help!
What is a Hospitality “Team Assist?Simply put, this is when
someone would like to help with Sunday Snacks, but only
occasionally. Let us know if we could call you to make a
casserole, bring fruit, cookies or a tasty dip. Hospitality Team
members would certainly appreciate some back-up bakers or
buyers!
To join Hospitality Team Assist, see Kathleen Moss in Common
Room after church services. You may also call/text Kathleen at
(918) 633-8881 or email: kathleen.moss@me.com.
- Kathleen Moss
Daughters of the King
March was busy for The Order of the Daughters of the King. We
began with our monthly meeting on March 2, with a study of
Psalm 119 led by Father David. Psalm 119 is the longest in the
Bible and meditates on the joys of studying and living the
Torah. Additionally, we decided to provide notes of
encouragement to our shut-ins along with our birthday card
ministry.
On March 5, DOK provided Sunday snacks/breakfast for both
services. Seeing our congregation laughing and talking while
enjoying brunch the Daughters prepared is a joy. We worked
within the Lenten dietary restrictions to create something
delicious.
We assisted Saint John’s school education partner, Thomas
Edison Preparatory School, by helping to serve lunch to the
high school teachers during a teacher training day on March 9.
The 160 teachers and staff appreciated the tasty midday meal
of chicken sandwich and chips.
We rounded out March by offering a smorgasbord of soups and
bread on Wednesday, March 29.
As always, the Daughters of the King pray daily for our
congregation and whoever asks for our prayers. There is a
prayer request box on the table outside the Common Room.
- Sharon Bell, Presid ent
An information meeting about Lay Eucharistic Visitors
(LEV) is scheduled for Tuesday, May 9, at 5 p.m. in the
Common Room. Beer and snacks will be served.
LEVs take Communion to our parish shut-ins. Before the
pandemic, Saint Johns had a large and active group of
LEVs, and on most Sundays, a LEV was sent to take
Communion to one or two shut-ins. LEVs use a short two-
page service. The person (and sometimes family) who was
visited appreciated both the gifts of Communion and
contact.
Father David will lead a training session on Saturday, May
20. (Bishop Reed needs to commission LEVs after training.)
LEVs are one of the most rewarding lay ministries the
Episcopal Church offers.
- Sharon Bell, Coordinator
Please note that the church
office will be closed at noon
on Friday, April 7, and all day
on Monday, April 10.
Whitney M.
Laura B., Janice C.,
David N., Lawson P.,
Clint R., Sheryl S.
Dena N., Aidan P.
Riley L.
Ralph B., Sarah H.
Mindy C.
Matthew B.
James T., Michael T.
Marguerite C.,
David M.
Jane R.
Elizabeth B., Kathy C.,
Pam D., Pete E.,
Bill W.
Jenna S., Tom W.
Ellie E., Dian P.
Allison W.
Jean M.
Rick G., Caren L.
Anne C., Truman P.
Robert B., Otis H.,
Hazel P., Chase S.
Kay G., Dee M.,
Sheppard M.
Tom O., Ed R.
Sharon B.
Virginia M.
Elaine B.
Paula S., Kay Y.
Jim H., Gene S.
The Evangelist Page 7
Happy Spring! Recently Troop 153 sent twenty-two Scouts and six adults to a campout
adventure at Strataca Underground Salt Museum. This fun and educational activity included
spending the night 750 feet beneath Hutchinson, Kansas. The group toured the salt mine and
also completed the requirements to earn the Mining In Society merit badge.
Springtime brought a service project opportunity for our Scouts to give back to one of our
local camping facilities. A group of eighteen Scouts and adults spent the morning at Graves
Scout Reservation trimming crepe myrtles along the front fence of the property located at
New Orleans and 101st Streets, just west of the Northeastern State University Broken Arrow
campus. Many area Scouting units, including ours, use Graves for meetings, camping, and
advancement opportunities. It is a great place for us to show our appreciation by serving.
With temperatures on their way up, and summer plans are in full swing for our troop and our
crew with treks. Camping, and high adventure are on the way. It is a busy time as all of our
summer treks include several practice hikes and campouts in the spring that create
opportunities to build teamwork and practice skills that will be required on the outing.
Memories are being made every weekend in the rain or the sunshine!
BSA Troop 153 News
- Carolyn Davis
Milestones
Birthdays
Passings
Richard Medlock
Office Closure
Dates in April
Non-Profit
Organization
U. S. Postage
Paid
Tulsa, OK
Permit No. 54
RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED
The Evangelist Page 8
The Evangelist - April 2023
4200 South Atlanta Place
Tulsa OK 74105-4331
Save the date!
VBS
July 17-21