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Parish Profile for
St. John the Evangelist
Spirited ~ Growing ~ Searching
St. John the Evangelist
St. John the Evangelist Episcopal Church is a vibrant, growing parish made up of people who honor their Christian faith; a faith based on scripture, tradition, and fellowship. We are a lay-driven congregation, uniquely traditional and thirsty for spiritual growth. Our strong spirit and compassion are evident in our dynamic Sunday school program, lively choral music, youth-sponsored mission trips, and active outreach ministry.
Established as an Episcopal congregation in 1895, the church is located in the beautiful seaside community of Duxbury, MA, a historic, suburban town 35 miles south of Boston. We are blessed with a large number of well-educated and accomplished parishioners. We embrace our youth. We welcome all.
Most of St. John’s members were raised as Episcopalians or other Protestant denominations, but many have also come to our parish from the Roman Catholic tradition. Our parish consisted of approximately 1,044 active baptized members as of year-end 2005. We typically hold two services each Sunday, one at 8:00 AM and one at 10:00 AM. The average Sunday attendance is over 300 people. St. John’s has more than 300 children currently enrolled in its Christian Education program, one of the largest in the Diocese of Massachusetts.
St. John’s actively encourages members to participate in the parish’s many commissions and activities. In 2005, 500 adults and 180 youth members took part in a commission, choir, vestry, or other projects to carry out God’s purpose. We know that by welcoming each other, and by worshipping and working together, we are in community with God.
St. John’s Mission Statement
“Through the power of the Holy Spirit, the Mission of St. John's is to present Christ in life and in work in ways that all will be led to know him and follow him as Lord.”
Prayer for New Rector
Most Merciful God, we come to you today to ask your blessings while we search for a new priest to minister to us in our celebration of your Son, our Savior, Jesus Christ. We pray, dear Lord, that you will give the members of this parish, the vestry, the wardens, and the search committee, wisdom and ability to discern your will by the power of your Holy Spirit. Guide us to select a rector, who will become our teacher, pastor, and friend. Bless and give strength and guidance to our new rector during this search and transition. We thank you for our lives together in this parish family. We are grateful, Lord, for all your tender mercies. In the name of Christ, we pray. AMEN
History
St. John’s, erected in 1823 as a Methodist church, is the oldest church building in Duxbury. It was left vacant in 1844. The Episcopal congregation began meeting in 1881 in homes and then in an old school building on Chapel Street. In 1895, Lucy Sprague Sampson 
purchased the church for the Episcopalians’ new home. The name, St. John the Evangelist, comes from the early leadership of the Mission Priests of St. John the Evangelist in Boston. It was consecrated as an Episcopal Church in 1900 and became a parish in 1946.
In the 1940s, the town began to change from a small agricultural and summer community to a suburban commuter town. The Rev. John Hatch Philbrick was the first full-time priest, who from 1940 to 1948, presided and oversaw the change from Mission to Parish of St. John the Evangelist in 1946. Since then the parish has been served by:
1949 – 1957 The Rev. William Stevens Anthony
1957 – 1967 The Rev. David John Siegenthaler
1968 – 1985 The Rev. Lewis Hartman Mills
1984 – 1987 The Rev. Paul Newman Taylor, Interim Priest
1987 – 2005 The Rev. Michael Joseph Marrone
2005 –2007 The Rev. William W. Eddy, Interim Priest
The Rev. Billie Mae Gordon, Interim Priest
2007-Present The Rev. Roy Tripp
The history of St. John's reflects the character of the town and the historical changes that make it what it is today.
Community
The Town of Duxbury is primarily a residential community with a population of 14,600 located 35 miles southeast of Boston on the Atlantic Coast. Settled by the Pilgrims, Myles Standish, and John Alden, Duxbury was incorporated in 1637. For many of its early years, Duxbury was the home of a number of shipyards building sailing vessels. This coastal location continues to play a vibrant role in the character of the community. Snug Harbor on Duxbury Bay, just north of Plymouth, is one of the most attractive recreational boat basins on the Massachusetts coast. Duxbury Beach is a major, unspoiled, natural recreational asset, and the bay itself supports an active shellfish industry.
The town is considered an affluent suburb of Boston. The residents make up a mix of families who have lived here for generations, people who began living in Duxbury as summer residents before making Duxbury their permanent home, and younger families who’ve just moved to Duxbury within the past 15 years. Many residents commute to managerial and executive positions in the metropolitan area. Duxbury is a town of choice for families seeking good schools, outstanding community services, and a pleasant residential atmosphere. The town prides itself on its excellent school system and extensive participation of citizens in community activity. Over 93% of graduating high school students advance to higher education. An active, endowed historical society works to keep the town’s history alive. Duxbury boasts an ambitious drive to conserve open space, and because of that, much of the town has retained a rural character with many acres of woods and walking trails. The town has an art museum, an outstanding library, a municipal indoor swimming pool, numerous athletic fields, a conservatory, a performing arts center, an unparalleled sailing program, long, sandy beaches, and a magnificent waterfront.
Duxbury:
Founded: 1637
Area: 38 sq. miles
Land: 24 sq. miles
Water: 14 sq. miles
Population: 14,600
Median age: 42
Household income: $105,398
Government: Town Manager and Board of Selectmen; Town Meeting
Tax rate: $10.14
Households: 5,283
Median home price: $537,500 (thru June ‘05)
Website: www.town.duxbury.ma.us
Membership
Most of St. John’s members were raised as Episcopalians, but many have also come to our parish from the Roman Catholic and other Protestant traditions. We welcome all and are proud of our diversity. St. John’s consisted of approximately 1,044 active baptized members as of year-end 2005. The average Sunday attendance is 303, with Easter services averaging 657. We are pleased to have 315 children enrolled in our Christian Education program this year, the second largest in the Diocese of Massachusetts, and we have a very active youth group. There are 361 families listed in our parish directory.
St. John’s parishioners work in a wide range of disciplines, including government, education, marketing, medicine, business management, science, law and human resources. Eighty-six percent of our members live in the town of Duxbury, with the other 14 percent living in the surrounding towns. St. John’s actively encourages members to become participants in the parish’s many commissions and activities.
St. John’s Membership Summary
2001 2002 2003 2004 2005
Baptized Members 829 875 919 995 1044
Avg. Sun. Attendance 229 225 215 255 303
Pledging Units 217 200 223 238 266
Pledge Payments ($000) $309 $329 $321 $355 $339
Avg. Pledge Payment $1,459 $1,646 $1,503 $1,513 $1,419
Income – Expense ($000) ($4) $1 ($12) $33 $20
Church School Enrollment 227 234 261 273 302
Baptisms 33 28 24 24 16
Confirmations 16 36 28 * 26
Marriages 2 6 7 3 4
Memorial Services 14 12 9 13 11
*The confirmands of 2004 were actually confirmed in 2003.
Worship
Sunday services are Holy Eucharist at 8:00 AM and a service with music and Holy Eucharist at 10:00 AM. Church School meets and junior and senior choirs sing during this service. There is a weekly Holy Eucharist service on Wednesdays at 10:00 AM that is open to all.
In addition to weekly services, St. John’s holds special services during Christmas and Easter. Christmas Eve is celebrated with three services -- a Children’s Pageant at 2:00 PM; a service with Holy Eucharist at 7:00 PM; and an 11:00 PM Christmas Eucharist preceded by a special choral presentation. There is a 9:00 AM Holy Eucharist Christmas morning service.
On Palm Sunday, the congregation receives palms at both the 8:00 AM and 10:00 AM services. There is Eucharist on Palm Sunday, and during the Holy Week, there is Eucharist on Wednesday, Maundy Thursday, and Good Friday. We have, in the past, done a vigil during the week, which is a very spiritual and meaningful time for many. All these services lead up to three Easter Day Eucharists.
We also share fellowship with the sisters of St. Margaret, an Episcopal order of nuns that have a summer residence in Duxbury. Their daily services and occasional weekend retreats are open to St. John’s members, and they often worship with us.
Prayer and Healing Team
The ministry of healing is available on the last Sunday of the month following the 8 and 10 AM Worship Services. A Prayer and Healing Team, under the guidance of the Rector, is available for those with special concerns.
Parish Staff
There are six paid staff members, not including the rector:
1. The Parish Secretary manages the office, greets visitors, publishes the bulletins and newsletters, contacts and secures vendors. She works 30 hours a week, Monday – Friday.
2. The Director of Christian Education & Youth Ministry plans and directs the Church School program, organizes the annual Missions Trip to South Carolina, and coordinates all fundraising for the trip. She works 40 hours a week.
3. The Organist/Choirmaster provides worship service music, directs Senior and Youth Choirs, and assists the Jr. Choir. He works 1,000 hours a year.
4. The Sexton handles all custodial and minor repairs. He works 23 hours a week.
5. The Assistant Sexton carries out janitorial duties and works 7 hours a week.
6. The Bookkeeper pays the bills and payroll. She works 94 hours a year.
Ecumenical Relations
St. John’s is active in the Duxbury Interfaith Council, which was formed in 1928 to nourish the spirit of understanding and cooperation between the diverse religious organizations in Duxbury. A Clergy leader along with three lay representatives from each congregation serves as members of the Board. The Council performs charitable services such as preparing and delivering food baskets during Thanksgiving and other holidays to needy families. The Council also assists those having difficulty meeting the basic necessities of life. Help is provided through food vouchers, payment of heat and electricity bills, aid with rent and transportation. The Education and Community Response Committee of the Council oversees and coordinates the town’s participation in the “No Place for Hate” program, promoting educational programs to teach tolerance and diversity.
Diocesan Relations
St. John's, along with 16 other parishes south of Boston, participates in a regional structure within the Diocese designated as a Deanery. The Deanery meets regularly for the intended purposes of improving communication, fellowship, and understanding between parishes and the Diocese. Members of St. John's are elected annually to serve on the Deanery Assembly and to be delegates to the Annual Diocesan Convention. Since we would like to see the parish more involved in these activities, a challenge for St. John's new Rector will be to forge close ties with the Diocese of Massachusetts.
The Church Buildings
St. John’s church building is a wood structure situated on 3.2 acres, only a few blocks from Duxbury’s Snug Harbor waterfront. The typical New England, white-steeple church was erected in 1823. In 1952, the Lucy Sprague Parish Hall was attached to the sanctuary. At that time, six classrooms of various sizes, a heating plant, and a full kitchen were also added. In the early 1990s, St. John’s embarked on a $1 million capital campaign to expand the facilities. A new wing was added which currently houses the administrative offices, a library/meeting room, three large class/meeting rooms, and a choir rehearsal room. At the same time, the balcony area, which housed the original church offices, was renovated creating more seating. The church organ was replaced through the generous gift of a parish family. Just prior to this capital campaign, a wheel-chair ramp was added to the front side of the church. In 1999, St. John’s underwent steeple repairs and added a bell that was rung for the first time on January 1st, 2000.
In addition to the church building, St. John’s property consists of a stand-alone rectory located behind the church. The rectory is a two-story cape-style home located in a wooded setting. It has a kitchen, dining room, screened porch, living room, 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, partial finished basement, and a 2-car under-house garage. There are also two small outbuildings located at the back of the property. There is a small pond accessible to the rear of the property.
A small, historic burial ground is located directly behind the church. It was established at about the same time the church was built. The oldest grave found there is that of John Winsor who died in 1813. However, there are four unmarked graves, which may be older. The St. John’s “Churchyard in the Pines” cemetery continues to this day as an active cemetery. Due to our exploding population and diminishing usable land, all burials there will follow cremation. Parish members, their successors, staff members, current and former clergy and members in Holy Orders may purchase burial sites there.Financial Information
The total amount budgeted for 2006 is $466,800.
St. John’s Budget 2006
2005 |
2006 |
|
Income |
Actual |
Budget |
Pledges |
339,253 |
400,000 |
Plate, Easter, Christmas |
23,341 |
20,000 |
Designated Gifts |
56,363 |
40,000 |
Other Income & interest & Bldg Use |
18,044 |
6,800 |
Total Income |
437,001 |
466,800 |
Expenses |
||
Diocesan Contribution |
51,950 |
55,759 |
Youth Mission |
20,460 |
25,000 |
Outreach |
13,183 |
10,400 |
Rector's Discretionary |
2,432 |
2,500 |
Youth Fellowship |
1,566 |
3,600 |
Christian Education |
11,883 |
7,195 |
Music & Liturgy |
9,205 |
6,085 |
Stewardship |
2,202 |
2,500 |
Fellowship |
474 |
700 |
Parish Life |
333 |
1,000 |
Search |
0 |
15,000 |
Personnel |
223,983 |
237,720 |
Buildings, Grounds & Insurance |
52,974 |
58,000 |
Office & Administration |
25,806 |
25,000 |
Total Expenses |
416,451 |
450,459 |
Set aside for Organ |
3,000 |
3,000 |
Contribution to Property Reserve Account |
17,550 |
13,341 |
Total Outflow from Operating Budget |
437,001 |
466,800 |
St. John’s Vestry
The Vestry consists of the Rector, a Senior and a Junior Warden, Treasurer, Clerk, nine Commission Chairs, and a Youth Representative. It meets monthly.
St. John’s nine Vestry Commissions include: Administration, Buildings and Grounds, Christian Education, Fellowship, Finance, Music and Liturgy, Outreach, Parish Life, and Stewardship. Each commission offers opportunities for members to participate.
ADMINISTRATION
The Administration Commission is responsible for providing human resource support and acts as a facilitator and communication resource for parish personnel. The Commission makes and advocates recommendations with regard to salaries and benefits, as well as administrative staff policies and procedures.
BUILDING & GROUNDS
This ministry assists with all aspects of the buildings, rectory and grounds that make up St. John’s. This group organizes clean-up days, and oversees the maintenance of the church property. The commission makes recommendations on repairs needed and anticipates and recommends action for future property development and maintenance.
CHRISTIAN EDUCATION & RENEWAL
St. John’s Christian Education program is considered one of the parish’s great strengths. The goal of the program is to provide a nurturing atmosphere where all will learn ways to bring Christ into their lives. In the 2005-06 school year, over 300 children and youth were registered in St. John’s church school.
Church school is held on Sundays during the 10:00 AM service. All students begin class at 10:00 AM in their classrooms. Students in Grades 8 through 12 attend the worship service with their family. Grades 3 through 7 meet from 10:00 to 10:40 AM and then join their family in church to celebrate Holy Eucharist. Toddlers through Grade 2 attend their own Primary Worship or story time. Crib care is provided for children two years and younger and is available during the 10:00 AM service.
Second-grade students at St. John’s prepare for Celebration of the Eucharist (formerly First Communion) each spring. St. John’s pre-confirmation and confirmation classes are offered to children preparing for Confirmation. These are year-long programs of lessons, bible study, outreach, and visits to different churches.
Youth Ministry
Junior Youth is open to all students in grades 6-8. Activities are designed to develop Christian community and responsibility and include retreats, movies, holiday parties, work with the homeless, and service projects.
Senior Youth/Missions is open to all students in grades 9-12. Activities include fundraisers to finance the annual trip to Rural Missions in South Carolina to remodel a home or begin new construction for a family in need. This process gives the team ownership while building friendships in a spiritual community.
Adult Ministry
Adult ministry includes the Alpha Course, Men’s Bible Study, Men’s Breakfast, and Bible Study. Recently, small groups have met for Bible Study on Tuesday and Wednesday mornings, and the hope is to grow participation in this time of study, prayer, and fellowship.
FELLOWSHIP
The Fellowship Commission focuses on reaching out to our parish members, as well as our new members and visitors, so all feel welcome and invited into the faith community of St. John’s. This commission hosts Parish suppers, receptions, and other celebrations to create an atmosphere so that all individuals feel the spirit of being part of the parish community. The hallmarks of the fellowship commission are the coffee hours held each Sunday after 8:00 AM and 10:00 AM church services, and the lemonade Sundays held outside after the 9:00 AM summer service. Fellowship also organizes potluck suppers, progressive dinners, and receptions for communion, confirmation, and Bishop visits. When the church hosts special events such as church fairs, fashion shows, bake sales, and other welcoming activities, the Fellowship Commission supports these.
Men’s Breakfast
Every six weeks the men of the parish meet for a Saturday morning breakfast, fellowship, and a thought-provoking program. This informal group pitches in to support other parish programs such as the Brockton Soup Kitchen. Members are encouraged to help out with cooking, cleaning up or organizing the breakfasts. All are welcome: young or senior, newcomer or veteran.
FINANCE
St. John’s Finance Commission is responsible for preparing budgets, financial needs, and periodic financial statements; considering financial options and making recommendations to the Vestry; and coordinating annual financial audits.
Endowment
In 1996, the Vestry adopted a charter establishing the Endowment Committee for the purpose of improving the administration and enhancement of the endowment resources of the parish. The endowment began in 1995 with a balance of less than $10,000. Endowment assets at the end of 2005 had a value of $150,125.
Under current policy, no income is to be spent until the principal reaches $500,000. If there is an operating budget deficit or other fiscal emergency, and the principle is $250,000 or more, income may be used. Payments will be based on a percentage of a three-year rolling market value average to be determined by the Endowment Committee.
Under its charter, Endowment money could be spent on Christian Education, Facility and Grounds Maintenance, Outreach, and Youth Programs.
MUSIC & LITURGY
Music and Liturgy provides us with spiritual illumination in our worship services. St. John’s is blessed with four beautiful choirs:
- The Cherub Choir (grade 2 and below) sings at special services.
- The Junior Choir (grades 3-6) sings at the 10 AM Sunday service and at some special programs.
- The Youth Choir (grades 6-12) sings at occasional 10 AM Sunday services and at some special services.
- The Senior Choir sings at the 10 AM Sunday services and at special services and concerts.
St. John’s has 127 parishioners who serve as ushers, lectors, chalice bearers, acolytes, crucifers, and Lay Eucharistic Ministers. In addition, members of the Altar Guild take excellent care of the chancel and bring altar flowers to those in need.
Acolytes
Boys and girls grade 4 and up assist at worship services on Sundays and Holy Days.
Altar Flowers
The Flower Guild is responsible for the scheduling of memorial flowers.
Altar Guild
Members of the Altar Guild are responsible for the care of the Altar, vestments, silver, linens, and floral arrangements.
Chalice Bearers
Confirmed adult communicants, invited and trained by the Rector, administer the cup at services of Holy Eucharist.
Lay Eucharistic Minister Program
Lay Eucharistic Ministers (LEMs), confirmed adult communicants, invited by the Rector and licensed by the Bishop, provide home/nursing home/hospital visits for those who are ill or unable to attend church. A LEM will provide communion and a short prayer service when needed.
Lay Readers
Confirmed adult communicants conduct services of worship under the direction of the Rector or Bishop and as specified in the rubrics of the Book of Common Prayer.
Lectors
Lectors are volunteers who participate in Sunday Worship Services and on Holy Days by reading the scripture lessons.
Ushers
Ushers are volunteers who greet worshipers at services on Sunday, distribute worship bulletins, collect the offering, present the bread and wine at the Altar, and tidy up after the service.
Wedding Guild
This ministry provides assistance and direction to the wedding party at the rehearsal and prior to the wedding ceremony.
OUTREACH
The Outreach Commission focuses on needs within our local community including food pantries and homeless shelters, Duxbury Interfaith Council, Tabitha Wang – Missionary for The Anglican Frontier Mission, Presiding Bishop’s Fund, and special appeals.
On a monthly basis, Outreach volunteers cook and serve meals to guests of St. Paul’s Soup Kitchen
in Brockton, MA, and have supplied many homeless families at Pilgrim’s Hope in Kingston, MA with gifts, crafts, and food donations. In addition, St. John’s has a “Johnny Fund” collection monthly. This provides extra money and supplies to the Sisters of St. Margaret in Haiti each year. We donate clothing, and school and medical supplies.
In 2005, St. John’s reached out to Trinity Church in Pass Christian, Mississippi, a parish completely destroyed by Hurricane Katrina. St. John’s “adopted” them as a “sister” Parish and raised funds to aid their recovery. A long-term program of assistance is planned which will help Trinity Church to rebuild.
Youth Missions
Each year, members of St. John’s youth group, along with adult volunteers, travel to South Carolina on a bus to remodel a home or begin new construction for a family in need. The youth spend a year planning, fundraising, and working to make this ministry possible. This year is the 16th year for the missions trip and involved 29 youth and 10 adults. This is one of the most celebrated and supported Outreach programs of St. John’s run successfully by our dedicated Christian Education Director.
PARISH LIFE
Parish Life is a ministry that works under the guidance of the Rector. Members of the Parish Life Commission are responsible for welcoming newcomers, meeting the needs of parishioners who are ill, infirm, or in crisis and providing opportunity to celebrate with and minister to one another. This team also provides meals for a family in need when necessary.
The Lay Eucharistic Ministry is part of this commission. These dedicated men and women deliver communion, prayer, and comfort to as many as 30 or more individuals each month. They visit parishioners in their homes, they lend an ear, and offer a comforting touch and a familiar face. Parish Life also sends out cards for different occasions, such as holidays, Christenings, sympathy, get well, graduation, support and well wishes.
St. John’s Guild
St. John’s Guild, a women’s service organization, is currently in a state of transition as it updates its mission and membership. Many of its duties are expected to remain while new functions will be incorporated. Historically, its mission has been to meet for fellowship and the making of handwork that is given to many causes. The members work on individual projects or plan for their annual Silver Tea and other programs. In the past, they have donated layette nightgowns to the birthplaces in local hospitals and knitted sweaters given to babies who are baptized at St. John’s. The Guild has assisted the Parish Life Commission with various projects, including the making of Easter and Christmas favors given to the children that attend these services. St. John’s Guild supports the Interfaith Council and makes generous donations to St. John’s Church groups, including the youth and other charities.
STEWARDSHIP
St. John’s believes in “using the gifts God has given us, to do the work God is calling us to do.” St. John’s Stewardship team stresses participation as the foundation of stewardship: it is participation through activities such as worship, teaching, outreach, and financial participation through pledging. Our Stewardship team encourages parishioners to get involved in our church, welcomes newcomers, and participates in pledge activities in support of the annual campaign.
410 Washington Street P.O. Box 2893 Duxbury,
Massachusetts 02331-2893
Phone: (781) 934-6523 Fax: (781) 934-5488 Email: stjamy@comcast.net