St. John's Vestry
St. John's Vestry
"The Little Church On The Hill"
St. John's Episcopal Church
Springfield Gardens, NY, 11413
St. John's Priest-in-Charge
The Rev. Pauline A. Samuel
Word from the Priest
Welcome back from summer vacation and welcome to the first edition of St. John’s brand-new newsletter, Highlights from the Hill! (see .pdf file below) This will be a bi-monthly publication that will highlight various events taking place at St. John’s and in the community as well as ministries happening within the church. Highlights from the Hill will also feature the “Parishioner Spotlight” where one parishioner will be selected to talk about who they are, what they do and what being a member of St. John’s means to them. This piece will give each of us the opportunity to get to know who we are as a church family and I’m excited that our first spotlight is shining on Mrs. Nikki Young!
This newsletter is one of many new and exciting things happening here at St. John’s. During the summer we began the parish hall clean up and thanks to many helping hands we were able to de-clutter and organize the parish hall. There are still some more improvements that need to be made which will happen over time as we work to make the parish hall more accessible for church events, meetings, and rentals.
One of the most important changes that must happen is the creation of a new mission and vision for St. John’s, Springfield Gardens. Proverbs 29:18 says, “Where there is no vision, the people perish.” Having a mission and vision is crucial to effective ministry. Therefore, on Sunday, September 30th there will be a Mini-Parish Meeting (formerly known as the PAG meeting) following the 9:00am worship service. At this meeting we will begin the conversation on crafting the new mission and vision that God is calling us towards. I urge everyone to be in attendance for this important and necessary conversation.
As l reflect on my first year with you, I continue to be excited and passionate about the work God has for all of us to do in this “little church on the hill”. We may be little but we are mighty in deeds and power! May God, continue to bless us as we continue to shine our light in this part of God’s vineyard!
Church: (718) 525-1444
Rectory: (718) 525-8900
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The Rev. Pauline Samuel is a proud graduate of Yale Divinity School where she earned her Masters of Divinity. While in seminary she served as Vice President of the Yale Black Seminarians and also served as Co-Chair of the Annual Class Gift Campaign helping to raise over $17,000 for financial aid and scholarships for incoming students. She received her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from St. Francis College. Pauline was raised up for ordination by St. Philip’s Episcopal Church, MacDonough St. While there she worked as the Office Manager and served as Youth Coordinator. Prior to beginning her seminary training, Pauline had the opportunity to intern at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church in Philadelphia where she served as the Coordinator for Families and Children. Mother Samuel is excited to be serving as Priest-in-charge at St. John’s Episcopal Church, Springfield Gardens. Mother Samuel is a Brooklyn native of Caribbean descent. She has a great love for books, is a self-proclaimed foodie and is an avid football fan.
THE BRINGING IN OF THE CROSS & VENERATION OF THE CROSS
The Rev. Pauline A. Samuel