Tuesday, June 9, 2026
The Chapel St. Chronicle
Welcome to the Chapel Street Chronicle, your weekly St. John’s digest.
Click the buttons to jump to your favorite spot.
Click images to view related content.
Sermon Series
"What Size Is Your God?"
The Rev. Rob Stevens
We tend to squish our God into a box. Today’s Gospel reminds us that we have a very big God, and that God is for ALL of us.
MUSIC
“Sicut cervus,” Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina; featuring the St. John's Parish Choir, under the direction of Jennifer McPherson Mulhern, Director of Music and Liturgy. Featured Offertory Anthem at the 10:00am Rite II Service of Holy Eucharist on Sunday, March 8, 2026.
Vestry Member Spotlight
Throughout the summer St. John’s will be “Getting to Know” our vestry members by sharing fun bios and pictures in the Chapel St. Chronicle each week. This is a great way for each member to share their story!
Ken Hale, St. John’s Vestry Member, at-large
Ken Hale
I so enjoy working, worshiping, and living in Portsmouth.
As a Member Services Manager at Gather, New Hampshire's largest food pantry, I'm deeply committed to supporting our community's most vulnerable populations. My professional journey intersects beautifully with my personal connection to Portsmouth, a city I've called home since 1992.
St. John's Episcopal Church has been a cornerstone of my spiritual life. The traditional Rite I service and the church's rich architectural heritage — dating back to its 1807 construction — captivate me. My background in Architectural History from Syracuse University allows me to appreciate every intricate detail, from historic plaques to handcrafted needlepoint kneelers.
My partner Jay and I cherish our 1904 Colonial Revival cottage nestled in Portsmouth's evolving West End. When we're not restoring our home or tending our pocket garden, we retreat to our York, Maine beach house overlooking Short Sands.
A fascinating piece of family history connects me to this region: my ancestor, Major Samuel Hale, played a pivotal role in the 1758 Siege of Louisbourg. Interestingly, the Paul Revere bell at St. John's, which commemorates that historic victory, was a bell I proudly rang during the 8:00 service in the years following the pandemic.
Summer Worship Schedule
LOOKING FOR MORE CONTENT?
St. John's is blessed with lots of amazing content for all to enjoy!
If you are looking to go deeper, we hope you will consider clicking through to check out our content!
What are you reading? Listening to? Thinking about? Do you have any great recommendations that you're eager to share? Let Aaron know!