Tuesday, June 30, 2026
The Chapel St. Chronicle
Welcome to the Chapel Street Chronicle, your weekly St. John’s digest.
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Sermon Series
"God’s Hospitality"
The Rev. Rob Stevens
In reality, following Jesus should sound and look a lot more like "Right Practice" rather than "Right Belief," and welcoming others is one of the foundational practices of following Jesus. The good news is that God welcomes us totally and completely. Our work is to receive that welcome and share it with others.
MUSIC
"Panis Angelicus," Daniel Pinkham; featuring Joseph Harris, soloist, and Richard Benefield, accompanist. Featured Offertory Anthem at the 9:30am service of Holy Eucharist on Sunday, June 28, 2026.
A Prayer for our Country
Almighty God, who hast given us this good land for our heritage: We humbly beseech thee that we may always prove ourselves a people mindful of thy favor and glad to do thy will. Bless our land with honorable industry, sound learning, and pure manners. Save us from violence, discord, and confusion; from pride and arrogance, and from every evil way. Defend our liberties, and fashion into one united people the multitudes brought hither out of many kindreds and tongues. Endue with the spirit of wisdom those to whom in thy Name we entrust the authority of government, that there may be justice and peace at home, and that, through obedience to thy law, we may show forth thy praise among the nations of the earth. In the time of prosperity, fill our hearts with thankfulness, and in the day of trouble, suffer not our trust in thee to fail; all which we ask through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
-Book of Common Prayer
Vestry Member Spotlight
The Vestry is the elected lay leadership body of St. John’s, working alongside the clergy to help guide the life and ministry of the parish. Throughout the summer, The Chapel St. Chronicle will feature a different vestry member each week, giving the congregation an opportunity to get to know the people who serve in this important role through photos, stories, and a few fun facts.
Robin Burdick, St. John’s Vestry Member, at-large
Robin Burdick
My name is Robin Burdick and I have attended St. John’s for 23 years. I have been a member of the vestry for two years.
I retired 17 years ago after 40 years of teaching in the Portsmouth School District. Working with children has always been a passion of mine. I find children to be honest, challenging, affirming, they keep me humble and give me hope for the future.
My husband Homer passed away in the fall of 2025 after 50 years of marriage. We have two children and two grandchildren. In my younger days, my life revolved around my family, the school I worked at, and my church. When we retired, we spent time in Florida during the winter. We kayaked throughout Pennsylvania, Maine, and New Hampshire, and we assisted in four Habitat for Humanity projects in Mississippi where Homer was an asset and I was a cheerleader! We loved attending concerts and we consider ourselves Doobie Brothers groupies. Among my favorite concerts were seeing Billy Joel at Fenway Park, Paul McCartney with my entire family, and The Eagles.
I start my week off at SJC breakfast club and I am an avid exerciser. I swim, take water aerobic classes and aerobic classes at the gym. I can often be seen with my white cane walking from Kittery to Portsmouth. My disability has left me unable to drive or read print, requiring me to adapt in new ways that I regard as positive challenges.
I am an avid reader and I also love cribbage and other games. I recently joined the SJC Cooking for a Cause where I assist youth in cooking for Crossroads House and Dover Children’s Home. I Co-Lead the St. John’s Mission, Vision and Values team and I love the Thursday morning healing service.
RITE II MOVES TO THE GARDEN JULY 5
Beginning this Sunday, July 5, and continuing through Labor Day weekend, September 6, weather permitting, our 9:30AM service will once again move outdoors to the beautiful Goodwin Garden at Strawbery Banke Museum.
Outdoor summer worship at Strawbery Banke has become a beloved tradition at St. John’s. Gathering outdoors in prayer, music, and community is a joyful part of summer life in our parish, and we are always glad to welcome visitors, newcomers, and friends.
Things to Know About Worshipping at Strawbery Banke
Summer worship is relaxed, family friendly, and accessible for all ages.
Enter through the main gates, where St. John’s staff and volunteers will be present each week to welcome and assist you.
Bring a chair or blanket to sit on. If you have extra chairs, consider bringing one for a guest or visitor.
The Strawbery Banke parking lot is reserved for those with accessibility needs and handicap placards. Street parking, walking from the church, or carpooling is encouraged.
In the event of inclement weather, we will notify the congregation by 8:00AM via email, and the service will be moved to the sanctuary at St. John’s.
We worship in the midst of a living history museum that remains open to the public during our service. Our presence there is both a witness to our faith and an invitation to the wider community.
Whether you are a longtime parishioner, spending the summer on the Seacoast, or visiting St. John’s for the first time, we hope you will join us this summer.
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