Tuesday, February 24, 2026
The Chapel St. Chronicle
Welcome to the Chapel Street Chronicle, your weekly St. John’s digest.
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Sermon Series
"A Clearing in Time”
The Rev. Aaron Jenykn
In Sunday’s sermon, Aaron invited the congregation into Lent through A Circle of Quiet, by Madeleine L'Engle, the book being read in the parish’s Sunday evening Lenten Book Group, and its image of a clearing in the woods where we return when life feels crowded. Holding that image alongside Jesus in the wilderness, we recall the voice at the river naming him Beloved before any testing began and receive Lent as a clearing in time where we return to that same truth. Through simple practices of prayer, fasting, generosity, and a renewed rule of life, we are invited to live not from frenzy or fear, but from our baptismal identity as God’s beloved.
MUSIC
“Lord, for thy tender mercy’s sake,” Richard Farrant; featuring the St. John's Parish Choir, under the direction of Olin Johannessen, Associate Director of Music. Featured Offertory Anthem at the 10:00am Rite II Service of Holy Eucharist on Sunday, February 22, 2026.
LIFE STORIES: A CIRCLE OF QUIET
Sundays at 5PM in Thaxter Hall
Our Sunday evening Lenten book group, Life Stories: A Circle of Quiet, is just getting started and it is not too late to join us, especially if you missed last week due to the weather.
At our first gathering, we read pages 2–12 of the devotional, combining the first two units so we can finish by Easter. Whether you were there or not, consider trying one of the exercises or journal prompts from those pages this week. We’ll begin by sharing what we noticed.
For Sunday, March 1, please read pages 13–14 in advance.
The readings are gentle and accessible, and the conversation has already been thoughtful and encouraging. Email Christine, administrator@stjohnsnh.org for a PDF of the discussion guide or stop by the office for a copy.
We gather at 5:00 PM, followed by soup and Compline. Come for any part of the evening, there is room for you.
SJC YOUTH PROGRAM PRESENTS:
THE LIGHT IN OUR LIVES, AN EPIPHANY 2026 PROJECT
During the season of Epiphany, our St. John’s Sunday School and Youth Groups captured photographs of the light they noticed in their daily lives, small glimmers of beauty, hope, and God’s presence in ordinary moments.
Epiphany teaches us to pay attention to light. Now, as we enter the quieter and more searching season of Lent, we carry that practice with us.
Lent does not extinguish the light. It teaches us how to trust it, even in shadow.
We invite you to enjoy this glimpse of the light as seen through the eyes of our youth, and to notice where that light continues to meet you in these Lenten days. Click on the image above to see our slide show!
OUTSIDE THE BOX:
COMMON MAN FOR UKRAINE THIS SUNDAY AT 11AM
What does faithful love look like in the midst of war? Join us next week, Sunday, March 1 in the Philbrick Room after the 10AM service for a simple lunch and a powerful conversation with Common Man for Ukraine, a volunteer-led organization bringing food, care, and trauma support to Ukrainian children and families. Nearly three years into the war, when headlines fade but suffering continues, this work remains urgently needed.
Outside the Box is a ministry of St. John’s that invites us to encounter stories beyond our usual circles and discover how God’s love is already moving in the world. Come curious. Come ready to listen.
FULL LISTING OF LENTEN OFFERINGS
Lent is a season of holy grounding, an invitation to return to the practices that steady and sustain us in Christ. In this year of Rooted in Jesus, Grounded in Love, we are tending deeper roots, roots that nourish courage, clarity, and compassion as we turn toward the light of Easter.
Join us for these Lenten offerings:
Growing a Rule of Life:
A Self Paced Program with facilitated check ins on 2/22 and 4/12 @ 11:30AM in Roberts Hall
To be grounded in love requires intention. A Rule of Life offers a pattern of prayer, rest, work, and relationship that keeps us centered in Christ. Using materials from the Society of St. John the Evangelist, this offering invites participants to reflect on the practices that sustain them and to craft a rhythm of life that is faithful, balanced, and resilient.
Life Stories: Where Grace Takes Root
Sundays, 5–6PM, followed by simple soup supper and Compline Choir
Scripture is filled with stories of struggle, joy, doubt, and wonder, much like our own. This Lent, we will read selections from Madeleine L’Engle’s A Circle of Quiet, exploring biblical stories alongside her reflections on faith and calling. Together, we will reflect on where we’ve been, where we are, and where God may be leading us. Participants will be invited to begin shaping a spiritual autobiography, naming the turning points and moments of grace that have formed their faith. All materials provided.
Sung Compline: A Tradition of Prayer and Presence
Sundays 7 PM
A cherished tradition at St. John’s -the Compline Choir led by John Stromgren, offers a space for quiet, contemplative prayer and sacred song. Come and rest in the beauty of this ancient practice, allowing music and stillness to bring renewal to your spirit.
Sabbath Walks: Rest, Renewal, and Presence *BEGINNING MARCH 4
Wednesdays, 5PM at Odiorne Point State Park (meet in parking area - parking is free)
Dress for the weather
Each Wednesday evening, we will gather for a gentle, reflective walk by the sea—setting down what we carry and making space to notice God’s presence in creation and community. With prayer and poetry to guide us, we will move at an unhurried pace, allowing stillness to strengthen us for the week ahead. Please note the new location.
Because we meet only when the weather cooperates, email Aaron to be added to the Sabbath Walk email list. Even if you are just curious, signing up ensures you’ll receive weather updates and copies of the prayers and poems we use.
Prayers for Peace
Thursdays, 9-9:30 AM
The sanctuary will be open for private prayer and reflection at 9 AM, followed by our Service of Healing Eucharist. Come pray for peace in your heart, our community, and the world.
Service of Holy Eucharist, with Prayers for Healing
Thursdays, 9:30AM
Service of Holy Eucharist Rite I in the side Chapel of the Sanctuary. Followed by Centering Prayer in the Philbrick Room and a Community Meal with The Common Table at 12 in Thaxter Hall. All are welcome.
As we journey toward Easter, may this season deepen our roots and steady our hearts. May the practices we embrace strengthen our faith and widen our compassion.
Together, may we be Rooted in Jesus. Grounded in Love. Growing toward the Light.
You can find all of this information on the Lent 2026 page of our website as well.
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!