Our parish newsletter strives to connect our members and friends with each other, our neighboring parishes and the Anglican communion at large. Staff and members alike work to contribute articles that touch us as individuals and as a community through news, devotions and more. Today, “The Messenger” delivers the most relevant information that our website, Facebook page and Parish Life have to offer.
As “The Messenger” celebrates 30 years of communication, it is appropriate to thank Helen Needham for launching it. The idea was born in the car on the way home from a Vestry retreat. Helen saw the need and Rector Charles Stuart asked her to do it. For several years Helen wrote it at home on her manual typewriter and brought it to church to be mimeographed and mailed. For many years, a dedicated crew met in the Guild Room to fold, staple and sort the copies to go to the post office. The Messenger has gone through a number of changes over the years, reaching the electronic version many of us receive today.
Helen Needham, 1999
Helen Needham has been a dedicated member of St. John’s for more than 74 years. She served as Vestry member, Senior Warden and was one of the first Lay Readers. Until recently she lived in the home she and her husband bought many years ago. Early last year, she moved to Luther Manor. As we do, she still follows the happenings at St. John’s through “The Messenger” which she founded!
On this special 30th anniversary, we thank Helen as well as all who have contributed over the years. May these beginnings continue to connect St. John’s faithful for decades to come!