Church Office Hours: 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m., Mon-Thurs; and by appointment

Growing Together, In Love

St. John's Annual Giving Campaign for 2026-UPDATE

Thank you to everyone who responded thus far to our 2026 pledge campaign! As of October 23rd, 133 people have pledged $543,203.

If you missed the email that included a letter from Rev. Derek, click here to read all about it. For those of you who have not yet pledged, there's still time! You can pledge online or with a hard-copy form.

Getting to Know You

As this week draws to a close, I am marking the end of my eighth week as the rector of St. John’s. Nearly two months in, and it has been quite the whirlwind! I am eager to learn as much as I can about this community and lay a foundation for what our shared ministry in this place will look like. The good news is, there is already so much to build upon here together.

In this time, I’ve had almost 50 one-on-one or small group meetings with vestry members, ministry leaders, staff, parish members, and others to listen, learn, build relationships, and (hopefully) build trust. If we haven’t met or connected yet, trust that we will be over this year together! I have much more listening and learning to do, and I am looking forward to building more relationships in the coming months and years together.

In these first few months, I want to name some connected themes I hear as I listen to you:

• A commitment to the flourishing, growth, and sustainability of St. John's
• The importance of relationships in all that we do
• A need for leaders to listen and be transparent
• An excitement about this next season for St. John’s ministry
• A readiness to take some next steps together, and even dream about what the future could be

I look forward to hearing more!

I have also seen this clearly in how many of you have responded so generously to our recently completed capital campaign and our current pledge campaign for 2026, especially in such trying and uncertain times. Thank you for your response, as we are just a little over halfway to our annual pledge goal. Your pledges are vital for us as we staff, plan, and program for this new season together. 

We are growing in love, together! Let’s keep growing! Let’s continue to get to know one another, as we are known and loved by God.

Derek+

Preparing for All Saints Day

In the Episcopal Church, All Saints Day recalls those individuals who have been a part of our lives and who now dwell more fully in God’s presence. During worship on Sat., Nov. 1 and Sun., Nov. 2, as we celebrate All Saints, a list of those who have died but now live in Christ, known as a necrology, is traditionally read. St. John’s has compiled a list of those who have died in the parish over the past year to be included in the prayers that day. If you would like to add a name to this list, please complete this form no later than Mon., Oct. 27th. If you need assistance, contact the church office at 410-461-7793.

Oct. 26th: Creation Care — Rethinking Beauty, Finding Common Ground

Join the Creation Care Commission to explore our connection to God and each other in defining beauty in nature and our role as good stewards of creation.

Nov. 2nd: Supporting Those in Need

How is St. John’s supporting people in Howard County experiencing homelessness, hunger, mental health, and substance use challenges? Representatives from Grassroots and Outreach Commission members will share how and why the demand for these services is increasing and what they — Grassroots & several St. John’s ministries — are doing to ensure those who need support are able to receive it.

To learn about all St. John's Adult Connect offerings, click here.

Please prayerfully consider joining one of these ministries. They are vital in welcoming people in our community, both in person and for those who need to worship at home.

Close Encounters with the Divine: A Listening Hearts Ministries Retreat

Sat., Nov. 1, 10:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m., Maryland Episopal Diocesan Center

Have you had a memorable religious or spiritual experience and continue to wonder about it? Have you thought about why it occurred when it did and what meaning it held for you? Did it change the way you think and live? A Pew Research Center survey in 2023 found that almost half of U.S. adults (45%) report having had a sudden feeling of connection with something from beyond this world, while 30% say they have personally encountered a spirit or unseen spiritual force. And yet, many people are reluctant to talk about their experience for various reasons.

If you would like to share your experience with others and hear others’ stories in a friendly, engaging atmosphere, click here to learn more about a special retreat held by Listening Hearts.

Creation Care Recommends

The Oakland Mills Interfaith Green Team will present Nancy Lawson, the Humane Gardener, at 7:00 p.m. on Sun., Nov. 2nd, at Oakland Mills Interfaith/Meeting House, 5885 Robert Oliver Place, Columbia, MD 21045.

Much has been written about landscaping to create a sense of place—and sensory appeal—for humans. But who has a better sense of place than the plants and animals that’ve inhabited our communities for centuries and millennia? Learn more about the program and the author here (including sign-up).

SAVE THE DATE!

The Installation of Steve Springer as Head of School

Thurs., Nov. 6th, 2:45 p.m.

Historic Church

Thank you for supporting J2A's annual Holiday Greens Sale each year. Believe it or not, it's time to place your orders for this Advent and Christmas. The items will truly beautify your home. Proceeds from this year's sale will benefit J2A's 2026 Pilgrimage. DEADLINE FOR ORDERING IS NOVEMBER 7th, 2025. Order here.



Payment: You may pay online with your PayPal account or credit card through this site via PayPal. Check and cash may be submitted on the day of pickup. Please bring your PayPal receipt when you pick up your order.

"Local Distribution" items are delivered here to St. John's. "Direct Delivery" items will be shipped to your home. Local distribution greens may be picked up the week after Thanksgiving (likely December 7th), but we will publish pick-up days once the order ships. Questions may be directed to Rebecca Sutula at rsutula@yahoo.com

Tie-Dyed & Chicken Fried! A fried chicken dinner, complete with musical chairs, limbo, a 50/50 raffle, and more! Wear a tie-dyed shirt and bring your own camping chair to sit and chat with friends. Show off your moves during a swing dancing lesson. Vegetarian options will be offered. No ticket sales at the door. All proceeds will benefit Shrine Mont 2026. Register here. (Families of 4 or more: Please read the directions for registering in the event introduction in Realm.)

Check Your Closets!

As the weather cools and you are breaking out your warmer coats, please remember St. John's Coat Collection for the outerwear you no longer need. We are accepting new and gently used coats, hats, gloves, and boots. Children's items are especially needed. All items will be distributed at the Bea Gaddy Thanksgiving Dinner, which serves thousands of needy families in Baltimore.

Drop your donations in the boxes in the Historic Church Narthex or near the fireplace in the Education Building, Nov. 2-23. Questions should be directed to Elaine Trogdon at Outreach@stjohnsec.org. (Put “Coat Drive” in the subject.)

SAVE THE DATE!

Rev. Derek's Celebration of New Ministry!

Tues., Dec. 9th, 7:00 p.m.

Historic Church

A reception will follow.

Volunteer Opportunity

Columbia Community Care food pantry is looking for help with the food pantry, delivery drivers, and translators. Volunteers play a critical role in providing community assistance and delivering food and essentials to those in need throughout Howard County. Serve at one of their in-person distribution sites, food pantry, help with inventory, or lend support wherever is most needed. They are located in the Long Reach Village Center, 8775 Cloudleap Ct, Columbia, MD. 21045. Click the link above for more information.

Holy Land Pilgrimage: April 6-17, 2026

Join Bishop Carrie Schofield-Broadbent (Diocese of Maryland), Bishop Gayle Harris (Diocese of Virginia), and other pilgrims as we walk in the footsteps of Jesus. Together, we will visit the places of his birth, life, ministry, death, and resurrection. Our experienced personal guide, Iyad Qumri, will lead us in exploring ancient places, vibrant markets, and modern museums in a land that is suspended between East and West, past and present.

If you are interested, please complete the interest form and plan to attend an information meeting via Zoom on Nov. 24, 7:00-8:00 p.m. Click here for Zoom meeting registration. Questions can be directed to Pilgrimage Coordinators, Tom & Sally Goss.

Click HERE to view the one-page flyer.

Click HERE to view the itinerary document. 

Please keep the following people in your prayers:

Michael & Becca Altner

Deb Avant

Jacyn Baker

Steve Belknap

Ron & Judi Bonig

Jim Bruce

Leslie Edmonds

Barbara Epke

Betty Ferrone

Vic Firmani

Sunny Good

Michael Gottlieb

Marti Guillet

Bettina Hallock

The Houston Family

Janis

Jim

Beth John

Kathryn

Ruth Keimig

Kelly

John Kreft

Mary Krzos

Tom & Dorothy Linthicum

Glenda Lovchik

Judy Lovchik

George Maestri

Pat Merson

Charles H. Miller

Gordon Nahas

Kathy O'Dunne

Charles Osmond

Rev. C. Dean Pugh

The Pugh Family

Jean Purcell

Roland Russoli

Clay Shiflet

Teresa Sinkovich

Michelle Stalder

Alicia Townsend

Richard Townsend

Marion Walker

Dylan Williams

Mary Lou Williams

For those who have died:

For those serving in the military overseas and their families: LCDR Matthew Kircher, USN   

Our community shares the compassion of prayer with members and beyond. To have someone included on our prayer list, you may: Contact the Parish Office by phone; or Email your prayer request to Tracey Stone at tstone@stjohnsec.org. Names will remain on the prayer list for 30 days. After the initial 30 days, if you wish to have a name stay on the list, please re-submit your request.

Help fellow parishioners find you in the Parish Directory

After converting to Realm, all member profiles were made private. That means if you don’t adjust your settings, you do not appear in the church directory. Step-by-step instructions to edit your profile are available for the computer and the Realm Connect app. Set Your Privacy Settings in Realm

In addition to making an Annual Pledge to St. John's, you are invited to:

1.) Mail your check to the Parish Office: 9120 Frederick Rd., Ellicott City, MD 21042.

2.) Visit the St. John's website under "Give."

3.) Text "SJEC" to 73256. You will receive a reply with a link to a secure site to complete your transaction.

4.) Donate via Venmo: @StJohnsECMD

5.) Leave a lasting legacy to St. John’s through a planned gift in your estate plan. Visit https://www.stjohnsec.org/planned-giving for more information.

Questions should be directed to Kathy Hahn, Finance Director, at khahn@stjohnsec.org.