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September Fridge Notes

A Video Message from Rev. Derek

Women’s Bible Study Resumes Sept. 17 —

"Be Known, Be Loved: God’s Story and Our Own"

Are you looking for an opportunity to study and discuss the Bible and your spiritual journey in a diverse group of women coming from a variety of Christian backgrounds? Consider joining Women’s Bible Study (WBS). Everyone comes to learn and discuss a wide range of topics that stimulate and sometimes challenge us to learn, grow in our faith, and share with each other in a loving community.

WBS resumes for the new program year on Thurs., Sept. 17th from 10:00 to 11:30 a.m. in Resurrection Chapel, and all are welcome!

We will open this year’s journey with a study of 1 and 2 Samuel, to learn about Kings David and Solomon and their relationships with God, followed by a brief look at the Beatitudes, Pentecost, and the Holy Spirit. In the new year, we will study Paul, his travels and his letters, closing with a discussion of discipleship and how it can look for us in the world today. We will end our year with an exploration of Christian Iconography and Church Architecture, including a field trip or two.

We look forward to a very interesting year and hope you will join us. If you cannot commit for the whole year, that is not a problem. Join us for the topics that interest you. For more information, contact Lucia Martin or Allison Gradwell at WomensBibleStudy@stjohnsec.org or just show up…All are welcome!

Unity Trail Workday: Sat., Sept. 19, 9:00 a.m.– 12:00 p.m.

Join the Creation Care Ministry to help maintain the St. John’s Unity Trail and adjacent Forest Retention landscape. Activities are listed below. Please bring the noted tools, if you have them. Long pants, bug spray, and gloves are also recommended. Please email Mike Salmons at CreationCare@stjohnsec.org if you can help out.

1. Spreading fresh wood chips to all parts of the trail (rigid rakes, shovels, pitchforks)
2. Cutting and positioning logs found throughout the woods to the trail borders to help define the trail and mitigate water runoff and erosion (chainsaws, bow saws, gloves, eye protection)
3. Removing weeds and invasive growth along trail (grass trimmers, hoes, rakes, hatchets, shovels)
4. Removing weeds and invasive growth from newly planted caged trees and shrubs throughout the trail and woods (grass trimmers, trowels, wire cutters, gloves)

Become a St. John's Gardener!

The Creation Care Gardeners remain hard at work in the gardens and need your help! If you are not able to meet with the team on Fridays, don't be discouraged! There are other options available. You can “Adopt a Garden” or water our newly planted trees and plants as needed. These are flexible options that allow you to set your own schedule, as well as invite family and friends to join you. Plus, it’s a great way to get youngsters involved! When you adopt a garden, Mary Louzan or Teri Salmons will meet you to introduce you to your garden and answer any questions. You take it from there! Interested? Simply email creationcare@stjohnsec.org, and Mary or Teri will reach out to you.

Children & Youth Connect classes will resume on Sun., Sept. 20th, 10:10-10:50 a.m., in classrooms TBA. Register for Children's Connect Register for Youth Connect

Questions should be directed to Georgi Funderburk, Minister of Faith & Practice for Children & Youth, at gfunderburk@stjohnsec.org.

Adult Connect will resume its Sunday Faith Forums on Sun., Sept. 27th, 10:10-10:50 a.m., in the Auditorium. Topics will be announced in upcoming Blessings. No registration is required.

Please keep the following people in your prayers:

Andy

Brian

Eilidh

Eliana

Frank & Jennifer

James

Jenna

Louise & Family

Tom & Family

Donna Allen & Family

Deb Avant

Steve Belknap

DJ Bone

Amber Dawn Butler

Teddy Clarke 

Anne Cooke

Joy Cooney

Jane Deweib

Lynn Engelke

Barbara Epke &

____Gordon Naha

Constance & David Fischel

Sue Frixione

Michael Gottlieb

Allison Gradwell

Al Grotz

Marti Guillet

Nancy Jaworski

The Jones Family

Carol Kiesler & Family

Ben Leovy

Glenda Lovchik

Paige Marlow

Brent & Meg McDorman

Pat Merson

Barbara Miller

Bob & Ann Miller

Kathy O’Dunne

Yvonne Osmond

Jean Purcell

Ruby Reilly

Roland Russoli

Dan Staples

Christopher Towle

Marion Walker

Alli Ward

Victoria Weimer

Jon & Sharon Weston-Dawkes

Dylan Williams

Mickey Williams

For those who have died: Arthur J. Robinson, Jr., Cheryl Shea, Gerald Geffard

For those serving in the military overseas and their families:

LCDR Matthew Kircher, USN; Airman First Class Holden Veeck, USAF

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.

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.