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Coming up
at St. John's Church
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Entry of Christ into Jerusalem, van Aelst (1502-1550)
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Sunday, April 13, 2025
The Sunday of the Passion: Palm Sunday
Nursery care available in the Parish Hall
10:15 a.m. to 11:45 a.m.
The Liturgy of the Palms & Holy Eucharist
Church
10:30 a.m.
The service begins outdoors for the Procession of the Palms; please arrive a bit early to assemble in front of the church.
Live-streaming available on YouTube at 10:30 a.m.
Children's Chapel
Parish Hall
10:30 a.m.
Coffee Hour
Parish Hall
11:45 a.m.
Bulletin Draft
Watch services on YouTube
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Message from Rev. Anthony
Dear Friends,
Ever since I moved into my apartment last year, I have been having issues with my neighbors regarding the noise level late at night. This past weekend it escalated, and I will spare the details, but they include me having to call the police and even getting a camera installed.
I am quite literally trying to “love my neighbor” and not “my neighbor,” as in the ‘Good Samaritan’ story. This is more like the, “love your enemies”-type-of-neighbor. And wow, can that be challenging.
As we approach Palm Sunday, many of us are familiar with The Passion Gospel readings, that detail the events leading up to Jesus’s death. He was mocked, slapped, spit on, flogged, and of course, crucified. As he was on the cross, a criminal who was hanging beside him said, “If you’re the Messiah, save yourself and us.” The other criminal, however, said to him, “Shut up (I’m paraphrasing) we are getting what we deserve, but this man is innocent.”
Although I’d like to identify with the second criminal on the cross, I must say I relate to the first one in many ways. “Hey, you’re the ‘Son of God;’ do something about this terrible situation.” I say this in part about my troubling neighbors, but moreso regarding the challenges in our world as a whole. Yet, God seemingly does nothing. I say “seemingly” because I believe (most of the time) that God has a plan, even when we can’t see it.
This is not the most popular message, since we are taught that we are “the hands and feet of Christ” and that “God helps those who help themselves.” While both of those views have truth to them, they are incomplete without the recognition that there are circumstances that we are powerless to change and must rely on God to help us.
And it’s easy to believe in God when things are going well, but if I am hanging from a cross and God does nothing, well that is an entirely different type of faith. One that loves our neighbors and our enemies (or at least tries to) and continues to believe that ultimately Light will overcome darkness, even if it has to transcend death in order to do it!
In Christ,
Anthony+
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St. John's Church
Palm Sunday Liturgy of the Palms and Eucharist
April 13, 10:30 a.m.
On this day, we re-enact the procession of Jesus into Jerusalem with a blessing of the palms, songs of Hosanna, and an outdoor procession into the church. The tone of the liturgy turns from celebratory to solemn as we read the Passion Narrative and, as observers, experience the wide range of emotions and responses to Jesus’ betrayal and crucifixion.
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As Holy week progresses we are invited by our liturgy to return, not as observers, but as participants in the way of Jesus, sharing in the fullness of his experience. We will sit at his table on Maundy Thursday, stand at the foot of the cross on Good Friday, and rejoice at the news of his resurrection on Easter Day.
Maundy Thursday Liturgy and Eucharist
April 17, 6:00 p.m.
The word “maundy” is derived from the Latin word “mandatum” which means commandment. More precisely, it refers to the “new commandment” that we hear in our reading from the Gospel of John on this day, the Love Commandment, the commandment that Jesus gives his disciples, and all of us, “to love one another, as I have loved you.” The service itself is hauntingly lovely, and includes foot washing and Eucharist, ending with the stripping of the altar.
Good Friday Liturgy
April 18, 6:00 p.m.
We are not really sure of the historical basis for calling the day of Jesus’ crucifixion “Good Friday,” but it is most likely referring to the word “good” as meaning “holy.” In fact, in the Eastern churches, both Catholic and Orthodox, as well as in the non-Germanic western churches, the day is referred to as “Holy Friday.” At this service, we enter the story of Jesus’ passion, offering prayers at the foot of the cross.
Easter Day Holy Baptism and Eucharist
April 20, 10:30 a.m.
We celebrate the Resurrection of Jesus Christ on Easter Day, another central day for baptisms. By the way, we don’t refer to that day as “Easter Sunday.” This is because every Sunday is Easter Sunday as we proclaim Christ resurrected each week of the year. Easter Day is that special Sunday which brings our Lenten season to an end and restarts the cycle of worship and celebration in which we partake throughout the year.
Easter Egg Hunt & Potluck Coffee Hour
April 20, 12:00 noon
Join us in this annual church tradition as we welcome parishioners, friends, and neighbors of all ages. Please bring a brunch dish or dessert to share. If you can help set up or clean up brunch, please contact Laura Streat.
Nursery care is available at all services.
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Lenten Rite of Reconciliation
During the remainder of Lent, until Tuesday, April 15, our rector is available by appointment to offer counsel or private confession through the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Just email Amelie.
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Annual Good Friday
Church Hill
Stations of the Cross
On Good Friday the Church Hill Community will embark on on its yearly pilgrimage through Church Hill to pray the 12 Stations of the Cross.
Participants will assemble by 12:00 noon at Patrick Henry Park, across from the church, for introductory remarks and prayer before proceeding on their journey, stopping at the various stations throughout the neighborhood for brief, poignant meditations.
The last station will be in the St. John's Churchyard at 3:00 p.m. Our rector, Rev. Amelie Wilmer, will be the preacher.
This event has been a tradition co-sponsored by Pax Christi-Richmond, Richmond Hill, and several Church Hill Churches, including St. John's Church, since the mid-'70s.
There will be mobile transportation for those unable to walk along with the group.
Friday, April 18
Beginning 12 noon, Patrick Henry Park
Ending 3:00 p.m., St. John's Church yard
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Easter Egg Hunt &
Potluck Easter Brunch
Join us in this annual church tradition as we welcome parishioners, friends, and neighbors of all ages.
Our annual Easter Potluck Brunch begins in the Parish Hall immediately following the Easter Day service and incorporates a celebration of the child whom we welcome to the Body of Christ that day. If you can, bring a brunch dish or dessert to share. If you can't, that's okay; there will be plenty.
We invite all youngsters to participate in the Easter Egg Hunt at 12:00 noon in the church yard. Bring your own basket, please.
If you’d enjoy helping to hide eggs or lend a hand with the fun, please reach out to Children's Ministry team leader, Hillary Dickinson.
Sunday, April 20
Brunch, 11:45 a.m., Parish Hall
Egg Hunt, 12:00 noon, Churchyard
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Easter Lilies
Acknowledge loved ones by purchasing Easter lilies at $20 each to decorate the church at Easter. The deadline for orders is April 15, 2025.
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Help Decorate the Church
for Easter
The Altar Guild will gather in the church on Saturday, April 19 , at 10:00 a.m.
to decorate the church for Easter.
They would love for you to help.
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Men's Bible Discussion
All men are invited to join us for our next discussion session Saturday morning. Contact Charles Lee for more information.
Saturday, April 19
9:30 a.m.
Parish Hall
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You're Invited to the Ordination
of Florian Jones-Stamm and Cabell Jones
to the Vocational Diaconate
God willing, The Rt. Reverend E. Mark Stevenson, Bishop of Virginia,
will ordain Cabell Jones and Florian Jones-Stamm
to the Sacred Order of Deacons
April 26, 2025
10:30 am - 12:00 pm
St. Mary’s Episcopal, Goochland
12291 River Road, Richmond, VA 23238
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Save the Date for Shalom Farms
St. John's will volunteer at Shalom Farms on Saturday, June 7, arriving at the Northside farm (1311 Westwood Ave, Richmond, 23227) by 8:45 am and work at planting, harvesting, mulching, weeding, cleaning, sorting, or packing produce until noon. Afterward we will take an educational tour that will provide an overview of the farm's crops and its programs that work to promote a just food system.
All parishioners aged 6 and up are invited to join. There is space for 15 volunteers. Please contact Victoria Hauser to sign-up.
Saturday, June 7
8:45 a.m.
Shalom Farms Northside Farm
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So far, our monthly First Fruits donations are down for 2025. After the first four months, we have collected 1,000.3 pounds of food. For comparison, at this point we had collected 1,751 pounds in 2022, 1,140 pounds in 2023, and 1,930 pounds in 2024.
With the summer months traditionally bringing our lowest donations, we need to maximize May. Consider bringing in First Fruit donations every time you come to church between now and Sunday, May 4. Place your contributions in the baskets in the back of the sanctuary or on the wheeled cart in the Parish Hall. Let's use this month to catch up to our goal and maximize our support to our beloved community members served at Christ Ascension Food Pantry. We can do it!
The food bank currently needs diced tomatoes, toilet paper, canned chicken, cream of chicken soup, stews, all kinds of canned vegetables, tuna, and spaghetti.
"We are thankful for all your previous donations. We can only keep the pantry open with your assistance."
--Anne Rose, coordinator of the Christ Ascension food pantry
Next First Fruits Collections:
Saturday, May 3--10:00 a.m.-12 noon, 24th & Broad
Sundays through May 4--each time you come to church
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Juneteenth 2025
Now Recruiting Volunteers
On June 19, 2025, St. John's Church will join with St. Peter's Church and St. Phillip’s Church for our annual commemoration of Juneteenth, celebrating African American emancipation from enslavement after the Civil War.
A planning committee is preparing festivities, including a walk from St. John's to Peter Paul RVA for a worship service with historical themes, a performance of African traditional dance, and a picnic with outdoor activities.
The celebration begins at 8:45 a.m. and ends by 2:00 p.m.
Fifth Annual Juneteenth Celebration Needs Volunteers
If you would like to volunteer to prepare for the day, assist with food and activities, or to serve the day of the event, please contact Victoria Hauser.
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Sunday Forum Returns after Easter
Sunday forum will return April 27 with a new Easter series, Practicing Resurrection. We will provide details about the series in the weeks to come.
Note: Parishioners are also welcome to join via Zoom.
Sundays, April 27 through May 18
9:15 a.m.
Parish Hall
Nursery available
Participate via Zoom
Meeting ID: 850 5594 5256
Passcode: 695538
One tap mobile
+13017158592,,85055945256#,,,,*695538# US (Washington DC)
Find your local number.
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Make Your 2025 Pledge
to St. John's Church
Join Us in Walking in Love
Dear St. John’s,
We invite you to make a financial pledge to support our ministries that reflects our shared commitment to “walk in love.” Together, we are building ministries that bring light and love to our community and beyond.
If you haven’t yet, please consider making your pledge.
To date, 74 family units have made pledges totaling $224,819, which is 89.92% of our $250,000 goal. Every contribution, no matter the size, helps us to fulfill our mission. Thank you for being a vital part of our journey of love.
Warmly,
Mike Broda, Stewardship Chair
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Prayers During Communion
If you have a special prayer concern, a member of the congregation is available to pray with you at the altar in the east transept of the church each Sunday during communion.
No prayers at the altar Sunday, March 30, 2025.
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St. John’s Church Foundation’s
The Walter W. Craigie Speaker Series Presents
Dr. Kenneth Ruscio
“Democracy’s Forgotten Virtue”
An expert on democratic theory and public policy, Kenneth P. Ruscio will speak on humility as a leadership virtue, one especially appropriate for leaders in a democracy. Pulling from his own experiences in leadership positions as well as from the Founders, Washington and Jefferson in particular, Ruscio will address the question: Why humility? and Why Now? in this time when humility is increasingly out of fashion.
Click here for more information and to purchase tickets.
Friday, April 25
7:00 p.m.
St. John’s Church
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Eucharistic Visits
We invite those who wish to have communion brought to their homes to contact Amelie.
You may also contact Amelie if you are interested in learning about serving in this important ministry.
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A Note about Pastoral Appointments and Emergencies
To schedule an appointment with our rector, please email Amelie or leave a message on her voicemail at 649-7938; you will hear from her within 24 hours.
And if you learn of a pastoral issue concerning one of our parishioners, please reach out to Amelie as well.
If you have an emergency, please contact Patty Duffy at 649-7938, and she will ensure a more immediate response.
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