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Coming up
at St. John's Church
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Driven by the Spirit into the Wilderness, Spencer (1942) | |
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Sunday, March 9, 2025
The First Sunday in Lent
Nursery care available in the Parish Hall
9:00 a.m. to 11:45 a.m.
Sunday Forum
Parish Hall
9:15 a.m.
Holy Eucharist
Church
10:30 a.m.
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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Daylight Saving Time Begins this Week
Set your clocks forward Saturday night so that we don't miss you on Sunday.
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Message from Rev. Anthony
Dear Friends,
I recently got into a text-chat with a friend from Northern Virginia. He was sharing how he was fasting for the next 30 days for Ramadan. Muslims believe that the Quran (Moslem’s Holy Book) was revealed during the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, and so they fast from dawn to sunset in order to observe this holy time. They are also encouraged to pray and reflect on scripture.
I, of course, immediately thought of Lent and how the two traditions resemble one another. I also thought of how Ash Wednesday, in particular, shares many similarities with the Jewish holiday of Yom Kippur. Although our religions are as diverse as we are (as people), there are fundamental attributes that they share such as fasting, forgiveness, and the mercy of God.
While Ash Wednesday is a Christian tradition, the belief that “we are dust and from dust we will return,” speaks of a universal principle that transcends any particular faith. It suggests that the essence of who we are eclipses the differences we may have.
This is an important reminder in a sociopolitical climate that wants to highlight our differences, in order to fragment shared interests, which could lead to shared action. As the old adage goes, “united we stand, divided we fall.”
This past Monday several St. John’s members went to the RISC rally at Second Baptist Church. It was encouraging to see hundreds of Richmonders of all races, religions, and genders gather together to focus on issues (affordable housing, gun violence, and healthy homes) affecting the most vulnerable in our society. There will continue to be challenges of injustice in our world, but as long as we are willing to see the splendor of our diverseness, the strength of our fortitude, and the truth, that we are all children of the Most High; then we can find “beauty in the ashes” of chaos.
In Christ,
Anthony+
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Children's Ministry Update
Last week, we said good-bye to our longtime Director of Children's Ministry, Anne Lane Witt. As the Children's Ministry begins this new chapter, we would like to extend an invitation to join us on this growing team.
Our new team leader will be Hillary Dickinson, who is eager to build upon the strong foundation already in place and to expand the caring community of volunteers who serve our children.
This new season for children’s ministry provides a wonderful opportunity to invest in the next generation, nurture young hearts in their faith, and be part of a vibrant, supportive team. Whether you have experience working with children or simply a heart to serve, there is a place for you!
If you're interested in learning more, we’d love to connect with you. Please reach out to Hillary or find her at coffee hour after service this Sunday.
Let’s embark on this journey together and make a lasting impact in the lives of our children here at St. John's.
Children’s Chapel meets each Sunday in the Parish Hall during the first part of the service. Children join their parents in church during the offertory so that they can participate in the Eucharist.
Sundays
10:30 a.m.
The Parish Hall
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Saturday
The Property Committee will host a Parish Work Day this Saturday, and they want your help. Your reward will be the satisfaction of a hard job done well and donuts. For more information, contact Bert Hillier.
Saturday, March 8
9:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon
Churchyard
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Lenten Sunday Forum
Becoming Beloved Community
Our Lenten Sunday Forum Series considers the Sunday lectionary in the context of Becoming Beloved Community, beginning with this week's theme, "Into the Wilderness."
Note: Parishioners are also welcome to join via Zoom.
Sundays
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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Volunteer to Work the Gates
at the Irish Festival
St. John's Church Family, we need you to volunteer during "The 39th Annual Irish Festival" on Saturday, 15 March, and Sunday, 16 March.
Festival organizers are seeking at least 15 people to work at the gates collecting money. Festival staff will provide on-site instructions.
Please sign up for a gates shift at this link.
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Do not select the gates shift for 8:30 a.m. to Noon on Sunday.
- After you receive a confirmation email, your volunteer registration is complete. Disregard the note in the confirmation email that reads, "Add text to a job description to add instructions and other details."
Festival organizers will host a Volunteer Orientation Night Monday, March 10, at 5:30 p.m. in the St. Patrick's Church basement, 215 N. 25th St. If you are volunteering at the festival, plan to attend this brief volunteer meeting, where the St. Patrick's community will warmly welcome you and you will meet other volunteers before the big weekend.
If you have questions, and to email confirmation of your volunteer registration, contact a member of the Finance Subcommittee:
Sue Schutt
Lora Toothman
Vevlyn Wright
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Upcoming RISC Nehemiah Action
At this gathering, RISC presents their research, features testimonies from members directly affected by serious community problems, and asks public officials for serious commitments to address the problems.
To find out more information about RISC, please click here.
Tuesday, March 25
6:30 p.m.
St. Paul’s Baptist Church, 4247 Creighton Rd.
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First Fruits
Help Us Fill the Shelves
Deliver your non-perishable food donations for the Christ Ascension Food Bank the first Saturday morning of each month, or bring them to church with you on the first Sunday of each month.
Christ Ascension is running very low on food. Please contribute canned tuna or chicken, Vienna sausages, spaghetti noodles and sauce, vegetables, soups, black beans, and toilet paper. Christ Ascension Food Bank greatly appreciates your support.
Next First Fruits Collections:
Saturday, April 5--10:00 a.m.- 12 noon, 24th & Broad
Sunday, April 6--during church
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New Inquirer’s Class Forming
This spring, we will offer a formation series for those who are interested in learning more about the Episcopal Church or in becoming a member of St. John's through Confirmation or Reception.
This course is also a great refresher for those who were confirmed years ago and would like to reaffirm their Baptismal Vows. It will serve as preparation for our Bishop's visitation next fall.
Our meetings will be tailored to accommodate the schedules of every participant, who will gather for six sessions throughout the late spring and summer.
Please email Amelie to express interest or ask questions.
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GIFT Women's Group
A dedicated group of five women began meeting in December 2018 as a spiritual recovery and transformation group. The group has evolved into GIFT (Growing In Faith Together) and welcomes new members.
GIFT is a women's group that meets the third Sunday of each month for those whose faith and spiritual journey is shaped by unexpected, life-altering circumstances. The group is self-led, and members rotate leading each 90-minute session as they create, reframe, and/or reclaim their personal faith experience in community.
Interested individuals are encouraged to contact Amelie Wilmer.
This group meets in person and welcomes participation via Zoom.
Next Session
Sunday, March 16
4:oo p.m.
Parish House Library or via Zoom
Join Zoom Meeting
Meeting ID: 864 4751 2806
Passcode: 748115
One tap mobile
+13017158592,,86447512806#,,,,*748115# US (Washington DC)
+13052241968,,86447512806#,,,,*748115# US
Meeting ID: 864 4751 2806
Passcode: 748115
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.
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Support Episcopal Relief and Development's Aid to Fire Victims
in Los Angeles
Episcopal Relief & Development is working with local diocesan partners to assess the needs of evacuees and provide support in the coming days. As the scope of the disaster continues to unfold, we need your help. Please make an urgent gift to our Wildfire Response Fund now.
Donate to Episcopal Relief and Development Wildfire Relief.
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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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