The Messenger E-News

Livestream at 10am on Facebook

8:30 AM Rite I Spoken Service

9:15 AM - Coffee Hour & Sunday School

10 AM Rite II with Music & Children's Chapel

Click either button to watch the livestream

Visit our virtual worship page for the Sunday Bulletin

Livestream at 10am on YouTube

September 16 - 9 AM

This 3.5 mile hike at Ridley Creek State Park does include a few good hills to get your heart pumping. Location: Meet at Picnic Area #17 (follow signs past the main lot). See G oogle Maps.

Rally Day / Kickoff Sunday

September 17

Join us THIS SUNDAY as we transition back to two services at 8:30 AM and 10 AM. Sunday School registration at 9:15. Stay (or come back) after the 10 AM service for lunch, fellowship & fun in the bounce house!

Save the Date! Tickets Now Available!

Giving Train Fall Fundraiser:

Saturday, Oct. 14 from 5-8pm

Mark your calendar for our fall fundraiser!

Dance the night away with your friends!

Delicious food & drinks!

You don't want to miss this fun event!

And check out this video of The Crooked Rose Band

rocking at last year's LIVE Giving Train

Details & Ticket Reservations Here

Seeking & Growing

Lectionary Learnings

The Episcopal Church uses a 3 year cycle of Bible readings for worship called a Lectionary. Here's a summary of this Sunday's lessons.

Exodus: Moses and his brother Aaron lead the Israelites out of slavery in Egypt, while Pharaoh's army pursues them to the Red Sea.

Paul's Letter to the Romans: The Roman community is full of worshipers with very strong opinions as to the 'right' way of living. Paul reminds them and us that we are not the judge of others.

Matthew's Gospel: A parable on forgiveness. Holding on to wounds/grudges caused by others is such a human thing to do. Jesus teaches us to lead with mercy and compassion, to forgive others as God forgives us, wholly and completely.

Faith by the Fire

(Evening Prayer & Fellowship)

Friday, September 22 @ 6 PM

Bring a chair & snacks/beverages to our new fire pit in the field for a time of prayer and fellowship around the fire. We’ll provide the s’more fixings! Rev Jill will lead us in Evening Prayer.

Youth Group: Kick Off

September 24 @ 4pm

Calling all youth 6^th grade & up for our first youth fellowship of the fall! St. John’s is hosting youth from deanery churches St. Peter’s in the Great Valley & St. Francis in the Field. We’ll play games, eat great food, & Miss Margie will get us thinking about God in new ways.

Sailing Through Scripture in Sunday School

We are so excited to welcome our children back to Saint John's Sunday School! We will be "Sailing through Scripture". Starting with Creation, we'll visit Saint Francis, sail some stormy seas with Noah, and part the Red Sea with Moses. We want to encourage a strong love for our planet and each other through stories, crafts, and games. Our lesson on Christ the King will tie it all together and lead us into Advent. We can't wait to see everyone on Rally Sunday, September 17.

From the Pastoral Care Team

Prayer Shawl/Blanket Ministry

The Pastoral Care Committee is pleased to share that the Prayer Shawl/Blanket ministry has returned. In the past few months, several blankets and shawls have been presented for baptisms and also given to individuals facing adverse medical conditions. A hanging supply of shawls/blankets are available in the vestibule of the church. You are welcome to take a shawl or blanket as needed. Please sign the form in the vestibule to indicate that a blanket/shawl has been taken; no recipient names are required to maintain confidentiality. If you are interested in donating a crocheted or knitted shawl or blanket or have questions about this ministry, please contact Carla Durdan. Rev. Jill will bless these prayerful works of love and healing prior to being gifted to the recipients.

Healing Prayers & Anointing

The Pastoral Care Committee will offer Healing Prayers & Anointing to individuals following the 2nd service October 1. Please come to the choir stalls if you desire prayers. Anointing with oil is optional.

St. John's Prayer Chain Group

Following the 2nd service, Sunday, Oct. 8, at 11:15 AM, there will be a gathering of members interested in being part of St. John’s Prayer Chain Group. The Prayer Group will agree to include those on the prayer list in their daily prayers in the privacy of their home. Prayer is such a powerful act and can bring comfort to those requesting prayers. It is also a way for those limited in mobility to serve in ministry at St. John’s. If you feel so called, please join us on the 8th in the Battin Room.

Submit Prayer Request

Pastoral Care Needs

Serving

September Shoe Drive

During the month of September 2023, the Widener Doctor of Occupational Therapy Class of 2025 is holding a Shoe Drive, where new and gently worn shoes will be collected to donate to those in developing countries. ALL types of shoes and sizes are needed. Please drop your shoes off in the bin located in the parish hall. Thank you!

Click below to access the worship team schedules for both services.

Worship Team Volunteer Schedules

From the Diocese / Deanery

Field Trip to the Museum of the Bible in Washington D.C.: November 8

Want to learn more about the Bible and its place in history? The Brandywine Deanery (our Deanery) is offering a field trip to the Museum of the Bible. The cost is $75.00 per attendee, and includes transportation on a quality coach bus and your ticket to the museum. Lunch and snacks are not included. Departure around 8:45am (location TBA) and returns at 7:30pm. Space for this event is limited to 50 people! To reserve your place, please send an email or call the St. Francis parish office at 610-647-0130. The deadline to register is October 1.

Thistle Hills Fundraiser: Wednesday, October 4 @ 7pm

St. Francis, Malvern hosts The Jazz Sanctuary to support Thistle Hills, an outreach of Trinity Church, Coatesville. This is a free event, but donations are encouraged. Light snacks/drinks will be served. More info. here.

2024 Holy Land Pilgrimage

March 11-25, 2024

Hear from those who have traveled on this journey and then join us in Israel and Palestine in 2024. We will have an information session on 9/20/23 to ask questions and learn more. Register here .

Led by the Rt. Rev. Daniel Gutiérrez this pilgrimage through the Holy Land will encounter the Gospel in stone and flesh, visiting the sights that mark the story of our faith and the people who keep that faith alive in the Holy Land today, with special emphasis on the people and institutions of the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem, with whom we have a covenant relationship. You will come home changed, restored, and renewed in your faith.

Adult Confirmation & Reception into the Episcopal Church

Saturday, September 30th 10:30 at the Philadelphia Episcopal Cathedral

Bishop Daniel Gutiérrez will celebrate the sacrament of Confirmation for those who wish to officially join the Episcopal Church. Those who have been Confirmed in another denomination can be Received into the Episcopal Church. Interested parishioners must have attended a preparation class (such as our Lenten forum We Believe). Please speak with Rev Jill about your desire to be Confirmed/Received.