APRIL 11, 2025

So they took branches of palm trees and went out to meet him, crying out, “Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord, even the King of Israel!”

EASTER FLOWERS & MUSIC

Deadline to submit forms for Easter Flowers & Music is THIS SUNDAY!

Forms can be found in the Solarium or on the WEBISTE.

Grace and peace,


Our Lenten journey is slowly coming to a conclusion; I use the term “conclusion” lightly because this is not an end as much as it is both beginning and continuation. Our journey is ongoing, much like a tide that ebbs and flows, so too does our journey ebb and flo as we move to be closer to God, to be more Christ like, to simply breathe with God. 


This Lent we have offered opportunities to return to basics, to simply breathe with God. I pray that you experienced a holy Lent, and also found that the intentional space in our worship to breathe with God was a blessing for your journey. We now come to that time in our liturgical year that offers so many opportunities to experience deep worship with God, admittedly, it can feel overwhelming. I still recall the first time that I took each of the services of Holy Week, from Palm Sunday through the Great Vigil of Easter, to heart; that week changed my faith profoundly. I encourage you to consider the same devotion to Holy Week, to open yourself up to God in new and different ways beginning with Palm Sunday.  


Our celebration of Palm Sunday, 13 April, will include the reading of the Passion of our Lord at the end of the service. This adaptation of the liturgy properly separates the celebration of the Eucharist from the weight of the Passion. Following the 10:30 service we will have the opportunity to create images for the Stations with either paint, pastel, or pencil. 


During Tenebrae, on Wednesday 16 April at 7:30pm, we will tell the story of our journey with God as we move further into the darkness amidst the music of organ, harp, and euphonium. With readings, both sacred and secular, we will gradually extinguish candles until we finally depart in silence. Prior to the service there will be a simple meal of soup and bread.


On Maundy Thursday, 17 April, services are at 5:30pm for a more informal family-oriented option with a simple meal in the parish hall. At 7:30pm we will hold a traditional liturgy. During these services we reflect on the institution of the Eucharist and how Christ models servanthood through the washing of each other’s feet. “For I have set for you an example, that you also should do as I have done to you.”



For Good Friday, you may begin your experience at noon by walking the Stations of the Cross moving through the school and church as we move through the events of Jesus’ life. Our journey with the Stations of the Cross begins in the school gym lobby. The Good Friday liturgy, with veneration of the Cross and a guest cellist, will be offered at 7:30pm.


The Easter Acclamation takes us to our basics – Christ is Risen, The Lord is Risen indeed. Our celebration of Easter will begin after sunset on Saturday, 8PM, with the Great Vigil of Easter. At this service we light the new fire, that is to us both the Light of Christ, and a symbol of the fires of creation. We will read the lessons of our journey with God, renew our Baptismal Vows and celebrate the first of our Easter Eucharists; all this will be accompanied by a brass trio. This is one of the most beautiful services of our prayer book. The service at 9am Sunday is an interactive family service. Following the 9am service there will be a children’s Easter Egg Scavenger Hunt. Our 11am Choral Eucharist will have choir, flute, violin, viola, bassoon, and tenor.


Holy Week and Easter are full of opportunities to breathe with God. Please join us for this week-long journey. 


As a reminder, the following Sunday, 27 April, Deacon Nancy, Mother Shivaun, Cambria, and I invite you to a volunteer appreciation lunch. Information is included in this Bell Tower.


Peace

Fr. Henry+

Have you responded to the Volunteer Luncheon?


Join us as we come together in gratitude and fellowship, to honor and appreciate ALL of our dedicated volunteers at a Volunteer Appreciation Lunch on Sunday, April 27th at 12pm.


The Appreciation Luncheon is for you... You need not bring anything or do anything beyond accepting our appreciation and invitation. Each act of your kindness, no matter how small or large, has woven a tapestry of support and care that uplifts us all. We look forward to honoring you for all that you do.

Will you be at the luncheon?
Thumbs up      Thumbs down

APRIL 13 ~ PALM SUNDAY

Formation Sunday

Painting images of Stations of the Cross


APRIL 15 @ 7pm

Women of St. John's

In-Person Meeting at church


APRIL 16

Soup & Bread Supper @ 6:30

Tenebrae Service @ 7:30pm


APRIL 17

Maundy Thursday Services

5:30 & 7:30pm


APRIL 18

Stations of the Cross @ 12pm

Good Friday Service @ 7:30p


APRIL 19

Easter Vigil @ 8pm

~ PRAYER LIST ~

Use this list to pray for the sick, shut-in, bereaved, or those merely in need of prayer.



Ivy Choe-Branstetter

Mary Faith Almasi

Julie Metcalf

Lois Taylor

Steve Ruff

Celeste McGee

Paula Fangboner

Mary Persinger

Dear St. John's Families,


Spring is in full bloom, and we have an exciting few weeks ahead at St. John’s Episcopal School!


Upcoming Events:


April 18-21: Easter Break

As we celebrate the season of renewal, we hope all of our families enjoy a restful and joyful Easter Break. Take this time to reflect and recharge, as we look forward to the last quarter of the school year.


April 22: Joe Powers Visit – New Interim Head of School for the 2025-2026 School Year

We are thrilled to announce the upcoming visit of Mr. Joe Powers, our new Interim Head of School for the 2025-2026 school year. Mr. Powers will be joining us to meet with faculty, staff, and families, and to learn more about what makes our St. John’s community so special. We look forward to welcoming him and are excited for the future of our school under his leadership.

April 25: MAESA Fair

Our school will participate in the annual MAESA (Mid-Atlantic Episcopal Schools Association) Fair at St. Alban’s School. It is a wonderful celebration of our students’ creativity, community spirit, and the rich educational experiences at St. John’s. Students compete in the categories of Math, Spelling, Art, Geography, Science and Media Technology.


May 2 & 3: Drama Club’s Beauty and the Beast

The Drama Club is hard at work preparing for their upcoming performance of Beauty and the Beast, featuring our talented drama club members. It is sure to be a memorable and magical experience for all who attend. Mark your calendars for this performance you will not want to miss!


As always, we appreciate your support and involvement in our school community. 


Douglas Perkins

Interim Head of School

FOOD PANTRY

Please leave ALL donations on the bench

outside the Rector's office.

We are happy to stock your donations.


The Food Pantry Ministry is in need of people to stock the Pantry on Saturdays. Pantry Food can be picked during the week when the office is open (Monday through Friday between 9am and 2pm) or collected the Sunday prior. If you are interested and would like to be a part of this ministry and its mission, contact Mary McQueen or Julie Metcalf or sign-up through SIGN-UP GENIUS.


Please check expiration date before donating.

THANK YOU!

FOOD PANTRY NEEDS FOR THIS WEEK

Sardines

Meal Helper

Fruit Cups

Canned Chili

Dried Potatoes

Rice

Spaghetti Sauce

Stuffing

Water


The following sale items is always appreciated:


SAFEWAY

Barilla Pasta, Campbells Soup, Pasta Sauce @ 4/$5

Idaho Potatoes or Homestyle Casserole @ 2/$3

Kraft Mac-n-Cheese or Starkist Tuna @ 5/$5



GIANT

Stove Top Stuffing @ 2/$4

Rice-a-Roni, Mac-a-Roni @ 4/$5

Jiffy Muffin Mix @ 5/$5

HOLY HOUSEHOLDS

Sunday Mornings @ 9:30am

in the Parish Hall.

An intergenerational learning opportunity, where lessons are explored with themes that delve into the Christian story.

YOUTH GROUP

Students 6-12th Grade

Sundays from 12-1:30pm.

A time of fellowship, fun, and learning. The group lunches together, plays games, and asks big questions of faith.

NURSERY

Sunday Mornings 8am to 12pm (Children 5 & Under)

Please speak with Mo. Shivaun

about volunteering as the second nursery leader for the nursery rotation.

ST. JOHN'S CHILDREN'S CHOIR

~ Students grades K-5 ~


Rehearsals on Tuesdays

K - 2nd grade: @ 4:30 - 5pm

3rd - 5th grade: @ 5:15 - 6pm

Become an integral part of worship and learn music, vocal and choral skills.

For more information or to sign up for either choir,

please contact

Cambria Van de Vaarst.

STJEC CHOIR

Come before his presence

with singing.



Choir Rehearsals

Sundays @ 8:45am

ADULT FORUM

Sunday mornings @ 9am

Meeting Room or ZOOM

 

JOIN ZOOM MEETING

Meeting ID: 876 6539 3736

Passcode: STJEC

COMPLINE

Wednesday Evenings

7pm on ZOOM

 

JOIN ZOOM MEETING

Meeting ID: 892 8549 6618

Passcode: STJEC

WOMEN OF ST. JOHN'S

Prayers for Family & Friends Mondays @7pm

 

JOIN ZOOM MEETING

Meeting ID: 821 4337 7915

Passcode: STJEC

GIVE online 

or MAIL your gift to:

St. John's Episcopal Church

PO Box 187

Olney, MD 20832

FOLLOW US ON

Facebook  YouTube