NEWS for you...

APRIL 3, 2026

By his power God raised the Lord from the dead,

and he will raise us also.

Grace and peace,

Broken and Beloved; our focus for this Lenten journey has been to hold together these two seemingly disparate thoughts; though in God’s world these thoughts are a matched pair, working together in unison.

Often, we focus too much on our brokenness, rather than on our beloved-ness. God created us in the image of God, and God loves us in the fullness of who we are. The brokenness that we exhibit are not scars; in the world of computers, we might say “that is not a bug, it is a feature.” These are not scars, they are beauty marks.

The work of recognizing our beloved-ness can be overwhelming, and should not be rushed, and sometimes needs to be renewed. For this reason, I encourage you to revisit this path; a path that leads to recognizing in our lives God’s unconditional love for us.

We may also recognize God’s unconditional love today as we take the opportunity to walk the Stations of the Cross at noon, or when we kneel at the foot of the cross this evening at 7:30pm. God’s love can be seen in the darkness as much as it can be seen in the light.

Easter is upon us, the celebrations and the (alleluias) will ring out. We are an Easter people; the strength of our Easter vision comes in remembering the journey that brought us here – in delighting in God’s love for us.

I look forward to celebrating the Resurrection with you, and to our journey together as we work to fulfill God’s purposes in this world.

Peace,

Fr. Henry+

The Church Office will be CLOSED

April 3 through April 7

Clergy will be out of the office April 6-11.

For pastoral emergencies call the office at

(301-774-6999)

and leave a message.

APRIL 12 @ 12pm

Casserole Club Meeting

APRIL 15 @ 6:30pm

Vestry Meeting

APRIL 18

STJES Auction

APRIL 19 @ 4:30pm

Book Group Meeting

MAY 3 @ 12pm

Newcomer's Coffee Hour

MAY 10

MOTHER'S DAY

MAY 24

Pentecost Service &

International Brunch

~ PRAYER LIST ~

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

Stephanie Sidella

Harry Brooke

Andrew Erickson

Aurora

Carole

Ivy Choe-Branstetter

Steve Ruff

Celeste McGee

Mary Persinger

"... your faith has healed you. Go in peace and be freed from your suffering"

BOOK GROUP OFFERING

All are invited to a book discussion on “The Digital Delusion: How Classroom Technology Harms Our Kids’ Learning” by Jared Cooney Horvath. This timely book explores the impact of classroom technology on student learning and may inspire meaningful conversation and future advocacy within our school systems. Many families at St. John’s Church have experienced issues like those highlighted in this book, your own experiences may be similar. Join us for discussion, tea, and treats on Sunday, April 19th at 4:30pm in the Parish Hall. For assistance in obtaining a copy of the book, contact clergy.

Join us in congratulating and celebrating with Bree Bruemmer and Becca Roberson, recipients of the Episcopal Church Women award, which will be presented at the Celebration of Women Gospel Brunch on Saturday, April 11th at Montgomery Country Club. Deadline to purchase tickets is TODAY, April 3rd. Bree is being honored for her outstanding service to St. John’s and the wider community, while Becca is recognized for her exceptional service to St. John’s.

Ticket cost is $60 and may be purchased on Evenbrite, or by check (ECW/EDOW).

Payment by checks will be collected by

Mathy Downing.

Celebrating APRIL Birthdays

May this year bring you countless blessings and beautiful moments.

Logan Bollock

Patrick Gough

Chuck McQueen

Katherine Gough

Elizabeth Willier

Ethan Glaudemans

Jean Payne

Natalie Chernett

Mathy Downing

Phil Reiff

Natalie Willier

Aspen Young

Jason Vincent

Joseph Vincent

Carson Young

Rob Schellhase

Mary Lou McMaster

Patrick Dunn

MaryLee Young

Anna Mathew

Bree Bruemmer

Mike Miller

Brandon Butler

Annalie Puente

The Food Pantry Ministry is in need of people to stock the Pantry on Saturdays.

Sign-up through SIGN-UP GENIUS.

If you are interested in the ministry,

contact Mary McQueen or Julie Metcalf

LOCAL GROCERY WISH LIST - Harris Teeter - Dole Fruit Cups / Safeway - Ragu Pasta Sause, Rice-a-Roni, Pasta Roni / Giant - Idahoan Dried Potatoes.

HOLY PLAY

An intergenerational faith formation for families with children 1st grade and under. Bible Stories | Sensory Play &

Conversations about Faith.

Sunday mornings

9:45am in the Nursery

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 ask big questions of faith.

NURSERY

10:15am Sunday Mornings

Be a part of our nursery volunteer rotating team

Sunday mornings.

Interested in serving?

Email Mo. Shivaun.

An all ages, all-parish

Vacation Bible School

exploring the meaning of pilgrimage and faith.

~ Sun. July 26 – Wed. July 29 ~

6-8:30pm in the school gym.

Dinner | Bible & Prayer Reflection

Crafts & Games |Fun & Fellowship

All volunteer choir, open to youth high school and up, leads Sunday morning worship music at 10:30am.

"Make a joyful noise unto the Lord"

Rehearsals:

Thursday Evenings @ 6:30-8pm

Open to grades 5-12

Youth bell choir develop music and worship leadership skills.

NO musical experience is necessary to be a part of this "ensemble sport".

Rehearsals:

Wednesday @ 6:30-7:30pm

Open to grades K-5.

Children learn vocal and choral skills through singing songs that teach faith.

Rehearsals:

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

3rd-5th: Tuesday @ 5:15-5:45pm

ADULT FORUM

Sunday mornings @ 9:15am

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