Imagine That

As I was driving into church on Thursday morning, I had the opportunity to listen to a portion of President Jimmy Carter’s memorial service at the National Cathedral in Washington, DC.  As part of the service, Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood sang John Lennon’s classic song “Imagine.”

Most are familiar with this song.  Among the lyrics are:

Imagine there's no heaven

It's easy if you try

No hell below us

Above us, only sky…

Imagine there's no countries

It isn't hard to do

Nothing to kill or die for

And no religion, too.

Predictably and almost immediately, reaction among many Christians was harsh. They were offended by the suggestion to “imagine there’s no heaven” or to “imagine… no religion too.” And because the National Cathedral is an Episcopal Church, there was plenty of strident criticism for those who would allow such music to be sung in church on such an august occasion. “Who,” some demanded, “chose that song to be sung at Jimmy Carter’s funeral?” 

Well, the answer to that question is: Jimmy Carter. Yes, the 39th President of the United States and Sunday School teacher requested that John Lennon’s Imagine be played at his funeral.  In fact, it was played at his wife Rosalynn’s funeral as well.  Apparently, it was one of Jimmy Carter’s favorite songs.

Quite frankly, the criticism launched by Christians at those who planned Carter’s funeral reminded me of the verbal assault that Jesus himself experienced from the pharisees, sadducees and scribes of his own day who became enraged when Jesus challenged the religious status quo.

You see, Jimmy Carter, like Jesus, believed that it wasn’t one’s words that mattered as much as one’s actions. Jimmy Carter, like Jesus, pledged his allegiance to God’s agenda of justice and mercy and compassion and love for all.  Jimmy Carter, like Jesus, believed that instead of focusing one’s life on the hereafter, one should do one’s best, right here and now, to do justice and to love mercy and to walk humbly with God. Jimmy Carter, like Jesus, tried to do the right thing despite the consequences to his own political and personal life.  And Jimmy Carter, like Jesus, wasn’t afraid to shake it up so that people might begin to see their lives and the world as does God.

Jimmy Carter was a good, not perfect man. He tried to walk the way of Jesus. With his life, he encouraged us to do the same.  Now, just imagine that.

~Father Art

Wilderness Wednesday Adult Offering

1/15-2/5 Shared Roots, Diverse Branches

We will learn about the faith and worship of our close church neighbors. Lutheran, Methodist, Presbyterian and UCC faith communities will be represented during this series.

How did we get here? Recreating Our Church’s Historic Move

January 25th, 1-4 pm hosted at the Brunner’s/Albin’s at 9038 110th N, Stillwater.

Step back in time and experience the incredible story of how our church found its present home! Join us for a special reenactment of the historic move where we will move a smaller replica of St. John’s across a frozen pond, just as it was done over 100 years ago with horses pulling the church on logs! 



After the re-enactment, the fun continues with a sledding party for the kids and hot chocolate around a bonfire for all! Bundle up and bring your family to enjoy this unique celebration to kick the centennial celebration of our church building! This event is perfect for all ages- whether you are a history enthusiast, a sledding adventurer, or simply looking for a cozy cup of cocoa with friends. Let’s honor our past and create new memories together!

Winter/Spring Connect Groups are Coming!

Sign up for these small groups will be in February and they begin in March. Each group meets 6 times.

The Path Ahead: Spirituality & Purpose in Later Life 

Kate Maxwell

Beginning with a meal each session, we will explore the challenges and rewards of later seasons of life within a spiritual context. We will use videos and articles to stimulate our conversations.

Sacred Rhythms: Spiritual Practices 

Nick Howe

An exploration of practical spirituality within a supportive group context. Members have the opportunity to begin, grow, experiment with, and discuss various practices. Topics will include mindfulness, energy, prayer, meditation, dreaming, and more!

Belonging: Our Journeys to St John’s 

Janet Dieterich

We’ll hear from members about how they came to St John’s and why they stay. There will be opportunities to share our own journey stories as well.

Success in Other Words

John Brunner 

Join us for meaningful conversations about how faith shapes our understanding of success in today’s culture. With participants from all generations welcome, we will share personal experiences and challenge societal norms and discuss what it truly means to live a life of purpose and significance as followers of Christ. 

Coffee Conversations 

Molly Donovan

Come and get to know one another better over a hot beverage. There will be starter topics for conversation each week, and the Spirit will blow where she will. Bring your desire to get to know other folks more deeply and enjoy these times of being together. 

SJIW Theater Fellowship Invites You.......

Fellowship Theater Event to Mahtomedi High School's Winter Production

Event Date: Sunday, February 9 at 2pm

RSVPs Due: Sunday, January 26

Join fellow St. John in the Wilderness parishioners, their families, and friends for a day out on the town with lunch at Donatelli’s and a local theater event, Mahtomedi High School’s (MHS) Winter Production. MHS’ winter production will be a combined performance of their One Act play, “Soundscapes” and a musical revue of Broadway songs, “Make Them Hear You”. Come see MHS Senior and fellow SJW parishioner, Xavier Knauss, sing in the musical revue portion.

“Soundscapes” Synopsis: Iris experiences colors and shapes when she hears music, a condition called synesthesia. The play delves into how she navigates her unique perspective and the challenges of being different. “Soundscapes” is written by Minnesota playwright, Claudia Haas, and Minnesota artist, Sarah Kraning, who has synesthesia.

MHS’ Winter Production will run approximately 2 hours, including one intermission. RSVP for the MHS Winter Production here by January 26.

Direct questions to Chantell Knauss at SJWFellowship@gmail.com or 651.387.8288.

Future Fellowship Theater Events:

• March 29 at 1pm Curtain; 11am Lunch Seating – “Grease” musical at Chanhassen Dinner Theater. Complete details, RSVP and payment information here.
• April 27 at 2pm – “Bright Star” musical at Mahtomedi High School. Complete details, RSVP and payment information here.
• Saturday, May 17 at 7:30pm – “Anything Goes” musical at Lakeshore Players, White Bear Lake. Complete details, RSVP and payment information here.
• Thursday, July 10 at 7:30pm – “Kimberly Akimbo” Broadway touring musical at Orpheum. Complete details, RSVP and payment information here.
• Sunday, October 26 at 6:30pm (Save the Date) – “Purple Rain” world premiere musical at the State Theater, Minneapolis.

Contact Maggie Howe here for event information and to get on her mailing list!

What's Happening In 2025! 

Wilderness Wednesdays will return on Wednesday evenings from 1/15-2/26. Dinner will be served at 5:30, followed by programming for all ages beginning at 6:15.

Love in Action: MLK Jr. Day of Service January 20th, 2025 9:30am-noon

Saint Clement's Episcopal Church

901 Portland Ave, St Paul, MN 55104

Children in Kindergarten through 5th grade are invited for a morning of learning, wondering, prayer and play as we resist racism and pursue justice through the lens of our faith. A hearty snack will be provided. There will also be a Caregivers Lounge with coffee and WiFi for adults who want to be in community or work. Register by January 6th here : https://forms.gle/Y6c5TffA4CzPGYiC6

Family Visioning Session 1/26 from 11:15-noon

Join the parents of St. John’s as we hold a visioning session that focuses on our hopes and dreams for this beloved community. Child care and activities will be provided during the visioning.

Pre-YE at St. Mary’s 2/8-2/9:

Registration for the Middle School retreat, Pre-YE, is now open! The Pre-YE is happening at St. Mary's in St. Paul from February 8-9 for youth in grades 6-8. You can register and learn more here.

Weekly News and a Weekly Message from Bishop Loya

The Episcopal Church in Minnesota also has a weekly e-news, where you can read a message from Bishop Craig Loya, (or sometimes a special guest author), and read about what is happening in the Episcopal Church in MN and beyond! A great way to stay connected and learn about our church outside the walls of St. John's. 

To receive the ECMN news go here, scroll to the very bottom right and sign up.

Parish Family Prayer List

We ask your prayers for:

Cindy K. Pat P. Jean T. David G. Larry K.  Megan J. Tony and Amanda,

Gladys A. Josh L. Allan B. Louie M. Jane



In the Diocesan Cycle of Prayer Church of the Epiphany, Plymouth

For all the Sundays in January – please pray for all who serve those in need of food, clothing and warm spaces during the cold winter months; pray for all ministries for our youngest members within the Episcopal Church in Minnesota, and all those in our faith community who are involved with faith formation ministries with children, youth and young adults.

Click the button below to fill out the web form, or email prayer@stjohnwilderness to request prayers and to be added to the parish prayer list. Please let us know if you would like the request to be publicly listed or private. Unless specifically requested, prayer requests will be kept on the list for a month.

For the Parish (BCP p.817)

Almighty and everliving God, ruler of all things in heaven

and earth, hear our prayers for this parish family. Strengthen

the faithful, arouse the careless, and restore the penitent.

Grant us all things necessary for our common life, and bring

us all to be of one heart and mind within your holy Church;

through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. BCP p. 817

Morning Prayer & Compline

Join us on Tuesday and Thursday mornings at 8 AM for morning prayer and

Monday and Friday evenings at 8:30 PM for Compline.

Both prayer services are held via Google Meet. All are welcome.

The word liturgy comes from a Greek term meaning “public work or work done on behalf of the people.” Liturgy always referred to an organized community. A work, then, done by an individual or a group was a liturgy on behalf of the larger community.

If you would like to become part of the many ministries that help make our work, our worship, our liturgies, our community, please talk to one of our clergy.

Father in heaven, who at the baptism of Jesus in the River Jordan proclaimed him your beloved Son and anointed him with the Holy Spirit: Grant that all who are baptized into his Name may keep the covenant they have made, and boldly confess him as Lord and Savior; who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns, one God, in glory everlasting. Amen.

The First Sunday after the Epiphany

(Transferred)

• Isaiah 43:1-7
• Acts 8:14-17
• Luke 3:15-17, 21-22
• Psalm 29

Connect! Our Main number: 651-429-5351

Our parish office is open Monday - Thursday, 9 am - 2:30pm. Stop by and say hi!

• Financial Coordinator: Maureen Vruno | Office hours M,T, Th, 7:30am - 2:30pm maureen@stjohnwilderness.org ext. 4 or 763-329-7415
• Rising Generations Coordinator: Maggie Howe maggie@stjohnwilderness.org ext. 5 or 763-329-7398
• Music Director: David Lim david@stjohnwilderness.org ext. 6 or 763-329-7200
• Parish Coordinator: Carrie Thomas carrie@stjohnwilderness.org 651-429-5351 ext. 3
• Deacon: The Rev. Margaret Thor margaret@stjohnwilderness.org
• Associate Priest: The Rev. Kate Maxwell, OSB kate@stjohnwilderness.org ext. 2 or 763-329-7394
• Rector: The Rev. Arthur Hancock art@stjohnwilderness.org ext. 1 or 763-329-7203

Our current Health & Safety Protocols

• St. John’s encourages all of its members to get vaccinated and boosted.
• If you feel sick or have the typical symptoms of Covid-19, we ask you to worship with us online.
• Masks are optional while inside all parish buildings for those who are boosted and vaccinated. If conditions change and we experience another surge of Covid-19, we may alter our protocols.