I Am Not

This coming Sunday, our Gospel reading will once again be telling us about John the Baptist. John was a remarkable figure in his own time, but because he was constantly diverting attention away from himself and toward Jesus, we tend to discount him.  He would have liked that.

In the first chapter of the book of John, we read about the Jewish religious authorities who come to John asking him, “Who are you?”. We’re not told why they ask him such a seemingly simple question, but later in the gospel we learn that such tactics are used in order to set a trap.  John’s answer, however, was rather off-putting.  Instead of stating who he was, John tells them who he was not. 

John confessed, ‘I am not the Messiah.’ And they asked him, ‘What then? Are you Elijah?’ He said, ‘I am not.’ ‘Are you the prophet?’ He answered, ‘No.’ Then they said to him, ‘Who are you? Let us have an answer for those who sent us. What do you say about yourself?’ He said, ‘I am the voice of one crying out in the wilderness, ‘Make straight the way of the Lord.” (John 1:20-23)

I don’t know about you, but I find John’s answer so utterly refreshing. Instead of building himself up, promoting himself, seeking “likes” or “followers,” John says “I am not,” and then points to Jesus. 

To be honest with you, I’m pretty sick of the big leaders among us, those who say or do things seemingly only for notoriety, to court favor, to amass more power or wealth. That sort of leadership doesn’t seem to be making the world a better place. Maybe this would be a particularly good time for us to shift our attention and energy away from the big leaders and toward all the little leaders among us.

John was a little leader. He understood that the foundation of his identity was in Jesus. Instead of drawing people to himself, John pointed them to the true Messiah, encouraging them to follow in Jesus’ Way of Love. John had no need or desire to make a name for himself. He didn’t seek power or wealth or even attention. He was motivated solely in helping people find and follow in the Way of Christ that God’s Kingdom might come more fully.

Over the last week, I have been inspired by other little leaders in this great state of Minnesota. In response to the killing of Renee Nicole Good, these little leaders have witnessed to their faith with their words and actions. Pointing away from themselves, yet peacefully placing their bodies and voices between power and the powerless, they are confessing to a better way. Standing alongside those whom the world has all but abandoned, these little leaders are courageously proclaiming to the principalities and powers of this world that God has not abandoned the weak or the stranger. These little leaders are ferociously reminding the whole world that God’s grace is stronger than human hate and that even death itself dies when subjected to God’s love.

So, keep it up, Little Leaders. Your names may not find their way into our history books or upon our buildings, but they are written on the very heart of God. 

~Art+

Thousands join Episcopal Church vigil to lament violent immigration enforcement actions, unite in pursuing justice

Read the Episcopal News Service article about the Tuesday night vigil here.

Adult Wilderness Wednesday: Service and Caring!

Join us for Wilderness Wednesday this winter as we focus on service and fellowship following the 5:30 meal! Over five Wednesday evenings, from January 14th to February 11th, participants of all ages and ability levels are invited to work alongside one another on meaningful service projects such as filling blessing bags with essentials for neighbors, making tie blankets for those in need, and other simple acts of care and compassion. These evenings are an opportunity not only to serve, but to bond together in community and faith. Check out the schedule:

• 1/21 - Blessing Bag Assembly. Create ready-to-go essentials bags for our unhoused neighbors
• 1/28 - Preparing Kits for First Nations Kitchen. Put together kits of goods for First Nations Kitchen's ministry
• 2/4 - Tying Blankets for Gillette Children's. Craft cozy blankets for patients in need of comfort
• 2/11 - The Sandwich Project. Assemble meat-and-cheese sandwiches to be distributed by the Sandwich Project

SJW Fellowship & Theater

Join in with other live theater lovers in our next group event!

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

Save the Dates for These Future GroupTheater Events:

·            Saturday, February 28 OR Sunday, March 1 at 2pm – “Frozen, Jr.” at Mahtomedi Middle School

·            Saturday, March 28 at 11am - Lunch Seating; 1:00pm – Curtain – “Guys and Dolls” at Chanhassen Dinner

·            Sunday, April 26, 2026 at 2pm – “Hadestown” at Mahtomedi High School

·            Sunday, May 10, 2026 at 7pm - “Harry Potter and the Cursed Child” Broadway touring production at the Orpheum

Visio Divina: Wilderness Wednesdays During Lent

Have you ever noticed how art can open a doorway into prayer? On select Wilderness Wednesdays during Lent at 6:15 pm, St. John in the Wilderness will gather for Visio Divina, a contemplative practice that invites us to encounter God through sacred images. Just as Lectio Divina invites us to listen deeply to scripture, Visio Divina encourages us to slow down, pay attention, and let God speak through visual art.

This season, we will spend time with artwork connected to the Stations of the Cross, with sessions led by our resident Intern, Chris Lilley. One example of the kind of piece we may reflect on is Jesus is Condemned to Death by Aboriginal artist John Dunn. The surrounding hands in the image invite viewers to consider human participation in systems of harm, while the presence of animals gestures toward the universal scope of Christ’s redemptive love. Visio Divina invites us to enter these images with openness, to notice what draws our attention, to wonder where we find ourselves in the scene, and to listen for how God might be speaking through what we see.

If this way of praying resonates with you, or if you’re longing for a quiet space to center yourself and reconnect with God, we hope you’ll join us for these Lenten gatherings. 

For questions, please contact Chris Lilley (chris@stjohnwilderness.org).

The Filioque??

Join us on Sunday, March 1, 11:15am in the Parlor, for an engaging Adult Education session exploring the Nicene Creed and the much‑discussed phrase “and the Son” — the filioque. Led by our Intern Chris Lilley!

We’ll look at why the Nicene Creed has held such a central place in Christian worship for more than 1,600 years, why we recite it in our liturgy, and how it shapes our shared faith. From there, we’ll turn to the history of the filioque: how it entered the creed in the Latin West, why it was never adopted in the Eastern Church, and why this small phrase has carried such significant theological weight.

As the Episcopal Church continues to deepen its ecumenical relationships with Eastern Orthodox communities, many Anglicans are discerning whether to omit the filioque in our liturgical recitation. This session will provide context, clarity, and space for thoughtful discussion of what such a change would mean.

All are welcome, whether you’re curious about church history, passionate about ecumenism, or simply want to understand the creed we say each week more deeply.

We need to keep our food shelf stocked.

Please help us keep it stocked. 

You can find out more about Food Assistance Funding and connect with the White Bear Food Shelf by clicking here.



Make it a habit to get a few extra items on your regular grocery run, and drop it off on Sunday mornings! Check out the list below. As you think about what to get, keep a few things in mind. What would you have on your pantry shelf? What are the staples you always have on hand? Is what you are buying shelf stable/non-perishable? Treats for kids are always welcome! And really important, is it something you would feed yourself or your family?

• Shelf stable milk
• Juice boxes
• 100% fruit juices
• Vegetable juices
• Lunch packs - applesauce, fruit cups, jello
• Nut butters other than peanut butter
• Protein drinks
• Protein bars
• Healthy Snacks: Nuts, granola bars, etc
• Treats for children
• Ready to eat meals
• Whole-grain hot cereals like oatmeal, cream of wheat and grits
• Whole-grain crackers
• Corn or whole-wheat tortillas that don’t need to be refrigerated
• Bushs' Baked Beans
• Cooking Essentials: Oils, spices, etc
• Baby Formula
• Female Hygiene Supplies
• Personal Toiletries

Rice, beans, condensed soups, boxed macaroni & cheese are not fast moving items on our shelf. Keep in mind that many people may not even have a kitchen, or do not have the time or extra items needed to make a tasty meal of of those items.

Please do not bring anything past the expiration or used by date, we will remove it and dispose of it.

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

Office Hours

Our parish office is open:

• Monday, Tuesday, 9 am - 2:30pm;
• Wednesday 9am-5pm,
• Thursday, 9am - 11am.

Stop by and say hi!

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 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, Erika A., Bill M., Ben, Baby Theo & Family., Mitch., Terry, Tom H.

Email prayer@stjohnwilderness to request prayers and to be added to the parish prayer list.

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.

Almighty God, whose Son our Savior Jesus Christ is the light of the world: Grant that your people, illumined by your Word and Sacraments, may shine with the radiance of Christ's glory, that he may be known, worshipped, and obeyed to the ends of the earth; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Second Sunday after the Epiphany

• Isaiah 49:1-7
• 1 Corinthians 1:1-9
• John 1:29-42
• Psalm 40:1-12

Connect! Our Main number: 651-429-5351

Our parish office is open:

Monday, Tuesday, 9 am - 2:30pm;

Wednesday 9am-5pm,

Thursday, 9am - 11:30am. 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
• Music Minister: Alec Watson alec@stjohnwilderness.org
• Intern: Chris Lilley chris@stjohnwilderness.org
• Rising Generations Coordinator: Maggie Howe maggie@stjohnwilderness.org
• 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
• 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.