Forty Days of Light

by James D. Erickson

Forty days.

A river of light spills over the morning,

and we step into it, leaving behind the weight of yesterday.

We let go—not just of bread or habit,

but of distractions that clutter our hearts.

Screens, noise, endless lists—

like autumn leaves, they drift away,

and we feel the air open around us.

We pause.

In the quiet, the heartbeat of our own souls

becomes loud, tender, insistent.

We remember the desert where Christ walked,

the forty days of hunger and prayer,

and the seed of life sown in sacrifice.

We give—our time, our kindness, our attention.

Loaves shared, hands extended, mercy offered

as if touching the edges of heaven itself.

We simplify, not to punish,

but to let our spirits breathe,

to hear the gentle whisper of God in the ordinary.

Forty days is not just a calendar.

It is a forest of shadow and sunlight,

a river of reflection,

a doorway to the self we long to meet.

And at the end,

we rise like dawn over the hills,

lighter, clearer,

open to the taste of air, the weight of rain,

and the quiet miracle of new beginnings.

© 2026 James D. Erickson

Member- St. Christopher's Episcopal, Roseville, MN

Lent Sundays - Mark your calendars now!

3.1 and 3.15: 8:45am in the Parlor

An Indigenous view of the Christian faith with the Rev. Dr. Brad Hauff.

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.

Imaging and Imagining

During the season of Lent, we invite our entire St. John’s community to image and imagine God over the course of four workshops, with two remaining, which will be hosted in the Parish Hall from 9-9:45 on the Sunday mornings of 3.8, and 3.22. Our written, drawn, and painted responses to the prompts presented in these workshops will become part of our growing Lenten Imaging and Imaging God installation. Whether or not you consider yourself an artist, please consider joining us in creation for any or all of these sessions. 

Invite Welcome Connect

Invite Welcome Connect is an exciting initiative that expands the strengths of St. John’s already welcoming community. The Invite Welcome Connect process has been developed and used in dozens of parishes and dioceses across the Episcopal Church over the past two decades and has an impressive track record of growth of all kinds in congregations where it is well implemented. 

Save the dates for the remaining IWC gatherings after the 10:00 service on Sundays: February 22, March 8 and March 15. 

We will reflect on where St John’s is in relation to each part of IWC, engage in collaborative imagining of possibilities for the ministry at St John’s and then together plan the implementation of ideas. A light lunch will be provided each week. 

Invite Welcome Connect is a lay-led process, supported by clergy and other staff. For ways to get involved in IWC, ask any Core Team member: Gretchen Brunner (Welcome lead), Judy Caldwell, Pam Hove, Cindy Kallstrom, Val Koutek, Barb Livermont (Connect lead), Rona Pasch, Joanna Torgerson. 

Please contact Kate Maxwell, staff support for Invite Welcome Connect, to receive the password to access helpful online videos to watch ahead of each gathering. 

Visio Divina: Wilderness Wednesdays During Lent

2.25, 3.4, 3.11, 3.25



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 Trisagion

For the season of Lent, you might notice the Sanctus has different words and a new melody. For the next few weeks until Palm Sunday, our Sanctus will be an ancient hymn called the Trisagion, which translates to “thrice holy.” First sung in the 2nd century AD, its text reads:

Holy God,

Holy and Mighty, Holy Immortal One,

Have mercy open us

At the point of the service where we sing the Sanctus, we are preparing our hearts for communion by proclaiming God’s glory in song. The Trisagion exalts God while also asking for mercy — a Lenten posture. This season, we invite you to sing, knowing these words have been sung for thousands of years by those seeking to glorify and connect with the Divine.

The Sermon on the Mount

A Small Group Study - Jesus' Sermon on the Mount

Dates: Feb 1, 15, 22, Mar 1, 8, 15

Place: Emmaus Room 

Time: ~ 8:50 - 9:45 a.m. (after the 8 a.m. service)

This small group is for those who want to put into practice Jesus' Sermon on the Mount. (Surprise! It begins in the heart...) We'll use the LifeGuide booklet by John Stott. Facilitators: Sylvia Lovett & Kathy Smith.  Contact Carrie at communications@stjohnwilderness.org for a booklet.

An Update from the Transition Team

We would like to share an update on our clergy transition process. After consultation with the Diocese, the Vestry voted in January to move forward with a Priest-in-Charge model rather than beginning another full, multi-year rector search like the one we undertook when calling Art.

A Priest in Charge serves with the same responsibilities as a Rector- leading worship, preaching, pastoral care, and parish life. The difference is in the process. Instead of launching a 2+ year national search, we will spend the next few months developing a parish profile and engaging in focused discernment about who we are and what leadership we need. The Diocese will then identify 1–3 candidates for our Search Committee to discern, and a final recommendation will go to the Vestry for approval. This approach allows for thoughtful discernment while providing steady leadership. If all proceeds as anticipated, we hope to welcome a Priest in Charge by the end of summer

We invite your prayers as we enter this next chapter together.

Almighty God, giver of every good gift: Look graciously on your Church, and so guide the minds of those who shall choose a priest in charge for this parish, and those who offer themselves as candidates, that we may receive a faithful pastor, who will care for your people and equip us for our ministries; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen

Ways to Help Around Our Diocese

Casa Maria Ministry

The ministry of Casa Maria has received an incredible amount of support in the last week as they have increased their capacity to handle the overwhelming need of their neighbors.

We would invite you to continue giving to Casa Maria, and to the Migrant Support Fund. The Migrant Support Fund is being used to respond to on the ground needs of immigrant Parishioners and neighbors across the state for everything from emergency rental assistance to legal counsel and other basic needs. Find out more and donate here.

Other Ways to Support

The ECMN website has a wealth of resources, curated by the ECMN Migration Caucus to support faith communities responding to the surge in immigration enforcement in Minnesota. Resources range from volunteer opportunities with Episcopal ministries meeting basic needs of those who cannot leave their homes to resources to help faith communities and individuals know their rights and what they can do to help keep themselves safe.

You can find resources to mobilize and support by clicking here.

SJW Fellowship & Theater



 Join fellow St. John in the Wilderness (SJW) parishioners, families, friends and other theater-lovers on a night out on the town! Please share this information with anyone you know that would be interested in joining us for this event – all are welcome!

RSVPs Due: Sunday, March 29

Event Date: Sunday, August 2 at 6:30pm (curtain)

Cost: $90 per ticket

Details & RSVP Link: https://forms.gle/FA65Yg9tjVuhS9cH8

SYNOPSIS:

A vivid reimagining of the classic The Wizard of Oz, Wicked spotlights the early, untold stories of Oz's most famous (or infamous) characters, namely the Wicked Witch of the West and her unlikely friend, Glinda the Good Witch. The show follows green-skinned Elphaba from birth to college and through the life-changing events which eventually label her "wicked," introducing spoiled rich girl Glinda, local prince and heartthrob Fiyero and even the Wizard of Oz himself, a troubled man very unlike the one you may remember. As Elphaba fights injustice and seeks to undo the mistakes of the past, dark secrets and personal tragedies shape the history of Oz, paying homage to the classic Wizard of Oz story while simultaneously changing fans' understanding of it forever. A cautionary tale about love, friendship and trust, Wicked effortlessly reveals that there are indeed two sides to every story.

This production is recommended for ages 8 and up.

Questions? Contact Chantell Knauss at SJWFellowship@gmail.com or 651.387.8288..

Future Live Theater Events:

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

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!

Sunday Mornings!

During our transition time, we will be adjusting how we make sure our building is locked up safely every Sunday.

• Shortly following the end of the 10am service, the west end of the building will be locked and lights turned off and the doors from the lobby entrance to the coat hallway will be be closed, but unlocked
• Anyone leaving after the hall doors are closed needs to leave through the parking lot door.
• The ramp doors will be locked at noon.
• If you leave through the ramp doors please make sure the door locks behind you
• If you leave and are the last one out, please make sure all lights are off in the kitchen and parish hall, and make sure the ramp doors are locked and the parking lot door locks behind you!

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., 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.

O God, whose glory it is always to have mercy: Be gracious to all who have gone astray from your ways, and bring them again with penitent hearts and steadfast faith to embrace and hold fast the unchangeable truth of your Word, Jesus Christ your Son; who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Second Sunday in Lent

• Genesis 12:1-4a
• Romans 4:1-5, 13-17
• John 3:1-17
• Psalm 121

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.