Dearly Beloved, 

Jeremiah 29:4-14 is a passage of scripture worth spending a lot of time with these days. The prophet speaks a word from God to the people who had been forced into exile after the Babylonian empire seized Jerusalem, destroyed the temple, and conducted two waves of mass deportations. It’s a pattern repeated over and over throughout the Bible and Christian history. Geopolitical winds force a crisis, the world as we knew it is upended, and God’s people are forced to the margins with nothing to cling to but the promises of God.



As both Christians and Americans, we find ourselves in a similar season of disruption and displacement. There are deep cracks in the structures and models of church we have inherited, and it is clear business as usual is no longer a faithful or sustainable course. And the ascendance of a populist authoritarianism committed to sowing chaos is testing every limit of our democracy. 

Jeremiah 29 seeks to answer the burning question for both the people of ancient Israel and us: how are we to respond? The prophet offers us at least three important postures to adopt in such a season:

Settle in to the unsettledness

Even as Jeremiah reassures the exiles of God’s provision, care, and promise, he tells them to build houses and plant gardens. You only build houses and plant gardens if you plan to stay put for a while. The massive changes and challenges facing both the church and the world will not be resolved quickly or easily. We will have to spend some time in this liminal wilderness. We are no longer what we once were, and who we will be has not yet emerged. We will meet God right here, right now, by being fully present where we are, and to the margins. We need not force a resolution or wait for a solution. 

Look to the past to harvest its wisdom, not to nurse our nostalgia

While God promises deliverance and restoration to the exiles, he makes the promise as “plans to give you hope and a future.” We so often long to return to some imagined past in the church when the pews and Sunday schools were full, budgets were flush, and we enjoyed an abundance of political and cultural influence. But there is no golden age in either the church or the nation to which we can or should return. God’s action is always forward, and we look to the past—studying the scriptures and the saints of our own history—to learn how our spiritual ancestors navigated seasons of exile before us, not to try to reclaim it by force.

Embrace God’s economics

The economics of empire tell us that our value is determined by what we have or accomplish. They tell us that life is fundamentally a fight to the death for scarce and limited resources, and that the point of our lives and congregations is to acquire more. The economics of God, on the other hand, affirm the truth that we have when we give, we are fed by feeding others, and we truly live only when we die to ourselves. The economics of God ask us to “seek the peace and prosperity of the city to which I have carried you into exile.” The economics of God invite us to practice radical love and generosity wherever we are planted, and wherever we sojourn. 

Today, as in every season of disruption and crisis, we are invited to stand as small communities who witness to God’s coming reign of justice and love, and who resist the forces of violence and despair by living as people of hope, clinging tightly to the gift we have in each other, and the promises of almighty God, of which the resurrection we acclaim each and every time we worship is the sure and certain sign. 

Grace and Peace, 

The Right Rev. Craig Loya

Holy Week and Easter 2025

Holy Week is a special time in the life of the Church. As such, we set the time aside with a number of opportunities for worship and personal devotion.

PALM SUNDAY + April 13

Holy Eucharist, 8:00 & 10:00 am

Holy Week begins with Palm Sunday. This liturgy has two very distinct parts. The first part celebrates the triumphant entry of Jesus into Jerusalem. We process with palm branches as we remember those who received Jesus so joyfully. The second part features the Passion narrative of St. Luke in which we recall the events surrounding the arrest, trial, crucifixion of Jesus. The 10:00 am service begins with the Liturgy of the Palms in the Parish Hall. All are invited to join in the procession at the beginning of the service. 10:00 am is Livestreamed.

HOLY MONDAY + April 14

Lenten Vespers, 7:00 pm

This evening prayer service consists of psalms and scripture readings appointed for the Monday of Holy Week, with some congregational singing. We gather in the chancel of the church.

HOLY TUESDAY + April 15

Wilderness Stations of the Cross, 7:00 pm, Tamarack Nature Center

We gather at Tamarack Nature Center (5287 Otter Lake Rd, White Bear Township, MN 55110) in front of the main building. We will be walking the Stations of the Cross together. At each of the fourteen “stations,” we pause to reflect upon Jesus’ own walk to Gethsemane as he bore his cross. We walk the trails of Tamarack, reading the Stations of the Cross and reflecting together on what they mean for us in our own lives. Feel free to bring a warm beverage.

HOLY WEDNESDAY + April 16

Healing and Holy Eucharist, 7:00 pm

We bring to God both our struggles and our hope of God’s healing in this service of worship and holy communion. Anointing and laying on of hands is offered. The music for this service draws from the Taizé tradition. We gather in the chancel of the church.

MAUNDY THURSDAY + April 17

Community Meal, 5:30 pm, Parish Hall

All are welcome to join us in the Parish Hall to share a meal, as Jesus did with his disciples.

Holy Eucharist, 7:00 pm

The liturgy for Maundy Thursday conveys the strength of solemnity and restraint. It is the beginning of the sacred three days of the celebration of the passion and death of our Lord Jesus Christ called The Triduum. The washing of feet and stripping of the altar are hallmarks of this service. The Chancel Choir leads music at this service. This liturgy will be in the church. Livestreamed.

Prayers at the Garden, 9:00 pm

This is a simple Liturgy of the Word, with collect and readings. Livestream only.

Prayers in the Garden & Vigil, 12:00 midnight-12:00 noon, Chapel

Hold vigil in the Garden of Repose in the chapel near the front door (the main entrance behind the pews). The vigil begins at midnight after the Maundy Thursday service on April 17 with shifts throughout the night until the Good Friday service on noon, April 18. Those who sign up to hold vigil will receive detailed information regarding accessing the church during their shift.

GOOD FRIDAY + April 18

Good Friday Liturgy, 12:00 noon

This solemn liturgy of the passion and death of our Lord is a continuation of the Maundy Thursday liturgy and begins in silence as the night before ended in silence. In the course of the Good Friday liturgy we will read the Passion narrative of St. John that leads us through the last hours of Jesus’ life on earth. This liturgy will be in the church. Livestreamed.

Prayers at the Cross, 3:00 pm (online)

This brief service marks the point of Jesus’ death on the cross. Livestream only.

Tenebrae: Entering the Darkness, 7:00 pm

This liturgy has characteristics of a traditional Tenebrae service, the most conspicuous feature of the service being the gradual extinguishing of candles and other lights in the church until only a single candle, considered a symbol of our Lord, remains. Musicians of the parish will offer musical reflections. Entering the Darkness will be in the church.

HOLY SATURDAY + April 19

Prayers at the Tomb, 9:00 am (online)

This is a simple Liturgy of the Word, with collect and readings. Livestream only.

The Great Vigil of Easter, 7:00 pm

The solemn celebration of the Easter proclamation, with the Services of Light and Readings telling the story of salvation, the Renewal of the Baptismal Covenant, and the first Eucharist of Easter. Heartbeat and the Chancel Choir share musical leadership at this service. Livestreamed.

EASTER SUNDAY + April 20

Holy Eucharist, 8:00 & 10:00 am

This service celebrates The Feast of the Resurrection with holy communion and festive music offered by the Chancel Choir and Brass musicians at the 10:00 am service. “Alleluia. Christ our Passover is sacrificed for us; Therefore let us keep the feast. Alleluia.” The 10:00am is Livestreamed.

Easter Egg Hunt and Fellowship, 11:15 am

A fun time on the lawn while the children hunt for the hidden Easter Eggs and the adults share coffee and fellowship in the Parish Hall.

Go With the Flow!

All men of the church! Join us on April 26th from 9am-3pm for a one day retreat as we get out of town to reflect on the many images and stories of water in the Bible. We're calling the retreat Go With The Flow! The retreat will be in a beautiful space at Jackson Meadow, a unique community just outside of Marine on St. Croix. We will study, talk and pray together. We will also play cards, hike, eat, and laugh! There is no charge for the retreat, and we can guarantee that you will be enriched by this experience. Art Hancock will be our retreat leader and Mike Lovett will be our retreat host. For more information, speak with Mike or Art. There is a signup sheet in the main hallway, or you may simply send an email to art@stjohnwilderness.org to be put on the list.

Windows to Heaven -

Praying with Icons

Women’s Retreat 5/3/25

May 3, 2025 from 9:00 am - 4:00 pm 

An icon (from the Greek eikon meaning resemblance or image) is a sacred representation of holy persons and events. Iconography is an ancient Christian art form with rich symbolism that dates back to the early Church. In the Orthodox Churches, icons are considered ‘windows to heaven’ that allow for relationship with and participation in what is represented by the work of art. 

In this retreat we will prayerfully interact with several icons of Jesus, Mary and events from scripture. We will also learn a bit about the history and traditional symbolism of this sacred art form. 

There will be time for quiet reflection and expression as well as opportunities for conversation about our experiences. Lunch will be provided! 

There is no cost for this event, which is open to all women in the community. Friends are welcome! Sign up on the poster in the hall leading from the parking lot to the sanctuary so we know how many people to prepare for.

CORPS

CORPS is a small group of people committed to each other and dedicated to living the way that Jesus did. We will gather together regularly for support, spiritual development, and training. And then we will go into our community to be the heart and hands of Jesus in organized service, outreach, and advocacy efforts aligned with the Way of Love. CORPS will determine the direction of their own work, will be accountable to each other, and will be supported by the clergy and staff of St. John's. Intrigued? Join us for an informational meeting and dinner at Father Art's home on May 4th at 5pm!

Join the company of other theater lovers for TWO upcoming theater events - choose to participate in ONE or BOTH!

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

“Bright Star” at Mahtomedi High School

RSVP Date: Sunday, April 13

Event Date: Saturday, April 27 at 2:00pm

As a Senior, this will be Xavier Knauss' final Mahtomedi High School performance. Come support him while enjoying the company of fellow SJW parishioners, as he plays the role of Jimmy Ray Dobbs in the musical “Bright Star”. Lunch at Donatelli’s preceding the performance. Details and RSVP at this link: https://forms.gle/AjgGhwKZc7emkA2m6

SYNOPSIS:

Inspired by a real event and featuring the Grammy-nominated score by Steven Martin and Edie Brickell, "Bright Star" tells a sweeping tale of love and redemption set against the rich backdrop of the American South in the 1920s and ’40s. When literary editor Alice Murphy meets a young soldier just home from World War II, he awakens her longing for the child she once lost. Haunted by their unique connection, Alice sets out on a journey to understand her past – and what she finds has the power to transform both of their lives. (Original Theatrical)

This production is recommended for middle school and older due to mature themes and content.

“Kimberly Akimbo” Broadway touring musical at the Orpheum

RSVP Date: Sunday, April 13

Event Date: Thursday, July 10 at 7:30pm

Join theater lovers for dinner and the Tony-award winning musical “Kimberly Akimbo”. Rides are available for anyone that wants/needs them. Details and RSVP at this link: https://forms.gle/8bD7bfVvytmwf9r38

SYNOPSIS:

Life is short, and for a girl who’s growing older around 4.5 times faster than the normal rate, every day is a reminder of that hard reality. "Kimberly Akimbo" takes place in 1999 in suburban New Jersey, where the title character is a 16-year-old high school student who looks like she’s 72 because of a rare condition that’s accelerated her aging. Kim wants to act like a regular teenager and for her parents to behave like responsible adults. Good luck with that. Her father, Buddy, drinks to distraction, while her pregnant mother, Pattie, imagines she’s got every medical malady in the book. Her aunt Debra is a serial scammer who pulls Kim and her classmates into her schemes. Kim boldly decides to live every day like it’s her last. (NY Theatre Guide) Winner of 5 Tony Awards, including for best musical.

This production is recommended for ages 10 and up due to some strong language, crude humor, references to alcohol use, and authentic New Jersey vernacular.

FUTURE THEATRE EVENTS: Look for information on the upcoming 2025-2026 theatre events in future eNews communications.

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

Rummage Sale News

Yes, we are planning a Rummage Sale again this year. Please start saving your sell-able items and paper grocery sacks for bagging and the bag sale. Please plan on helping, too, if you can. It really is enjoyable work and we provide lunch. More information, such as when we can start bringing in sale items, will follow as the dates get closer. Meanwhile, for any questions, please call Lynn Gadbois at 651-270-8934.

Ladies Who Lunch

Ladies Who Lunch will NOT be meeting in April and will resume lunch again in May. If any questions call Barbara Maloney at 414-940-4100.

Update on Parlor and Kitchen!

Thanks so very much to all of you who have given generously for the renovation of the parlor and the kitchen. Both projects are progressing well and the results are exciting. The Parlor has a new ceiling and lights and a new smart television that will enable us to hold hybrid meetings much more easily. New carpet will be installed soon, with new furniture to be purchased thereafter. The Kitchen has a new commercial refrigerator (replacing a broken one). There has been much discussion and work regarding the very old stove and hood system. The decision has been made to keep the old stove but to replace many parts in it so that it will be safe and useful for years to come. New kitchen counters and other equipment will be purchased once we have completed and paid for the work on the stove. These much needed improvements to our beloved building will serve us well for years to come! Again, many thanks to all of you who have given so generously!

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., Tom H., Bill M., Pam H., Ben, Baby Theo & Family

In Thanksgiving for the life of Jane Johnson, and prayers for her family and friends.

In the Diocesan Cycle of Prayer ST. ANTIPAS (Comm., Antipas, April 11) Redby For the month of April – please pray for the work of the House of Prayer and all spiritual directors serving in the Episcopal Church in Minnesota, and pray for all engaged in Faithful Innovation and New Christian Communities.

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 and everliving God, in your tender love for the human race you sent your Son our Savior Jesus Christ to take upon him our nature, and to suffer death upon the cross, giving us the example of his great humility: Mercifully grant that we may walk in the way of his suffering, and also share in his resurrection; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Sunday of the Passion:

Palm Sunday

The Liturgy of the Palms

• Luke 19:28-40
• Psalm 118:1-2, 19-29

The Liturgy of the Word

• Isaiah 50:4-9a
• Philippians 2:5-11
• Luke 22:14-23:56
• or Luke 23:1-49
• Psalm 31:9-16

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.