Living Our Baptism: Justice, Mercy, and Liberation

One of my favorite times to gather for worship is when we celebrate a baptism. There is a particularly infectious joy in welcoming someone, whether an infant or an adult, into the fellowship and community of Christ’s Church. One of the most important parts of the baptismal liturgy, though, is the set of vows we take, promises we are invited to remember and renew alongside the baptismal candidate. When we are asked to remember our baptism, we are being asked to recall the commitments we made to God and to our church community as part of being welcomed into the life of the Church. One of the questions we are asked is, “Will you strive for justice and peace among all people, and respect the dignity of every human being?” to which we vow in response, “I will, with God’s help.”

This baptismal vow reminds us that being baptized into the body of Christ calls us into a way of life. It asks us to take part in God’s work of healing the world, to strive for justice and peace, and to honor the God-given dignity of every person. In other words, our obligation to pursue justice in the world as followers of Jesus is not a secondary, optional add-on to our faith; it is at the heart of what it means to be a Christian. Christians may differ in how we understand or approach this work, but the call to seek justice and mercy is one we all share as followers of Jesus.

But what does pursuing justice mean for us as Christians? As followers of Jesus, one of the first places we look to shape our understanding of justice is in scripture, particularly the life and mission of Christ. Throughout the Old Testament, justice is clearly and repeatedly understood as caring for and advocating for the most vulnerable in society. The prophet Zechariah defines the heart of true justice as showing kindness and mercy to one another and refusing to oppress the widow, the orphan, the alien, or the poor (Zec. 7:9–10, NRSVue). The prophet Isaiah similarly instructs his listeners to seek justice, rescue the oppressed, defend the orphan, and plead for the widow (Is. 1:17, NRSVue). The Psalms describe God as the one who executes justice for the oppressed by giving food to the hungry, setting prisoners free, opening the eyes of the blind, lifting up those who are bowed down, watching over the strangers, and upholding the orphan and the widow (Ps. 146:7–9, NRSVue).

This strong and enduring concern for the vulnerable and oppressed is carried into the New Testament, where Jesus defines his ministry through the words of the prophet Isaiah, declaring that “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to bring good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to set free those who are oppressed” (Lk. 4:18, NRSVue). The book of Acts shows this same concern shaping the life of the early church. We are told that the first converts “would sell their possessions and goods and distribute the proceeds to all, as any had need” (Acts 2:45, NRSVue), and that one of the earliest ministries the disciples organized was a system to ensure that widows in need were cared for (Acts 6:1–3, NRSVue).

The central, unifying thread of all these scriptural references is that justice is concerned with the well-being of the least fortunate and most vulnerable. The repeated categories of the poor, the widow, the orphan, the prisoner, the sick, and the foreigner all point to those who live at the margins of society, those whose needs are most easily overlooked and whose lives are most shaped by the structures and conditions around them.

This vision of justice, rooted in the prophets and embodied in Jesus, is at the heart of a theological approach called liberation theology, which speaks of liberation as God’s and the Church’s work of setting people free from the social and economic forces that trap them in cycles of poverty and suffering. While God’s concern for the poor and oppressed has been present throughout Christian history, the formal category of liberation theology emerged in Latin America in the 1960s as a response to the brutal oppression of the poor by the wealthy and powerful. Its key insight is clear-eyed attention to the social, political, and economic realities that perpetuate suffering. In this sense, liberation theology simply names the Christian commitment to seekjustice in the pattern of Christ’s own ministry. One of the fathers of liberation theology, Gustavo Gutiérrez, reminds us that Christ’s saving work is not confined to a private or religious sphere but reaches into the real conditions of people’s lives. He writes that the salvation Christ brings is “a radical liberation from all misery,” a work that touches the very roots and structures of our social world.

As liberation theology has grown and developed over the past several decades, it has expanded to include the experiences and voices of women, immigrants, Black Americans, LGBTQIA+ people, and many other communities who have faced oppression and marginalization. These movements continue to remind the Church that God’s liberating work is always attentive to those who struggle most and that the call to justice is as wide and diverse as the body of Christ itself.

Next Sunday, May 10th, at 8:45am in the Parlor, I will be leading an Adult Forum where we will explore this theme more fully. We will look at how liberation theology helps us understand the Gospel’s call to justice, how it connects to our own baptismal promises, and how it can deepen our life of faith today. I hope you will join us for a thoughtful and encouraging conversation. Please feel free to reach out to me if you have any

questions or concerns at here to email me.



-Chris Lilley, Intern

Cemetery Spring Clean-Up Day

Saturday, May 2, 8am

Did you know St. John's established the first Christian Cemetery in White Bear Lake, in 1861!? Come help us keep it clean and neat!

Bring a lawn rake, gloves and whatever tools you like to use for cleaning up plant debris.

Coffee and donuts provided.

Being With the Bible 

Do you wonder what the Bible is all about? Are you reluctant to go to a Bible study because you think you don’t know enough? Are you looking for a fresh approach to the Scriptures?

Being With the Bible may be what you’re looking for. No prior knowledge of the Bible is needed.

Each Being WIth the Bible session explores a part of the Bible story and connects it to our own experience. 

The group will have up to 12 participants and two leaders. The time is made up of 4 sections. 

• Welcome: In the first week the participants are asked what has brought them to the course and in the weeks after that the question is - what is the heart of your week? We ask everyone to respond to this. It can be telling the group anything about the week - big or small.
• Wonderings: which are related to the talk or story which is next. The wonderings are not questions but just offering a space for people to share experiences about different things like freedom or feeling trapped by something.
• Story: The story is about 8 minutes on a different topic each week, covering different aspects of the story of the Bible from perhaps a perspective you've not heard before.
• Reflection: Then there is a discussion usually related to the wonderings or the talk but can be about anything the group would like to talk about - the question to start the discussion is "what is in your heart or your head?"

We will meet on Saturday mornings from 9:30-11:00 in the parlor, from May 16 - August 15. There are no sessions on June 13, July 4 & 11, or August 8.

Please sign up on the poster in the hall leading to the church and contact Kate Maxwell OSB (kate@stjohnwilderness.org) with questions and for more information.

Two Special Adult Education Opportunities with Chris Lilley, Intern

Exploring the Trinity

Have you ever wondered what we really mean when we talk about God as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit? Join us on Sunday, May 3, at 8:45am in the Parlor for an engaging Adult Education session exploring the mystery of the Trinity, led by our intern, Chris Lilley. The Trinity is one of the central pillars of the Christian faith, but it’s not always easy to understand what it means. In this forum, we will take a closer look at the Trinity, reflect on why Christian tradition understands God as “three in one,” and consider how this shapes our shared worship life. We will explore where this teaching comes from and how it appears in our worship through the sign of the cross, in our prayers, and in the ways we bless and praise God together. We will also see how it can deepen our sense of God’s presence in everyday life. Come be part of the conversation as we explore this mystery of our faith.

Introduction to Liberation Theology

“Any talk about God that fails to make God’s liberation of the oppressed its starting point is not Christian,” writes Black liberation theologian James Cone. What might it mean to take that claim seriously? Join us on Sunday, May 10, at 8:45am in the Parlor for an Adult Education session that will challenge and encourage us as we explore an introduction to the themes of liberation theology, led by our Intern Chris Lilley. Liberation theology begins with the conviction that God not only hears the cries of people who are burdened, silenced, or treated unjustly but also stands with them, acts on their behalf, and calls the Church to do the same in courage and love. In this forum, we will look at how Scripture, the life of Jesus, and the witness of the global Church have shaped this movement, and how its insights can guide us as Christians seeking to follow the way of Jesus in our own lives. Come reflect with us on this hopeful and courageous vision of faith in action.

Rummage Sale News

Yes, we are planning a Rummage Sale for the Fall! Please start saving salable items and paper sacks for bagging. Please plan on helping, too, if you can. More information, such as when we can start bringing in the sale items will follow as time gets closer. Meanwhile, for your questions please call Lynn Gadbois a t 651-270-8934.

National Day of Prayer

You are invited to two local gatherings in White Bear Lake in conjunction with the National Day of Prayer.

On Thursday, May 7, a gathering will be held from 7 to 8 PM at Community of Grace Lutheran Church. 4000 Linden Street, White Bear Lake, sponsored by citizens from multiple denominations.

On Saturday, May 9, a gathering will be held from 9:30 to 10:30 AM at the White Bear Lake YMCA, 2100 Orchard Lane, White Bear Lake, sponsored by the YMCA’s Christian Mission Network. 

For questions about either event, you may contact Michael Lovett, lovet003@umn.edu 651-315-3451.

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

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.

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., Erika A., Bill M., Baby Theo & Family., Mitch., Terry, Larry & Val.

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, whom truly to know is everlasting life: Grant us so perfectly to know your Son Jesus Christ to be the way, the truth, and the life, that we may steadfastly follow his steps in the way that leads to eternal life; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Fifth Sunday of Easter

• Acts 7:55-60
• 1 Peter 2:2-10
• John 14:1-14
• Psalm 31:1-5, 15-16

Connect! Our Main number: 651-429-5351

Our parish office is open.... Stop by and say hi!

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

Wednesday 9am-5pm,

Thursday, 9am - 11:30am.

• 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

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.