Signs of Spring, Signs of New Life

The tree outside my window that was a hazy, barely visible green a couple of weeks ago is now covered in white blossoms that radiate with light even in the evening. The transformation that is spring is indeed happening, even with the fluctuating temperatures. Transformation unfolds all around us at this time of year. 

The incredible change from a seedling to a blooming plant takes place mostly unseen. We don’t see the evolving changes in the beginning. We simply plant the seed in the darkness of the soil and tend it with water and light. The new shoot that emerges doesn’t look much like the plant it will grow into. It takes faith to imagine it as the flowering plant that will eventually come. 

Growth is ordinarily a slow process, with hints of what is to come while it isn’t quite here and now. This is so for plants, for human beings and for whole communities.

We are together on the threshold of a new chapter of growth in the life of St John’s community. We don’t know who will be called to this community. We pray for the Transition Committee and wait for signs that the process is moving along. We continue to pray together, to find opportunities for growth and to reach out in loving service in the larger community.

We are on the edge of something new. It is a liminal time, as we stand between what was and what will be. Liminal space is usually a bit disorienting, as what we knew fades into memory and the new reality can’t yet be seen. 

The discomfort of change affects each of us differently. Some might feel sad and have a longing for a return to what we knew. Some could be anxious about being in an in-between space at all. Some may be excited and energetic in anticipation of what is coming. Some will simply continue on, not seeming to be much affected by the threshold we are crossing. 

So we keep the rhythm of life steady in our common prayer day by day, Sunday by Sunday. We are already growing in new ways as a community, though we might not yet see or articulate it clearly. 

The Spirit is active among us in this community that is St John’s. While the transformation may take longer than we like and we can’t see all the stages of new growth, we can trust the steady care of the Spirit of God who is always faithful. In the meantime, let us keep each other and the candidates who will be coming to us in daily prayer.

The Rev. Kate Maxwell, OSB

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.

Ladies Who Lunch

Ladies Who Lunch will dining at The Ingredients Cafe, 4725 HWY 61N, White Bear Lake, Minnesota on Friday, May 15 at 11:30 AM. Please call or text Barbara Maloney at 414-940-4100 no later than Wednesday, May 13th for a reservation.

Introduction to Liberation Theology

Sunday, May 10, at 8:45am



“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.

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

We need to keep our food shelf stocked.

We need bags!! Paper & plastic gratefully accepted.

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.

Summer Hours!

Following Memorial Day (Office Closed!) our summer office hours will be Monday, Tuesday, & Wednesday, 9am-3pm or by appointment.

Our deadlines for bulletins and the Sunday Print news will move to Tuesdays at noon. Deadlines for the E-news will remain Wednesdays at noon.

Our Parish Coordinator Carrie will be monitoring and responding to emails and phone calls Thursday, 9am-3pm.

Office Hours until May 26th

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.

O God, you have prepared for those who love you such good things as surpass our understanding: Pour into our hearts such love towards you, that we, loving you in all things and above all things, may obtain your promises, which exceed all that we can desire; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Sixth Sunday of Easter

• Acts 17:22-31
• 1 Peter 3:13-22
• John 14:15-21
• Psalm 66:7-18

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.