A Letter of Thanks and Farewell

A few weeks ago, a memory surfaced on my phone that caught me completely off guard: a picture of St. John in the Wilderness Episcopal Church, dated March 2022. It was such a strange feeling to see an image of this parish from over four years ago, long before I ever knew you. That one picture took me right back to a time when my faith was falling apart, and I didn't even know if I could still call myself a Christian. Around that same time, a friend had gently suggested I try The Episcopal Church, but I hadn't yet worked up the courage to actually step inside. Instead, while driving through White Bear Lake that afternoon, I saw your sign: The Episcopal Church Welcomes You. I pulled over and took that very picture, hoping this might be a place where I could feel welcomed again.

I could never have imagined that years later I would walk through St. John’s doors not as a hesitant seeker but as a field education student, continuing my discernment and formation for the priesthood. The community I once was only barely brave enough to photograph from the outside became a place where my joy continued to grow, my clarity deepened, and God’s call on my life was affirmed.

From my first Sunday, you welcomed me with warmth and generosity. You invited me into your worship, your stories, and your lives. You allowed me to learn alongside you, to make mistakes, to grow, and to discover what it means to serve God’s people with humility and love. I have been inspired and deeply encouraged by the way this parish embodies the Gospel in real and tangible ways, caring for one another, showing up for neighbors, standing with the poor, the immigrant, and the oppressed, and creating a space where people can encounter the grace of God. Being surrounded by that grace made this the perfect place to find my voice. It means so much to me that I was able to grow as a preacher here. Thank you for helping me learn how to convey what truly makes the Gospel good news, and for teaching me to share it in a way that is clear, humble, and full of hope.

So much of what I have learned about being a priest has happened right here with you. Whether we were serving at the altar together, praying with a family in a difficult season, sharing a meal with you, enjoying a quick snack with coffee between services, or simply laughing together, you have shaped how I see ministry. I have learned so much from the clergy and staff, and I will always treasure the little everyday conversations and moments spent with all of you. Thank you for the thoughtful and kind feedback you gave me during my time here, and for all the little ways you showed you cared about me and supported my calling.

As I look toward the future, my heart is full of gratitude for this community. You have helped me grow in confidence, deepen my prayer life, and better understand what it means to serve with compassion. You have shown me what a healthy, joyful, and Christ-centered parish looks like, giving me a clear vision of the kind of priest I hope to become.

As this season of my formation comes to a close, I want to let you know that this Sunday, June 28th, will be my final Sunday with you. I also want to share a bit about what comes next. I will be returning to my home parish, St. Matthew's Episcopal Church, in St. Paul. Additionally, this fall I will begin a virtual curacy with Yale Divinity School, a program that provides ongoing mentorship and practical leadership training for newly ordained clergy.

God willing and the people consenting, I will be ordained a transitional deacon this October, with ordination to the priesthood to follow next year. I don't have the exact dates yet, but I'll share the details with you as soon as I know more.

Thank you for welcoming me, for trusting me, and for walking alongside me. The people of St. John in the Wilderness will always mean so much to me, and I will carry your kindness and your witness with me into this next chapter of ministry.

With gratitude,

Chris Lilley, Intern

A High Tea for our patron saint

Please join us for our Annual High Tea Party in celebration of our Patron Saint John the Baptist, happening on Sunday 6/28 at 11:00 in the Parish Hall. You can wear something fancy and bring your favorite tea cup if you’ve got one! This event is for people of all ages and genders, and it is a wonderful opportunity to bring your friends and family out for delicious treats and a posh time! This year, all funds raised at the party will go to support our St. John’s food shelf, which has been heavily used in the recent months. Please consider giving generously in celebration of the abundance in our lives and in honor of our beloved St. John.

Coffee & Connect

Looking for a reason to explore new coffee shops, build meaningful connections, and grow in community? Join our Coffee Shop Connect Group! This casual, welcoming group meets at different local coffee shops to enjoy great drinks, good conversation, and encouragement in both life and faith.

Whether you’re hoping to meet new people, reconnect with old friends, discover hidden coffee gems, or simply spend time with others in a relaxed setting, this group is for you. We welcome people of all ages and all stages of their faith journey—from those deeply rooted in their faith to those who are simply curious and looking for community.

What to expect:

• Visits to a variety of local coffee shops
• Meaningful conversations about life, faith, and everyday experiences
• A welcoming, judgment-free environment
• Opportunities to build friendships and encourage one another
• Great coffee and great company

Come as you are, bring a friend, and join us as we connect over coffee, conversation, and faith.

We will discuss times and days of the week to meet based on the availability of those who sign up for this summer group. Find the sign up poster on the bulletin board in the hallway

Summer Choir!

On Sunday, July 26th, you are invited to sing as a part of St. John’s Summer Choir. This is a perfect opportunity for anyone who is choir curious, alto adjacent, sort of soprano, or barely bass. We want you to sing with us!

We’ll be singing a roster of familiar hymns, as well as a raucous version of “Joyful Joyful We Adore Thee” for our offertory. Music will be provided, and we won’t wear robes or process. Simply show up and sing.

Rehearsal is at 9am, service is at 10am. The St. John’s Summer Choir is also an all ages affair — families and young singers are welcome. See you there!

SJW Theater Fellowship!

Join fellow St. John in the Wilderness (SJW) parishioners, their families, friends and other theater-lovers for 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!

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

“Mamma Mia!” Broadway touring Musical at Orpheum in Minneapolis

RSVPs Due: Sunday, July 19

Event Date: Sunday, September 20 at 6:30pm (curtain)

Cost: $68 per ticket

Details & RSVP Link: https://forms.gle/JtJMH2s5qvSBd1km6

SYNOPSIS:

A mother. A daughter. 3 possible dads. And a trip down the aisle you’ll never forget! Set on a Greek island paradise where the sun always shines, a tale of love, friendship and identity is beautifully told through the timeless hits of ABBA. On the eve of her wedding, a daughter’s quest to discover the father she’s never known brings three men from her mother’s past back to the island they last visited decades ago. (Hennepin Arts)

This production is recommended for ages 8 and up and runs 2 hours and 30 minutes with one intermission.

Future Theater Events:

· Sunday, October 11 at 7pm – “Mystic Pizza” Broadway touring musical at the Ordway in St. Paul

· October 30 – November 15 – Exact Date/Time TBD – “Sweeney Todd, The Demon Barber of Fleet Street” musical at Century College in White Bear Lake

· Sunday, November 15 at 2pm – “Pippin” musical at Mahtomedi High School

· November 17 – 22 – Exact Date/Time TBD – “Maybe Happy Ending” Broadway touring musical at Orpheum in Minneapolis

Rummage Sale Week is Coming This Fall

Beginning Sunday after services, August 30th, 2026, but not before, please begin placing your no longer needed but sellable contributions/treasures and paper grocery sized sacks in the NorthEast corner of the Parish Hall on the left-hand side behind the big moveable dividers. NOTE: NO TVs, microwaves, computers, printers, mattresses, furniture, or other large items. These things don't sell and we must pay to have them hauled away.  

Organizing and marking work will begin Sunday, September 13th, after the last service coffee hour, about noon(?), and continue through the next week. Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday work begins at 9, Friday and Saturday at 8:30. Come when you can and leave when you must. Lunch will be provided on workdays.

Sale dates and times:

•  Wednesday, September 16th, sale for parishioners and workers only, 6 - 8pm.
• Thursday is a rest day for everyone.
• Friday, September 18th, sale for public 9am to 3pm.
• Saturday, September 19th, $2.00 per bag sale for public 9 to noon when clean-up begins.

Don't miss this year as prices are likely to go up next year!

Believe it or not, this is enjoyable work and our helpers come back year after year. If you can't help during the week, PLEASE stop in on Saturday to help with clean-up from noon to just 1:00 or 1:30.

NEW THIS YEAR: Please no more donations after Monday, September 14th

Questions? Please call Lynn Gadbois at 651-270-8934.

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

Summer Hours!

Our summer office hours are 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.

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. Derrill P.In Thanksgiving for the life of Mary Ann DeMay, may she rest in peace and rise in glory.

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, you have built your Church upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief cornerstone: Grant us so to be joined together in unity of spirit by their teaching, that we may be made a holy temple acceptable to you; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Almighty God, by whose providence your servant John the Baptist was wonderfully born, and sent to prepare the way of your Son our Savior by preaching repentance: Make us so to follow his teaching and holy life, that we may truly repent according to his preaching; and, following his example, constantly speak the truth, boldly rebuke vice, and patiently suffer for the truth's sake; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Fifth Sunday after Pentecost

• Genesis 22:1-14
• Psalm 13
• Romans 6:12-23
• Matthew 10:40-42

Nativity of St. John the Baptist

• Isaiah 40:1-11
• Acts 13:14b-26
• Luke 1:57-80
• Psalm 85 or 85:7-13

Connect! Our Main number: 651-429-5351

Summer Hours:

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

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

• 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.