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Sunday, October 20

  • 8am Holy Eucharist
  • 9am Fellowship (Parish Hall)
  • 9:15am One Room Sunday School House
  • 10am Holy Eucharist (Church & on Boxcast)
  • 11:15am Vestry Meeting (Emmaus Room& Google Meet))
  • 7pm Rector's Book Study (Google Meet)

Monday, October 21

  • 11am Red Cross Blood Drive (Parish Hall)
  • 6:30pm Heartbeat Rehearsal (Church)
  • 8:30pm Compline (Google Meet)

Tuesday, October 22

  • 7:30am Morning Prayer (Google Meet)
  • 12pm Gifts Discovery Small Group (Parlor)

Wednesday, October 23

  • 2pm Radical Hospitality Book Study (Parlor)
  • 5:30pm Wilderness Wednesday Meal
  • 6pm Wilderness Wednesday Prayer/Meditation
  • 6:15pm Wilderness Wednesday Intergenerational Play
  • 6:15pm Transformed by the Word Bible Study (Parlor & Google Meet)
  • 7:15pm Chancel Choir Rehearsal (St. Cecelia Room)

Thursday, October 24

  • 7:30am Morning Prayer (Google Meet)
  • 9am The Gathering Respite Program (Parish Hall & Parlor)

Friday, October 25

Saturday, October 26

  • 9am Men's Fall Retreat (Jackson Meadow)

Sunday, October 27

  • 8am Holy Eucharist
  • 9am Fellowship (Parish Hall)
  • 9:15am One Room Sunday School House
  • 10am Holy Eucharist (Church & on Boxcast)
  • 11:15am Braver Angels (Parlor)
  • 7pm Rector's Book Study (Google Meet)
St. John's Full Public Calendar

Thoughts about the Common Cup


Last week, I wrote a piece about the Holy Eucharist, and I mentioned that we will be going back to the sole use of the Common Cup at St. John’s rather than using the personal communion cups that has been our practice since the time of covid.  A fellow diocesan priest was helping her congregation make sense of the same decision and wrote a fine piece on the matter.  Drawing from her thoughts, I offer the following…


As you know, the Covid-19 pandemic changed life. It changed the way we think and interact. We put on masks and moved to safe distances from each other.  Here at St. John’s, we began the practice of meeting primarily online. Covid changed the way we worship as well, including the practice of using personal communion cups.  I remain so proud of the way all of you adapted to the new circumstances and embraced new ways of doing things.


Back in 2022, Bishop Loya wrote, “Congregations are strongly encouraged to return to the fullness of our church’s sacramental life and practice without restrictions. This includes reintroducing the common cup at Eucharist, which is an important part of our theology and practice”. I have been slow to return our parish to the use of the common cup because so many of you took great risk and manifested such loving flexibility when we first introduced using the personal communion cups.  I have felt that it wasn’t really fair to ask you to switch back so quickly. Indeed, not everything can or should go back to the way it used to be. Livestreaming our services of worship and using Google Meet for many of our meetings, for example, are here to stay. Through our shared pandemic experience, we discovered resilience and flexibility that had not been previously tested. I don’t want us to lose that.


The Episcopal church is sometimes described as a 3 legged stool - a church balanced on the equally important legs of scripture, tradition and reason. During the pandemic, particularly before we fully understood how COVID spread, reason (and compassion) demanded that we adjust our traditions, first away from having physical communion at all, and then avoiding the common cup. Reason, however, no longer justifies that decision.


A large literature review on Eucharistic practices published by the National Institute of Health in 2020 concludes that in the long history of communities sharing the Common Cup – a worldwide practice – “the transmission of any infectious disease has never been documented.”  No community viral outbreaks, including COVID, have ever been traced back to the sharing of the Common Cup, nor have researchers ever found enough infectious material in the Chalice (at the end of a service) to allow for infectious transmission. Intinction (dipping the bread in the wine) is actually more likely to cause disease transmission than drinking from the common cup. 


The Rt. Rev. John Baycroft, former Bishop of Ottawa, described the central role of the Common Cup to our heritage: “The cup is also important. Jesus took one cup and gave it to all of his disciples to drink. Perhaps it was the cup of Elijah from the Passover ritual as some people say, but it was certainly a single cup. He did not merely pour wine into the disciples’ individual cups and tell them to take a drink. There is a powerful challenge in this one. We are reminded of the agonizing decision that faced Jesus when he was praying before the crucifixion: ‘My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as thou wilt. (Matthew 26:39). …. We are also reminded by the one cup that we cannot drink it alone. We drink from a common cup as a strong symbol of unity and our willingness to accept each other. We share our love and lives as we share the cup. The implications for this for fellowship and support in the local church, for relationships between rich and poor in communities and nations, and for justice between North and South and first world and [third] world countries are enormous. The cup of love and unity is unavoidably a cup of sacrifice.” 


Theologically, symbolically and scripturally, returning to the traditional use of the common cup has profound positive meaning. Practically, the use of the common cup does not raise risk beyond that which we already accept in gathering, singing, praying and talking with each other. Additionally, some parishioners have a hard time handling the small cups properly. 


Beginning the First Sunday in Advent, December 1, we will return to the use of the common cup. Here are some things to keep in mind as we do so:


● The Church has long held that a person taking only one form of Communion (either the bread or the wine) has fully communed. No one should feel pressured to sip from the Common Cup.


● Every member of the altar party will wash/clean their hands before distributing bread or wine.


● Those who distribute the wine will “wipe and turn” the chalice after each sip (there is

evidence that this further reduces trace amounts of “germs”).


● Following best practice recommendations to ensure the safety of all, intinction (dipping the bread in the wine) will no longer be allowed.


When we first began using personal communion cups, we produced a short video to help people prepare for the new way of receiving the sacrament.  And now, as we begin the new (old) practice of receiving wine by using the common cup, we will produce another video that we hope will be helpful as well.


I am fully aware that most parishioners at St. John’s receive the wine by using personal communion cups.  I realize that this decision to return to the common cup will not be heartily embraced by many. I do hope, however, that you will give it a go. I remain so grateful for your understanding and patience as we move back to the common cup. May God bless us all as we travel together in the Way of Christ Jesus.


~Father Art

Click here for past reflections from Fr. Art.

Volunteers needed for the 11am-1pm shift!

Please contact Margaret to sign up.

Braver Angels Workshop

Skills for Disagreeing Better



Sunday, October 27

Parish Hall, 11:15, with light lunch.


Disagreement is a part of life. We can disagree over politics, what movie to see, and where we will go for dinner. Even small disagreements, if not handled well, can lead to hurt and estrangement in relationships. 

This workshop helps participants understand the values and concerns of those who differ from them politically, and it teaches essential skills for communicating across differences and finding common ground.


Please sign up on the hallway poster so we know how many sammies to order!!

All Hallows' Eve Eve


Our annual All Hallows' Party is coming up in just a couple of weeks! Join us in our Episcopal Cemetery on Wednesday 10/30 at 5:30 for dinner and drinks around a bonfire, and a good time to follow. This event is a wonderful way to prepare your heart for the thin space we enter during Allhallowtide. Wear your costume and bring a flashlight.

A Special All Saints Worship


Our parish will join Ascension Episcopal in Stillwater to celebrate Holy Eucharist on All Saints Day, Friday, November 1 at 7:00pm. Our parish's Heartbeat band will collaborate with the Ascension's Adult choir to lead music. A reception will follow.

All Saints Sunday at St. John's


On All Saints Day, we celebrate all those who have committed their lives to the cause of the Kingdom of God. These "saints" include both those who have died and are living in the nearer presence of God and those who are still alive, doing their best to live the Good News of God's love. And that includes us!


As part of our worship celebrating the Feast of All Saints and All Souls Day on Sunday, November 5th, we will be reciting names of those who have had an exceptionally important place in our lives and/or those departed from us this past year. Please send the names of anyone you would like included to Kate Maxwell by October 29th.


You are also invited to bring photos of your loved ones and to place them in the church on the windowsills and the steps below the rail on both the Pulpit and Lectern sides.

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Putting the Pieces Together


Transformed by the Word, our Adult Bible Study, is Wednesdays at 6:15pm. We will be studying passages of Scripture taken from the Old Testament. The theme is: Putting the Pieces Together. All of us know little parts of the Old Testament - the big flood, perhaps a psalm, and that old prophet who was swallowed by a whale... but how does it all fit together? That is what we will be exploring together. 


You may participate either in person in the Parlor or online using the following link: Transformed by the Word. The link will be the same each week, and may be found on the parish website as well as on the parish calendar. Join us for Transformed by the Word as we put the Old Testament pieces together to form an understandable and meaningful whole. Transformed by the Word: Engaging  Interactive  Transforming!

Episcopal Relief & Development is an international relief and development agency of the Episcopal Church. It was established in 1940 as the Presiding Bishop's Fund for World Relief. Episcopal Relief and Development works in approximately 40 countries in Africa, Asia, Latin America, the Caribbean, North America, and the Middle East. They build partnerships with local Episcopal and Anglican dioceses and related organizations based on need, capacity and available resources.

Make a Donation Todaby clicking here.

Please give today to our Hurricane Relief Fund and help our partners and dioceses reach vulnerable communities devastated by hurricanes and other catastrophic storms. As we continue to assess ongoing needs in impacted areas, your urgent gift will enable us to respond now — and in the long run to aid in recovery.

Radical Hospitality

Wednesday 10.9 - 11.13, at 2pm in the Parlor with Kate Maxwell

Most Episcopal congregations describe themselves as welcoming and hospitable. But hospitality goes beyond saying hi and offering food and drink in coffee hour. Join Kate in reflecting on the deeper meanings of hospitality in our lives, as described in St Benedict’s 6th century Rule and adapted to the 21st century. The group will meet weekdays in the mornings.

Holiday Christmas Luncheon @ Lake Elmo Inn

Saturday, December 7, 2024 @ 11:30am


All women of St. John’s in the Wilderness Episcopal Church are invited to join us for a holiday luncheon on Saturday, December 7th at 11:30 at the beautiful historic Lake Elmo Inn. This luncheon will replace the“Ladies Who Lunch “ for the month of December.


If you would like to attend, please call Barbara Maloney at 414-940-4100. If I am not available please leave a voicemail message or a text with the following information:

  • Your Name
  • Name of a guest( if applicable)
  • Choice of an entree


Reservations will be accepted beginning October 21st through November 21st. Reservations are limited to 50.


Please plan to join us for this fun event!

Click Here for the Luncheon Menu!

Men's Retreat: Go With the Flow

Jackson Meadow 

October 26, 2024


Calling all men of the church! Join us for our Annual Fall Retreat at Jackson Meadow in beautiful Marine on St. Croix. The theme for the retreat is Go with the Flow. We will be exploring the many stories and images of water in the Bible, considering the ways that God is encouraging us to dive in and experience the refreshing and challenging waters of baptism. Come to learn, to be inspired by nature, to be encouraged by friendships and conversation, and to be nourished with some great food.


Date: Saturday, October 26, 2024

Time: 9 AM though 3 PM 

Location: 2531 Jackson Trail, Marine on St. Croix 55047 (hosts: Mike and Sylvia Lovett)

Parking: please park in our driveway or in designated parking areas. We can help or provide valet service!


A sign-up sheet is found on the Grow bulletin board or you may email Art Hancock (rector@stjohnwilderness.org) or Mike Lovett (lovet003@umn.edu).


Join the Church-wide Virtual Celebration!

The Investiture of Presiding Bishop-elect Sean Rowe

Nov. 2, 2024

Join us for the Livestream on a big screen in St. John’s Parish Hall.


In this historic and joyful season, we invite you to pray for guidance for our church and our new presiding bishop as he leads us in envisioning the reign of God in our midst. May our celebration unite us as a sacramental community, and may we be filled with new energy to bear witness to God’s work of redemption.


Who: Everyone is invited! 

What: The Episcopal Church will officially welcome the Rt. Rev. Sean Rowe as its 28th presiding bishop with a smaller, simpler investiture service aimed at reducing carbon footprint and increasing churchwide virtual participation.   

When: Nov. 2, with a prelude featuring a “roll call” of dioceses starting at 8:30 a.m. CT. The service itself starts at 10 a.m. CT. 

For an Election (BCP p. 822)

Almighty God, to whom we must account for all our powers and privileges: Guide the people of the United States (or of this community) in the election of officials and representatives; that, by faithful administration and wise laws, the rights of all may be protected and our nation be enabled to fulfill your purposes; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Evening Prayer before the Election


Sunday, November 3, 5:30pm Prayers for the Nation: A Special Service of Prayer prior to Election day.

Join us on Sunday November 3 for a service of Evening Prayer at 5:30 to pray for the nation and the election on the following Tuesday. Evening Prayer is a traditional Episcopal/Anglican service of psalms, readings and prayers in which we give thanks for what is past and pray for God’s presence in what is to come. There will be simple music as well.


  • Tuesday, November 5, 6am-8pm Prayer Vigil - Church Open for Prayer
  • Sunday, November 10, Second Sunday: Post Election Conversations

1st Saturday Service 

  •  Saturday 11/2: Baking treats for Election Day hospitality (SJW)


On the first Saturday morning of the month, we offer an opportunity for members of our congregation to reach out into the community and offer their service to those in need. Unless otherwise noted, these opportunities are for anyone age 5 and up. Our 1st Saturday Service fall activities are as follows:



  • Saturday 12/7: First Nations Kitchen 10:00am-1:00pm

Thank You, Thank You, Thank You!


A Big Thank You to everyone that donated, worked, and shopped to make the 2024 rummage sale another success! We made just over $3, 400 to help the church budget and we had a good time doing it with so many fine donations, good food, great fellowship, and a little work. Even the clean-up went well with such good help. We hope to continue the sale tradition again next year, so please start saving those great sell-able items and paper grocery sacks. See you about the same time next year!

SJWFellowship - Join us for a show!


Join fellow St. John in the Wilderness parishioners, their families, and friends for a local theater event on Sunday, November 17 at 2pm. Come see Mahtomedi High School senior and fellow SJW parishioner, Xavier Knauss, perform as Lysander in the MHS production of, “A Midsummer Night’s Dream”, a play by William Shakespeare. Lunch at Donatelli’s preceding the performance. RSVPs are due Sunday, November 3. Complete details for the “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” event can be found at this link:  https://forms.gle/iCjP12EKrgWXbVcKA

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

 

SYNOPSIS:

Four Athenians run away to the forest only to have Puck the fairy make both of the boys fall in love with the same girl. The four run through the forest pursuing each other while Puck helps his master play a trick on the fairy queen. In the end, Puck reverses the magic, and the two couples reconcile and marry. (Shakespeare Birthplace Trust)

 

The show runs 2 hours and 15 minutes including one intermission. For comprehension, this production is recommended for Middle School ages and up.

 

Future Fellowship Theater Events:

· March 29, 2025 at 1pm Curtain; 11am Lunch Seating – “Grease” musical at Chanhassen Dinner Theater

· April 27 – May 4, 2025 (exact date/time TBD) – “Bright Star” musical at Mahtomedi High School

· April/May 2025 (exact date/time TBD) – “Anything Goes” musical at Lakeshore Players

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

One Room Sunday School House 

 

Youth in grades 6-12 will meet with Father Art and our Deacon, Margaret, once a month to plan a lesson to teach to the younger kids at St. John's.


On another day that same month, the team will teach the littles what they think is important about the topic they've planned on and lead them in activities. This is a great opportunity for young people to step into the role of mentors and build our intergenerational community.


Youth are welcome to participate on any of the 6 dates listed in the image, in addition to our other all ages Sunday School dates.

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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.

Read this weeks stories from ECMN
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Parish Family Prayer List


We ask your prayers for:


Angie G. Cindy K. Pat P. Jean T. David G. Larry K.  Megan J. Tony and Amanda,

Kim K. Mark K. Kala K. Landon K. Gladys A. Josh L. Allan B. Louie M.



In the Diocesan Cycle of Prayer we pray for ST. LUKE’S (Feast of St. Luke, October 18)

Detroit Lakes, Hastings, Rochester


For the month of October, please pray for the Anglican Communion throughout the world

and for the Most Rev. and Rt. Hon. Justin Welby, Archbishop of Canterbury; for the

Episcopal Church USA, and the Presiding Bishop.


In the Anglican Cycle of Prayer this Sunday we pray for the Eglise Anglicane du Rwanda.

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.

How can we pray for you? Click here to let us know.

For an Election (BCP p. 822)

Almighty God, to whom we must account for all our powers

and privileges: Guide the people of the United States (or of

this community) in the election of officials and representatives;

that, by faithful administration and wise laws, the rights of

all may be protected and our nation be enabled to fulfill your

purposes; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.


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.

Go here to find the Google Meet info for Morning Prayer & Compline

Sunday, October 20

Verger:

Hospitality: Sarah Chilton, Laurie Otte

8am

Eucharistic Ministers: Melissa Thayer, Susan Blake

Lector: Gretchen Brunner

Usher:

Greeter:

10am

Eucharistic Ministers: Tony & Tracy Angelo, Rosa Sears

Lector: Anne White

Usher: Brent Torgerson

Livestream:

Greeter: Virginia Johnston

Sunday, October 27

Verger: Bryan DeSmet

Hospitality: Jennifer Kobinski

8am

Eucharistic Ministers: Tom Hove, Pris Campbell

Lector: Sylvia Lovett

Usher:

Greeter:

10am

Eucharistic Ministers: Tracy Angelo, Rosa Sears, Melissa Thayer

Lector: Hugh McTavish

Usher:

Livestream:

Greeter: Tony Angelo

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.

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Almighty and everlasting God, in Christ you have revealed your glory among the nations: Preserve the works of your mercy, that your Church throughout the world may persevere with steadfast faith in the confession of your Name; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Twenty-Second Sunday after Pentecost:

Scripture Read-along (Fall 2024)

Finding Bible Passages: Finding readings in the Bible isn’t difficult, once you know how to read the references. You can look up the name of the book referenced in the Bible’s Table of Contents.


Lk 1:5-7 Abbreviation or name of the book from the Bible (Lk = Luke)

Lk 1:5-7 Number before the colon is the chapter number in the book

Lk 1:5-7 Numbers after the colon are the verses in the chapter

Luke, Chapter 1, verses 5 through 7


A few verses of Scripture, beginning at the beginning with Genesis, is provided for each day, Monday - Saturday. Read them, think about them, and let them be with you during the day. That’s it. No classes, no discussions, just reading Scripture. Enjoy!


10/19 Saturday Genesis 5:1-2

10/21 Monday Genesis 5:3-5

10/22 Tuesday Genesis 5:6-8

10/23 Wednesday Genesis 5:9-11

10/24 Thursday Genesis 5:12-14

10/25 Friday Genesis 5:15-17

10/26 Saturday Genesis 5:18-20

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.
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St. John In The Wilderness Episcopal Church

2175 1st St. (Clark Ave. at 1st St.)

WBL, MN 55110-3462 1 (651) 429-5351