In the Being WIth session last Sunday, one of the Wonderings was: “I wonder what most amazes you.” Our responses covered a wide range of experiences from the recent Northern Lights display to the birth of a child to being amazed that we aren’t always amazed at the wonders of creation. As I listened, I noticed how often amazement evoked not only appreciation but also gratitude for what is amazing. 

One of the first amazing things that came to mind for me was being here at St John’s. As I entered my sixties, I had let go of the possibility of serving as an ordained person; I thought the call that I felt was impossible because of my age. I was a bit like Sarah laughing in the tent about having a child; and like Sarah with the birth of Isaac, I was amazed when what I had hoped for happened. This community has been and is a great gift in my life and I am grateful. 

And there are the daily amazements. The trust that Dora has in me when she falls asleep in my lap. The abundance of books to be read. Health for myself and my family. A friendship rekindled after years of being out of touch. How houseplants revive when I remember to water them. How the right medication can make a vast difference in someone’s ability to enjoy life. The difference a smile can make in the expression of the checkout person at the grocery store. The wonder of looking someone in the eye and having those eyes really look back and feeling seen. 

Once I begin to notice these amazing moments, they seem to multiply exponentially. This poem by e.e. cummings comes to mind:

i thank You God for most this amazing

day:for the leaping greenly spirits of trees

and a blue true dream of sky;and for everything

which is natural which is infinite which is yes

(i who have died am alive again today,

and this is the sun’s birthday;this is the birth

day of life and of love and wings:and of the gay

great happening illimitably earth)

how should tasting touching hearing seeing

breathing any—lifted from the no

of all nothing—human merely being

doubt unimaginable You?

(now the ears of my ears awake and

now the eyes of my eyes are opened)

On this Thanksgiving weekend, I wonder what you find amazing and are grateful for.

Kate Maxwell, OSB

Rector’s Advent Book Study 

Through the season of Advent, Reverend Art will be leading a book study on Elaine Pagels’ book, “Why Religion.” In this book, Pagels interweaves her personal story with the religious traditions that have shaped her understanding of herself, others and God. Among the main themes of the book, she speaks of how religious traditions help us get through the most difficult challenges we face.

The book study will be in four parts and held from 6-8pm on the first four Tuesdays in December (Dec. 2, 9, 16, 23). Included with the study is a light meal. All sessions will be at Art’s house (ask for the address here!). A few copies of the book are available for purchase in the parish office. Please join us for engaging conversation and warm fellowship.

For the Beauty of the Earth

Help Needed with Outside Planters -- Sara Harker Olson has been making the flower arrangements in the outside planters (the ones leading into the church from the parking lot). She would like to train others in this flower ministry and share the work. If you would like to come alongside Sara in this ministry, contact the parish office, and we will put you in contact with Sara.

We need to keep our food shelf stocked.

More then 44,000 of your neighbors here in Minnesota (almost 8%!) are scheduled to lose their food assistance in November. Our little free food shelf will be used by more people then ever.

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.

Rejoice & Give Thanks - 2026

Dear Friends in Christ, 

Greetings in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus! As Thanksgiving approaches, we find our hearts overflowing with gratitude for the people of St. John in the Wilderness. Our people are praying and growing and serving, and the Spirit of God is flowing powerfully in our parish community. We are supporting each other in our lives of faith, and we are witnessing to the love of God in so many ways in the larger White Bear Lake community. 

......... For over 160 years, the faithful people of St. John in the Wilderness Church have risen to the occasion to support the work of God through this parish. We are confident that you will understand the vital need for the Church to continue its witness to God’s love in these current challenging days. Please consider giving generously to St. John’s in 2026..

Read the full letter here. You can find a pledge card at church or download one here. You can also find an online form here!

SJW Fellowship & Theater

Looking for that perfect holiday/birthday/just because gift for your theatre-loving family member or friend? Give them the gift of great live theater at one or all of our next group theater events! Direct questions to Chantell Knauss at SJWFellowship@gmail.com or 651.387.8288.

“Water for Elephants” touring Broadway musical at the Orpheum

Event Date: Thursday, March 5, 2026 at 7:30pm

Details & RSVP: https://forms.gle/GNd6jVoiM8socPBq9

“Guys and Dolls” musical at Chanhassen Dinner Theaters

Event Date: Saturday, March 28, 2026 – lunch seating 11am, curtain 1pm

Details & RSVP: https://forms.gle/ja261moQBKsuSJYEA

“Harry Potter and the Cursed Child” touring Broadway production at the Orpheum

Event Date: Sunday, May 10, 2026 at 7:00pm

Details & RSVP: https://forms.gle/YV4cw3JbhuVW5a7D8

What at you doing on your Wild Wednesdays?

Join us for a community meal at 5:30pm, Cleanup at 6, and programs at 6:15.

(We need help for cleanup, if all pitch in it will happen quick!)

All age events, Youth Group, Adult programs! Make Wednesday nights a St. John’s night

Adult Offerings

Advent! - December 3, 10 & 17 (17th is pageant practice)

Come and celebrate the season of preparation for the coming of Jesus on Wednesdays in Advent! 

12/3 Making Advent wreaths

12/10 Decorating cookies

12/17 Pageant rehearsal

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

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., Jane,, Erika A., Bill M., Ben, Baby Theo & Family., Amy., Mitch., Terry, Tom H.

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, give us grace to cast away the works of darkness, and put on the armor of light, now in the time of this mortal life in which your Son Jesus Christ came to visit us in great humility; that in the last day, when he shall come again in his glorious majesty to judge both the living and the dead, we may rise to the life immortal; through him who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

First Sunday of Advent

• Isaiah 2:1-5
• Romans 13:11-14
• Matthew 24:36-44
• Psalm 122

Connect! Our Main number: 651-429-5351

Our parish office is open:

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

Wednesday 9am-5pm,

Thursday, 9am - 11:30am. 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
• 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
• 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.