Dear Friends in Christ,

Greetings in the name of our Lord Jesus whose Advent we celebrate this season! I hope that this letter finds you happy and whole and that you are enjoying the beautiful snow that God is supplying. What a blessing to live in Minnesota!

It is with a mixture of excitement and sadness that I announce my departure from Saint John in the Wilderness as your rector. I actually made this announcement during our worship services this past Sunday, but knowing that some of you were unable to be with us, I am writing this letter as well.

I have truly been blessed by the seven years that I have served at St. John’s. In that time, so much has happened in the world and nation and among our own parish family. Many of you have graciously invited me into your lives, and I have been amazed and humbled by the numerous ways you are faithfully walking with God. Our parish family, likewise, has been on its own faithful journey, and I am greatly indebted to the lay leaders, staff and other clergy for the time and effort offered. We have come far together, and it is thrilling to consider the path down which the Holy Spirit has led our parish.

My reasons for leaving are few but compelling. First, at 64, I am close to retirement age. The trouble is, I don’t want to retire! I love my work as parish priest and want to continue in the work as long as I am still effective. I don’t, however, want to continue working the 50-60 hours per week that the position of rector at St. John’s demands. So, I am taking a part-time position in a very small rural congregation in another diocese. I will be able to continue there for as long as I and my new congregation find our mutual ministry helpful.  

Secondly, before my body begins to fail me, there are many miles of trail that I wish to hike and many miles of water that I wish to paddle. To do so will require much more free time than I am able to find as a full-time priest. In the months and years to come, I hope to spend far less time in front of a computer screen or on the telephone, and much more time among my non-human siblings in the wilderness. 

Finally, St. John’s deserves the very best rector that the Church can offer. While I still have lots of energy for ministry here, there are other priests who can bring new ideas and a fresh vision for where God is leading. I would rather take my leave now than to find myself a drag on the Holy Spirit’s work in our parish.

My final Sunday at Saint John in the Wilderness will be February 8, 2026. The wardens have already had conversations with diocesan staff regarding next steps, and I anticipate a smooth and relatively quick process to call a new rector. In the weeks and months to come, you will hear much more about the search process. Further, the other clergy and staff will continue to serve in their various roles and with the excellence of quality and attention that you have come to assume. My expectation is that the parish won’t skip a beat.

Please know what an honor and pleasure it has been to be your rector. Serving alongside you at St. John’s has been so much more than a job for me, and you are much more to me than simply parishioners. You are my friends, my family. The decision to leave has been one of the most difficult in my life. I am utterly confident, however, in God’s faithfulness to lead us all into new and wonderful adventures. Please pray for me as I, most assuredly, will be keeping you in my daily prayers.

All my love in Christ Jesus,



The Reverend Arthur Hancock

Rector

Christmas Altar Flowers - Order now!

On Christmas, we light the Christ Candle in the Advent Wreath and decorate the Chancel and the Sanctuary with poinsettias, ivy and floral arrangements to enhance our celebration of Christ's birth. We welcome your tax deductible contribution in any amount toward Christmas flowers, offered to the Glory of God, as a memorial for a loved one or in thanksgiving for blessings received. An acknowledgement will be printed in the worship bulletins.

To donate, complete the standard yellow half sheet order form found on the Sign up station opposite the kitchen and indicate Christmas flowers or click above to order online.

Questions? Call Pris Campbell (651-426-3540) or Shelley Page (651-216-5291)

SJW Fellowship & Theater

Looking for that perfect gift for your theatre-loving family member or friend? Give them the gift of live theatre and your great company 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

“Wicked” touring Broadway production at the Orpheum

Event Date: Sunday, August 2, 2026 at 6:30pm

Details & RSVP: https://forms.gle/FA65Yg9tjVuhS9cH8

Save the Dates for These Future GroupTheater Events:

·            Sunday, April 26, 2026 at 2pm – “Hadestown” at Mahtomedi High School

Year End Offerings:

The IRS makes clear that contributions to be credited to the current tax year must be received or postmarked in December. A contribution backdated to December, mailed or placed in the offertory plate in January, does not qualify. Thank you for thinking ahead so your contributions may be credited to benefit you in this tax year.

January Cookie Party! 01.04.26

Calling all bakers! We’re kicking off the New Year at St John’s with a cookie party during the January 4th Coffee Hour. Bring a plate of your favorite cookies, or any other baked good, to the parish hall that morning to share with our community and help us all start off our year with a little sweetness and light!

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.

Rejoice & Give Thanks - 2026

Dear Friends in Christ, 

Greetings in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus! 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!

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! -

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

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.

Stir up your power, O Lord, and with great might come among us; and, because we are sorely hindered by our sins, let your bountiful grace and mercy speedily help and deliver us; through Jesus Christ our Lord, to whom, with you and the Holy Spirit, be honor and glory, now and for ever. Amen.

Third Sunday of Advent

• Isaiah 35:1-10
• James 5:7-10
• Matthew 11:2-11
• Psalm 146:4-9
• or Canticle 15 [or Canticle 3]

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.