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The Messenger E-News

Summer worship service schedule

9:30 AM - Rite II
with Sunday School

10:30 AM Coffee Hour


Visit our virtual worship page for the Sunday Bulletin 


Access Rev. Jill's Sermon Podcast here

THANK YOU to ALL who donated at our Blood Drive - we surpassed our goal!

Upcoming Events @ St. John's:

See Sunday's Lectionary here.

Parkinson's Support Group

Wednesday, 9/2 @ 1:30 PM

Compline Worship

Thursday, 9/10 @ 6:30 PM

Vestry Meeting

Thursday, 9/10 @ 7 PM

Never Miss an Event Again...

Dear St. John's Members:

Russ and I have been honored and humbled to be a part of this caring community since 2019. St. John's is a very special place where you immediately feel welcomed. The men's breakfast and the women's dinners feel like home. We were so proud to be part of the first group of servers at Chester Eastside outreach dinners. (Although we couldn't get the folks to try the garlicky bok choy....) Russ' injury kept us from going back but we supported CE in other ways. We were glad to help with our sister church in Guatemala. Russ really engaged in Reverend Terry's pastoral care work and then found himself in need of

care and support through a very rough rehabilitation. Thank you Reverend Terry for making Russ feel human again. Russ hopes he added to the committee's work. I found Jill's historical teachings so thought provoking. No one ever made these connections for us before. She has a special gift! I found that the hikes, floral arrangement class, visits to gardens and so much more rounded out wonderful opportunities. We wish you all much happiness, joy from God's love and a better world. May our tree be a reminder of us, Mr. Darcy and now Nova Bean. 

Fondly, Russ and Pat Ford Roegner

Rev. Jill is away through September 5. If you need Pastoral Care during this time, please contact Rev. Terry or the church office.

The Living Water - Sunday School at Saint John's

Our theme for Sunday School this year is “The Living Water” and we can’t wait to dive in! (get it?)


We are going to start with Creation, when the Spirit of God moved upon the waters and end with John and the River of Life in Revelation. In between we’ve got stories of danger, love, friendship, and faith. Noah, of course, will make an appearance, as will Jonah, but we’ll also learn about Hagar and Ishmael being saved in the desert. Ishmael is Abraham’s other son, and he and his mother, Hagar, are cast out into the desert when Sarah sees him as a threat to Isaac. When they run out of water and all seems lost, an angel guides them to a spring and they are saved. We don’t tell this story very often, but it’s a beautiful and strong reminder that God is for everyone, even those that the rest of us may turn away from.


Namaan is another great story about trusting God and taking the difficult, and in Namaan’s case muddy, steps to heal ourselves and be better.


Our New Testament stories include the woman at the well. This is the story that most of us associate most with the term “Living Water” and the promise of a Love that will never leave us thirsty or wanting…and this is what we really want the children to understand.


God’s love for us never falters. It is consistent, unchanging, but never still. Living water is water that moves. It’s water from a spring or river which is always fresh, never stagnant or stale. It refreshes anyone who drinks and doesn’t care if they are perfect or not, if they are having a bad day or have done a bad thing. Living water rushes over rocks, reaches into the deepest river bend, and cleans and comforts what it touches; just like God’s love for us. Jesus tells us that we are God’s representatives and we are going to learn how to do that.


We fully intend to have fun with science, stories, art and music. We want our children to understand not just the depth of God’s love, but the joy too. And snacks…Jesus definitely liked snacks! We’ll have a place for any child who wants to join us and we’ll flow as needed so that no one leaves feeling thirsty or unwanted.


We’ll go to Sunday School from Church and be back in time for Communion. The children don’t need to bring anything special; we provide supplies and snacks. Let us know about dietary or other needs and we’ll work with you to make Sunday School the place your child wants to be this year.


Peace!

Margie Hatcher

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In Case You Missed It:

If you missed church last week or would like to hear it again,

here is Rev. Jill's sermon from August 23

Serving

Parkinson's Support Group

Wednesday, September 2

1:30 PM to 3 PM


Please feel free to come; open to the community; all are welcome.

More info here.

For more information - e-mail --darreeclark@gmail.com

CPR/AED Education: 
Sun., Sept. 27 11:30 AM - 12:45 PM

Join us to learn how to use our AED machine and hands-only CPR. This is NOT a certification class but will teach you the fundamentals of these important life-saving techniques. Light refreshments will be served. Please sign up here.

Growing

Welcome Back Brunch Potluck:
Sunday, Sept. 13 @ 10:30 AM

After our final 9:30 worship service of the summer, stay afterwards for a potluck of brunch foods! We’ll enjoy each other’s company while we feast on French toast casserole, pastries, and bagels. Please sign up online or in the Parish Hall to bring something.

2026 Giving Train

Saturday, November 7 is our annual Giving Train 5 PM – 8 PM and it's sure to be a good time!

Tickets are available now here. The earlier you purchase, the more you save!

   $35/ticket until Sept 27

   $40/ticket from Sept 28-Oct 30

   $45/ticket after Oct 31

Job Opening: Sexton

The Sexton is responsible for making sure the church is maintained and clean, setting up Sunday Coffee Hour fellowship, and special events. The position requires strong maintenance skills and the ability to work independently. More info here.

Feel free to share with anyone who may be interested.

Registration is now open for our Arts & Crafts Showcase on October 3.


We look forward to displaying the many artistic works of our members.


ALL ages are invited to share their art!!

Seeking

Please Note: We will resume our normal 
two worship services schedule on 

Sunday, September 20 with 

Rite I at 8 AM and Rite II at 10 AM.

Holy Hikers: 
Revolutionary History

This summer as our country celebrates its 250th anniversary, we’ll do a series of HISTORIC Holy Hikes!


September – Battle of the Clouds

Saturday, Sept 19 at 8am

Meet at Exton Park/Chester Valley Trail Parking Lot (132 Church Farm Ln, Exton, PA 19341 MAP) This is a 3.2 mile walk along a paved path. Dogs welcome!


October – Retreat to Valley Forge

Saturday, October 17 at 9am

Meet at Washington’s Headquarters (1400 N Outer Line Dr, King of Prussia, PA 19406 MAP)

This 2.5 mile hike will cover wooded trails as well as the paved Joseph Plumb Martin Trail.

Community & Diocese Information

Interested in helping grow veterans ministry and chaplaincy engagement in your church or diocese?

 

TAKE SURVEY


Episcopalians are invited to complete a brief survey offered by the Office of Armed Forces and Federal Ministries to help the office strengthen ministry with veterans, support chaplaincy discernment, and identify individuals and communities who wish to participate in this work.


By sharing your experiences, interests, and needs, you are helping The Episcopal Church better accompany veterans, support those discerning chaplaincy, and develop resources for dioceses and parishes. Responses may be used to guide future outreach, training, and connection.


Complete the survey, offered in English and Spanish, at the link above.

Sign up here to be added to the Diocese's E-News list.

Join Rev Jill at the Episcopal Creation Care Annual Gathering from September 23-26 at the Diocese of Southern Ohio's camp and conference center.


Participate in conversation with those steeped in prayer, theology, the wild outdoors, agriculture,

and the front lines of pollution, climate change, biodiversity loss, and land use. Take time to

wander over the acres of the Proctor Center. Come ready to put your feet on the ground and get

your hands dirty while contemplating the goodness of the earth and the wonders of creation,

and listening to the Holy Spirit’s call to action!


Please speak with Rev Jill if you are interested in attending this amazing conference or visit episcopalcreationcaregathering.org to learn more.


The diocese has created resources for churches and community members to understand their rights and protect vulnerable neighbors during times of immigration enforcement activity. Rooted in our shared faith and moral calling, these resources are offered to support peaceful protest and the protection of human dignity in the face of injustice. Resources available here. 

Know Your Rights

Linked here are documents about what to do and not to do if approached by ICE in public, at your place of employment, and at your home.

Quick Links

St. John's Episcopal Church

Usual Office Hours

Monday - Friday

9 AM - 1 PM

610-459-2994

SaintJohnsConcord.com

The Rev. Jill LaRoche Wikel, Rector

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