Building Each Other Up

For more than 20 years, we have supported Padre Miguel and the parish of San Andreas by paying the rent for their worship space. Earlier this year, I shared a dream with you: that for our 325th Anniversary next year we, who were founded as a mission church in the wilderness, would pay that gift forward and help our brothers and sisters in Guatemala finally build their own church home. And for our Lenten offering, we set a goal of raising $5,000 to help purchase land for this future church home: through your generosity we raised $7819.82! Thank you!

Sharing God's abundance with the people of San Andreas, Guatemala is one way that we share the Good News. In this Sunday's epistle lesson from Paul's first letter to the Thessalonians Paul encourages this mission congregation to hold true to the teachings of the Gospel no matter the crisis and chaos of current events. He instructs the Thessalonians to "put on faith and love as a breastplate, and the hope of salvation as a helmet...Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing." It is in faith, love, and hope that Saint John's embarks on this mission vision to build up our brothers and sisters in Guatemala!

This Sunday Burt and Cathy Blackburn and I will travel to our friends in Guatemala We'll meet with Padre Miguel and the faithful of San Andreas and take the next step in raising a church to spread God's love.

I'll close with more words of instruction from St Paul: "Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus."

Blessings,

Rev. Jill

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In Case You Missed It:

here is Rev. Jill's sermon from November 8

Please join me in officially welcoming Heather Dare as our Church Sexton! You will see her and her son, Vincent, helping out on Sundays and for special events.

Heather is grateful for the opportunity to serve as Church Sexton with her son, Vincent. She is a certified yoga therapist, spiritual life coach, stretch therapist, yoga and meditation teacher, and author. Her professional journey has centered on helping people on their journey through self-care, mindfulness, and holistic wellness practices. She loves to sculpt clay in her free time. 

Her son, Vincent, attends Sun Valley High School, where he is an honors student. He enjoys playing basketball and guitar, and she is proud to have the opportunity to work with him. Serving together is a meaningful way to contribute to the community while learning the value of responsibility, teamwork, and service.

She believes in the importance of kindness, compassion, and caring for others. They are happy to help maintain a clean, comfortable, and welcoming church environment for the congregation and visitors. They are grateful for the opportunity to serve and be part of the church family.

Blessings,

Rev. Jill

Football Watch Party 
Eagles vs. Steelers
Sunday, November 22 1 PM - 4 PM
Join us in the Parish Hall - We'll provide pizzas & drinks - bring something to share. ALL are welcome!