No matter where you are on your faith journey, consider attending this series, where we will explore together the basics of the Christian faith through the Episcopal lens. Whether you are new to the Episcopal Church or just interested in sharing and learning, you are welcome.



Attendance at all sessions is required for those desiring to be confirmed or received into the Episcopal Church. Class wraps up this Sunday, from 9:30-10:15 am in the Parish Hall.



Contact Father Ackerman with any questions. 

The annual Historic Decatur Garden Tour is this Sunday from 1-5:00 pm, and it's headquartered at St. John's! And our Common Ground Community Garden is a stop on this year's tour. A plant swap will also take place at St. John's during the tour; details are below.

The garden tour is free and self-guided. Stop by tour headquarters in the Parish Hall to get your map.

Our May outreach project will be helping our neighbors at PACT collect needed supplies. PACT provides parent education, direct services, public awareness, and school programs for children and their families in Morgan County.

Their list of needs:

• cleaning supplies (laundry detergent, etc.)
• hygiene supplies, toiletries
• toothpaste, toothbrushes
• toilet paper
• baby wipes

Please leave items in the brown boxes outside of the church offices or in the Narthex. Thank you!

Here's a simple but meaningful way we can support the Community Free Clinic!

Providing a meal for our clinic volunteers is such a wonderful way to serve — even for those who are not healthcare professionals. Our volunteers truly appreciate these meals, and it means so much to them after long days at the hospital, at work, or attending classes at Calhoun’s Nursing Program. A warm meal helps our volunteers feel encouraged, appreciated, and cared for while they serve our patients.

Signing up is very easy — supporters simply select a date to provide dinner or arrange delivery for approximately 15 volunteers. If you have any questions, contact Dana Davidson through the sign-up page

Thank you so much for helping us care for the people who give so generously of their time to our clinic and community. Your support truly makes a difference!

Click here for Community Free Clinic Meal Sign-Up

VBS REGISTRATION

Monday, June 22-Friday, June 26

9:00 am – 12:00 pm

Inspired by the lives of saints like Francis and Martin of Tours and Therese and Catherine, St. John’s Hero Academy VBS invites children to consider how following Jesus’ call to love and serve others is the most heroic thing of all. Children will create projects in the Hero Maker Design Studio, play high-energy games in the Gamer’s Gauntlet, hear stories of the faithful in the Hero Archives, and relax with a treat or two at the Holy Hero Cafe. All the while, they will discover that we can indeed serve like the saints!

VBS VOLUNTEER MEETING

Sunday, May 31

Immediately following 10:30 am service

Parish Hall

Our final pre-VBS meeting before decorating and set-up week will be on Sunday, May 31, immediately after Holy Eucharist, Rite II in the Parish Hall! Come and receive your VBS bibles (prepped with everything you need for the big week), see example crafts and snacks, get your name tags, tentative group lists, and more!

Please contact Sam with any questions.

VBS SUPPLY DRIVE

Do you know how many ounces of Sun Butter it takes to make VBS happen? The good news – none, this year! (Last year, it took 400…if you were wondering). Sun Butter aside, there’s still LOTS to acquire prior to the best week of the summer. Below, you can take a look at Amazon lists curated just for St. John’s VBS. If you’d like to purchase any of these items, please ship them to the church or bring them to the church office by June 15!

Please note that shopping lists for snacks will be compiled and distributed when as-close-to-final numbers for participants becomes known.

Thank you, and please don’t hesitate to reach out to Sam if you have any questions!

Developed by Dr. Jerome Berryman, Godly Play’s Theology of Childhood posits that children possess an innate sense of God’s presence. Utilizing Montessori-based storytelling, play, and wondering to give children the language and tools to explore their relationship with God, the program aims to nurture their spiritual growth rather than simply instruct them.

You see, the truth is: children are already thinking of, wondering about God. And it is a privilege to share in their wonderings – that’s really what Godly Play is about.

For the first time, training to lead Godly Play is entirely online over four Thursdays during the month of June, 12 p.m.-4 p.m. Eastern/9 a.m.-1 p.m. Pacific! We will cover the cost of anyone who would like to go through the training, but please do let me know if you are interested in the training by Sunday, May 17!

You can find all the information about the training HERE. With money in the budget reserved for this, I believe that we will be able to cover not only the cost of the training for you, but also a copy of Teaching Godly Play: How to Mentor the Spiritual Development of Children.  

YOUNG ADULTS GATHERING

Sunday, May 17

5 - 6:30 pm

Meet in the library

Our next Young Adults Gathering at St John’s is this Sunday. We'll gather for dinner, and then our own Father Chase will lead our discussion. We'll meet in the library as another event is wrapping up in the parish hall as we begin.

Please email joshua.bracken87@gmail.com if you plan to attend, have any food allergies, or need childcare so we can arrange those details. See you on the 17th!

MAY ULTREYA GATHERING

Sunday, May 17

5:00 - 7:00 pm

At the home of Jerry & Marci Jacob

2107 Stockton Ln SW

All who have been to Cursillo and all who have yet to go are invited to this month's Ultreya Gathering. If you haven't been to a Cursillo Retreat, come on Sunday evening and see what it's all about! Cursillistas, please bring a snack to share and a beverage of your choice. And invite a few friends to come along; this is an open Ultreya!

TRASH PANDAS BASEBALL GAME

Friday, June 5

Game starts at 6:35 pm

Toyota Field, Madison

Join us for another great night at the ballpark, followed by fireworks at the field! We have a group of seats reserved in a great section, right by the food and drink vendors! This is a very popular section; if we need to increase our number, we’ll need to know soon.

Please register for the game ASAP so we can all sit together!

What a special camera catch!  Common Eastern Bumble Bee savoring what the Gaillardia, commonly called Blanket Flower. These beauties bloom early and long into the season. One of the easiest natives to grow. Learn more at Blanket Flowers: Planting, Growing, and Caring for Gaillardia | Almanac.com.

Available dates: June 21; July 19, 26; August 2, 9, 23, 30

Financial Stewardship