As I reflect on this last year, I’ve thought about what I’ve really missed that I’m sure I have taken for granted in the past; spending time with my grandchildren, family, friends, and worshiping in our sanctuary with my church family. The list goes on and on. For me, one of the things I’ve especially…
I prayed for you all and for our ministry together this week as I spent 3 1/2 days on personal retreat. There is much in flux during this gradual entry into post-pandemic reality, and I treasured this time to step back from the daily tasks in order have uninterrupted time for prayer and reflection. Thank…
Lenten Art Project: The Stations of the Cross Several St. John’s parish artists have created original works of art as they’ve reflected on Nouwen’s Walk with Jesus and contemplated the Stations of the Cross. We will display these artworks at St. John’s during Holy Week. On Display thru Holy Week Mon 3/29 – Thurs…
Is it just me, or does Lent feel different this year? As we pass the one-year mark under the grips of the COVID pandemic, I can’t help but think “where was I when…?” For example, I realized that this week marks one full year since my last business trip – the longest I have been…
If you grew up in another church tradition, or none at all, you may be a candidate for Confirmation or Reception into the Episcopal Church. The rites of Confirmation and Reception mark a formal, public decision to walk the Way of Jesus with others on the “Episcopal branch” of the Christian family tree. These rites…
As we “Walk with Jesus” this Lent by studying the Stations of the Cross together, we focus on Station 5 this week: Simon of Cyrene helps Jesus carry the cross. For me, the genius of Henri Nouwen’s little book on the Stations of the Cross is that he invites us to relate the well known…
One of my favorite Godly Play stories (although it is hard to choose!) is “The Circle of the Church Year.” With words, color, and gesture this story explores the Christian view of time. “Some people say that time is in a line,” the storyteller explains. But as Christians we know that “for every ending there is a…
Wake Forest Community — Covid Memorial What: All are welcome to use the large outdoor labyrinth at St. John’s Episcopal Church (a circular meandering path meant for walking and reflection that leads you to a center point and guides you back out to an exit point) to honor and remember all who have been…
Springing into Lent: A Way of Worship for the St. John’s Family during the Lenten Season Soon we will “spring forward”. As we turn clocks ahead and anticipate the brighter, lighter weather of Spring, let us also couple this with a spirit of “springing” into Lent. Instead of thinking of Lent, Good Friday, and Easter as…
I have a bunch of gangly hydrangea bushes along the fence in my back yard and a few camellia bushes that have gotten very leggy. They need to be pruned back now so they’re ready for the burst of growth coming this spring. If I don’t do the pruning, the bushes just get more unmanageable…