The power of nature… where God’s creation surrounds us daily… and we are grateful for this world. Nearly three decades ago, a movement extolling the virtues of experiencing the great outdoors emerged from Japan. Shinrin-yoku (translated as “taking in the forest atmosphere”), promoted the therapeutic benefits of truly observing and experiencing the…
We have begun our “Bury the Debt” campaign to pay off our mortgage on the Education Building. We owe approximately $50,000 and we would like for that to be paid off by November 1st so that this account will not have to be considered when formulating next year’s budget! In addition, we are selling…
“What are you looking for?” That is Jesus’s question to his first disciples in John’s Gospel (Jn. 1:38), and that is my question to you, the people of St. John’s: What are you looking for? My focus as curate at St. John’s this year is discipleship — that is, supporting, initiating, and cultivating…
“GO!” has been one of the guiding principles of Outreach at St. John’s over the last several years. The Episcopal Church has a beautiful way to describe the Way of Love practice “GO:” To GO is to “cross boundaries, listen deeply and live like Jesus. He sends us beyond our circles of comfort to witness…
Won’t you be my neighbor? Recognized by generations throughout the world as a question posed by the infamous Fred (Mister) Rogers, this quote came to mind as this Sunday’s Gospel lesson (Luke 10:25-37), shares the Parable of the Good Samaritan. Reading through this lesson, verse 29 poses the question: “And who is my neighbor?” When…
This past Sunday, Bishop Sam preached on the nativity of St. John. His sermon was inspiring; more than once, he referenced the prophetic voice of the people of our beloved church. Celebrating our patron saint is an integral part of our identity. However, as Bishop Sam pointed out, while we tend to think of the…
As individuals and as part of various communities, we have all felt the impact of the isolation of the pandemic. St. John’s has maneuvered through the pandemic years with the guidance of our Bishop, Diocese and CDC guidelines. Gradually we have begun to make our way back together, still mindful of Covid trends. When we stopped our…
Over the past few weeks several of you have asked Mo. Sarah and I how the former residents of the Wellington Park Mobile Home Community are doing since their displacement six months ago. Your curiosity as a community about the outcomes for our vulnerable neighbors reminds me of why our church became so deeply involved…
I have the best seat in the house on Sunday mornings; and it is a privilege I don’t take for granted. We who serve from the chancel (altar area) on Sundays get to see your faces instead of the back of your heads: so, I see you smile as you share the Peace; sing lustily…
A Meditation on Grace: Thirteen years ago Grace, our beloved Yorkipoo, entered my family’s world, and like God’s grace, turned our world upside down by offering unmerited favor and unconditional love. Two weeks ago our best friend Gracie crossed the rainbow bridge, and the most fitting headstone/Facebook engraving I could offer to sum up her…