NEWS for you...

MAY 10, 2024

"Honor her for all that her hands have done,

and let her works bring her praise at the city gate."

This Sunday we honor all Mothers.

May we love and cherish the special women who have born us, who have nurtured us, and who have prayed for our well-being. May they find rest in You.

Grace and peace,

Each year, the Diocese and Seabury Resources for Aging come together to recognize the contributions of a select group of individuals. The 2024 Seabury Celebration of Service was held last week; among the honorees was Bob Brekke.

Quietly, when no one will see him working, Bob has been beautifying our church and cemetery grounds. Weeding and pruning seem to happen, as if by magic. He has taken a particular ownership to the church grounds, assuring that everyone can enjoy their beauty.

Again, without fanfare Bob is a stalwart volunteer stocking our Food Pantry. During our recent apartment set up for a migrant family, Bob and his wonderful truck picked up goods from those who could not get them to the church.

Bob delivers food for Olney Help, and delivers durable medical goods, like beds and wheelchairs, for the Lion’s Club.

Bob’s service to St. John’s and the community places him among a select group of our past honorees: Audrey Balderson, Carl Ridenour, Glen Drew, Mary McQueen, and Julie Metcalf. The wisdom, maturity, and compassion of these people is exemplary. Please thank Bob for his service and congratulate him on this recognition.

Peace

Fr. Henry+

Honoring & Recognizing Bob

for his "quiet" volunteer services to

St. John's.

THANK YOU BOB!

PENTECOST SUNDAY

Sunday, May 19th at the 8am & 10:30am services, we commemorate Pentecost, celebrating the descent of the Holy Spirit on Jesus' disciples following his Ascension. An International Potluck Brunch in the Parish Hall follows the 10:30am service. We ask that you wear red and bring a dish to share from your country of heritage.

JUNE 2

Graduation Celebration

JUNE 3

Women of St. John's Labyrinth Walk @ St. Barts

JUNE 8

Pride Parade

JUNE 9

Mary Alquin Kelly's

Farewell Reception

JUNE 9

Youth Group Ropes Course

JUNE 23

Movie Night - "The Lion King"

JUNE 30

Movie Night - "Frozen"

JULY 7

Movie Night - "Moana"

JULY 14

Movie Night - "Coco"

JULY 21

Movie Night - "Encanto"

~ PRAYER LIST ~

Use this list to pray for the sick, shut-in, bereaved, or those merely in need of prayer.

Flor Marina Guerra Martinez

Brenda Goodman

Roberta Ridenour

Chris Healing's family

Anna

Harry Brooke

Rona Golfen

Tim Wittig

Jim & Jane Lawton

Fiona & Tyrus Adams

Patricia Jones

Sam Whitaker

Mary Persinger

Joseph Sears

Nevertheless, I will bring health and healing to it; I will heal my people and will let them enjoy abundant peace and security.

REMEMBER THE HYGIENE KITS PACKING PARTY?

In celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday, on January 15th, parishioners had a great time packing bags filled with hygiene products for women at the Maryland Correctional Institution for Women. As things tend to move slowly in the prison system, the kits were finally distributed a few weeks ago. The women were excited to receive the kits and LOVED receiving the large bottles as well as the cards that were written. THANK YOU to to all who give their time and helped with this project.

GATHERING HOUSEHOLD GOODS FOR IRC

A special THANK YOU to all who donated and brought household goods to be used when IRC (International Rescue Committee) sets up a new home for an arriving migrant family. In partnership with St. Nicholas, we gathered kitchen goods, linens and household items, cleaning supplies, and toiletries. We hope that the items will be delivered this week or early next week. It was great to have conversations with each person who dropped their goodies off.

YOUTH GROUP ROPES COURSE

(Rescheduled from May 5th)

New Date is June 9th @ 1pm

We will eat at church and head over.

There are 12 slots available.

If interested in joining this activity,

please contact Mo. Shivaun as soon as possible to reserve your spot.

RECOGNIZING & PRAYING FOR

OUR GRADUATES

Sunday, June 2nd at 8am & 10:30am

If your student is graduating or being promoted this year, please take a few minutes to tells us about them by filling out the form linked below.

Promotion and Graduation Form

VESTRY MEETING HIGHLIGHTS

STJEC Vestry met on April 18, 2024. Highlights of the meeting are below -

Motion to discontinue the Christmas Tree Lot and the Pumpkin Patch was unanimously approved. Other fundraising events and activities will be explored.
No decisions has been made about St. John's Head of School.
We saw an increase of approximately 16% over 2023 attendance during Holy Week and Easter.

The full Vestry Minutes are posted outside the Rector's office as well as the bulletin board outside the Meeting Room in the undercroft.

Birthday Blessings all those who celebrated birthdays in APRIL and to those now celebrating birthdays in MAY

May your next year be filled

with His joy and love.

May you be guided with joy, gratitude, and love. May your journey continue to be blessed each and every day.

APRIL

Patrick Gough

Betsy O'Neil

Chuck McQueen

Katherine Gough

Elizabeth Willier

Ethan Glaudemans

Jean Payne

Mathy Downing

Phil Reiff

Natalie Willier

Stuart Davis

Jason Vincent

Joseph Vincent

Rob Schellhase

Mary Lou McMaster

Patrick Dunn

Anna Mathew

Bree Bruemmer

Mike Miller

Brandon Butler

Annalie Puente

MAY

Bill Fleming

Elaine Novakovich

Eloise Paganini

Jack Phillips

Jonathan Rinn

Melissa Paganini

Sarah Baker

Maggie Glaudemans

Larry Judge

Carolyn Schopp

Olivia Goodman

Gail Rucker

Roberta Ridenour

Lisa McDonough

Elizabeth Schlackman

Carmen Jones

Aidan Paganini

Jim McDonough

Phillip Yarnall

Annabella Wilkinson

Maryland Advance Directive

Maryland Medical Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment

Advance Directive for Mental Health

A number of parishioners have expressed an interest in the handouts and resources shared during "The Most Generous Gift" Seminar held on April 20th. The Most Generous Gift Handouts and resources are being shared below:

Online Resources

Guest Speakers Contact

BLACK EYED SUSAN PLANTS NEEDED - The Creation Care Garden Team would like to plant more Black Eyed Susans alongside the ramp. If you have Black Eyed Susans in your garden and can share a plant or two, please bring them to church during the month of May. See Mary Alcuin Kelly for more details.