"You have heard that it was said, 'Love your neighbor[a] and hate your enemy.' 
But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 
that you may be children of your Father in heaven.
 
Matthew 5:43-45
Grace and Peace,
 
"Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?"
  
Whatever your plans, Saint John's has opportunities for you. If something is happening at the church there is a good chance that it is a parishioner who assures that it happens, that could be you. Lectors, ushers, altar guild are all parishioners like you. Furnishing an apartment for a refugee family happens because of parishioners like you. With God's help, ordinary people can do extraordinary things. Ask, learn how to be a part of something extraordinary.
  
Need help with the first steps, consider these opportunities: on 21 January we will celebrate African Palms Sunday. This is a great opportunity to sing the praises of this important ministry, and to learn more about the ministry and its impact on the lives of those it affects in Tanzania and other parts of Africa. On that Sunday during the 11am coffee hour we will share photos and stories of our recent trip to Tanzania. This is a great way to learn and become involved.
  
The next weekend, 28 January, is the Annual Parish meeting. This will be held at 9am in the Parish Hall. During the meeting we will present the budget for 2018, and vote on the candidates for Vestry. Plan to attend, learn about the business of the church, and show your support for our Vestry.
  
To show that God does have a sense of humor, this year Ash Wednesday falls on Valentines Day and Easter is on April Fools Day; at least it will be easy to remember. All this means that Lent is fast approaching so now is a good time to start considering what spiritual practice will become part of your own Lenten journey. It is not too late to join in the Bible Challenge if that would be a good spiritual practice for you. Perhaps you might want to volunteer assisting in a Sunday School class, or maybe prepping our garden beds for spring is more of your calling; there are many opportunities at Saint John's.
  
A Lenten practice that many enjoyed last year involved Evening Prayer followed by a meal of soup and bread on the Wednesdays of Lent. A sign up sheet to provide soup will be posted soon, and attendance at this service is a great mid-week break for students and adults.
  
There are many opportunities, what are you waiting for? "Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?"
  
Peace
Henry+

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Our revised Sunday School program starts THIS Sunday, January 14th at 9AM. There are two classes offered. K-2nd grade - learning about Episcopal Worship and 3rd-5th grade, learning about the Bible as a tool for their faith. Also at the 9AM hour is Adult formation and nursery care for kids in Pre-K and younger. Pre-K Sunday School will be offered at the 10am hour, during the first part of worship, introducing the children to the Bible stories of the day. Classes meet downstairs.
 
Contact mothershivaun@icloud.com   
or Mark Glaudemans for more information. 

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Calling all Middle and High School Youth: Sunday, January 28, we are going Ice Skating with other Episcopal Churches of the Diocese. Christ Church in Rockville has rented the Rockville Town Center Rink, 6:00 - 8:00 PM. Join in  for an evening of Ice Skating, Hot Cocoa, Cider & Donuts. Cost is $5.00 pp (skates included!) Friends are welcome! RSVP to Mother Shivaun.
 
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African Palms LOGO AFRICAN PALMS SUNDAY will be celebrated on January 21st. Please join us to recognize this important ministry. Following the 10am service, during coffee hour, we will share photos and stories of our recent visit to Masasi Tanzania; this will be a great time to see the significant impact A frican Palms has in Masasi a nd throughout Tanzania and Africa.
 
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Please VOLUNTEER to Quality Control or Pack Palm Crosses
for more information  africanpalms2@stjec.org
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JANUARY 12,2018 

   ___________________  
 
 
 UPCOMING EVENTS 
   
   
JANUARY 14
Choir Rehearsal @ 9am
Handbell Ringers @ 11:30am
 
Sunday Forum @  9am
 
Sunday School @ 9am
 
JANUARY 15
M L King Holiday
OFFICE CLOSED
 
JANUARY 16 & 18
African Palms Packing
Parish Hall  9-11am
 
JANUARY 17
Vestry Meeting @ 6:30pm
 
JANUARY 21
African Palms Sunday &
Photo presentation
 
Choir Rehearsal @ 9am
Handbell Ringers @ 11:30am
 
Sunday Forum @  9am
 
Sunday School @ 9am
 
Esther Deel Meeting @11:30am
 
Youth Group Ice Skating
@ 4pm
 
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  SUNDAY PARTICIPANTS
~ JANUARY 14 ~
 
8AM
Glenn Rempe
 
10AM
EM Chalice/Reader
Selva Selvarajah
 
EM Intinction Cup
Nancy Olkewicz
 
Lesson 2
Tim Wittig
 
Prayer Lector
Becca Turett
 
Ushers
Phil & Lisa Stylos
Counters
Glen Drew & Bree Bruemmer
 
  ~ JANUARY 21 ~
 
8AM
Chuck McQueen
 
10AM
EM Chalice/Reader
Mike Salem
 
EM Intinction Cup
Alan Soukup
 
Lesson 2
John Ellis
 
Prayer Lector
Will Lederer
  
Ushers
Stephen Simpson & Tim Wittig
Counters
Andy Nicholas & Dennis Atkinson
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