“In you I trust, O my God. Do not let me be put to shame,
nor let my enemies triumph over me. No one whose hope is in you
will ever be put to shame, but they will be put to shame
who are treacherous without excuse.”
Psalm 25:2-3
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Grace and Peace,
Last week the Adult Forum group, meeting via Zoom at 9am on Sunday, began a discussion of N. T. Wright’s book Simply Christian. We asked the question “what is social justice”. Wright shares three ideas about the feeling that we all have about our own sense for justice; it might be a dream, it might be a dream of a different world, or it might be “that there is someone speaking to us, whispering in our inner ear – someone who cares very much about this present world and our present selves, and who has made us and the world for a purpose which will indeed involve justice, things being put to rights, ourselves being put to rights, the world rescued at last.”
C. S. Lewis, in Mere Christianity, referred to this inner voice as natural law, a guiding principle we all share, that comes from God (regardless of your faith).
Our Holy Household Toolkit for September and October begins a reflection on economic justice. One of the challenges is to plan a food budget based upon the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Take the challenge and then donate the difference between your typical food budget and the SNAP budget to African Palms. This will be both eye opening and benefit our sisters and brothers in Tanzania.
As you consider economic justice you might find it interesting to know that in Montgomery County a living wage for 1 adult with no children is $35,036 a year, or $16.84 per hour; the county minimum wage is currently $14/hr. Based upon this living wage you would have $3,010 for food for the year and, because you earn too much money, not qualify for SNAP payments. You can find more information about living wage for different household sizes at this link ( https://livingwage.mit.edu/counties/24031 ).
Justice, economic or social, is a part of how we are to live out our faith. N. T. Wright calls it a central element of our faith as he writes: “It is important to see, and to say, that those who follow Jesus are committed, as he taught us to pray, to God’s will being done “on earth as it is in heaven.” And that means that God’s passion for justice must become ours, too.”
Next week in the Adult Forum we talk about “‘The hidden spring’ of spirituality” that is also an echo of a voice, like the call to justice, that serves as a “signpost pointing away from the bleak landscape of modern secularism and towards the possibility that we humans are made for more than this.” It is not too late to join the discuss of this book, we are only on the second chapter and will be reading this text through December. Come join us for the book discussion, consider taking the Holy Household Toolkit challenge; then listen to that “echo of a voice” that is God calling you to do more.
God be with you until we meet again,
Fr. Henry+
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SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 13th
LIMITED IN-PERSON OUTDOOR WORSHIP
with 8am Morning Prayer.
Please "register" via Eventbrite
for the Outdoor Worship Service.
If you have not already done so,
read, agree to and sign the Diocese
or call the church office @ 301.774.6999 by 3pm Friday, leave a message.
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In attempt to stay on top of changing needs,
we now offer Outdoor Worship service as well as Virtual Worship.
Your support is important and vital at this time.
GIVE online or by Mailing to:
PO Box 187
Olney, MD 20832
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SERVICE OF COMPLINE ~ Tuesday Evenings at 8pm
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ADULT FORUM
“Simply Christian:
Why Christianity Makes Sense”
by N. T. Wright
Join Zoom Meeting
Meeting ID: 833 0378 8008
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BIBLE STUDY
coming soon via ZOOM
Develop and understanding of the books of the Bible from the Old Testament through
the New Testament.
Please contact either
to express your interest.
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THANK YOU to our dedicated African Palms packers for coming out yesterday to pack palm crosses. If you would like to do the same... please contact African Palms (africanpalms2@stjec.org) to make arrangements. Packing takes place on Thursday mornings and is limited to the number of packers at any given time.
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COMING SOON... AFRICAN PALMS FALL PLANT SALE
Be on the look out for African Palms Fall Plant Sale Order Form
and get ready to transform your outdoor space for the fall.
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ONE THIS DAY IN HISTORY
September 14th
HOLY CROSS DAY
Exaltation of the Holy Cross, also called Universal Exaltation of the Holy and Life-Giving Cross or Holy Cross Day, is a major feast observed on September 14 in honor of Christ's self-offering on the cross for our salvation. The universal symbol of the Christian faith, the cross represents Christ’s victory over death. In the Christian liturgical calendar, there are several different Feasts of the Cross, all of which commemorate the cross used in the crucifixion of Jesus.
This feast celebrates the redemptive transformation of a barbaric instrument of torture into a divine “tree of life” that brings hope to humankind.
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Holy Cross Day has been associated with the dedication of a group of buildings that were built by Emperor Constantine in Jerusalem on the sites of Christ’s crucifixion and his tomb. This dedication occurred on September 14, 335. The day is celebrated with reflection on and the veneration of Jesus Christ and the sacrifice he made for his mankind’s salvation and is usually celebrated with some form of religious service, prayer, and reflection. |
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WALK FOR WATER
COMMUNITY SCAVENGER HUNT sponsored by AFRICAN PALMS
October 9th - 18th
Gather family and friends...create your team and get ready to learn about the safe drinking water crisis in Tanzania with African Palms water themed Scavenger Hunt. This will be a hunt like no other! Search for water themed items from anywhere in the world and
the more creative you are with your entries, the better. Learn about the ongoing clean water crisis in Tanzania and find out how your entry fee will benefit communities in rural Tanzania in need safe drinking water.
The list of scavenger hunt items will be emailed to those who register at
NOON on October 9th. Register NOW and be a part of the hunt.
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The Pumpkin season begins in 2 weeks! We need your help to make this a success. |
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MINDFUL YOGA WITH LORI
Thursday Evenings at 7 pm
in the Parish Hall.
Mask MUST be worn!
Bring a mat and water.
Suggested donation $10 per class
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AFRICAN PALMS
Back-to-School Tote Sale
Give the teacher in your life
the gift of organization!
Handcrafted and unique,
African Palms totes are great
for all occasions.
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Register for Sunday School
Pre-K: 9AM * K-2nd: 9:15AM * 3rd-5th: 9:30AM
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HOLY HOUSEHOLD TOOLKIT
The Holy Household Toolkit is now available for September/October.
We encourage all households to jump into our household formation, regardless of age or size, with an open heart to God’s revelations.”
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FAMILY COFFEE HOURS
A time set aside to connect virtually until we can once again gather in person.
Come for the whole time or come for a few minutes and say hello!
Coffee hour is every other week from 10-10:30am.
Sunday, September 13 | Sunday, September 27
Join Zoom Meeting
Meeting ID: 967 598 3901 | Password: EpiscoKid
ZOOM PRAYER PARTNER COFFEE HOUR & Advent Wreath Making
November 29th @ 11am (more details coming soon)
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SUNDAY COFFEE HOUR
Sundays @ 10-10:30 AM
Join Zoom Meeting
Meeting ID: 870 3415 1920
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ESTHER DEEL COFFEE HOUR
Sundays @ 11:30 AM-12 Noon
Join Zoom Meeting
Meeting ID: 830 8468 5432
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MONDAY MISSION SOCIETY
Mondays @ 7:30 PM
Join Zoom Meeting
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VIRTUAL RECORDING READERS
9:30am recording in the church.
Schedule is below:
Thurs. September 17 - Maureen Cook
Thurs. September 24 - Bree Bruemmer
Thursday, October 1 -
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OUTDOOR WORSHIP READERS
8am Sunday Mornings
In the event of rain,
worship will be cancelled
Schedule is below
Sunday, September 13 - Bill Fleming
Sunday, September 20 -
Sunday, September 27 - Mathy Downing
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O God, our hope and refuge,
we come remembering those
who lost their lives in New York, Washington D.C., and Pennsylvania.
We are mindful of the sacrifice of public servants who demonstrated the greatest love of all by laying down
their lives for strangers and friends.
We come remembering and we come in hope, not in ourselves, but in you.
Give us your compassion to help each other and recognize needs around the world. Give us your hope and give us your peace, for it is only You that can heal our wounds and ease our suffering.
Guide us to live in harmony with one another, respectful of each other’s human rights and human dignity.
Pour out your love and your comfort today Lord as we all remember...
In Jesus Name,
Amen
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Use this list to pray and to show your love and concern for the sick, shut-in, bereaved, or those merely in
need of prayer.
Frances Hunt
Catherine Cant
Peter
John Daniel
Stan Simpson
Linda Niemczyk
Beblon Parks
Ted
Cheryl
Evans North
Georgene Ruff
Mary Persinger
Maura Parker
Chris Prinz
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ST. JOHN'S EPISCOPAL CHURCH
3427 Olney-Laytonsville Road
Olney, MD 20832
301-774-6999
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