NEWS for you...

APRIL 19, 2024

The earth and everything in it belong to the Lord.

The world and all its people belong to him.

THE MOST GENEROUS GIFT: End-of-Life Preparation & Planning

THIS Saturday, April 20th | 9am - 12pm in the Parish Hall

Grace and peace,

Rogation is a great crossword puzzle word to keep somewhere in your mind map of seldom used words. It comes from the Latin rogare meaning “to ask”. Traditionally, Rogation Days are the 3 days preceding Ascension Day.

In years past, it would not have been unusual to “beat the bounds”, or walk the parish boundaries, in a solemn procession, all while asking for God’s blessings on agriculture and industry. The procession served to both ask for protection and to share in the hope of God’s goodness, and to enable the people of the community to live into that hope.

The feast is movable, and we have chosen to align our Rogation procession with our desire to include the blessings of God’s creation as embodied in Earth Day. Worship THIS Sunday will include special prayers, a congregational procession taking us outside the church, and activities to support our Creation Care ministry.

Following worship, we invite you to participate in several activities, notably:

Pick up branches and clean up the cemetery grounds
Plant native species in the new entry garden
Make signs encouraging reusable water bottle use
Make reusable water bottle holders

Plan to dress accordingly, work boots are certainly acceptable, and bring your reusable water bottle. We would also encourage you to have your own Earth Day activities at your home. It is said that the best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago; the second best time is now.

Peace

Fr. Henry+

"Share in the Hope of God’s Goodness"

We invite ALL parishioners to walk with us in the

OLNEY DAYS PARADE NEXT Sunday, April 28th.

The parade lineup begins at 1 pm and kicks off promptly at 2 pm. Line up on Prince Philip starting at Georgia Avenue. Drop off on Menden Farm Drive off Old Baltimore Road. The Parade route is 7/10 of a mile, walking north on Georgia Avenue, ending at the Safeway on Spartan Road.

~ PRAYER LIST ~

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

Harry Brooke

Rona Golfen

Tim Wittig

Jim & Jane Lawton

Fiona & Tyrus Adams

Patricia Jones

Sam Whitaker

Mary Persinger

Joseph Sears

Parishioners are invited to be a part of the

under the sea musical sensation!

CELEBRATING EARTH DAY | MONDAY, APRIL 22

The first Earth Day was celebrated in 1970. Wisconsin Senator, Gaylord Nelson, with the help of Denis Hayes, a graduate student at Harvard University, organized a national celebration uniting the environmental movement. Together they organized demonstrations to raise awareness about environmental issues. Rallies took place across the country and, by the end of the year, the Environmental Protection Agency was created. Earth Day is now an event celebrated by more than 140 countries around the globe. Today, more than a billion people celebrate Earth Day to raise awareness and take action regarding environmental concerns such as global warming, renewable energy, and protection of the planet from pollution and deforestation.

CALLING ALL WOMEN OF ST. JOHN'S

Please join the Women of St. John's for an evening of fun and fellowship at the home of Mathy Downing, 5712 Stanbrook Lane, Laytonsville, on Tuesday, April 30th at 7:00pm. The women will be baking cookies and packaging baked goods previously made at home and brought to the meeting for the May 3rd and 4th Flower Mart held at the Washington National Cathedral. Questions? Please contact MATHY DOWNING.

The demand for the FOOD PANTRY has increased. To meet this demand the pantry is now being stocked twice a day, Monday through Friday and once on Saturday and Sunday. Because of this schedule change, the need for food has increased. If you have not given before, please consider adding an item or two to your grocery list for the pantry. Our current needs are listed below.

FOOD PANTRY

Please leave ALL donations on the bench

outside the Rector's office.

We are happy to stock your donations.

THANK YOU.

COLLECTING GOODS FOR MIGRANTS

As part of the ongoing Diocese partnership project with IRC (International Rescue Committee) St. John's will be partnering with St. Nicholas in gathering household goods for arriving migrant families. Household categories include: Kitchen, Linens & Household Goods, Cleaning Supplies, and Toiletries. Especially needed are Linens and Household Goods, Cleaning Supplies, and Toiletries. In-gathering of the items is scheduled for May 4th and May 5th at St. John's. If you need help in getting your donations to St. John's, please contact Deacon Nancy, or see her at coffee hour following both services.

ITEMS REQUIRED or SIGN-UP HERE

THE SALVATION STORY

An Intergenerational Vacation Bible School

July 29 - August 2 | 6-8:30pm

Explore stories & themes of Scripture through the lens and images of some of your favorite Disney stories. Cost of $75 per household includes dinner and the promise of a fun filled week with activities for ALL ages. VBS EARLY REGISTRATION

CPR TRAINING

Saturday, May 18 | 9am - 1pm

St. John’s is be offering CPR training through Giant Pharmacy's basic life support program approved by the American Heart Association on Saturday May 18th in the Parish Hall from 9am-1pm. The training fee is $69.99 per person. Contact Julie Metcalf or call the church office to reserve your seat. Those taking and passing the training's test will receive an e-certificate and an e-card.