NEWS for you...

APRIL 26, 2024

Make every effort to live in peace with all men and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord.

Walk with us in the

OLNEY DAYS PARADE THIS Sunday, April 28th.

Lineup begins at 1 pm on Prince Philip starting at Georgia Avenue. Drop off on Menden Farm Drive off Old Baltimore Rd.

Grace and peace,

“God saw everything that God had made and indeed, it was very good.” (Gen 1:31a)

This Sunday past, we took time to ask for blessings upon this church, our cemetery grounds, our gardens, and our use of water. We also took time to contribute our own efforts towards these areas; we are giving back to God for the gifts God has given to us.

A group cleaned up the cemetery and filled Bob Brekke’s truck with branches and debris to be composted at the county facilities. Another group undertook the efforts of planting the initial native plants in the entry garden by the new access ramp and doors. Parishioners also learned how to repurpose used plastic shopping bags into a functional holder for reusable water bottles. Thank you to all who coordinated these efforts and all who participated.

The use of sustainable and reusable water bottles is one of the areas of concern our youth expressed when they voted this past Easter on projects. Water is so plentiful to us, that we often overlook its value. We go to the faucet and there is water. We go to the refrigerator and there is water. With every flush of the toilet, we use more water than some families have access to each day. With changes in climate, we are seeing conflicts over water and other resources. We are seeing migration and refugees due to dwindling water access. Our youth are saying that we need to pay attention to our water use, and our use of single use plastics; and these wise admonitions deserve our attention.

A small group from the Church and school have been working on a document that details how to hold an event on the St. John’s campus in a way that is kind to the environment. The elimination of single-use plastic, paper plates, and other landfill-clogging elements has been addressed, and are not permitted. We know the document is not perfect, it is a working document, and that is ok because we continually learn new and better ways to respect our environment. I would expect this document to evolve, and expand, continually. It does not address everything, but it does address somethings, and every something that we do is a step forward.

God saw that all that God created was indeed very good; now we are to carry that legacy forward.

Peace

Fr. Henry+

Join the

WOMEN OF ST. JOHN'S

for an evening of fun and fellowship at the home of Mathy Downing,

5712 Stanbrook Lane, Laytonsville, THIS Tuesday, April 30th at 7:00pm. Bake and package cookies for the annual Flower Mart held at Washington National Cathedral on May 3rd & 4th.

Questions?

Contact: MATHY DOWNING

~ 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

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

A CREATION CARE THANK YOU... The outdoor procession this past Sunday marked gratitude for St. John's church, cemetery, new garden entrance way, and the water bottle filling station in the Parish Hall. Following a pizza lunch, parishioners fanned out and worked in the cemetery picking up sticks and paper, filling Bob Brekke’s truck. Other parishioners planted 3 blueberry bushes and black and brown eyed susans in the solarium entrance garden, while inside the Parish Hall, we learned how to make a water bottle holder out of plastic bags. Many hands and hearts participated in caring for the creation here at St. John’s. (see other pictures at solarium church entrance). Thanks to all who picked up sticks, dug holes and discovered a good way to re-use those plastic bags. Creation care takes a community working together.

COLLECTING GOODS FOR MIGRANTS

May 4 & May 5

St. John's is partnering with St. Nicholas in the gathering household goods for arriving migrant families as part of the on ongoing Diocese partnership project with the International Rescue Committee. Especially needed are Linens and Household Goods, Cleaning Supplies, and Toiletries. For a list of items needed click HERE. Need help getting your donations to St. John's? Contact Deacon Nancy, or see her at coffee hour following both services to make arrangements.

YOUTH GROUP ROPES COURSE | May 5th 3:30-6:30pm

The Adventure Park at Sandy Spring

16701 Norwood Road | Sandy Spring, MD 20860

The cost is $50 per person. Only have 12 slots available.

Reserve your spot directly with Mo. Shivaun
Sign the WAIVER
Make payment ONLINE or with check payable to ST. JOHN'S (Ropes Course on the memo line)

St. John’s is 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. There are 10 open spaces for the training. If you are interested in the training, please contact Julie Metcalf by MAY 3 to reserve your seat.