Here’s one: “The British public want politicians to steer clear of religion just as key Westminster figures amp up debates on Christianity’s role in the country, new polling shows.”

The British are bit funny. Sometimes it’s hard to know what to make of them. They are a strange mix of tradition and innovation, formality and creativity, stuffiness and cheerfulness. They are so schizophrenic in their customs and beliefs that even THEY don’t know what to make of THEMSELVES. This shows itself in a post-empire, post-Brexit lostness, where the average Brit doesn’t know if they are European, or American, or something else, or nothing in particular.

 Happy Sunday, everybody. Happy Sunday. For those of you who do not know who I am, my name is Robert Marshall. My dad is Jim Marshall and my mom is JR Marshall. I am a lifelong member of St. John's, but I'm going to Auburn in the fall to study architecture. I remember running around the parish hall calling Robert Wisnewski Bad Robert because I was Good Robert. I remember hiding in the room above the kitchen, or I remember hiding in the room above the kitchen to skip the 10:30 service. 

This month, we will be collecting supplies for Blessing Bags for our friends in need. Needs include: non-perishable foods like granola bars, trail mix, & tuna/cracker packs, toothbrushes & travel toothpaste, ChapStick, and small bottled waters. Please bring supplies to the education building and place on the round table provided.

It's easier than ever to help! Click HERE for the Blessing Bag Amazon Wishlist, and the food will be sent directly to St. John's.

Join our new Ladies Bible Study at St. John’s. We will meet Tuesdays from 12–1 in the Parish Hall, exploring the Gospel of Mark together in fellowship, conversation, and faith. All are welcome. 

Contact Libby Beck at libfitz1@gmail.com for more information.

Adults covered dish supper Tuesday, May 12, 6-8 p.m. Please bring your favorite covered dish and join us at the home of Cindy and Bobby Seibels. Soft drinks will be provided by the church, but you are welcome to bring additional beverages. 

Honduras Mission Trip Opportunities – Summer 2026

Have you been thinking about joining St. Johns' mission trips to Honduras? Whether you’ve traveled before or are simply curious, you’re invited to take part in this meaningful ministry. Please feel free to share this opportunity with others who may be interested.

There are three participation options this summer:

• July 15–18 ($550): Help prepare medications alongside local church partners—an essential role that makes the clinics possible.

• July 18–25 ($1000): Serve in six medical clinics providing care to the community.

• July 14–25 ($1200): Participate in both preparation and clinic work for the full experience.

No medical background is required, and you do not need to speak Spanish—there is a place for everyone to serve.

The cost includes lodging, meals, and transportation within Honduras (airfare not included). Participants will receive travel guidelines for booking flights.

Passport reminder: You must have a valid passport that does not expire before January 2027.

If you’re interested or would like more information, please reach out to Kat Dailey by email or text (334-462-8628). A registration form will be shared soon—stay tuned!

This summer at St. John’s, we invite you to gather for a joyful, all-ages worship service beginning May 10 at 9:30 a.m. Designed especially for the rhythm of summer, this shorter, lively service offers a welcoming space for children, youth, and adults alike. Together we’ll share in music, prayer, Holy Communion, and an interactive message that engages hearts and minds of every age. Whether you’re a longtime member or visiting for the season, come experience a warm, meaningful way to worship as a community.

St. John’s is looking forward to a relaxed and joyful evening of fellowship at our S’more Fellowship in 2026! All parishioners are invited to join us on Saturday, May 16, starting at 4:30 p.m. in the church parking lot for a laid-back gathering filled with food, fun, and community.

Enjoy a classic s’mores station around the fire pit, a simple supper of hotdogs and chips, and Camp McDowell-style songs as we sing together. There will also be cornhole and free play for all ages, making this a perfect event for everyone in the parish family. Be sure to bring a lawn chair, come hungry, and settle in for a warm evening of connection and fellowship. We hope to see you there!

Please join us at 11:45 a.m. on Memorial Day (May 25, 2026), at the bell tower for St. John's annual "For Whom the Bell Tolls" ("FWTBT") event. It is a brief service of healing and remembrance. We will gather at the bell tower, hold a brief service and ring the bell for each fallen service member whose name has been submitted. 

If you have already provided names, you do not need to resubmit them. If you have a new name, please provide the full name, highest rank achieved and the associated conflict (e.g. Lt. Carter B. Haglar, Korean War). Names etc should  be submitted to Emily@stjohnsmontgomery.org no later than May 18, 2026.  The service member need not have died in combat or even while on active service. All who served and died are eligible to be on this list. 

All participants will receive a lapel pin. We will have a soloist to sing at the event. Master Sergeant Donna Johnson, a soloist based in Birmingham, Alabama, who frequently performs at veteran events, will be performing at our FWTBT event.  A lunch of barbecue and catfish sandwiches will be offered in the parish hall afterwards.

St John's is proud to host an Organ Concert May 31 at 4 p.m. by Los Angeles organist, Aaron Shows.  Click here for the program, links to his YouTube channel, and more about the program and this exciting artist.   

VBS Is on the Horizon...

Step back in time this summer at St. John’s for an unforgettable Vacation Bible School experience! From June 1–4, children are invited to journey to ancient Rome for “ROME: Paul and the Underground Church,” a vibrant marketplace-style VBS. Each day, participants will explore bustling shops, meet early Christians, and discover what life was like for Paul and the underground church as they shared the Good News in a challenging time.

Through hands-on activities, storytelling, music, and crafts, children will experience Scripture in a whole new way—immersing themselves in the sights, sounds, and spirit of the early Church. 

Click here to register your child for VBS

Click here to register as a volunteer for VBS

Arts and Crafts is thinking about doing a project in which we will need framed mirrors, any size, any shape.
If anyone has a framed mirror that they would like to donate to the church for Arts and Crafts you can either leave it at the front desk or in the craft room.  If you have questions contact Murray Bennett at 334-430-8660.

Job description:

Overview

We are seeking a passionate and dynamic Director of Children’s Christian Formation to lead and nurture the spiritual growth of our youngest members. This vital role involves designing engaging faith-based programs, fostering a welcoming environment for children and families, and inspiring a team of dedicated volunteers. The ideal candidate will be energetic, compassionate, and committed to creating meaningful experiences that cultivate children’s understanding of Christian teachings and values. As a leader in our community, you will play a key role in shaping the spiritual foundation for generations to come.

St. John’s is blessed with many opportunities to serve, and we invite you to share your time
and talents by joining one of our church guilds.
Guilds are at the heart of our parish life. They support our worship, care for our community, and
help us live out Christ’s call to love and serve.
Some of the Guilds and Committees in need of volunteers include:
● Altar Guild - contact Kitty Coleman or Chuck Moore
● Flower Guild - contact Jean Smyth
● Reception - contact Libby Beck
● Pastoral Care - contact Virginia Banister
No experience is required — training and guidance are provided. Whether you can serve
occasionally or regularly, there is a place for you.
Feel free to contact the committee chair with any questions or you may contact Christine Kline
by email at firefamily1991@gmail.com
Come serve. Come belong. Come grow in faith.

May 10

7:30 a.m.
Lector: Valinda Johnson
Usher/Greeter: Jim Marshall
Altar Guild: Chuck Moore

10:30 a.m.
Acolytes: Parker Mantooth, Davis Schremser, Sam Snyder, Harlan White
Altar Guild: Ashley Hamlett

Lector and Intercessor: Rich Anderson, Mary-Nelms Parsons
Eucharistic Ministers: Callie Deitz, William Haynes, Dudley Perry
Ushers/Greeters: Rich Anderson, Jon Dailey, Mary-Nelms Parsons, Ashley Roseboro
Flower Guild:  Caroline Lawson, Laura McLemore

Flower Delivery Team: Anne Hamner, Allison Prillaman
Videographer: Ken Kline

Instrumentalists: Robert Scott, flute; David Simpson, bassoon

Your prayers are requested for the following parishioners:

Dick Arrington, Laura Brendle, Rick Durden, Marla Foster, Carolyn Fillmore, Emily Crump Johannes, Valinda Johnson, Carma Marks, Richard McCrory, Pat McDonald, Eddie McDowell, Dot Moore, Martha Collier Mosely, Cameron Napier, Bud Nason, Elizabeth Potter, Shirley Price, Carrie Shaw, Debbie Steindorff, Bill Stewart, Barbara Wallace, Florence Young

Prayers are also requested for these friends: Gail Alsobrook, Mac Burton, Phil Butler, Courtney Cobb, Lizzy Dickens,  John Ferguson, Bob Geddie, Mark Grantham, Roger Holliday, Stephanie Holmes, Josie Lee, Martha Ellen Locke, Charles Lewis, Nicole Lusk, Margaret Moore, Pat Patterson, Serge Ruffato, Ron Skoneki, Alice Smith, Johnny Smith, Madera Spencer, Chandler Taylor, Connie Thomas, Katherine Weidner, Michael White, Frank Winkler, Ross Wisnewski, Sharon Carney Wright

Pastoral Care Team for May: Pastoral Care Team for May: Florence Young, Jeanne Drummond, Marla Foster, Cam Hughes, Mitzi Waldo