There’s nothing like an invitation to dinner. It gives your heart a warm glow to know that someone is thinking of you. Not only are they thinking of you, but they desire your company! So badly do they want to spend time with you, that they will give you food - FREE!

So imagine my joy when I received an unsolicited piece of mail last week that heralded the phrase “You are cordially invited to join us for dinner. Seats are reserved in your name. Tickets enclosed.” (By the way, have you ever been invited to dinner ‘uncordially’?)

I felt loved. Special. Privileged. The gratitude chemicals flooded by brain, and my heart swelled a couple of sizes.

It all begins on Thursday. For a few billion people around the world, it's a month-long feast of beauty, a festival of fun, courage, unity, creativity, and, well, soccer, because it's the World Cup, and it's just four days away. Now, please forgive me while I slouch into a cave of dark memories and shattered dreams, but it is very hard for an Englishman to talk about the World Cup without becoming depressed.

As we all know, when nations stop believing in God, they don't believe in nothing. They still have to do something with that faith. They have to put it somewhere, and for the English, the traditional place for that worship is the shrine of soccer. It really does provide the sense of belonging, hope, and identity that we get from being Christians. The problem with football, though, is that if you bow your knees before that altar, it will let you down.

What an incredible week at Vacation Bible School! 

Our children journeyed with Paul and the Underground Church in Rome, discovering how the early Christians shared God's love, courage, and hope even in difficult times. Through Bible stories, music, crafts, games, and fellowship, our young disciples learned that God is always with us and calls us to be faithful wherever we are.

A heartfelt thank you to our dedicated volunteers, teachers, parents, and supporters who made this week such a success. Most of all, thank you to our wonderful children for bringing such joy, curiosity, and enthusiasm each day.

We are grateful for the memories made, the friendships strengthened, and the seeds of faith planted. 

Come join us as we celebrate the ministry of Sarah Collier and the wonderful legacy she is leaving to the children of St. John's. Sunday, June 14 after the 10:30 a.m. service in the Parish Hall.

What if the holy life is not found somewhere far away, but right in the middle of our ordinary days? Join us for a three-week Sunday class exploring rest, attention, and hope through scripture and conversation led by our new Lay Associate for Adult Formation, Emily Howard. Together we’ll reflect on Sabbath beyond rules, finding God in everyday moments, and practicing hope even in difficult times.

All are welcome. June 7, 14, & 21 at 9:15 a.m. in the Library.

St John's is jointly hosting Bach's Lunch organ concerts with First United Methodist, Trinity Presbyterian, & Church of the Ascension.  The concerts are lunchtime concerts Wednesdays in June and July with a light lunch following. Take this opportunity to hear music on different pipe organs and enjoy the playing of our fine Montgomery organists. Please visit www.agomontgomery.org for information, times and locations throughout the summer.  Concerts are sponsored by the Montgomery Chapter of the American Guild of Organists. 

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.

Internationally Acclaimed Harpist Joost Willemze in Concert

Join us Friday, July 17, at 7 p.m. at St. John's for an extraordinary evening of music featuring award-winning Dutch harpist Joost Willemze, one of the leading harpists of his generation. A recipient of the prestigious Dutch Classical Talent Award, he is celebrated for bringing fresh energy and versatility to the harp through both beloved repertoire and contemporary works. The concert will include music of Bach, Rameau, D'Aquin, Liszt, Smetena and Grandjany.  

Admission is free, and all are welcome.

Harpist Joost Willemze Bio

YouTube Video

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.

Duties

• Develop and implement comprehensive children’s faith formation curricula that are age-appropriate, engaging, and aligned with Episcopal beliefs and values.
• Lead, mentor, and support a team of teachers and volunteers and staff dedicated to children’s spiritual education.
• Organize and oversee children’s events and special programs that foster community and spiritual growth.
• Collaborate with parents and church leadership to promote family involvement in faith development.
• Work creatively and collaboratively with a team of 9 staff members.

7:30 a.m.
Lector: Will Hill Tankersley
Usher/Greeter: Jim Marshall
Altar Guild: Chuck Moore

10:30 a.m.
Altar Guild: Ashley Hamlett

Lector and Intercessor: Mary-Nelms Parsons, Ashley Roseboro
Eucharistic Ministers: Virginia Banister, William Haynes, Fairley McDonald
Ushers/Greeters: Bill Eskridge, Libby Beck, Mary-Nelms Parsons, Ashley Roseboro
Flower Guild: Jean Smyth, Karen Westhauser

Flower Delivery Team: Maria Pacheco, Anne Hamner, Allison Prillaman
Videographer: Scott Mitchell

Your prayers are requested for the following parishioners: Laura Brendle, Rick Durden, Marla Foster, Carolyn Fillmore, Mary Hughes, Emily Crump Johannes, Valinda Johnson, Phillip Kinney, Carma Marks, Richard McCrory, Pat McDonald, Eddie McDowell, Dot Moore, Martha Collier Mosely, Cameron Napier, Bud Nason, Elizabeth Potter, Nan Rosa, 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, Charles Lewis, Nicole Lusk, Margaret Moore, Lyl Parker, 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 June: Elizabeth Via Brown, Betty Beale, Arthur Mazyck, Marney Garzon, Cam Armstrong, Mary Martin Mitchell