Each summer I go through a predictable and depressing routine. I place an empty suitcase on the bed and ambitiously place two or three books in it. “Ah! Summer holidays,” I naively say to myself, “Two weeks to relax and catch up on some reading.”
I don’t know how many more years I can kid myself that I will actually read the books I pack. I’ve never done it yet. I always return with at least one or two of those ‘two or three books’ unopened, unread, and merely taking up valuable weight allowance in mynluggage that should have been used for chocolate.
This year, having reflected on years of hopelessly ambitious packing, I took just one book with me to Europe. And I made it through half of it. (In my defense, I must point out that this was a really long book – over 500 pages.

It is with great joy that I can announce that long-time parishioner and amazing servant of St. John’s, JR Marshall, has agreed to become our new Director of Youth Ministries.

Most parishioners know JR well and admire her spiritual depth and her warm personality. If you have not yet met JR, then you are in for a treat.

I believe that under JR’s leadership, our ministry to young people will grow and flourish. She comes with ideas, energy, and experience. Our youth can expect to enjoy lively events and their parents can look forward to their kids having rich Christian nurture through a variety of programs and curricula.

JR will serve for 20 hours a week, while continuing to run her interior design company. She will begin on August 1.

Bach’s Lunch Summer Organ Concert Series continues for its second year! Programs and menus can be viewed below. Click here to order lunches.

July 9 - Wallace Hornady, Woodberry Forest School

Lunches from Scott Street Deli -  Turkey sandwich on freshly made bread, chips, and cookie

Cursillo informational sessions

July 13

Immediately following the 9:30 and 10:30 services in the small dining room.

Cursillo in the Diocese of Alabama begins with a three–day weekend at Camp McDowell.
During these three days, lay people and clergy share their experiences and perspectives
on a variety of topics related to the love of God, the Christian life, and Christian
community. Cursillo starts with a three-day weekend but becomes so much more for
those who attend. Come hear all about it!

The idea of mission is a core principle of the Christian faith. At St. John’s we are committed to partnering with God to do his work of redemption in this world by assisting those in need through financial giving, hands on assistance, and donating needed items to the poor, the sick, the friendless, the prisoner, the homeless, and anyone in need. From working with local charities and nonprofits to international mission trips, members of St. John’s make it a point to be involved.

Learn more here:

St. John's is sending a medical mission team to Honduras July 22! There are two ways that you can help.

#1-We will attach labels to plastic bags that will hold our medicines on July 13. Please join us immediately after the service for a light lunch and conversation in the small dining room as we ready the bags that will hold the medications.

#2-We need a volunteer to drive the church bus. There are three opportunities. You may choose one or all of them.

1. We really would love to have someone pick us up at Atlanta airport on August 2. Our flight is scheduled to arrive into Atlanta at 5 p.m. central time. We should be ready to be picked up by 6 p.m. central time. There will be at least 11 of us.

2. We would love to have someone drive 5 people (large SUV or church bus) to Atlanta on July 22 leaving from Montgomery at around 3 p.m. (5 people, with 7 big bags and 5 carryons). 3. You have to be a brave soul for this one, but we would love to find a driver for the church bus on July 26 at 3 a.m. (Friday night or early Saturday morning according to how you look at it) heading to the Atlanta airport (6 people with 8 big bags and 6 carryons).

Email katdailey1234@gmail.com or call 334.462.8628 if you have questions or to volunteer.

A Message from the Bishop Search Committee

We want to hear from you! Help guide our search for the next Bishop of the Episcopal Church in Alabama by taking a quick survey. Your insights will help potential candidates prayerfully discern if God is calling them to serve in our diocese. The survey is open through July 11, so please take a few minutes to share your thoughts and be part of this journey. Click here to respond.

Starting May 11, join us for a new class: 'Digging Deeper - going beyond the sermon.' This is a chance to explore the depths of the Sunday Bible lessons. Each Sunday at 9:15 a.m. in the Small Dining Room Jon and Kat Dailey will host studies that will go deeper than a 15-minute sermon can. The atmosphere will be informal, accessible, and collegial. Please come and learn and share.

**please note that the All Ages Service will be held in the loft above the kitchen on May 25**

Join us this summer (May 11-Aug. 31) for a short, lively service for all ages. We’ll sing, pray, have Communion together, and enjoy an interactive message from 9:30—10 a.m. on the third floor of the education building.

Lector: Fred Matthews 
Usher/Greeter: Jon Dailey 
Altar Guild: Nancy Benner 
 
10:30 a.m. 
Acolytes:  
Altar Guild:  Chuck Moore
Lector and Intercessor:  Ashley Hamlett, Sarah Spratling 
Eucharistic Ministers: Tracey Campbell, Bill Harlow 
Ushers/Greeters: Keith Miller, Allison Prillaman, Ashley Roseboro, Karen Westhauser 
Flower Guild: Jane Barganier, Josie Eskridge 
Flower Delivery Team: Maria Pacheco, Anne & Reggie Hamner, Allison Prillaman 
Videographer: Scott Mitchell 

Your prayers are requested for the following parishioners:
Rick Durden, Caroline Filmore, Dave Funk, Mac Gipson, Vera Hawthorne, Emily Crump Johannes, Valinda Johnson, Carma Marks, Richard McCrory, Pat McDonald, Eddie McDowell,  Martha Collier Mosely, Cameron Napier, Bud Nason, Elizabeth Potter, Jim Power, Shirley Price, Scott Simmons, Tade Smilie, Johnny Smith, Debbie Steindorff, Barbara Wallace

Prayers are also requested for these friends: 
Emma Allshouse, Gail Alsobrook, Mac Burton, John Ferguson, Bob Geddie, Margaret Hixon, Stephanie Holmes, Janet Hutto, Charles Lewis, Leslie Little, Karen Pacheco, Pam Slate, Ron Skoneki, Madera Spenser, Chandler Taylor, Connie Thomas, Katherine Weidner, Frank Winkler, Sharon Carney Wright