Three years ago, in my first Rector’s Forum, I led the parish in a season-long study of a very important book – Seculosity by David Zahl. It analyzed American culture today to highlight ways in which we have tried to fill the ‘God gap’ in our souls, now that religion has been largely jettisoned. We were even fortunate enough to have Zahl himself appear one Sunday morning via Zoom to answer questions about the book.

Now he’s done it again. David has just published another ‘must read’ for Christians seeking to grow in their faith and discipleship in a crazy post-Christian culture. It’s called The Big Relief: The Urgency of Grace for a Worn-Out World.

Bach’s Lunch Summer Organ Concert Series

July 23 - Shannon Mathai, Montgomery, AL

Toccata on 'Amazing Grace' - Christopher Pardini 

Prelude on 'Slane' (Be Thou My Vision) - Gerre Hancock 

Berceuse - Sarah Rimkus 

Dialogue on the  Mixtures - Jean Langlais 

Sinfonia from Cantata 29 - J.S. Bach 

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

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.

Please note: there will be NO Digging Deeper class this Sunday as the teachers will be in Honduras. Pray for our mission team!

Blessing of the Backpacks is scheduled for Sunday, August 10. All children are encouraged to bring their backpacks to the All Age Service OR 10:30 a.m. service, and they will receive a special blessing and blessing tag for the new school year.

Three Dioceses of Northern New England (Maine, New Hampshire, and Vermont) are offering an 11-week study exploring race and faith beginning this fall. Sessions will take place on Zoom and are open to Dioceses around the country. There will be at least three circles that will meet at different times and on different days. Previous offerings of Sacred Ground that involve multiple Dioceses have benefited greatly from the regional diversity and the different backgrounds represented.

Sacred Ground is a curriculum developed by The Episcopal Church to explore the history of racism in our country as well as the economic and social legacies that continue to underlie divisions among us. To learn more about Sacred Ground, please view the Sacred Ground Invitational video “We Bless You” (22 Minutes) Click here, or for more general information, visit the Sacred Ground website here. 

 To register:

Registration Link

For more information: Amy Hastings, amymiddlebury@gmail.com

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:

Get ready for an unforgettable evening of fresh seafood, community spirit, and meaningful impact! Lobsterfest is back, and this year, your support will directly benefit Ascension Day School and Respite, organizations dedicated to providing exceptional education and compassionate care.

 Date: Friday, August 15, 2025

 Location: The Church of the Ascension

 Tickets: www.RiverRegionLobsterfest.org  

Indulge in succulent Maine lobsters, delicious sides, and a lively atmosphere—all while making a difference. Every ticket sold helps enhance educational opportunities and provide essential respite services to those in need.  Dine-in and take-out available.

Join us for a night of great food, great fun, and great purpose. Reserve your spot today, and let’s make an impact together!

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.

Your prayers are requested for the following parishioners:
Rick Durden, Carolyn Fillmore, Dave Funk, 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

July 27 (4th Sunday) 

7:30 a.m. 
Lector: Fred Matthews 
Usher/Greeter: Mark Chappell 
Altar Guild: Karen Funk 
 
10:30 a.m. 
Acolytes: Bobby Bradford, Nancy Bradford 
Altar Guild: James Rinehart 
Lector and Intercessor: Reg McLane, Scott Mitchell 
Eucharistic Ministers: Betsy Cannon, Mary Hughes 
Ushers/Greeters: Margaret Ann Selman, Rich Anderson, Elizabeth Lawlor, Bill Johnson 
Flower Guild:  
Flower Delivery Team: Jeanne Drummond, Debbie & George Wakefield 
Videographer: Ken Kline 

Altar Flowers are given in memory of: Elise L. Heilpern, Florence & Walter Lobman, Andy Taccetta