The nineteenth century gave us some really great things, like photography, the light bulb, the internal combustion engine, and the telephone. (Wait. On second thoughts, let’s remove ‘telephone’ from that list of ‘great’ things and place it in a list of ‘things that got out of hand and came to hold the human race in captivity’.)

It was also a time of great overseas missionary work, which was well-motivated, well-intentioned, and well-misunderstood. Nineteenth-century missionary work had mixed results in extending the kingdom of God, partnering as it did with commerce, empire, and human exploitation. Even in its best moments it seems to have functioned with an unenlightened attitude to the people who were the targets of its good intentions.

Two years ago we welcomed Connie Tapia to be our part-time Youth Director. In that time our young people have come to appreciate her as a talented, creative leader, with a big heart for young people and a love for God and the church. So, I’m sad to tell you that, in God’s good plans, he has seen fit to open for Connie a new employment opportunity. Connie is now making her way to Germany, where she will work with a professional soccer club, in social media. Her final Sunday at St John’s was May 11.We will miss Connie’s bright personality. We’re grateful that she has given us the summer to regroup and plan our way forward for our youth. Duncan is working on discerning a vision for the EYC, and has already begun interviewing for a new Youth Director who will be in place before the end of the summer. Please pray for Connie in her new life.

This year’s Vacation Bible School will explore Joseph’s Journey from Prison to Palace June 2-5 from 8:30 a.m.-noon at Church of the Ascension. Registration is closed for this event, but volunteers are always welcome! Contact sarah@stjohnsmontgomery.org for more information.

Bach’s Lunch Summer Organ Concert Series continues for its second year!

Wednesdays this summer from 12:05-12:30 p.m., join us for a short concert and then enjoy lunch and fellowship in the Parish House. You may order a box lunch from the church website or bring your own brown bag lunch. You can also call the church office at 334.262.1937 to order your lunch.

Daughters of the King (DOK) is a community of women whose vision is to know Jesus Christ, to make Him known to others, and to become reflections of God’s love. Our primary mission is confidential prayer for those in need, but we are also supported through the companionship of our sisters. We enjoy fellowship through four Sunday luncheons each year and other activities , as well as diocesan DOK offerings.

Prospective new members participate in a period of study consisting of six classes held this summer.  We will determine the class times and location so to best fit schedules of the participants.

If you are interested or have any questions, please contact Ashley Hamlett, ashleyhamlett331@gmail.com or (334)467-2560.

The St. John's Mission team is preparing for its Tela, Honduras mission for this summer.

Due to changes in customs there, we no longer count the pills here, but as with last year we will get our medication bags labelled ahead of time with sessions which will be announced. We would love to have you join us for the actual travel to Honduras.

There are 3 options:

1. A preparation trip July 23 – 26 during which the medications will be transported and counted locally at the church in Honduras. For those interested in a shorter trip to get exposure to mission, this might be a good option.

2. The medical mission trip July 26 —August 2. For this, we will need lay persons as well as medical providers. We will run a series of general medical clinics in small communities near our home base of Tela.

3. For those interested in the entire spectrum, you can do both sessions. We have excellent accommodation in a family-run hotel (air-conditioning, hot water, etc). Food is both safe and excellent. Knowledge of Spanish is not required, and again you do not have to be a medical provider to participate. We welcome new participants on the team as well as returning members.

Please email Kat Dailey for further info at: katdailey@icloud.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:

Your prayers are requested for the following parishioners: Rick Durden, Dave Funk, Mac Gipson, Emily Crump Johannes, Leslie Little, Carma Marks, Richard McCrory, Eddie McDowell, Martha Collier Mosely, Cameron Napier, Bud Nason, Elizabeth Potter, Shirley Price, Scott Simmons, Johnny Smith, Debbie Steindorff,  Barbara Wallace
 
Prayers are also requested for these friends: Emma Allshouse, Gail Alsobrook, Mac Burton, John Ferguson, Margaret Hixon, Stephanie Holmes, Gray Howard, Charles Lewis, Henson Millsap, Karen Pacheco, Frieda Rodgers, Pam Slate, Ron Skoneki, Madera Spencer, Chandler Taylor, Connie Thomas, Frank Winkler, Sharon Carney Wright 

Pastoral Care Team for May: Kitty Coleman, Mary Simmons, Mary Ward Wisnewski

Sunday, May 25

7:30 a.m.

Lector: Valinda Johnson

Usher/Greeter: Mary Martin Mitchell

Altar Guild: Karen Funk

10:30 a.m.

Acolytes: J.M. Longshore, Harlan White, W.E. Clark
Altar Guild:  James Rinehart
Lector and Intercessor:  Maria Pacheco, Florence Tyson
Eucharistic Ministers:  Betsy Cannon, Kat Dailey, Dudley Perry
Ushers/Greeters:  Keith Miller, Anne Hamner, Liam McMullan, Florence Tyson
Flower Guild:  Caroline Lawson, Laura McLemore
Flower Delivery Team: Jeanne Drummond, Debbie & George Wakefield
Videographer:  Ken Kline