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Swords into Plowshares - a message from the rector“He will judge between the nations and will settle disputes for many peoples. They will beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks. Nation will not take up sword against nation, nor will they train for war anymore.” Isaiah 2:4 Yes, Lord, but when? Well not today, and not last Wednesday when Charlie Kirk was murdered. For a little while longer the sword and its modern-day equivalents will have their bloody, insatiable way. Our nation and our world will continue in searing pain. In some ways it’s always been like this. The U.S. has for 249 years been a place where political violence has seemed like an acceptable alternative to the truly heroic task of talking, respecting, and honoring the God-shaped humanity of other people. Those well-meaning folks who have said in the week since Mr. Kirk’s assassination, “This is not America,” are mistaken. This is exactly who we are (among a legion of other, glorious, things of course.) |
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Breeze System Gives Access to Directory, Calendar, & GivingSt. John’s has recently implemented a new system called Breeze for its giving, directory, calendar, website, and app. Parishioners received an invite via email to create an account. Information guides are printed and available in the church office or on the St. John’s website. Please call the church office or email emily@stjohnsmontgomery.org for assistance. You can view the Breeze Manual HERE Update your directory information HERE Access Breeze via My STJ HERE |
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ECW Fall ConferenceRegistration is open! Please see the attached flyer for details. Click here to register: https://www.dioala.org/event- St. John's is honored to host the ECW Fall Conference on Oct. 17. More details to come. For questions and information, email Christine Kline at firefamily1991@gmail.com. |
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Fall Speaker Series: AI & the ChurchWednesdays at 6 p.m. | Beginning Oct. 1 | Parish Hall Join us Wednesday nights in October as we examine what effects Artificial Intelligence has on our faith and daily lives. St. John’s welcomes Dr. Jim Locke, Executive Director of AI Research and Education at Troy University Montgomery. Dinner at 6, teaching & discussion at 6:30. |
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Bazaar Looking for Arts & Crafts ItemsDo you love to craft? Do you enjoy making things with your hands? The St. John's Arts and Crafts group is looking for handmade, unique items to be sold at this year's Bazaar. Whether you're into painting, woodworking, sewing, needlepoint, ceramics, or anything else, we'd love for you to join our group and share your talents with us. Some of our group do crafts at home bu we do meet frequently to do crafts as a group. The Arts and Crafts group usually meets on Thursday mornings at 10 a.m. We will not meet September 18 but will meet on September 23 and 25. All skill levels are welcome. If you know how to use a glue gun, come on! Interested? Contact Murray Bennett at 334-430-8660 for more details. |
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EYC Acolyte TrainingThis Sunday, September 21, St. John's Youth will have breakfast and Sunday School from 9:15-10:10 before the 10:30 Eucharist service. Then at 11:30, JR will host an Acolyte Training. Please RSVP so we can have a head count for lunch: jr@stjohnsmontgomery.org. |
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Dio Day "DioLympics" Youth EventAre you in 7-12th grade and ready to make connections and have some fun with other youth from around the diocese?!? Join us on Sunday, October 5, from 2-4pm at Holy Cross Episcopal Church in Trussville for Dio Day “DioLympics”, an afternoon of fun and games hosted by the diocesan Youth Department. No matter the size of the youth presence at your church, we would love to have you there.
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Blessing of the AnimalsMark your calendars...St. John’s will host its annual “Blessing of the Animals” event on Sunday, October 5 2025 at 5 p.m. in the St. John’s Labyrinth. |
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New Grief Support GroupFor those experiencing a loss, October through December can be excruciatingly painful months. Death, separation, divorce, illness, family trauma, job loss, or moving to a new location result in great losses that make the holidays difficult. St. John's will be offering a nationally recognized grief support program called Grief Share this fall and winter—one before Thanksgiving and one before Christmas.
We hope that this will be a safe and welcoming space to pray, reflect, and learn coping skills for managing grief, all in the care and support of others who may be going through the same.
Registration is to follow in the newsletter next week.
Please get in touch with Rev. H. Mawande Mzongwana (mawande@stjohnsmontgomery.org) if you have any questions or would like to discuss further.
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Outreach OpportunitiesThe 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: |
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Joys & ConcernsYour prayers are requested for the following parishioners: Prayers are also requested for these friends: |
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Lay Ministry Reminders - September 21September 21 (3rd Sunday) 7:30 a.m. Flower Delivery Team: Melissa Carter, Doris Ball, Linda Hutchinson |
