Last Sunday in my sermon I tried to ‘do my bit’ for creating a peaceful environment in these murderously divided times. I preached about the need to pray for people in authority, even if we don’t like them or disagree with their policies. St. Paul tells us to in 1 Timothy.

When we pray for people we dislike and disagree with we open ourselves to God transforming us. The person we’re praying for might not change (bless their heart!), but we do. As we stand in the other’s shoes, God gives us a glimpse of their humanity. The can lead to empathy which, in turn, leads us to turn down of the angry voices in our heads.

It's been 22 years since I emigrated, and in that time something has happened to the way the British speak. Now, the British have always enjoyed friendly competition over their accents. There are around 40 different dialects in the UK, which is a lot for a small group of islands. In fact, accents can vary clearly from town to town.

So much so that a person with a good ear can tell within 10 miles where a Brit comes from just by listening to them. And we, Brits just can't help ourselves. Maybe it's our class ridden history, but we are like dogs. Whenever we meet another member of the species, the UK species, we have to check each other out and pass judgment.

St. 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.
Please note: Breeze is recommended for parishioners, but not required. Printed directories are available upon request.

You can view the Breeze Manual HERE

Update your directory information HERE

Access Breeze via My STJ HERE

Registration is open! Please see the attached flyer for details.

Click here to register: https://www.dioala.org/event-details-id19/?id=335

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.

Wednesdays 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.

Do 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. 

Are 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.

Registration is FREE and can be found at www.dioala.org/news-events.

If you have questions or would like additional information, please contact JR Marshall at jr@stjohnsmontgomery.org.

Mark 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.

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:
Nancy Buzard, Rosa Davis, Rick Durden, Dave Funk, Emily Crump Johannes, Bill Marks, Carma Marks, Richard McCrory, Pat McDonald, Eddie McDowell, Martha Collier Mosely, Cameron Napier, Bud Nason, Elizabeth Potter, Shirley Price, Hawthorne Ramsey, Scott Simmons, Debbie Steindorff, Barbara Wallace

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

September 28 (4th Sunday) 

7:30 a.m.
Lector: Will Hill Tankersley
Usher/Greeter: Elizabeth Lawlor
Altar Guild: Karen Funk

10:30 a.m.
Altar Guild: James Rinehart
Lector and Intercessor: Rich Anderson, Ashley Roseboro
Eucharistic Ministers: Betsy Cannon, William Haynes
Ushers/Greeters: Chuck Ocheltree, Jon Dailey, Anne Hamner, Karen Westhauser
Flower Guild: Bette Smith, Carroll Nason
Flower Delivery Team: Jeanne Drummond, Debbie & George Wakefield
Videographer: Ken Kline 

Bring a covered dish to share! Please drop it off in the parish hall before the service.

Refreshments and fall-themed desserts will be provided.

Games for adults and kiddos! Come get you Fall on! Let Mawande know if you will be coming.