I grew up without Thanksgiving Day on my calendar. For me the fourth Thursday of November was just another cloudy, damp, and cold school day, like most other days in November. Nothing to celebrate, no cause for a song and dance, and definitely no reason for giving thanks.

I was familiar with what Jesus thought about giving thanks, however. At elementary school, I’d sit cross-legged on the floor, while a teacher told us the story from Luke 17:11-19 about Jesus healing ten patients with leprosy, but only one coming back to thank him. She instructed us that we were to be grateful children.

I have a few hobbies that I'm nervous to tell you about in case you think I'm boring. But this is the only way I can think of starting this sermon, so I'm afraid I'm going to risk your judgment and face it. Being boring is a serious indictment. My first boring hobby is stamp collecting. I know it's really dull, but when I grew up, we didn't have computers, so I had to do something.

Thank you to all who had any part in the planning and execution of this year's ECW Bazaar.  It was an overwhelming SUCCESS!  For the past 4 months, many members of our congregation have spent countless hours giving their time, talents, and treasure.  It has been an amazing adventure that I have enjoyed immensely!  Through all of your efforts, we will continue to be a beacon in the heart of Montgomery.  Again, thank you!

Christine Kline

All remaining pantry items are for sale at full price until November 30. After that, anything left will be available at half price. Everything is upstairs in the Bazaar Pantry Room, payment is on the honor system. Thanks for your continued support of the St. John's Bazaar!

All remaining items in the Treasure Attic are now half off and pantry food items are still available for purchase. Office hours are 9 a.m. 4 p.m. Monday through Thursday.

Please call 334-262-1937 or email churchoffice@stjohnsmontgomery.org if you have questions.

Bishop Glenda Curry will host a program at St. John’s Episcopal Church in Montgomery on Sunday, November 30, 2025, at 5 pm to celebrate Rosa Parks’ Weekend, and to honor the Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd. The program will feature Dr. Alcee Chriss III as organist performing music by black composers. Everyone is welcome.

The Living Well through Advent Bible Study group will meet at the home of Marney Garzon starting this Sunday, November 30 at 6 p.m. For more information, please contact Carrie Shaw at cgshaw2014@gmail.com for more information.

Marney's address is 2453 E. Cloverdale Park, Montgomery, AL 36106. Please park in the back and enter the house through the back. 

The PDF of the Advent devotional booklet is available here. Paper copies are also available at the church desk.

For those experiencing a loss, December can be painful. 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 on Dec. 1.

Register at griefshare.org/events/276204

When a government shutdown occurs, food benefits can be delayed or interrupted. St. John's, being a downtown parish, often has people seeking food assistance. We will be collecting non-perishable food items for the month of October for distribution. If you can donate, please consider items like canned tuna or chicken packet meals, trail mix or granola bars, protein or ensure shakes, electrolyte drink packets, canned beans or fruit. Bring donations to the church office. Please direct questions to churchoffice@stjohnsmontgomery.org.

Urgent Food Assistance Guide

An installation of sculptures created by Camilla Brunschwyler Armstrong will be on display at The Church of the Ascension until Nov. 14. This exhibit is in conjunction with the Cross and Currents Workshop event happening on Nov. 1 from 9:30 a.m. - 3 p.m. 

A collection of sculptural boats inspired by the work of Frances Carlile in an exhibit at Canterbury Cathedral, and handcrafted from gathered natural materials. As you engage with these works of art with an open heart and mind, these "journey boats" can carry you on a voyage of reflection and discovery, inspiring you to reflect on your own spiritual journey and the movement of God's spirit within it.

Click here to learn more about the Cross and Currents Workshop and to register.

Pledge packets were mailed out during the month of October. If you didn't receive yours and would like to, you can either:

Your prayers are requested for the following parishioners:
Dorothy Arrington, Ilouise Bradford, Renee Carlisle, Rick Durden, Dave Funk, Emily Crump Johannes, Carma Marks, Richard McCrory, Pat McDonald, Eddie McDowell, Martha Collier Mosely, Cameron Napier, Bud Nason, Elizabeth Potter, Shirley Price, Debbie Steindorff, Jack Taylor, Barbara Wallace. Florence Young

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

7:30 a.m.
Lector: Valinda Johnson
Usher/Greeter: Ashley Roseboro
Altar Guild: Jean McDowell

10:30 a.m.
Acolytes: Eloise Carlisle, Will Evans Clark, Costa Cumuze, Burton Holmes
Altar Guild: Ashley Hamlett 
Lector and Intercessor: Reg McLane, Ken Kline
Eucharistic Ministers: Callie Dietz, Bill Harlow 
Ushers/Greeters: Keith Miller, Melissa Carter, Anne Hamner, Elizabeth Lawlor
Flower Guild: Jean Smyth
Flower Delivery Team: Tracey Campbell