The Sixth Sunday after the Epiphany
Christian Education for All Ages: Saint John’s offers Christian Education for children and adults on Sunday mornings at 9 a.m. Classes for children ages 4 through high school meet in the classrooms above Trimble Hall. New participants are always welcome. Adults gather in Saint Mary's Chapel at 9:00 a.m., for a thought-provoking discussion of topics relevant to understanding our faith.
Adult Forum: The Rise of Islam and the Threat of Iconoclasm ~In 540, Justinian had accomplished what he thought was an “eternal peace” with the Persian Empire through the payment of tribute – it was an illusion. Between 614 and 625, the Persians took over Damascus and Jerusalem, overran Egypt, and sacked Constantinople. A new religious and political challenge arose that would eventually conquer Byzantium – a religion of Islam. Join us in Saint Mary’s Chapel following the 8:00 a.m. service as we follow the story beyond the Sunday school teachings of your childhood.
Youth Dessert Auction: Today is the 3rd annual youth dessert auction to be held in the parish after the 10:15 a.m. service. Please come and buy your valentine or special someone a special dessert before lent!
Prayer Forum: "Knock and the door will be opened; seek and ye shall find....." On Saturday, March 14 from 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. in Saint Mary's Chapel, there will be an informal gathering for anyone interested in discussing the subject of PRAYER -- an important part of our Lenten season. Bring your Bible and a bag lunch/snack. For details contact Mary Lou Brooks at (301)714-2339 or at marybrooks949@gmail.com. We hope you will come and share your experiences with prayer and be led to knock at the door. There will be a sign-up sheet at the Antietam entrance.
Adult Shoes and Boots Drive: Many homeless adults are walking around with worn out shoes and boots that don’t protect them from the freezing cold and inclement weather. If you have some gently used shoes or boots that you don’t need, please consider donating them to this cause. This shoe and boot drive is being sponsored by the New Light Metropolitan Community Church in Hagerstown, and Saint John’s is welcome to participate - again another way that we can serve those in need. The drive will continue from February 1 – February 22. A box labeled: “Adult Shoes & Boots” is located in Trimble Hall to receive your donations. Thank you.
Pilgrimage to Great Britain: Would you like to learn more about the Anglican Heritage of the Episcopal Church? The Revs. Allan and Anne Weatherholt (anneweatherholt@gmail.com) and the Rev. Steve McCarty and his wife, Melanie, are sponsoring Pilgrimage to Great Britain and Scotland October 15-23, 2020 to explore Cathedrals, see the site of the birthplace of Anglicanism and learn about our Anglican Heritage. The price is very reasonable and all-inclusive (travel, 2 meals, housing in a 3&4 star hotels, bus, guides, gratuities). Find out all the details by going to https://myfaithjourneys.com/login.asp and log in with group #20040. The trip is limited to 40 participants, so don’t delay! This will be a Pilgrimage to remember!
Altar Flowers: Long time provider of our beautiful Sunday and special occasion flowers, Ben’s Flower Shop, is closing their doors and retiring as of February 29, 2020. Altar guild chair Joyce Chabot and vestry member Deanna Soulis are in the process of finding a new vendor and could decide on something different from what is now done. Anyone with suggestions they would like considered, please share your thoughts with Joyce. Building community. Flower schedulers, Anne Morin and Chris Tischer.
Ushers: Two ushers are needed to serve on an usher team during the 10:15 a.m. service. If you are interested, please contact Mike Mummert or the Church office.
Attention Knitters and Crocheters: If you are interested in knitting or crocheting hats, scarfs, or gloves for the REACH cold weather shelter please contact Kathy Marks at 301-791-0092 or cell 301-730-4050.