Parish News

Announcements for March 2008

Please know that all are welcome at St. John’s. We invite you to worship with us, to join us as we learn and love and serve our Lord.

Holy Week at St. John’s: Please know that you are most welcome to come be part of this most holy week.

Palm Sunday, March 16th, 8:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. We meet in the patio to hear the story of Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem, bless the palms, and process to the church. Here we will hear the Passion of our Lord and prepare to walk with him through the events of this week.

Monday in Holy Week, March 17th, 7:00 a.m. Holy Eucharist

Tuesday in Holy Week, March 18th, 7:00 p.m. Holy Eucharist

Wednesday in Holy Week, March 19th, 7:00 a.m. Holy Eucharist, followed by a light breakfast

Wednesday in Holy Week, March 19th, 6:30 p.m. Soup Supper, followed by Tenebrae. Tenebrae is a service derived from monastic orders; it takes its name from the Latin for “darkness”. There are a series of readings and psalms; gradually the church gets darker as the candles are extinguished. The single remaining candle reminds us of the light of Christ.

Maundy Thursday, March 20th, 7:00 p.m. We meet to celebrate Jesus’ last supper with his disciples. We wash each other’s feet in obedience to his command (you may participate or watch). We have a simple supper in silence, then return to the church to strip the altar.

Good Friday, March 21st, noon We meet in the patio to pray the Stations of the Cross.

Good Friday, 7:00 p.m. We meet in the church to observe the liturgy of Good Friday. Today’s offering goes to the church in Jerusalem.

Holy Saturday, The Great Vigil of Easter, March 22nd,8:00 p.m. We light the new fire, proclaiming the Light of Christ; we hear the history of God’s saving acts, and celebrate with joy our Lord’s resurrection. A party follows - bring an hors d’oeuvre or dessert to share.

Easter Sunday, March 23rd; 8:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. We celebrate with joy our Lord’s resurrection. An Easter egg hunt for children follows the 10:00 service.

Our Lenten offering this year will go to Episcopal Relief and Development, to fund the purchase of mosquito nets, a primary defense against the spread of malaria. Each $12 purchases a net and the health education to go with it. We are also asking that each family bring in a new or gently used outfit for a child at Orangewood. The children in the county’s care range in age from newborns to 18 year olds.

Do you have clothes you no longer need? Clothes for men, women, and children are needed for those in shelters. Imagine what it means to a homeless person to be able to go into a “boutique” and select clothes to wear. Please include your name and address if you would like a receipt for tax purposes.

The food for March is canned fruit. Thanks for remembering those who do not have enough to eat.

The Sons of St. John will not meet this month. In April, they will be planting the new garden!

Girls Friendly Society meets on the second and fourth Mondays of each month from 3:30 - 5:00. There will be no meeting on the 24th of March. The girls are working on the Bowl symbol and the Lamb symbol.

You are invited! we have this wonderful opportunity for you…come and paint! and otherwise clean and tidy and prepare the church for Holy Week and Easter. Saturday, March 15th, from 9 - 1 (or any part of it.) Questions? Contact Don, the Junior Warden.

Bishop Carranza will be with us on Sunday, June 15th, to preach, celebrate, and confirm. If you are interested in being confirmed or received, please talk with Barbara. Classes for youth will be on the first and fourth Sundays after the 10:00 service; classes for adults will be on the third Sundays after the 10:00 service. All are welcome to attend the classes.

Ladies’ Night Out: Friday, April 18th, at Nick’s.

Sunday School meets each Sunday at 9:45. All children are welcome!

Socks! one of the most needed items for people on the street, and for the children who come to Orangewood. New or gently used socks for men, women, and children are much appreciated.

Wednesday morning Eucharist (7 am): March 12: Wednesday of the fifth week of Lent March 19: Wednesday of Holy Week