My sisters and brothers in Christ:

We worship as usual this weekend: Our convenient community Holy Eucharist service today (Saturday, March 5) at 5 p.m. and on the Fourth Sunday in Lent at 8 and 10 a.m. We’ll hear one of the Bible’s greatest, richest stories: Our LORD’s parable of the prodigal son. Redemption, forgiveness, envy — it’s all there, and more. It will inevitably come up on Sunday at 9 a.m. in the Bishop’s Room as we continue our conversation about Frank Rogers’ book Practicing Compassion. If you’re reading along with us, please read through chapter four: “Taking the Other’s Pulse: Cultivating Compassion for Another” (as the father urged the elder son about his prodigal brother!).

Mo. Martha has arranged for Dr. Rogers to be with us on Wednesday, March 16 for supper and more conversation about practicing compassion. Mark your calendars, and sign up this weekend in the Narthex. All are welcome, whether you’ve read the book or not. It’s free; we’ll take a free will offering.

As we prepare for Holy Week and the great Resurrection celebration, this weekend also affords great opportunities to shop for See’s candy after both services on Sunday…to give us your instructions for Easter flowers, both thanksgivings and memorials (look for the special envelope in the Narthex; we need to know your wishes by March 20)…to grab an “Easter Is For All At. St. John’s” sticker for your bumper, laptop, or backpack and help spread the good news…to reserve your spot for the all-night Maundy Thursday prayer vigil March 24-25…and to stop by the Relay for Life table after church this Sunday to join the St. John’s team for the American Cancer Society’s annual fundraiser in Rancho Santa Margarita on Saturday, May 14 from 9 a.m.-9 p.m.

Yours in Christ’s love,
Fr. John

P.S. The photos show St. John’s School rocket scientists Lea and Killian and architect Morgan last Thursday during our annual STEAM Day. Thanks to STEAM and other innovations, our church’s largest ministry has become one of the most exciting and innovative independent schools in southern California.

P.P.S.: The most exciting and innovative Vacation Bible School in the land — entitled “Cave Quest: Following Jesus, the Light of the World”– will shine its light June 19-23 at St. John’s. After the first session on Sunday, June 19 from 2-5 p.m., the whole VBS family — campers, their families, and our staff and volunteers — are invited to a festive fellowship dinner on campus. Signups begin on-line this Sunday, March 6. Go to www.stjohnsrsm.org, and look for the Cave Quest logo.