by the Rev. Christopher Potter, Vicar I wish to turn our minds to statements and questions that come from members of the community to me, the Wardens, and to members of the Bishop’s Committee. It seems for many Episcopalians the nature of how the Church is run — its lines of authority, the distinctions between a […]
by the Rev. Karen Maurer, Associate Vicar Over the past few weeks I have been noticing a wide variety of signs that point to the presence of God right here, right now. I am thinking this probably is not an accident, but more like a Holy Spirit thing because, for the next five Sundays, our Gospel […]
Youth Group adult leaders are always available to members. “Always? Even after 5 p.m.?” Always, 24-7/365. “Wait. What about 2 a.m.?” Yep. Even at 2 a.m., even during work hours, even on weekends, even on vacation. Wednesday night’s ZOOM meeting drew just two members — hello, Summer vacation! — but Youth Group leaders Mary and […]
by the Rev. Karen Maurer, Associate Vicar [Note: In-person worship only July 18; no livestream this Sunday] A long time ago, I learned a beautiful Hymn from our Hymnal. You know how certain tunes just stay with you and find their way into your soul? H644, My Shepherd Will Supply My Need, is one of those […]
by the Reverend Karen Maurer, Associate Vicar Psalm 85:8-13 8 I will listen to what the Lord God is saying, * for he is speaking peace to his faithful people and to those who turn their hearts to him. 9 Truly, his salvation is very near to those who fear him, * that his glory may dwell in our land. 10 Mercy […]
Being part of the St. John’s Youth Group isn’t just showing up at a meeting — it’s about contributing something about yourself and being present for others. Sometimes there’s even homework that helps members dig deeper in their faith. This week members reported back about recently assigned scriptures, sharing with the group what the verse […]
by the Reverend Karen Maurer, Associate Vicar Fourth of July was my favorite holiday when I was a child. The freedom I enjoyed growing up on a cul-de-sac street with lots of other kids was an absolute joy, especially on the 4th. Our day began with a pipe being sunk in a neighbor’s front lawn […]
by the Rev. Christopher Potter, Vicar This weekend, the Gospel stories tell of Jesus’ healings of two people who had lives full of challenges and setbacks. The stories got me thinking of what it may mean for us to set aside space and time for God in these days. When asked about setting aside time […]
Many Youth Group members are helping spearhead St. John’s VBS program, running this week at the church — pics coming tomorrow! Last night’s devotional was 1 Corinthians 12:12-20 which says that as Christians we are all baptized into one body. Seeing our youth and adult leaders come together from widely different backgrounds to talk about […]
by the Rev. Christopher Potter, Vicar “Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?” He woke up and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, “Peace! Be still!” Then the wind ceased, and there was a dead calm.” Mark 4:38-39 This portion of Sunday’s Gospel seems made for this weekend – as it is […]
| NOTE: Sunday, June 13 at 9 a.m. we’ll honor all our graduates! When invited, please come forward so we can acknowledge you and your efforts! | By the Rev. Christopher Potter, Vicar In the First Book of Samuel, Samuel is tasked with finding a successor to Saul, the first King of the united Israel. Saul presided (late […]
VBS is just around the corner, and we’ve got the famous “Very Special List With Odd Things On It” ready for you! If you’re new to St. John’s, the list details needed items to help nourish our VBS day campers. You can sign up here! Please bring your donations to St. John’s by Thursday, June […]
by the Rev. Christopher Potter, Vicar As the Episcopal branch of the Jesus Movement in the Diocese of Los Angeles anticipates a word or two from Bishop John, and awaits directions from the State of California regarding COVID-19 safeguards, we’re taking the cautious step of restarting our Saturday evening service on June 19. By that date, […]
As Youth Group winds toward summer, Mrs. Patti and co-leaders Mr. and Mrs. Nichols, Joe Miramontes, and Mike Oliver asked the YG members this week for a worst and best list from the past year: I had a set schedule and COVID ruined it. But also, my schedule got ruined and it was okay because […]
Here’s an overview of what’s on deck at St. John’s. Get ALL the details right here! + Baptisms are back! Contact Roger Bradshaw in the church office. + Details and pics of your high school and college grads are needed by Wednesday, June 2. + VBS is Monday-Friday, June 21-25 from 9 a.m. to noon. Sign-ups happening now. + Youth […]
Why I Find it Beneficial to Think of the Trinity as “Perichoresis” by the Rev. Christopher Potter, Vicar So, please first forgive me for my obvious transgression: I should NOT try to define the Trinity in any way. To undertake such a feat is to tempt orthodoxy and could land me in heresy jail. Second, excuse […]
Shared by the Rev. Christopher Potter, Vicar As we enter the Season of Pentecost, I want to share with you this beautiful poem by Chelan Harkin from the book Susceptible to Light. The worst thing we ever did was put God in the sky out of reach pulling the divinity from the leaf, sifting out […]
After checking in with everyone, Mrs. Patti jumped to the focus of this week’s meeting — REST. “We’ve spent the last three meetings talking about rest. Last week I asked you to take 30 minutes of just Sabbath, just rest, and take care of you. Who did something just to take care of yourself?” The […]
Tomorrow, Wednesday, May 19, is the RSM Cares Food Pantry. If you’re shopping today, please consider picking up some of these items which are the most needed. You can drop your purchases at the church office Monday through Friday during regular office hours. • peanut butter • canned tuna and chicken •pasta and pasta sauce •cereal […]
As I write this, it’s Ascension Day, the day the church remembers that after his death and resurrection, Jesus was bodily taken into heaven as his friends watched. This is not the most astonishing thing that happened in this part of the Acts of the Apostles, for something bigger was yet to come. The story […]