Sunday, April 10, Palm Sunday
Almighty and everliving God, in your tender love for the human race you sent your Son our Savior Jesus Christ to take upon him our nature, and to suffer death upon the cross, giving us the example of his great humility: Mercifully grant that we may walk in the way of his suffering, and also share in his resurrection; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Sunday, April 10 is Palm Sunday. Download the worship booklet here. We will return to 8 and 10:30 services. We will use dried native grasses instead of palms for a local, eco-friendly enactment of the entry into Jerusalem.
Holy Week Services:
Thursday, April 14, 7 pm, Maundy Thursday liturgy, stripping of altar, watch
Good Friday, April 15, Stations of the Cross at noon
Good Friday Liturgy at 7 pm
Holy Saturday, April 16, The Easter Vigil at 7 pm, followed by dessert-apalooza
Easter Day, Sunday, April 17 at 8 am 10:30 am
SIGN-UPS ARE BACK! Please check the kiosk in the parish hall for sign-ups for Action Shelter Sandwiches and Coffee Hour.
Easter flower envelopes are in the pews and in the office. Please return by April 11.
Mark Nelson is Retiring: After more than 20 years of service at St. John’s, Mark is planning to retire this June. We are grateful for the faithful sharing of his gifts and self over the years. Mark has pledged to help us in finding interim musical leadership, and will be here with us through Easter Season. We will have a big party on June 12, before he rides off into a new chapter of his life. Thank you, Mark, for all you have given St. John’s! Join us after worship for an informal coffee hour on Sunday.
COVID Restrictions Eased: The bishops are allowing some changes in our COVID protocols. Do what is most comfortable to you and still respects the well-being of others. People have different needs and risk tolerances. 1. Stay home if you are sick. If you test positive, you do not need to report it to the church office. 2. Masking is optional, but still recommended, especially for the unvaccinated, those at high risk, or those who are singing. 3. Social distancing is optional, but we will have chairs set up spaced apart for those who want more room. 4. Coffee hour is allowed. Use your judgment about whether and how to eat and drink. 5. Use of the common cup is allowed. We will consider offering wine in several weeks. It’s optional!
The Open Door Is Still Here: Easter is arriving, and Saint John’s is returning to its usual schedule, which is a good time to remember our ministries of caring and sharing. The Open Door and Saint John’s have a long-standing relationship in meeting the nutritional needs of our community. Gloucester’s local food pantry played a much-needed role in meeting the nutrition needs in the community, especially during the pandemic. In 2021, Open Door distributed 1.83 million pounds of groceries (34 % of which was fresh produce) and 1.5 million meals, serving over 4,000 households. We ask that you please consider bringing in a few items to church on Sundays that will be donated to The Open Door. Non-perishable food and other items (eg diapers, baby wipes, feminine hygiene, toiletries) are welcome. With rising costs, all donations are much appreciated. If you have any questions, please contact Claudette Chmura, cdmchmura@aol.com. The Open Door Is Calling: If you are interested in providing a few hours a week toward a good cause, The Open Door is looking for volunteers. Shifts are flexible, and there are numerous openings in the fulfillment center, call center, deliveries, sorting donations, and preparing meals (you might get the chance to work alongside the owner and chef of Duckworth’s Bistro). Whatever floats your boat. All volunteers must be vaccinated and boosted. Please contact Kayla Mayo, Engagement Coordinator, kayla.mayo@foodpanty.org, 978-525-8616, if you are interested.
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