Sunday, March 27, Fourth Sunday in Lent
Gracious Father, whose blessed Son Jesus Christ came down from heaven to be the true bread which gives life to the world: Evermore give us this bread, that he may live in us, and we in him; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
Sunday, March 27 is the Fourth Sunday in Lent. Download the worship booklet here.
Coffee Hour Resumes April 3rd! After our last 9:30 service, we will have a vestry-sponsored coffee hour to celebrate relaxed COVID precautions and our life together.
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.
What is New, What is Normal for Holy Week: On Palm Sunday, April 10, we return to 8 and 10:30 services. We will be using dried native grasses instead of palms for a local, eco-friendly enactment of the entry into Jerusalem. Want to help read the passion story in the service?—talk to Marge Bishop to sign up. The Maundy Thursday service, April 14, will be at 7 pm. Is there interest in a vigil following (from 8 to 10 or 8 to 12)?—talk to Marge Bishop to sign up. Good Friday, April 15, will offer Stations of the Cross at noon and the Good Friday Liturgy at 7 pm. The Easter Vigil will be on Holy Saturday, April 16 at 7 pm and will be followed by the Easter dessert-apalooza. Easter Day will be celebrated on April 17 at 8 am 10:30 am. Response to War on Ukraine: Our bishops joined with the House of Bishops in decrying the actions by Russia as “a fundamental violation of the rights and dignity rightly accorded all people, and a flagrant breach of international norms.” The full statement may be found here. Bishops Gayle and Alan call upon the congregations of the Diocese of MA to engage in continued prayer for peace and to conduct ingatherings for the Ukraine Crisis Response Fund of Episcopal Relief & Development on coming Sundays, April 3 and April 10. Fund information is HERE.
Pastor Installation Service St. Paul Lutheran Church, Gloucester, on April 3rd. You are invited to the installation of the Rev. LaDonna Thomas on Sunday, April 3rd at 4:00 P.M 1123 Washington St., Gloucester, MA 01930. Mask wearing recommended.