Featured Events
Introduction to the Community of the Cross of Nails, April 9 to May 7
We at St. John’s have the opportunity to join a worldwide community of reconciliation called the Community of the Cross of Nails. The program is based on the original message of Christ: love and reconciliation with all, even one’s enemies. It is named for the cross formed by nails left after the bombing of Coventry Cathedral during World War II, which led to efforts to respond with peace, forgiveness, and understanding for all. It involves participation in a small group community as well as forming spiritual friendships.
The program is led by clergy, with a different focus every week. The topics, prayers, readings, and meditation will lead us into a deeper relationship with Christ and with all others, both within and outside our own community. We introduce the Community of the Cross of Nails as the Wednesday evening Adult Formation series, beginning at 6 pm. Our schedule:
- April 9: Suffering and Stillness
- April 16: Personal Reconciliation
- April 23: Family and Community Reconciliation
- April 30: Racism, Oppression, and Privilege
- May 7: Global Reconciliation
The clergy highly recommends this series as a spirit-changing opportunity for ourselves, our Christian community, and the greater community of God’s people. Please join us on our journey of reconciliation. You may sign up in the Parish Hall or speak to Rev. Marilyn for details.
Cities of Earth and Heaven: April 20 to June 1
This Sunday series in Adult Education looks at the theme of religious liberty in a historical context. The series began Sunday April 20 at 10 am and continues through Sunday June 1. Dr. Mark Thorson, Program Director, General Studies, College of Adult and Professional Studies at Bethel University, and member of St. Johns, is leading the series.
Cemetery Cleanup, May 3
The Cemetery cleanup is this Saturday, 5/3, 9 am to 1 pm on the SE corner of White Bear Ave and South Shore Blvd. Please bring your own lawn care hand tools such as a rake to help, and stay to enjoy lunch grilled by Boy Scout Troop 494!
Troops Returning to Civilian Life, May 4
On Sunday May 4, at 10 am in the Parlor, Carolyn Fick, Veterans Administration Clinical Nurse Specialist in Adult Mental Health, will discuss issues with reentry of military personnel and their families following extensive tours of military duty. How can we as members of the community be part of efforts to improve the return to civilian life for these people? Join us for this presentation and discussion.
Annual Hill Home Ingathering, May 11
Our 7th Annual Hill Home Ingathering is on Sunday, May 11th. We invite you to share from your abundance with women seeking lives free from violence and abuse for themselves and their children. The Stan and Doris Hill Home located in Lake Elmo, part of the Tubman Family Alliance, provides a safe place for women and children in transition. Among its many services, the home provides items to women and children fleeing family violence.
Adult Bath Kits items can be wrapped in a bath towel and tied with a ribbon or cord:
- One bath towel
- One face/wash towel
- One 4.5 oz bath soap
Adult Hygiene Kits can be placed In a shoebox size plastic container with top:
- Brush
- Comb -- large
- Deodorant 10 oz
- Dental Floss
- Lotion 10 -- 12 oz Jergens or Vaseline Intensive Care
- Shampoo (include products for African American hair)
- Shaver, Bic or Gillette
- Tooth brush -- regular size
- Tooth paste -- regular size
Child Bath Kits items can be wrapped in a bath towel and tied with a ribbon or cord:
- One bath towel
- One face/wash towel
- One 4.5 oz bath soap
- Small floating toy
- Lotion -- Baby lotion for infants
Child Hygiene Kits can be placed in a shoebox size plastic container with top:
- Comb
- Dental Floss
- Hair brush
- Lotion 10 oz
- Tooth brush -- child size
- Tooth paste -- regular
Household Items:
- Bed Linens (sheets for twin & full beds)
- Pillows & Pillow Cases
- Dishes & Glassware
- Flatware
- Waterproof Mattress Pads
- Blankets
- Bakeware & Pots & Pans
- Hand & Dish Towels
Baccalaureate Sunday, May 18
We will celebrate our graduates’ accomplishments during our 9 am Baccalaureate service. If you are graduating this year, please send Sheila Foster via email to let her know from where you are graduating. Please include a sentence or two about your Fall plans.
Alison Feigh Presentation and Book Signing, June 8
At 9 am Sunday, June 8 we welcome our own Alison Feigh, Child Safety Specialist with the Jacob Wetterling Foundation, former Youth and Children’s Minister here at St. John’s, and now author of two new children’s books. She will discuss the books and the broader topic of child safety. A reception, book sale and signing will follow 10 am worship.
Gehrenbeck Retirement Dinner, June 18
Helen and David will retire from St. John’s staff on July 1. We would like everyone to save Wednesday, June 18 for a retirement dinner at St. John’s. Details will appear in future Voice issues, and all parishioners will receive an invitation in May. Please mark your calendars now, and plan to join us as we honor the Gehrenbecks’ many years of service to our music programs.
Youth Mission Trip to Chicago, June 22-28
The youth (8th – 12th Grade) and parents met to discuss two possible mission locations, and it was decided that Chicago will be our destination. There will be ongoing planning meetings for the mission trip on Sunday mornings at 10 am in St. Bernard’s room upstairs on the 1st & 3rd Sundays of the month. All are welcome to help in the planning of this important ministry. Commitment forms will be available on the youth board in the Parish Hall or by contacting Sheila Foster.