Small Voice and Other Weekly News

Welcome!

Welcome guests! See the clergy or an usher for a welcome bag with parish information, and visit www.stjohnwilderness.org to fill out an On-Line "Pew Card", or contact Fr. Mark, Rev. Joanie, or Rev. Marilyn. The church phone number is 651/429-5351.

• Fr. Mark, , ext. 11
• Rev. Joanie, , ext. 14
• Rev. Marilyn, , ext. 16
• Deacons Deb and Rick,
• Receptionist,
• Youth and Children's Minister Sheila Foster, , ext. 12
• Music Minister Matthew Anderson, , ext. 17
• Business Administrator Maureen Vruno, , ext. 10
• Kids Hope USA Ministry,
• Healing Ministry, Dianne DelGiorno,

The Episcopal Church is a branch of the One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church founded by Jesus Christ with his Apostles. It is part of the Anglican Communion, a worldwide fellowship, with its roots in the Church of England. It is a Universal or Catholic Church, continuing in the teaching, fellowship, sacramental worship and prayers according to the apostolic tradition. It is a Church of the Protestant Reformation, firmly rooted on the foundation of Holy Scripture and believing that the Bible contains all things necessary for salvation. It is an Evangelical Church, proclaiming Christ Crucified and Resurrected and affirming the need for a personal relationship with Him. It is a Compassionate Church, bringing the grace and hope of the Gospel to every area of life. As members of the Church, we are all ministers of the Gospel, representing Christ to this broken world, bearing witness to His Love, leading others to faith in Him and according to the gifts given us, carrying out His work of reconciliation.

 

Today

Church-wide Lent challenge: We use nearly 1,000 paper cups monthly which costs 1/2 the Hospitality budget! To save money and the environment, please bring your own mug to church and take it home after fellowship hour weekly vs. using paper cups. Place your mug on the cart in the entry before church and grab it on the way to the Parish Hall.

We offer safe and fun Care for children up to age 5 on Sunday mornings and Wednesday evenings. Downstairs from the Parish Hall, the Child Care Room opens Sundays at 8:45 am and closes 15 minutes after the last liturgy.

Please wear your nametag to church. If you've become a member and need a new nametag, please e-mail or call 651/429-5351.

If you haven't yet pledged for 2010 please complete a card now from the Church Nave usher stands. Thank you!

If you're planning a Spring Baptism, sign up today at the Activity Table for a brief class at 6 pm this Wednesday, March 10. Candidates, parents, and sponsors are welcome; Child Care is available. Scheduled Baptism dates are Easter Eve Vigil (4/3) and Pentecost (5/23). Contact: Rev. Marilyn.

Care Packs for Kids: today and next Sunday we're gathering in items to support the Children's Home Society Crisis Nurseries. Please bring your gifts to the altar steps for a special blessing.

Adult Formation at 10 am In the Parlor David Gehrenbeck continues the series Themes and Theology of Sacred Music, based on the book The Song Forever New, a daily Lenten meditation on the hymns of Charles Wesley. In the Fireplace Room Pam Hadley leads a Bible Study. At 11:45 am in the Gathering Room, join one of the clergy for Anglican 101, an overview of our history, belief, and culture. Bring your questions about the church!

 

This Week

Parishioners have the opportunity to purchase flowers and plants for the Maundy Thursday garden, then your own use. An order form and details are in the March Voice, posted and available by the church doors. The deadline is next Sunday, March 14. Questions? Barb, 651/484-1614.

Project Home provides a safe place to sleep for families in need. Mahtomedi's Unitarian Church is hosting for March. We're committed to covering evening and overnight shifts March 8-15. Families are welcome to volunteer; plenty of Children would love to play with someone before bedtime. Project Home Staff are present each night to assist with any questions. Many enjoyed volunteering in November at First Lutheran. Contact: Becky Emerson, or 651/653-3883.

We need volunteers to provide a simple meal for about 50 people at 5:30 pm Wednesday, March 31. Please sign up at the Activity Table. Costs are reimbursed with proper receipts. Contacts: Carole Paddock (651/777-8655) and Kim Johnson (651/484-9215).

Wednesday at 6 pm in the Parlor: Join us for a new clergy-led series on Sin and Redemption.

Please add "White Bear Food Shelf Donation" to your shopping list. Cold weather items would be particularly welcome: cocoa, pancakes and syrup, cookie mix, chicken noodle soup, etc. Comfort foods are good for the soul.

To receive the Rector's e-mail news of St. John's, send a request message to .

Last week's attendance: Wednesday 7 pm = 35; Sunday 8 am = 30, 9 am = 114, 10:30 am = 85. Last week's giving: Electronic Fund Transfers = $3,735; pledge = $3,088; Non-pledge = $295; Plate Cash = $51. Average weekly cost to run the church = $10,705 (2010 Plan / 52 weeks per year)

 

Ongoing/Upcoming

In about 4 weeks we'll again serve a Greek and Russian ethnic foods Easter Eve dinner after the liturgy: roast lamb on the spit, Pascha (makes cheese cake look like diet food), Kylitch (silo-style Easter bread), assorted salads and specialty foods. It's a lot of fun but also a lot of work. Please contact George Gorbatenko, 651/653-4699 or , to serve on a committee: cooking, setup, cleanup. Or, sign up at the Activity Table.

See your February Voice, or the parish website, for Rev. Dn. Rick Todd's article on the Joint Religious Legislative Coalition's March 25 Day on the Hill (to support legislation to end poverty by 2020) and March 29 Minneapolis Project Homeless Connect at the Convention Center. Please participate!

The Diocese requires everyone to take Safeguarding God's Children Training and pass a background check before serving on Vestry or any ministry, not just those serving Youth and Children, and renew every 5 years. Many of us are approaching the 5 year mark. Please attend this training Wednesday, April 7, 6-9 pm, regardless of when you last took it, so we can get on the same renewal cycle. St. John's will not offer training again until July 17. If you can't attend either training before your certification expires you must find training at another Episcopal church.

Carpool from St. John's Saturday, 5/1 at 1 pm to the Science Museum of MN in St. Paul for the Omnitheater film, Arabia and Dead Sea Scrolls special exhibit. Stay after for dinner and informal discussion at a nearby restaurant. Discounted group admission for 15+ participants: $28/adult, $24/ea. age 60+ or 4-12 years, $13/ Science Museum member. Ticket includes special exhibit and audio tour, SMM exhibit galleries, and film Arabia. RSVP and pay Jason or Chantell Knauss for tickets by Sunday, April 18, or 651/426-3535. All expenses are paid by participants.