Eastertide is the season of joy. It’s also full of new life and new possibility. For us, Easter is more than just a day. It’s 50 days of unrestrained joy, all the way to the Day of Pentecost – the day when the disciples were filled with the Holy Spirit and started spreading the gospel.
You’ll notice some changes this season. Every service begins with the words, “Alleluia. Christ is risen.” And, you’ll see the Paschal candle present and lit on the altar each time we gather for worship. Additionally, during Eastertide, every service ends with “Alleluia, Alleluia!” At St. John’s, you will witness unrestrained joy and many new possibilities through this season’s programming. Read on for a rundown of special services, unique musical events, and classes that promise to introduce, engage, and enrich. Alleluia, Alleluia!
“TOWER BELL TUESDAYS” BEGINS
Tuesday, May 2 | 12 PM | Eve’s Garden
Mini bell concerts and tours of our historic bell tower and sanctuary (Tuesdays in May).
*NEW* CONTEMPLATIVE LUNCH
Thursday, May 4 | 12:30 PM | Rutledge Room
Gather in community to deepen your centering prayer practice (1st and 3rd Thursday).
TOUR ST. JOHN’S HISTORY CEMETERY
Sunday, May 7 | 3 to 4:30 PM | Cemetery
St. John’s Historical Society shares all about the parishioners who came before us.
YOUTH END-OF-YEAR EVENT
Sunday, May 7 | 5 to 7 PM | Off-Campus
St. John’s Youth wraps up the year with a pool party at the home of Sarah Beth and Bo Shippen.
SERVICE OF CHORAL EVENSONG
Sunday, May 7 | 5:30 PM | Church
One of the oldest services in the Anglican tradition. The pre-service organ recital begins at 5 PM.
“EDUCATION FOR MINISTRY” (EFM) OPEN HOUSE
Tuesday, May 9 | 5:30 PM | Killeen Hall
All about the program that studies scriptural, historical, theological reflection, and relational ministry.
THE GOOD FUNERAL: HOW TO PLAN
Thursday, May 11 | 5:30 PM | Killeen Hall
Join the St. John’s Episcopal Church Foundation to learn about the theology of a funeral at St. John’s.
FESTAL EUCHARIST SUNDAY
MTR. LESLIE’S FIRST SUNDAY
Sunday, May 14 | 10 AM | Church
First graders receive Eucharist together and we welcome Associate Rector, Mtr. Leslie Roraback.
NEW MEMBERS’ RETREAT
Saturday, May 20 | 8:30 AM to 1 PM | Chapel
Half-day retreat on the Episcopal faith and traditions, church history, and getting involved at St. John’s.
BACCALAUREATE SUNDAY
Sunday, May 21 | 10 AM | Church
Sermons will be delivered by our soon-to-be high school graduates, and we’ll celebrate the St. John’s parishioners graduating from the EfM program.
DAY OF PENTECOST
CONFIRMATION SUNDAY
Sunday, May 28 | 10 AM ONLY | Church
Youth and adults will be presented for Confirmation, Reception, and Reaffirmation on one of the seven principal feasts of the church year, the Day of Pentecost.
For more information on the events and services above, visit our online calendar.
As we wrap up the spring program year, two of our weekly classes will be wrapping up as well. We invite you to enjoy “Bible Stories for Grownups” on Wednesdays, at 6 PM, through May 31. It will take a break beginning in June. We are also bidding farewell to our dedicated yoga instructor. Parishioner Chris Collins has been teaching our weekly classes since before the pandemic, and his family will be relocating this summer. Please come and enjoy yoga classes on Monday evenings at 5:30 PM through May 22.
