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Rise Up, Reach Out 2020

By:  Rev'd Dr. Johnny Jeffords

Dear St. John’s Family,

On this All Hallows Eve, with only days to go before our RISE UP…REACH OUT Commitment Sunday, I write to offer thanks for the many expressions of support we have received thus far. The testimonies provided were stirring, and they captured the essence of St. John’s.

Nelson Woods

By:  Rev'd Dr. Johnny Jeffords

Last week, the Trustees of our Church closed on the sale of Nelson Woods to Camp Conquest.  In their promotional material Camp Conquest is described as “an overnight camp that encourages children and adults with special needs, chronic illnesses, and disabilities to try things they never imagined possible.”

St. John’s has now placed Nelson Woods in the care of those who have a heart for particular people pushed to the margins.  In so many ways, we’ve been able to entrust the care of gifted property to those who have a powerful vision for it.  May their journey forward be a blessing.

A Variety of Voices

St. John’s Family, we have an exciting summer ahead! We are thrilled to release the preaching lineup for A Variety of Voices  - our summer of the revolving pulpit! 

Day 4 from GC2019 - A Foretaste of Glory Divine

By:  Rev'd Dr. Johnny Jeffords

(St. Louis) I’m not going to even attempt to explain what happened today. You saw it, read about it.

What happened is what was going to happen. It was baked in the cake by the nature of the delegates present (yes, it matters who we elect to be delegates).

Day 3 from GC2019 - Hearts of Stone

By:  Rev'd Dr. Johnny Jeffords

Today was a rough day. I knew it would be, which didn’t make it hurt less. 

Going into the last day tomorrow where things will be voted on, the likelihood is that either nothing changes or if it does, it will be the more restrictive language - neither of which is tenable. 

Day 2 from GC2019 - Priorities, Priorities

By:  Rev'd Dr. Johnny Jeffords

(St. Louis) Short version. Long day.
Prioritizing legislation.

Day 1 from GC2019 - Teach Me How To Pray

By:  Rev'd Dr. Johnny Jeffords

(St. Louis) The Dome, the place where “The Greatest Show on Turf” once played (led in no small part by the Tigers’ Isaac Bruce), is cavernous. It makes no sense for a gathering of our size to meet in a facility that holds almost 70K people. It’s hard to see everything that’s happening even with view screens. But there we were. 

You Will Not Die

By:  Rev'd Dr. Johnny Jeffords

(St. Louis)  There’s an unease in the air as you walk into the registration area for the General Conference. As I arrived this afternoon to secure my badge, I noticed some folks I knew from across the Connection. I ran into some of our fellow delegates with pleasantries about our travel, our lodging, and the weather. All looks say what our words don’t - “Well, here we are, what’s about to happen?  

I Choose Love

By:  Rev'd Dr. Johnny Jeffords

The anthem sung by our choir last Sunday was stunning.  It’s a lyric written by Lindy Thompson with music composed by Mark A. Miller.  You know Mark Miller’s music even if you’re not sure you do.  His is the musical setting for communion we sing.  He wrote “Roll Down, Justice,” which served as a theme for our Lenten series back in 2017.  He’s one of United Methodism’s most gifted composers for the current age.  He also happens to be gay.  Mark has served the Church with his remarkable God-given gifts for many years, and the Church has received his gifts gladly even as it will not receive him in the fullness into which he was created.