Blog

In-Person Worship Returns July 11

By:  Rev. Judi Hoffman

Dear St. John’s friends and families,

After nearly 10 months among you, I am delighted to finally write this letter. Live, in-person worship will begin on Sunday, July 11, at 10:50am in the fellowship hall. I can’t wait to meet each and every one of you!

From Johnny

By:  Rev'd Dr. Johnny Jeffords

Dear St. John’s,

As this Sunday moves toward evening, I pause to reflect about today and the progression of discernment leading to it. While none of this happened in the way any of us would have preferred, how can anyone complain as the world struggles through so much? I am deeply moved by the host of folks who participated in my last Zoom Communion, who joined from all over. The slideshow in the worship experience gave me all the feels, too.

Say Their Names

By:  Rev'd Dr. Johnny Jeffords

It’s one of the signs carried in protest.

It’s one of the chants rising from the righteously indignant voices screaming to be heard.

“Say His Name.”

George.

Response to COVID-19

By:  Clergy

Friends,

The ever evolving concerns around gatherings and social distancing, together with preventive actions by Shelby County Schools as well as other institutions, prompts further action on our part about how to proceed.

Advent 2019 at St. John's - Becoming

By:  Rev'd Dr. Johnny Jeffords

Advent is a season of waiting for the coming of Messiah. It’s what we do to prepare ourselves for the incarnation of God’s love and grace in the world. More than a commemoration of a singular pivot point in history, we are called to live in the present reality of how Christ is come into the world as expressed in our lives now.  

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.