Welcome to Saint John's Episcopal Church in Hagerstown, Maryland

We are a lively, active community of faith. We strive to be a loving congregation, committed to welcoming ALL and sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ.

Join us Sundays — 8:00 a.m. Holy Eucharist, Rite I  ·  10:15 a.m. Holy Eucharist, Rite II (livestreamed on YouTube)

The Eleventh Sunday after Pentecost

August 9, 2026 · Proper 14, Year A

Grant to us, Lord, we pray, the spirit to think and do always those things that are right, that we, who cannot exist without you, may by you be enabled to live according to your will; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. — The Collect of the Day

Two storms this Sunday, and God is in neither of them. Elijah waits at the mouth of the cave while a great wind splits the mountain, an earthquake shakes it, and fire passes by, and the Lord is in none of it. What comes instead is a sound of sheer silence. Centuries later the disciples are in a boat the waves are beating apart, and Jesus walks toward them across the water saying, take heart, it is I, do not be afraid. Peter steps out. He does fine until he notices the wind. Most of us know that moment, the one where we look down and remember what we are standing on. What is worth noticing is how fast the hand comes: immediately, Matthew says. Not after a lesson, not once Peter has proved something. We sing “Eternal Father, strong to save” at the end of the liturgy, the hymn for those in peril on the sea. We sing it here, on dry land, because everyone in these pews knows something about deep water. Welcome the stranger. Welcome one another. Welcome Jesus.

Presiding this Sunday: The Rev. Dr. Stuart Dunnan, celebrant and preacher, with the Rev. Susan M. Wert, Deacon.

This Sunday’s Music: Kelly Shurnitski, soprano, sings Henry Purcell’s We Sing to Him at the Offertory, and our hymns include “O worship the King” and “Eternal Father, strong to save.”

Upcoming Events

Summer at Saint John’s — worship, community, and outreach.

Mid-Week Services

✚ Tuesday, 6:15 p.m. — Holy Eucharist
High Altar, with Fr. Dunnan.

✚ Tuesday, 7:00 p.m. — Bible Study with Deacon Sue
Online only. Zoom Meeting ID: 827 3456 7853, Passcode: 175639.

✚ Thursday, 11:30 a.m. — Holy Eucharist
Saint Mary’s Chapel, with Fr. Rick.

At Saint John’s

✚ Fr. Rick’s Summer Vacation Break
Fr. Rick is away from July 27 through August 12, and will be back in the office on August 13. We are grateful to the Rev. Dr. Stuart Dunnan, who celebrates and preaches at both services this Sunday, and to all our supply clergy for their ministry among us while Fr. Rick is away. For a pastoral emergency during this time, please contact Deacon Sue at 443-838-1671. For all other emergencies, contact Bill Abeles, Jr. at 301-991-2350 or Carol Cox at 276-728-1852. We wish Fr. Rick a restful and refreshing break.

✚ Summer Pickup Choir
Choir call is at 9:45 a.m. in the choir room. We rehearse the hymns and service music for the day, then sing for the 10:15 a.m. liturgy. No robes, no processions, no anthems, no weeknight rehearsals, and no pressure to join the choir in the fall (though we very much hope you will). Children, youth, and adults are all welcome.

✚ Bingo in Trimble Hall — Saturday, August 29, 2:00 p.m.
Snacks will be offered and there will be a lot of great prizes. A free will offering to support the work of Service and Outreach is greatly appreciated.

✚ Counters Needed
The Stewardship & Finance Commission is seeking Counters, scheduled weekly by the Parish Office, to work in pairs counting and recording the plate offerings and depositing them at our bank. This ministry stopped during the COVID shutdown and we would like to reinstate it. If you are interested, contact Dan Meyer at cmagha@hotmail.com.

✚ Education for Ministry (EfM)
The Christian Formation Commission is considering restarting the Education for Ministry program. If you are interested in joining a group, becoming a mentor, or simply learning more, please fill out this short online form: tinyurl.com/stj-efm.

✚ Saint John’s Name Tags
If you would like a name tag, email Kip in the Parish Office at secretary.stjohns@myactv.net or call 301-733-2560. Please say whether you prefer a magnet or a pin for the back.

Community & Outreach

✚ Mini Meals to Go — Friday, August 14, 2:00 p.m.
Delivery day is almost here, and the Service and Outreach Commission needs you. Volunteers are needed for the delivery to the Boys and Girls Club. Questions? Please reach out to Kim Halsey at 610-360-0637.

✚ Brooke’s House Morning Devotion
Brooke’s House Coffee and Chocolate’s Morning Devotion meets at 9:00 a.m. on the fourth Saturday of the month, from August 22 through November 28, led by Heidi McCusker. Devotions pause for the Christmas season and resume in January.

Tour Our Church

Tap on the image to walk through our beautiful, historic sanctuary.

Location:

101 S. Prospect St., Hagerstown, MD 21740
Parking is available in the church lot at the corner of Walnut and Antietam Streets.

Contact Us

Phone: (301) 733–2560

Website: stjohnshagerstown.org

Facebook: facebook.com/stjohnshagerstown

Instagram: @st.johnsepiscopal_hagerstown

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