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

The Fifth Sunday of Lent

March 22, 2026

The Fifth Sunday of Lent brings us to the edge of Holy Week — and to the edge of a tomb. Today’s Gospel tells the story of Lazarus: four days dead, mourned by his sisters, already given up by those who loved him. When Jesus arrives, Martha’s words carry equal parts grief and faith: “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died. But even now…” Those two words — even now — are the pivot of the story. Even now, something is possible that the world has called impossible. “Lazarus, come out.” Framed by Ezekiel’s vision of the valley of dry bones and Paul’s declaration that the Spirit who raised Jesus dwells in us, this Sunday asks: what has been sealed in stone? And can we hear, even now, the voice calling us out?

Upcoming Events

Life together at Saint John’s in the season of Lent.

At Saint John’s

✚ Adult Forum: Episcopal 101 — Today, 9:15–10:00 a.m., Saint Mary’s Chapel
Father Rick leads a conversation on the authority of Scripture in the Episcopal Church. All are welcome.

✚ Oblation Bearers Return to the 10:15 Service
We are pleased to welcome back the service of Oblation Bearers at the 10:15 a.m. Holy Eucharist. Immediately following the offertory anthem, couples will bring forward the bread and wine from the rear of the church to the Nave Altar, where they will be received by one of the priests.

✚ Parish Quiet Day — This Saturday, March 28, 9:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m. — RSVP Today
All are welcome to a day of prayer, reflection, and spiritual renewal as we prepare our hearts for Holy Week. Gather in Trimble Hall at 9:00 a.m. Please RSVP by today, March 22. Note: Morning Devotion at Brooke’s House is cancelled this Saturday due to the Quiet Day.

✚ Palm Sunday — March 29
Holy Eucharist at 8:00 a.m. and 10:15 a.m. The 10:15 service will include an outdoor procession with incense — please gather on Prospect Street at the Tower Doors. Passion Gospel readers are needed for both services — 11 speaking parts from the Gospel of Matthew. Email Mark King at mbking1632@gmail.com with your availability.

✚ Holy Week & Easter Schedule
Mark your calendars for these sacred days:
• Holy Monday, March 30 — 7:00 p.m., Holy Eucharist, Saint Mary’s Chapel
• Holy Tuesday, March 31 — 7:00 p.m., Holy Eucharist, High Altar
• Holy Wednesday, April 1 — 7:00 p.m., Holy Eucharist, Saint Mary’s Chapel
• Maundy Thursday, April 2 — 7:00 p.m., Holy Eucharist with Foot Washing & Stripping of the Altar; Altar of Repose Vigil 8:30 p.m.–12:00 a.m.
• Good Friday, April 3 — 12:00 noon and 7:00 p.m., Church
• Holy Saturday, April 4 — 10:00 a.m., Church
• The Great Vigil of Easter — Saturday, April 4, 7:00 p.m., St. Mark’s Lappans
• Easter Day — Holy Eucharist at 8:00 a.m. and 10:15 a.m., with incense

✚ Mid-Week Services
Holy Eucharist is offered throughout the week: Tuesday at 5:30 p.m. at the High Altar, Wednesday at 5:30 p.m. in the Choir Stalls, and Thursday at 11:30 a.m. in Saint Mary’s Chapel. All are welcome.

✚ Bible Study with Deacon Sue — Tuesdays, 7:00–8:00 p.m.
Join Deacon Sue for weekly Bible Study, offered in Saint Mary’s Chapel or online via Zoom. Meeting ID: 827 3456 7853 • Passcode: 175639.

✚ Children’s Church & Nursery
Children’s Church takes place on the second and fourth Sundays of the month during the 10:15 a.m. service. Nursery care is available every Sunday. An Usher can direct you to either location.

Community & Outreach

✚ Easter Gifts — Deadline Monday, March 23
Make a gift in memory or in honor of a loved one to support special music or altar flowers for Easter. Donation forms are on page 22 of this week’s bulletin, or mail your gift to Saint John’s Episcopal Church, 101 S. Prospect Street, Hagerstown, MD 21740. Deadline: Monday, March 23.

✚ Easter Invitations — Door Hangers Available
Help spread the Good News! Door hangers are available near the Baptismal Font and at the back of the nave — take some to invite neighbors, family, and friends to Saint John’s for Easter Day.

✚ Donations for the Easter Egg Hunt
The Annual Easter Egg Hunt takes place on Easter Sunday at 12:00 p.m. We are collecting donations of plastic eggs and individually wrapped candy. A collection box is located outside the choir room — thank you!