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 Thirteenth Sunday after Pentecost

August 23, 2026 · Proper 16, Year A

Grant, O merciful God, that your Church, being gathered together in unity by your Holy Spirit, may show forth your power among all peoples, to the glory of your Name; 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

Jesus asks two questions at Caesarea Philippi, and only the second one costs anything. “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” is easy. Anyone can report what is being said. Then he turns and asks, “But who do you say that I am?” Peter answers, and Jesus gives him a new name. It is worth noticing that the rock is not Peter’s certainty. Within a few verses he will get it badly wrong. The rock is that he answered at all, out loud, in front of everyone. Paul is after something similar in Romans 12, our epistle this morning, when he writes that we are one body with many members and that the gifts among us differ. Not everyone answers in the same way, and none of us answers alone. This morning we sing “How firm a foundation,” and we pray that God will gather this Church together in unity by the Holy Spirit. However sure or unsure you feel today, there is room for your answer here. Welcome the stranger. Welcome one another. Welcome Jesus.

In the Pulpit: Father Rick begins a two-part sermon on Romans 12, our epistle reading this Sunday and next.

This Sunday’s Music: Guest violinist Heather Austin-Stone joins organist Jim Brinson for Corrette’s Sonata I; hymns include “The God of Abraham praise” and “How firm a foundation.”

Upcoming Events

Late summer at Saint John’s, as we bless our students and look ahead to a full fall.

Mid-Week Services

✚ Tuesday Holy Eucharist
Tuesdays at 6:15 p.m. at the High Altar.

✚ Tuesday Night Bible Study with Deacon Sue
Tuesdays from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m., online only. Zoom Meeting ID 827 3456 7853, Passcode 175639.

✚ Thursday Holy Eucharist
Thursdays at 11:30 a.m. in St. Mary’s Chapel.

At Saint John’s

✚ Blessing of Students, Educators, and School Personnel
This Sunday, August 23. Prayers and our Backpack Blessing will be offered during the 10:15 a.m. service.

✚ Summer Pickup Choir
Choir Call is at 9:45 a.m. in the Choir Room. We rehearse the hymns and service music, then sing for the 10:15 liturgy. No robes, no processions, no weeknight rehearsals, and no pressure to join in the fall. Children, youth, and adults are all welcome.

✚ Caregivers Support Meeting
Tuesday, August 25 at 12:30 p.m. in St. Mary’s Chapel.

✚ Vestry Meeting
Wednesday, August 26 at 7:00 p.m. in St. Mary’s Chapel.

✚ Music Leadership Team Meeting
Thursday, August 27 at 5:30 p.m. in Trimble Hall.

✚ Youth and Parents Information Meeting (grades 8–12)
Sunday, August 30, following the 10:15 a.m. service in St. Mary’s Chapel. We are starting a new youth group, and parents are asked to attend. Pizza will be provided. Fr. Rick, Carol Cox, and Pieter Bickford welcome you.

✚ 10:15 a.m. Coffee Hour Returns
Our 2026–2027 Coffee Hour season begins Sunday, September 6 and runs through Sunday, May 30. Our thanks to the Vestry for hosting through the summer. The volunteer sign-up sheet is on the podium in Trimble Hall.

✚ St. John’s Day Homecoming
Sunday, September 13. A full day of activities, coffee hour after the 8:00 service, lunch after the 10:15, and fellowship. If you know parishioners who no longer attend or who have a past connection to St. John’s, please pass their names to Dan Meyer, Charlie Chaney, Bill Abeles, or Carol Cox. A luncheon sign-up sheet is on the table outside the Choir Room.

✚ Counters Needed
The Stewardship & Finance Commission is reinstating our Counters ministry, working in pairs to count and record the plate offerings and make the bank deposit. If you are interested, please contact Dan Meyer.

✚ Education for the Ministry (EfM)
Christian Formation hopes to restart EfM. If you would like to join a group, become a mentor, or learn more, please fill out the short form at tinyurl.com/stj-efm or call the Parish Office at 301-733-2560.

✚ St. John’s Name Tags
To request a name tag, email Kip in the Parish Office or call 301-733-2560. Please note whether you prefer a magnet or a pin.

Community & Outreach

✚ Service and Outreach Bingo
Saturday, August 29 at 2:00 p.m. in Trimble Hall. Snacks and plenty of good prizes. A free will offering will support the work of Service and Outreach.

✚ Clean Hands, a Benefit Matinee for Brooke’s House
Thursday, September 17 at 2:00 p.m. at The Maryland Theatre. The film tells the story of Kevin, Dana, and Brooke Simmers and the founding of Brooke’s House. Reserved seating is $30 per person. Please contact Cathy Bushey or Kim Halsey at 240-310-9085 to reserve by Thursday, September 3.

✚ Thank You: Mini Meals to Go
This year’s Mini Meals to Go was a success. We provided 100 families with five shelf-stable meals each. Thank you to everyone who donated, to the 25 people who assembled boxes, the 8 who shopped, and the 7 who delivered.

✚ HARC Block Party
Saturday, September 19 at City Park.

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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