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

The Sixth Sunday after Pentecost

July 5, 2026 · Proper 9, Year A

O God, you have taught us to keep all your commandments by loving you and our neighbor: Grant us the grace of your Holy Spirit, that we may be devoted to you with our whole heart, and united to one another with pure affection; 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 offers an invitation that is almost startling in its plainness: “Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.” No conditions, no test of worthiness — just an open hand extended to anyone who is tired. This Gospel begins with frustration: a generation Jesus compares to children in the marketplace, impossible to please, quick to judge whichever voice speaks. It is a discouraging picture of how we often receive good news. And yet the passage turns, gently, toward grace. Wisdom is revealed not to the wise and the intelligent but to infants — to those without pretense, ready to receive what is given rather than what is earned. That is the heart of the invitation: “Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” A yoke is still a yoke; there is real weight to bear. But Jesus promises to bear it alongside us, and that changes everything. Whatever burden you carry into this pew today, know that you are welcome exactly as you are.

This Sunday’s Music: For American Music Sunday, soprano Robin Spickler offers Hall Johnson’s spiritual “Ride On, King Jesus!”; hymns include “Earth and all stars” and “’Tis the gift to be simple.”

Upcoming Events

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

Mid-Week Services

✚ Tuesday, 6:15 p.m. — Holy Eucharist, High Altar
✚ Thursday, 11:30 a.m. — Holy Eucharist, Saint Mary’s Chapel

Note: The parish office will be closed Monday, July 6, in observance of Independence Day, and will keep shortened hours (9 a.m.–12 p.m.) the rest of the week.

At Saint John’s

✚ American Music Sunday
All music today is by American composers and poets, marking our country’s 250th anniversary. We thank Robin Spickler, soprano, for her vocal music in today’s liturgy.

✚ Summer Pickup Choir
Choir call is at 9:45 a.m. in the choir room — rehearse the morning’s hymns, then sing for the 10:15 a.m. liturgy. No robes, no processions, no weeknight rehearsals, no pressure to join in the fall. Children, youth, and adults are all welcome.

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

✚ Newcomers Meet & Greet — Sunday, July 12
New to our church, or hoping to meet people from another service time? Stop by the Welcoming Commission table in Trimble Hall, 9:15–10:00 a.m., for coffee, conversation, and a donut. Everyone is welcome.

✚ Minister of Music Search Committee
The search committee begins its ministry this month: Jim Brinson, Mark King, Susan Lewis, Gerrie Mangum, David McKinley, Robin Spickler, and Rhys Weibel.

Community & Outreach

✚ Mini Meals to Go
The Service and Outreach Commission needs help providing five shelf-stable meals to 100 families in our community. Donate cash or check (memo: Mini Meals), or volunteer on August 7 (6–7:30 p.m.), August 8 (9 a.m. until finished), or August 14 (2 p.m., delivery to the Boys and Girls Club). Questions: Kim Halsey, 610-360-0637.