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 Tenth Sunday after Pentecost

August 2, 2026 · Proper 13, Year A

Let your continual mercy, O Lord, cleanse and defend your Church; and, because it cannot continue in safety without your help, protect and govern it always by your goodness; 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 withdrew in a boat to a deserted place by himself.” He had just learned that John the Baptist was dead, and he went looking for quiet. The crowds followed him anyway. What happens next is not irritation but compassion: he heals their sick, and when evening comes and the disciples want to send everyone home, he says the thing that must have sounded impossible. “They need not go away; you give them something to eat.”

Five loaves. Two fish. Twelve baskets left over.

We will sing it Sunday without quite noticing what we are asking: “Bread of heaven, feed me till I want no more.” Isaiah puts it another way, and just as boldly. Come, buy wine and milk without money and without price. Neither one runs on what we happen to have in hand. Both run on what God gives, and there has always been more of it than anyone expected.

Whatever you are able to bring on Sunday, bring it. It will be enough.

Welcome the stranger. Welcome one another. Welcome Jesus.

This Sunday’s Music: David McKinley, baritone, offers Geoffrey O’Hara’s I Walked Today Where Jesus Walked, and our hymns include “Guide me, O thou great Jehovah” and “I come with joy to meet my Lord.”

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. Montgomery.

✚ 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. McCarty.

At Saint John’s

✚ Fr. Rick’s Summer Vacation Break
Fr. Rick is away from July 27 through August 12. 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 hope you will). Children, youth, and adults are all welcome.

✚ Counters Needed
The Stewardship & Finance Commission is looking for 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 bring it back. If you are interested, contact Dan Meyer at cmagha@hotmail.com.

✚ Book Corner
The library is rearranging titles and subjects on its shelves to make it easier to find the right book and to make room for new materials. Our children’s section is growing with new and colorful books on display. August’s featured book is The Book of Joy: Lasting Happiness in a Changing World by the Dalai Lama, Archbishop Desmond Tutu, and Douglas Abrams.

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

✚ 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.

✚ Ladies Lunch Bunch — Monday, August 3
The group meets at the new Tuscan Prime and would love to have you join them. Upcoming dates are Monday, August 3 and Tuesday, September 8. To reserve your place, contact Cathy Bushey at 301-992-8444.

Community & Outreach

✚ Mini Meals to Go — Volunteers Needed
Packing and delivery are almost here, and the Service and Outreach Commission needs you. Volunteers are needed Friday, August 7 (6:00 to 7:30 p.m.), Saturday, August 8 (9:00 a.m. until finished), and Friday, August 14 (2:00 p.m.) for delivery to the Boys and Girls Club. Questions? Contact Kim Halsey at 610-360-0637.

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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