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 Twenty-first Sunday after Pentecost

October 18, 2026 · Proper 24, Year A

Almighty and everlasting God, in Christ you have revealed your glory among the nations: Preserve the works of your mercy, that your Church throughout the world may persevere with steadfast faith in the confession 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

The coin is small enough to hold in one hand. When Jesus is handed a denarius and asked about taxes, he does not argue. He simply asks whose image is stamped on it. The emperor’s, of course. Then comes the line that has puzzled and comforted Christians ever since: give to the emperor the things that are the emperor’s, and to God the things that are God’s. It is a clever way out of a trap, but it is also a question that follows us home. If the coin bears Caesar’s likeness, whose likeness do we bear? The answer is as old as Genesis. We are made in the image of God. Our time, our gifts, our attention, and our love are already stamped with a name. The psalm we pray this Sunday puts it plainly: “Ascribe to the Lord the honor due his Name.” As we talk together this autumn about stewardship, that is the heart of it. Not what we owe, but whose we are. All our hope on God is founded. Welcome the stranger. Welcome one another. Welcome Jesus.

This Sunday’s Music: The choir offers Haydn’s Sing to the Lord; hymns include “All my hope on God is founded” and “Jesus shall reign.”

This Sunday

Music at Saint John’s

The Kinship Singers present Sounding 1776
Sunday, October 18, 2026 at 5:00 p.m.

Our first concert of the 2026–2027 Music Series. A free will offering will be received, and a festive reception follows the concert. Parking is available at the corner of Walnut and Antietam Streets.

Upcoming Events

Autumn at Saint John’s: a concert this Sunday evening, conversations about stewardship, and All Saints’ on the horizon.

Mid-Week Services

✚ No Tuesday Services This Week
There is no Tuesday Holy Eucharist (6:15 p.m.) and no Tuesday Bible Study (7:00 p.m.) on October 20. Both resume Tuesday, October 27.

✚ Thursday Holy Eucharist
Thursdays at 11:30 a.m. in St. Mary’s Chapel. Please enter at the elevator door.

At Saint John’s

✚ Kinship Singers in Concert, This Sunday at 5:00 p.m.
The Kinship Singers present a free concert in our church nave this Sunday, October 18, at 5:00 p.m., as part of our Music at St. John’s Series. They are a community-based ensemble from Montgomery County, Maryland, focused on artistry, access, and acceptance. A reception in Trimble Hall follows. Be sure to invite a friend, family member, neighbor, or colleague!

✚ Adult Forum: Ways to Give
This Sunday, October 18, at 9:10 a.m. in St. Mary’s Chapel, join Fr. Rick, Senior Warden Bill Abeles, Jr., and members of the Stewardship and Finance Commission to talk about what a pledge is, the many ways to make one, and how donor-advised funds can help with charitable giving.

✚ 2027 Stewardship Campaign Continues
The Stewardship and Finance Commission invites you to prayerfully consider Saint John’s mission in Hagerstown, and how your financial gift and your faith help that mission and ministry thrive. Last year’s testimonials are posted for you to revisit: stjohnshagerstown.org/online-giving/stewardship-2026

✚ Thank You for Commission Sunday
The sweet treats were delicious and much appreciated! Congratulations to our Bingo drawing winners, Kelly Dowe (8:00 a.m.) and Florence Forbes (10:15 a.m.), and thank you to everyone who signed up to join a Commission. If you missed it and would like to get involved, please see a Commission member or Carol Cox, who will point you to the right chair.

✚ October Book Club, Tuesday, October 20
Book Club meets Tuesday, October 20, at 5:30 p.m. at Next Chapter Cafe and Bookstore, 141 W. Washington Street, to discuss M. L. Stedman’s A Far-Flung Life. All are welcome.

✚ Brooke’s House Devotion, Saturday, October 24
Morning devotions at Brooke’s House Coffee and Chocolates on Saturday, October 24, at 9:00 a.m., led by Heidi Becker. A relaxed time of prayer, conversation, and your favorite breakfast treats. Please join us!

✚ All Saints’ Sunday: Remembering Our Loved Ones
If a loved one has died in the last year (November 2025 through October 2026), please send their name to Kip Thang, Parish Administrator, at Parishadmin@stjohnshagerstown.org. We will remember the saints, known and unknown, as we worship at the historic High Altar at the 10:15 a.m. service.

✚ Potluck Lunch, Sunday, November 8
Bring a covered dish and join us for lunch after the 10:15 service. Just a simple time to sit and enjoy each other’s company before the holidays get busy. Please use the sign-up sheet outside the choir room. All are welcome!

✚ Free Houseplants
Peace lilies and other plants from Callas Garden are waiting on the Antietam Street portico through the end of October. A few need a little TLC, so please take one home and give it a new life!

✚ Mark Your Calendar
Sunday, November 1, 5:00 p.m.: All Saints’ Evensong & Reception
Saturday, November 7, 9:00 a.m.: All Commission Gathering

✚ Updated Parish Email Addresses
Fr. Rick, Rector: Rector@stjohnshagerstown.org; William Abeles, Jr., Senior Warden: SeniorWarden@stjohnshagerstown.org; Carol Cox, Junior Warden: JuniorWarden@stjohnshagerstown.org; Blake Rath, Parish Treasurer: Treasure@stjohnshagerstown.org; Kippar Thang, Parish Administrator: Parishadmin@stjohnshagerstown.org.

Community & Outreach

✚ Welcoming Young Families to St. John’s
Every week, St. John’s opens its doors to Washington County Public Schools’ Birth to K program, which supports families whose young children have developmental delays, diagnosed medical conditions, or a suspected delay. Four classes meet in our building, coaching parents and caregivers while their children play and build skills alongside their peers. Right now these classes serve 12 families and 17 children.

On September 24, we welcomed these families for a Back to School evening with snacks, community resources, and Halloween costumes. The highlight, families told us, was the church tour. The children loved exploring the sanctuary and searching for angels in the stained glass windows “with all the colors.”

Join us Thursday, October 22, at 5:00 p.m. St. John’s will host the families again for a learning dinner focused on the importance of conversation with young children. It’s a chance for families from all four classes to meet one another, and to meet us. Teachers Sandra and Jenny will be there to help make connections.

We’d love to have more parishioners on hand to welcome them. If you can come, please let Kim Halsey know at kimberlyeph@gmail.com.

✚ Moral & Ethical Dilemmas, Wednesday, October 21
Wednesday, October 21, at 7:00 p.m. in St. Mary’s Chapel (enter at the elevator door). Stuart Harvey, recently retired after 30 years as Frederick County’s Election Commissioner, will guide our discussion of fair elections.

✚ Thanksgiving Dessert Sale
Order a homemade dessert for your Thanksgiving table! $20: apple, pumpkin, or sweet potato pie. $25: apple-cranberry-walnut, fruits of the forest, or cherry. $30: mincemeat. $40: lemony cheesecake or apple crumble cheesecake. Order by November 8 by calling or texting Bruce Massey at 240-675-4498. All proceeds benefit Service and Outreach projects. Thank you for your support!

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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