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 Fifteenth Sunday after Pentecost

September 6, 2026 · Proper 18, Year A

Grant us, O Lord, to trust in you with all our hearts; for, as you always resist the proud who confide in their own strength, so you never forsake those who make their boast of your mercy; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen. — The Collect of the Day

Most Sunday Gospels give us something grand to consider: a miracle, a parable, the kingdom of heaven. This one gives us instructions for what to do when someone in church has hurt us. Jesus is remarkably practical about it. Go to the person directly. If that does not work, bring one or two others. If that does not work, bring it to the community. It is not lofty advice, but anyone who has belonged to a parish for very long knows how badly it is needed. And then comes the promise we know by heart: where two or three are gathered in my name, I am there among them. We usually reach for that line to comfort a small congregation on a rainy morning. Jesus says it here, in the middle of instructions about conflict. The two or three he has in mind are the ones sitting down to work something out. This is what the Collect asks of us, to trust God with all our hearts rather than our own strength. Reconciliation is slow work, and it is holy work.

Welcome the stranger. Welcome one another. Welcome Jesus.

This Sunday’s Music: Judy Loiseau-Myers, Derek Bowen, and Mark King offer Martin How’s Day by Day; hymns include “All creatures of our God and King” and “Joyful, joyful, we adore thee.”

Upcoming Events

Early September at Saint John’s, with Homecoming Sunday just ahead.

Mid-Week Services

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

✚ Tuesday Night Bible Study with Father Rick
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

✚ Parish Office Closed for Labor Day
Monday, September 7. The office reopens Tuesday morning.

✚ Celebration of Life for Caroline Wright
Wednesday, September 9 at 11:00 a.m. in the Church.

✚ St. John’s Day Homecoming Sunday
Sunday, September 13. Docents lead tours of the church and grounds between the services, Parish Life hosts a festive coffee hour after the 8:00 a.m. service, and Children’s Chapel activities are planned. A buffet luncheon follows the 10:15 service, with cemetery van tours by Charlie Chaney at 12:30 p.m. Sign up in the narthex so we can estimate numbers (not required). Bring your best apple dessert for the contest, or any dessert to share, and please wear your name tag.

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

✚ Children’s Chapel Volunteers Needed
Christian Formation needs help carrying out the promise we make at every Baptism. Volunteers complete the Safe Church Training required by the Diocese and assist the Children’s Chapel leader. Children’s Chapel meets twice a month, so the more volunteers we have, the less often each person is called on. Contact Kip or Carol Cox at JuniorWarden@stjohnshagerstown.org.

✚ Addresses for Our Young Adults
It is time to update addresses for young adults continuing their education through college, vocational training, or the military. Email name, address, and birthday to Carol Cox at JuniorWarden@stjohnshagerstown.org, even if they are already on the list. If the address has not changed, just say so. The Daughters of the King want to stay in touch and let them know we are praying for their success.

✚ Book Corner
The library has added several books by Tomie dePaola, creator of Strega Nona, including Mary, the Mother of Jesus, The Lady of Guadalupe, and Let the Whole World Sing Praise. For more about the library, contact Mary Lou Brooks.

✚ Thank You from Bingo
Thank you to everyone who joined us for Bingo last Saturday, to those who contributed baskets, and for donations totaling $418, which will offset Service and Outreach programming. We look forward to hosting again soon.

✚ St. John’s Name Tags
If you would like a name tag, email Kip in the Parish Office at Parishadmin@stjohnshagerstown.org or call 301-733-2560. Let her know whether you prefer a magnet or a pin.

Community & Outreach

✚ Randolph Community Outreach Organization
Deacon Sue has joined the board of this nonprofit, which provides food and clothing to people in the inner city. Volunteers are needed Thursday and Saturday afternoons to help distribute these essentials. A few hours of your time makes a real difference for neighbors in need. For details, contact Kim Halsey at kimberlyeph@gmail.com. St. John’s is also sponsoring a team in the organization’s second annual fundraising golf tournament.

✚ Clothing Drive for the City Park Fair Giveaway
This is our seventh year collecting new and gently used clothing for the annual City Park Fair. Bring donations to church on Sundays so the Outreach Committee can collect and sort them ahead of the September 19 giveaway, held with Families Helping Families. Volunteers are always welcome. Contact Kim Halsey at kimberlyeph@gmail.com.

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

📍 Get Directions

We Are Proud Members Of