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 Eighteenth Sunday after Pentecost

September 27, 2026 · Proper 21, Year A

O God, you declare your almighty power chiefly in showing mercy and pity: Grant us the fullness of your grace, that we, running to obtain your promises, may become partakers of your heavenly treasure; 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 tells a short story about two sons. One says no to his father, then changes his mind and goes to work in the vineyard. The other says “I go, sir,” and never shows up. We probably recognize both of them, because most of us have been both. The parable is not really about which son gave the better answer. It is about the long walk between what we say and what we do, and about the grace that keeps meeting us along the way. Ezekiel puts it plainly this week: turn, then, and live. Turning is always possible. The first son’s no was not the end of his story, and neither is ours. This Sunday we sing “Come thou fount of every blessing,” a hymn honest enough to admit we are prone to wander and hopeful enough to ask God to seal our hearts anyway. The Collect pictures us running to obtain God’s promises. Some weeks it feels more like a slow walk back toward the vineyard. Either way, the gate is open, and there is good work waiting for us. Welcome the stranger. Welcome one another. Welcome Jesus.

This Sunday’s Music: The choir offers Thomas Attwood’s “Teach Me, O Lord”; hymns include “Come thou fount of every blessing” and “Love divine, all loves excelling.”

Upcoming Events

Autumn at Saint John’s: stewardship, music, and fellowship in the season after Pentecost.

Mid-Week Services

✚ Tuesday Holy Eucharist
Tuesdays at 6:15 p.m. at the High Altar. Enter at the Prospect Street tower door.

✚ Thursday Holy Eucharist
Thursdays at 11:30 a.m. in Saint Mary’s Chapel (Father Dunnan). Enter at the elevator door.

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

At Saint John’s

✚ Father Rick Out of the Office, October 1–6
Father Rick will be away from October 1 through October 6 and returns to the office on October 7. For a pastoral emergency, please contact Bill Abeles, Jr. at 301-991-2350 or Carol Cox at 276-728-1852.

✚ Sunday Adult Forum: Brooke’s House
Sunday, September 27 at 9:10 a.m. in Saint Mary’s Chapel. Father Rick leads a conversation about Brooke’s House and its work helping women find hope and sobriety.

✚ 2027 Stewardship Campaign: “Plenty Good Room”
Our 2027 campaign is underway. In the coming weeks, members will share testimonials, and the Stewardship & Finance Commission will publish budget data to help you prayerfully consider your gift. Ingathering Sunday is October 25. Last year’s testimonials are posted at stjohnshagerstown.org/online-giving/stewardship-2026.

✚ Calling All Ushers!
All 8:00 and 10:15 a.m. ushers are invited to meet Sunday, October 4 at 9:15 a.m., between services. Anyone curious about ushering is welcome too. Questions? Contact Mike Mummert at 301-991-6533.

✚ Minister of Music Search Update
The search committee is accepting applicants through September 30 and hopes to begin interviews the week of October 5. Please keep the committee and our prospective candidates in your prayers.

✚ Name Tags
To request a name tag, email Kip at Parishadmin@stjohnshagerstown.org or call 301-733-2560. Please say whether you prefer a magnet or a pin.

Community & Outreach

✚ Bluegrass Gospel Concert featuring Fertile Soil
Sunday, October 4, 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. in Trimble Hall. Doors open at 3:30 p.m. Free admission, and a light dinner (sloppy joes and chips) is served at intermission. Bring a friend!

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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