SAINT JOHN'S IN THE VILLAGE

3009 GREENMOUNT AVENUE, BALTIMORE, MARYLAND 21218  ·  TEL. 410.467.4793

Easter-tide 2006

Dear Members and Friends,

This period after Easter is full of feasts and fun. There are fliers accompanying this letter which give information about many events over the next month or so. Do make an effort to join in them, and build on our well-developed sense of community and family. Better still, invite someone to join us in them, and give someone else an opportunity to share the many blessings you have here at Saint John's.

The Arts Festival we wanted to sponsor on Whitsunday will have to wait until next year when the date of Easter will allow us to make better preparation than we could this year. Nevertheless, we still will be on the Charles Village Garden Tour this year, so look for guests on Whitsunday and make them welcome. You may be asked to be a docent during that afternoon (4 June) so be prepared to say 'yes'!

On her Visitation to us on 14 May on behalf of the Bishop, Canon Glasspool reminded us that the Holy Spirit calls us to be ever ready to change our assumptions and attitudes, just as so many in the early Church were required to do. In our own age of constant and swift change all around us it may seem too much to ask that even the heart of our lives, our spiritual life or our Church, should also be called to change. It is important to remind ourselves that very often change is a good thing (such as discovering antibiotics and using them!) and that change is not a negative word. Changes that develop your spiritual life, make you more receptive to God and responsive to your neighbour's need, and increase your holiness of life are all good changes. In this season leading up to Pentecost (Whitsun) it should be helpful to look at what might need to change in your life in order to love both God and your neighbour better. The great festival of Pentecost could be a turning point for you if you prepare for it: by meditation on God's Word, by examining what changes you most resist and yet most need, and by taking advantage of the Sacrament of Confession on Pentecost Eve (3 June, 6-7 PM) for spiritual renewal.

Let God's Spirit rout out every resistance to change which stifles your love of God, your care of your neighbour, and your engagement of life. Let the dead winter of sin change to the spring of eternal life by the power of the Holy Spirit!

Yours faithfully in the Risen Lord and coming Spirit,

(The Rev'd) Jesse L. A. Parker
Rector of Saint John's Church