Calendar News

The Day of Resurrection!

April 5 is Easter Sunday, celebrating the resurrection of Jesus of Nazareth. But last year it was April 20, and next year it will be March 28. 

 

Why?

 

Easter is one of the few moveable feasts in the Christian calendar, floating to a different Sunday each year. Jesus was said to have risen on the first Sunday after the first full moon of spring — for Christians, a sign that the event’s significance is cosmic in scope, its anniversary depending more on the season and the moon than the numerical date on the calendar.

​

The story of the empty tomb, and the resurrection of the human being that was Jesus before he was the Christ, is a cosmic part of our identity. It is huge. The biggest. And ever so mysterious.

​

But this year we look not only at the grand testament of Easter, but also at the smallest, imperceptible, intangible evidence and mysteries of new life.

​

Through molecular studies and modern technologies, science has revealed a world full of sophisticated life forces, intricate, detailed and infinitesimal. All these bacteria, archaea, fungi, algae, protozoa, viruses, and microscopic animals also participate in the cycle of death and new life that is our resurrection story, even if we cannot see it with our own eyes.

​

Resurrection, seen and unseen.

​

Coffee Hour and the Corner Cookie Cupboard

We consider the time spent after the Sunday service conversing and noshing to be an extension of the table of Holy Communion. It is over a paper cup and small napkin we deepen our relationships and hear the news and tidbits that strengthen our connections with each other.

​

Hosting coffee is a ministry of hospitality. For some, this is a time to offer a bountiful meal, for others, a quick trip to the grocery store is a better fit. Both kinds of offering (and any in between) are welcome— and needed.

The Corner Cookie Cupboard in our kitchen allows individuals that want to host a coffee hour but for whom time and expense is a challenge, or when there is a day that no one has signed up for coffee hour. The cupboard can supplement a tray of fruit if you are hosting, or serve as a back-up for those no-host days.

​

Consider helping. If you can, grab a few packages of cookies or any kind of snacks that are shelf stable and add them to the cupboard. Generally, someone is around the kitchen before church and will make coffee and get the snacks out, if necessary. Want to learn to make 30 cups of coffee? Let Barb Morales know. The church provides the coffee!

​

St. John’s Pantry

We offered a ham steak, scalloped potatoes, vegetables, chocolate bunnies and a dozen eggs on Tuesday, March 31, and 71 visitors stopped by for their holiday meal. It was either the chocolate bunnies or the eggs that brought in the crowd. They appreciate having eggs (maybe even more than chocolate) and we are looking for a supplier that can regularly deliver a large amount. If you know someone that can supply that kind of volume, please let us know.

​

We recently submitted a grant to the Wyoming Hunger Initiative for $5,000. This grant allows us to purchase infrastructure items such as refrigerators and freezers, shelving, and operating supplies. We are considering relocating the pantry and this funding would go a long way to support the move.

​

Deb Ross has visited and developed relationships with the other food delivery organizations in the area. Recently, the Seventh Day Adventists closed their pantry due to staff health issues. Because of Deb’s relationship with them, they donated their remaining food to St. John's Pantry. Thanks Deb, for your ability to see the big picture.

​

Thrift Shop

The shop will be closed on Saturday, April 4 in observance of Easter weekend. Shop hours: Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday from 1:00-3:30 PM.

 

Notable Dates

• April 15, 11:30 AM Meditation. Please join us next Wednesday in the sanctuary for about 30 minutes. If you have any questions, please ask Susan McEvoy (307-271-1289). There is no meditation this week.

 

• April 17, Registration deadline for Taking Up Your Cross: Wyoming Episcopal Justice Summit, April 24–26. Contact the Rev. Bobbe Fitzhugh, bobbe@episcopalwy.org or 307-359-3311. St. John’s also has financial support available for travel.

 

• April 27, Registration deadline for the diocesan book study of Henri Nouwen’s Reaching Out. Weekly Zoom options are Thursday, 5:30–6:30 p.m. or Friday, 5–6 p.m. Questions may be directed to the Rev. Lara Gilbert, lara@episcopalwy.org or 307-267-2617.

 

The Anglican Tradition: Easter

In the Episcopal Church, the return of the Alleluia at Easter marks the end of a Lenten fast from the word, signaling joyful resurrection celebration.

​

During Lent, the word Alleluia (meaning "Praise the Lord") is omitted from all liturgies, hymns, and prayers. But in the first moments of Easter, the Alleluia is triumphantly restored in music, opening acclamations and sending words. This tradition highlights the shift from repentance and longing in Lent to the unbridled joy of the Resurrection.

​

Although we at St. John’s celebrate the resurrection on Sunday morning, in many larger Episcopal Churches, Easter formally begins after sundown on Holy Saturday with The Great Vigil of Easter. This ancient liturgy, often considered the primary celebration of Easter, takes place in darkness between sunset Saturday and sunrise Sunday, featuring a new fire, the Paschal candle, lessons, and the first Eucharist of Easter.

 

We welcome you, and all your alleluias, to the seven Sundays of this season.