Calendar News

Who are The Prophets?

This summer, our liturgy, preaching, and formation are focusing on the prophets of the  Old Testament. Prophets were both seers and deliverers of “the Word of the Lord," sometimes literally in messages they had received by divine inspiration or, at other times, in symbolic acts.  One of the prophet’s primary functions was to expose the sinful practices of the people, and to hold people accountable to the God of Israel. Biblical prophets are often weird and uniquely challenging. Their unconventional and sometimes bizarre behaviors and messages are designed to convey God's truth and confront the status quo. They deliver warnings, encouragements, and judgments to the people, often facing opposition and ridicule for their unconventional ways. Our friends at Bible Project have a lovely video about reading and understanding these poets and visionaries as part of their "How to Read the Bible" series. Watch it at  https://bibleproject.com/videos/the-prophets 

 

This Sunday, we will hear about the prophet Jonah.  ​

 

Formation Opportunities

Our small group book studies continue: 

• Embracing the Prophets

Sundays after coffee hour: July 13, 22. 

• The Prophetic Imagination

Tuesday’s at 6:30 p.m: July 8, 15. 

 

Meditation Group

Our guided meditation group will meet this July 9 at 11:30am. Each session is 30 minutes long. We will meet in the sanctuary. If you have any questions, please ask Susan (307-271-1289).  

 

Save the Date

On Sunday, July 13, our Bishop Provisional, the Rt. Rev. Todd Ousley, will be  with us for our worship service and coffee hour.  More details will be shared as the date draws closer. 

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St. John’s Website

For those that expressed an interest in being able to donate online, Tithe.ly is up and running and easy to use. Go to St. John's website (powellepiscopal.com) and click on the Give tab and easily set up a one time or recurring gift. If you have any questions, contact Sue Woods.

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Diocesan News      

The month of July marks Disability Pride Month, commemorating the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) on July 26, 1990. It’s a time to celebrate the strength, resilience, and dignity of people with disabilities, and to affirm that every person is made in the image of God. For churches, this month presents a sacred opportunity: to reflect not only on inclusion in theory  but also on accessibility in practice.

 

A Holy Audit: Is Our Church Building Welcoming to All?

This July, we invite every congregation to take a fresh look at your physical space with the eyes of a newcomer who may use a wheelchair, a walker, hearing aids, or have an invisible disability. Start with these questions: Can a person using a wheelchair easily enter and navigate the sanctuary, bathrooms, and gathering spaces? Are our bulletins and sound systems accessible for those who are blind, have low vision, or are hard of hearing? Do we offer quiet areas, sensory-friendly services, or accommodations for people with neurodivergence? Have we ever asked someone with a disability for their perspective on our building or worship experience?

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Beyond Compliance: Embracing the Body of Christ

ADA compliance is a baseline, but we are called higher. True belonging means not just access but welcome; not just accommodation but celebration. Accessibility is not a burden. It’s the fruit of love. When our churches are truly accessible, we reflect the wholeness of the Body of Christ. Every ramp, caption, assistive listening device, or large-print bulletin proclaims:  “You are wanted here.”

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Take It Further: Engage in Advocacy

The Episcopal Church's Office of Government Relations is deeply engaged in advocating for disability rights. This work includes supporting public policy that upholds the dignity, accessibility, and full inclusion of people  with disabilities in all areas of life, including faith communities. Learn more and explore their advocacy efforts here:

Office of Government Relations – Disability Rights

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Next Steps

Walk through your building this month with intention and honesty. Invite someone with lived experience of disability to share their feedback. Let July be a season of holy reimagining, where we grow not only in awareness but in action.  “The eye cannot say to the hand, ‘I have no need of you,’ nor again the head to the feet, ‘I have no need of you.’” – 1 Corinthians 12:21

 

St. John’s Pantry 

As of June 30th, St. John's pantry has served 959 visitors with 31 of them new to the pantry. The total number of individuals fed was 2,331. The pantry's goal for 2025 was to increase the number of new visitors and are pleased with the amount of increase so far. Cost per bag was $17.73 and cost per person was $10.17. Deb and Sue drove to Buffalo, WY Last week and toured their pantry. They brought home a few useful ideas and plan to work them into our process. Deb was so inspired that she went to the other pantries in Powell and learned that the most important thing visitors need is meat. The other pantries are hard pressed to consistently provide it. St. John's Pantry focuses on delivering meat and we are fortunate to be able to provide it. The new refrigerator and freezer from the Wyoming Hunger Initiative have arrived. The new shelving should be here shortly. This will allow us to operate more efficiently with this new workspace configuration.