www.stjohnsbroadcreek.org 1 1 A PUBLICATION FOR MEMBERS & FRIENDS OF ST. JOHN’S BROAD CREEK EPISCOPAL CHURCH: “All are welcome - all inclusive - no judgment!” THE ST. JOHN’S PRAYER Almighty and ever living God, ruler of all things in heaven and earth, hear our prayers for St. John’s, Broad Creek. Strengthen the faithful, arouse the careless, restore the penitent, draw the seekers, and increase our numbers. Grant us all things necessary for our common life, and bring us all to be of one heart and mind within your Holy Church; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen VISION STATEMENT St. John’s will continue to grow as a positive source of comfort and love in the lives of our diverse parish family. The surrounding community will come to know us as a welcoming, inclusive shelter in a world of uncertainty, and a source of help in crisis. MISSION STATEMENT St. John’s Church is an inclusive community of faithful believers and earnest seekers, where worship is the foundation of our common life, and where the Holy Spirit moves us to gather and thrive as a loving extended family while reaching out to serve our neighbors with the Good News of God’s Love. JANUARY ST. JOHN’S IN THIS ISSUE The St. John’s Prayer, Vision/Mission 1 FROM THE PULPIT: 2 How Can A Stranger Tell You Are A Christian? Martin Luther King Jr., Matthew Shepard 3 IMAGES: 4 Sundays at St. John’s, It’s A Beautiful World It’s A Beautiful World: Antigua, Guatemala 5 Gordan C. James Fine Art and Illustration; 6 Party With The Pastor REPORTS: 7 Coffee Hour Volunteers, Webmaster Needed, “More Jesus, More Love” Revival, Merry Christmas From The Brevards, Money Matters, Food Pantry, Recycle THIS IS US: 8 Let’s Be Frank: No More New Years Resolutions! Doing Unto The Least Of These, Prayer Corner Upcoming Events, Birthdays, 9 Newsletter/Website Submission Rules Brick Order Form 10 The St. John’s Way, Submission Information 11 ST. JOHN’S BROAD CREEK EPISCOPAL CHURCH 9801 Livingston Road Fort Washington, Maryland 20744 Office Phone: 301.248.4290 Office Fax: 301.248.7838 www.stjohnsbroadcreek.org
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St. John’S Way
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A publicAtion for members & friends of st. John’s broAd creek episcopAl church: “All are welcome - all inclusive - no judgment!”
The ST. John’S Prayer Almighty and ever living God, ruler of all things in heaven and earth, hear our prayers for st. John’s, broad creek. strengthen the faithful, arouse the careless, restore the penitent, draw the seekers, and increase our numbers. Grant us all things necessary for our common life, and bring us all to be of one heart and mind within your holy church; through Jesus christ our lord. Amen
ViSion STaTemenTst. John’s will continue to grow as a positive source of comfort and love in the lives of our diverse parish family. the surrounding community will come to know us as a welcoming, inclusive shelter in a world of uncertainty, and a source of help in crisis.miSSion STaTemenT st. John’s church is an inclusive community of faithful believers and earnest seekers, where worship is the foundation of our common life, and where the holy spirit moves us to gather and thrive as a loving extended family while reaching out to serve our neighbors with the Good news of God’s love.
JANUARY
ST. JOHN’S
in ThiS iSSueThe St. John’s Prayer, Vision/mission 1From The PulPiT: 2how Can a Stranger Tell you are a Christian?martin luther King Jr., matthew Shepard 3imaGeS: 4Sundays at St. John’s, it’s a Beautiful World it’s a Beautiful World: antigua, Guatemala 5Gordan C. James Fine art and illustration; 6Party With The Pastor rePorTS: 7Coffee hour Volunteers, Webmaster needed, “more Jesus, more love” revival, merry Christmas From The Brevards, money matters, Food Pantry, recycle ThiS iS uS: 8let’s Be Frank: no more new years resolutions! Doing unto The least of These, Prayer Cornerupcoming events, Birthdays, 9newsletter/Website Submission rulesBrick order Form 10The St. John’s Way, Submission information 11
Almighty God, whose Son our Savior Jesus Christ is the light of the world: Grant that your people, illumined by your Word and Sacraments, may shine with the radiance of Christ’s glory, that he may be known, worshiped, and obeyed to the ends of the earth; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns, one God, now and for ever. Amen. collect for the second sunday after the epiphany bcp 215
the feast of the epiphany is always celebrated on January 6th – marking the end of the christmas season (the 12 days of christmas!). At st. John’s we are “transferring” the feast and celebrating epiphany on sunday, January 5. We will have one service at 10 a.m. followed by a potluck in bayne hall. please celebrate with us and bring a dish to share!early christians chose this day to celebrate the “manifestations” or “epiphanies” of Jesus’ divinity. the feast of the epiphany is the beginning of the season of epiphany – the season runs from January 6 until the tuesday before Ash Wednesday. the length of the season includes four to nine sundays depending on the date of easter. the gospel stories of this season describe various events that manifest the divinity of Jesus. the coming of the magi (the three kings) is celebrated on the feast of the epiphany. the baptism of our lord is observed on the sunday after the epiphany. the gospels for the other sundays in the sea-son include the wedding at cana, the calling of the dis-ciples, and various miracles and teachings of Jesus. the last sunday of the epiphany (this year february 23) is always devoted to the story of the Transfiguration.
All the stories of how Jesus is revealed as God among us are an invitation for us to think about the ways that God is revealed in our lives. if someone were to “watch your life” would they be able to tell that you are a christian by the way you treat other people and creation? do they know we are christians by our love?epiphany is the time of year when our parish intentionally reviews its mission and ministry. both the diocesan convention and our Annual meeting take place during the season of epiphany. how has God’s presence been made known in the world through st. John’s? the diocese of Washington? both your parish and your diocese depend on your participation to reveal God to others!the episcopal diocese of Washington diocesan convention will be on January 25. You can learn more about the work of diocesan convention at the following link: https://www.edow.org/about/diocesan-governance/pre-convention-forumour presiding bishop, the most reverend michael curry, will be our guest preacher at convention and bishop curry will also be leading worship and preaching at a “revival” event on sunday, January 26. to learn more about the revival and to request free tickets to that event, visit our diocesan website at: https://www.edow.org/
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Honoring Matthew Shepard—A Celebration and Plaque DedicationDecember 2, 2019
The bronze plaque that honors Matthew Shepard was installed in St. Joseph’s Chapel to mark his final resting place. Dennis and Judy Shepard helped install a memorial plaque to their son, Matthew, whose 1998 death in a violent anti-gay crime electrfied the modern LGBTQ movement. It includes words from Bishop Gene Robinson’s homily last year: “Matt, rest gently in this place. You are home safe now.” It mirrors a plaque dedicated to human rights advocate Helen Keller, who lies nearby.
Like Helen Keller, Matthew dreamed and worked for a world full of love and compassion. This memorial plaque was made possible through a global crowd–funding initiative that raised all funds necessary within three weeks.
You can watch the dedication ceremony at cathedral/matthewshepard
Martin Luther King Jr. was one of America’s most influential civil rights activists. His passionate, but non-violent protests, helped to raise awareness of racial inequalities in America, leading to significant political change. Martin Luther King was also an eloquent orator who captured the imagination and hearts of people, both black and white.
His Early LifeMartin Luther King, Jr. was born in Atlanta on 15 January 1929. Both his father and grandfatherwere pastors in an African-American Baptist church. M. Luther King attended Morehouse College in Atlanta, (segregated schooling) and then went to study at Crozer Theological Seminary in Pennsylvania and Boston University. During his time at University Martin Luther
King became aware of the vast inequality and injustice faced by black Americans; in particular, he was influenced by Gandhi’s philosophy of non-violent protest. The philosophy of Gandhi tied in with the teachings of his Baptist faith. At the age of 24, King married Coretta Scott, a beautiful and talented young woman. After getting married, King became a pastor at Dexter Avenue Baptist Church in Montgomery, Alabama.
Montgomery Bus BoycottA turning point in the life of Martin Luther King was the Montgomery Bus Boycott which he helped to promote. His boycott also became a turning point in the civil rights struggle – attracting national press for the cause.
It began in innocuous circumstances on 5 December 1955. Rosa Parks, a civil rights activist, refused to give up her seat – she was sitting in a white-only area. This broke the strict segregation of coloured and white people on the Montgomery buses. The bus company refused to back down and so Martin Luther King helped to organise a strike where coloured people refused to use any of the city buses. The boycott lasted for several months, the issue was then brought to the Supreme Court who declared the segregation was unconstitutional.
Civil Rights MovementAfter the success of the Montgomery bus boycott, King and other ministers founded
the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC). This proved to be a nucleus for the growing civil rights movement. Later there would be arguments about the best approach to take. In particular, the 1960s saw the rise of the Black power movement, epitomised by Malcolm X and other black nationalist groups. However, King always remained committed to the ideals of non-violent struggle.
Speeches of Martin Luther King Jr.Martin Luther King was an inspirational and influential speaker; he had the capacity to move and uplift his audiences. In particular, he could offer a vision of hope. He captured the injustice of the time but also felt that this injustice was like a passing cloud. King frequently made references to God, the Bible and his Christian Faith.
“And this is what Jesus means when he said: “How is it that you can see the mote in your brother’s eye and not see the beam in your own eye?” Or to put it in Moffatt’s translation: “How is it that you see the splinter in your brother’s eye and fail to see the plank in your own eye?” And this is one of the tragedies of human nature. So we begin to love our enemies and love those persons that hate us whether in collective life or individual life by looking at ourselves.”
ReAD MoRe HeRe: https://www.biographyonline.net/politicians/american/martin-luther-king.html
It’s a BeautIful World!GREETINGS! A New year - A New Topic.
Every month, ONE page will be dedicated to the travel photos you want to share.Email only high resoultion photos (jpgs) to [email protected] by the deadline date for the newsletter. Don’t send paper copies or flash drives. Only the name(s) of who provided the photos and the name of the destination will be listed. NOT listed will be captions, specific titles, addresses, andnarratives.Enjoy this month’s destinationon the next page: Antigua, Guatemala
IMaGesSundays at St. John’s
Sunday, December 8: Saint Nick came to visit ...
Sunday, December 22: Children’s sermon ...
Tuesday, December 24: Christmas Eve “Gathered Pageant” ...
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It’s a BeautIful World!Enjoy a different destination every month: Antigua, Guatemala
Antigua is a small city surrounded by volcanoes in southern Guatemala. it’s renowned for its spanish colonial buildings, many of them restored following a 1773 earthquake that ended Antigua’s 200-year reign as Guatemala’s colonial capital. notable architectural examples include baroque la merced church. it’s an integral part of the city’s famous semana santa, a holy week with parades and rituals.
Photos & INFo: Birgitt s. Brevard
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Gordon C. James fine art and Illustration (www.gordoncjames.com/)the artist, Gordon c. James, came to visit, sign books, create 5-10 minute marker portraits, saw old friends, and made some new ones. it was a treat to watch him work and create. a huge ThanK you to the men’s ministry for providing a fabulous brunch!
Party WIth the PastorJust like every year, pastor sarah outdid herself. the Christmas Party at the rectory is an event not to miss. she continues to bless us with her kindness, love, wisdom, humour, and strength. We wish her and her loved one’s peace, health, happiness, and prosperity. happy new year!
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Your st. John’s finance committee is made up of volunteers who are responsibe of planning, advising, executing, and reporting of financial information and processes benefitting St. John’s. We meet on the second thursday each month. All parish members are invited to any meeting and are encouraged to join us. Free coffee and snacks at every meeting. for questions, call AlAn at 301.292.3490.Al
Alan ritter, Finance Chairmanpeter persell, Outreach Chairmanbea James, Treasurercarol thomas & rudy brevard, Pledge Clerks
MoNey Matters We are seeking volunteers to sign up for CoFFee hour both sunday services. this would involvebringing an item to share for coffee hour. for example, coffee cake, cookies, or cheese & crackers. (Nothing elaborate, just something simple, however, you may be as creative as you like.) the volunteer for the 8 a.m. service would be responsible for set-up and the volunteer for the 10:30 a.m. service would be responsible for the clean-up. the sign-up sheet is available in bayne hall. your participation would be greatly appreciated!
Barely SelF-SuSTaininG? BrinG FinanCeS uP To Par?how? raise your pledge. have an idea for fundraising? Great - step up - take charge - do it.$$$
the FooD PanTry has been experiencing a higher volume of clients these recent weeks.While the pantry can purchase most
food items from the dc food bank, there are some necessary items that are not available.the st. John’s Women’s ministry is collecting the following items: paper towels, toilet paper, toothpaste, tooth brushes, bars of soap, and deodorant.We are asking the parish to support this project by generously filling the baskets in the back of the church and in bayne hall. ThanK you!
urGeNt: WeBMaster NeededIf you are looking to volunteer your expertise by working with WORSHIPTIMES on updating, programming, editing, adjusting our St. John’s website - look no further - YOU ARE THE ONE FOR US! St. John’s needs YOU.Contact Pastor Sarah at [email protected] or Birgitt at [email protected].
Dear FrienDS oF The DioCeSe oF WaShinGTon,i am thrilled to call our diocese together for a weekend of spiritual rededication and renewal January 24-26, 2020, culminating in a public revival with presiding bishop michael curry on Sunday, January 26, at 2 p.m. at the entertainment and sports Arena in Washington, dc. the theme for the weekend and for the revival itself is more Jesus: more love, a reminder that only as we draw closer to Jesus can we grow in our capacity to love as Jesus loves. the revival is not for ourselves alone, but for those we will invite to join us for a service of uplifting music,
personal testimony, the presiding bishop’s word to us, and holy eucharist. Read more online
CallinG all VolunTeerS! in preparation for the more Jesus, more love revival on Sunday, January 26, 2020, we seek volunteers to serve in a variety of critical roles. We’re looking for folks at all levels of experience who are excited, motivated team players willing to serve in the months lead-ing up to and on the day of the event. Sign up to volunteerLearn more about the More, Jesus, More Love Revival weekend eventsQuestions?
reCyCle For ST. John’S• DON’T put your aluminum cans (soft drink, beer, juice, etc.) in your
county recycle bin! small metal items, including aluminum cans may be dropped off at st. John’s. place items in the recycle bin or outside the kitchen door.
• DON’T let contractors take away old material after having new gutters, siding, etc. installed! call kathy mierke at 301.292.3624 for pick up. • usual recycling pick-up is on mondays and handled by kathy and Jim. • All meTAl, iNcluDiNg cOPPer, AlumiNum, brAss, AND irON, will be cOllecTeD. • All recycled material will be sold and all proceeds given to st. John’s. Questions? call Kathy: 301.292.3624.
From Bishop Mariann
Merry ChrIstMas aNd a haPPy,
healthy NeW yearfrom aboard the
Vision of the Sea - somewhere on the Atlantic Ocean.
heaVenly FaTher, GiVer oF liFe anD healTh: comfort and relieve your sick servants, and give your power of healing to those who minister to their needs, that those for whom our prayers are offered may be strengthened in theirweakness and have confidence in your loving care; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the holy spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
Pray for Archbishop of canterbury: Justin; presiding bishop: michael; bishop of Washington: mariann; rector: sarah
Pray for the president, the Armed forces of the united states and our Allies, and for the people and emergent leaders of iraq, Afghanistan, egypt, libya, and all the countries in the world that are in turmoil, as well as for our enemies and those who wish us ill. Pray for our Parish, especially our Staff, our Vestry and its Officers, and our Ministries and Committees.
The following names will be prayed for aloud during the Sunday Service, and during the week in our daily prayers. They will remain on the prayer list until December 31, 2019. If you want them on the long term list, please call the church office. Pray for birgitt, faith, margaret, carl, diane, rachaad, lois, erica, Autumn, elizabeth, lynn, Geneva, catherine, Jim, Joan, claudia, claudette, and karl.
The following names are to be prayed for during the week in our daily prayers. They will remain on the prayer list until December 31, 2019. If you want them to remain on the list, please call the church office.Pray for connie duncan, the Gholson family, charles Gunter, thomas & Gordon James, the mierke family, lana neil, and mitch otera.
THIS IS US
st. John’s family members share their stories, accomplishements,
trials, and tribulations
DO
INg UNTO THE LEAST OF THESEPeter Persell
1. Feed the hungry Work at the fort Washington food pantry for an hour a week or an hour a month.
2. Teach the children tutor a child with homework helpers on tuesdays; Give school supplies for church World service school kits.
3. Protect the vulnerable Make a financial donation to PGC Family Crisis Center.
4. Help mothers, girls, and their children Make a financial contribution to the United Thank Offering of the episcopal church Women.
5. support victims of natural disasters Give to episcopal relief and development and church World service.
6. Treat refugees and immigrants as you would treat other Americans engage with refugees and immigrants; discuss among ourselves how to do this best.
7. be polite, smiling and kind to everyone you encounter
8. call, write, text, email and meet with elected officials to let them know that you expect the to feed the hungry, teach the children, protect the vulnerable, help women, girls and children and respond compassionately and effectively to natural disasters.
9. You have many other great ideas. share them!
YOu Are NeeDeD!
Pastor Sarah, your vestry and those involved in these activities, are ready to provide practical advice on how you can get involved to help out.
Starting with the January 2021 newsletter, “Selfie Time With Sarah” will be replaced by an op ed, called “let’s Be Frank”. i will introduce a statement which is my honest opinion on things that happen in the news, stuff that we think about now and then, or something i may have seen. the article will be short. sometimes you may agree - sometimes you may not. my intent
is to provide you with some “food for thought”. nothing too serious. And yes - You are invited to “be frAnk” as well. between 250 and 500 words max, submitted to me via email at [email protected].
No More NeW year’s resolutIoNs!Let’s face it — it’s pretty pointless waiting all year to decide on one or two things that you kinda, sorta want to stop doing/start doing, but that you know full well you’re not really committed to following through with anyway.
Yes - I want to go on a diet, read more books, and learn something new - but does this count: I rode an ATV Big Wheeler this summer = new (it scared the ... out of me); I got my act together and ordered the book we are reading in book club; and YES - I diet - but - I will never be size 2 - hell, I will not be size 6. I am who I am. My blood pressure and cholesterol are great, and I am NOT diabetic - thank you for asking.
I will join a gym again ... but for how long - I think I’ll wait until I can get in for free as a senior. Why? I hate belonging to clubs - was never a follower - can’t stand cute exercise outfits that only look good on ladies who are already slim and trim. When I sweat, I don’t want clingy clothe that really MARK the spot - I want to wear baggy, worn out old sweat clothes. And - I don’t want to listen to the grunts of the serious exercisers who push the iron to the limit. That’s it.
I will interact more with my neighbors. Oh, well, that’s a good one ... I like modern art, splash paint, watch drag queens, listen to loud music. I like crazy people (I seem to attract them). So that makes for good conversation with my neighbors - hmmmmm, but ok - I’ll try.
I’ll let my hair go all grey. Ok, I am not there yet, but when will I be? People look at you different when your hair is grey unless you have that certain beautifully blessed look - and so I reach for hair color on sale - one more time:)
So here it is: Living a full life isn’t about making some woolly, half-hearted decisions that don’t really mean anything.
But here is what I can do: I can try to be a better person! Simple. Difficult. Worth trying.
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GuTTS & BuTTS ClaSSeS Group fitness class to be held in Bayne Hall.tuesdays: 5:45 - 6:45 p.m. or sundays: 2:30 - 3:30 p.m.Cost Per Person: $10rsVp at [email protected] or 301.752.8737.
neW yearS DayWednesday, January 1 PGCPS Schools Closed
New Year’s Day, also simply called New Year or New Year’s, is observed on January 1, the first day of the year on the modern Gregorian calendar as well as the Julian calendar. In pre-Christian Rome under the Julian calendar, the day was dedicated to Janus, god of gateways and beginnings, for whom January is also named.
ChurCh oFFiCe oPenWednesday, January 2
FinanCe meeTinGSthursday, January 9 at 7 p.m.
VeSTry meeTinGthursday, January 16 at 6 p.m.
W.o.W. neWSALPACA FARM SHOP HOURS: Fridays (beginning Friday after Thanksgiving), Saturdays, & Sundays until January 5, 2021.VillA de AlpAcAs fArm22410 Aquasco road, Aquasco, md 20608301.888.2742
Jean Anderson-Jones
Dates and times are subject to change, please check with the office at 301. 248.4290 or online at www.stjohnsbroadcreek.org for changes/updates.
Sale! 2020 CalenDarScalendars are $10 each.please see sandra bouchelion.
Sale! PerSonalizeD BriCKSplease see karen chapman for details.
Sale! ST. John’S ShirTS For $20 eaChCall Karen Herbert at 301.440.4294.
BiBle STuDy*10:15 a.m. after Wednesday Worship7 p.m. in the Rectory
FooD PanTrysaturdays at 9:30 a.m.
WorShiPWednesdays at 9:30 a.m.Eucharist followed by Bible Study*sundays at 8 a.m. and 10:30 a.m.
yoGa $10 Per SeSSionmondays at 7 p.m.
BroaD CreeK ChilD DeVeloPmenT ProGramContact Stephenie Ratty: 301.248.6665.
Choir rehearSalS every thursday from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m.
homeWorK helPerStuesdays at 7 p.m.
neWSleTTer SuBmiSSionS if you would like to submit information to be considered for inclusion in the “st. John’s Way” newsletter, email your information DirecTlY to [email protected] at least one week in advance* of the newsletter’s distribution date (which is usually on the first day of the next month). inclusion in the newsletter is NOT guaranteed.
* Deadlines for submissions can also be found on the last page of the newsletter
JanuaryAnjola Akintoba, sandra bouchelion
rudy brevard, michael chapmaneddie diaz, John dearing, Jana Grymes
FeaST oF The ePiPhanysunday, January 5only one service at 10 a.m.
A Celebration of the Three Kings’ visit to Jesus. Get your home blessing kit. Potluck immediately following the service.
marTin luTher KinG Jr. Daymonday, January 20PGCPS Schools Closed
Martin Luther King Jr. Day is an American federal holiday marking the birthday of Martin Luther King Jr. It is observed on the third Monday of January each year, which is around King’s birthday, January 15.
ePiSCoPal DioCeSe oF WaShinGTon ConVenTionsaturday, January 25https://www.edow.org/about/diocesan-gover-nance/pre-convention-forum
reViValsunday, January 26Bishop Curry will lead the worship and preach at the event https://www.edow.org/
2020 annual meeTinGsunday, february 2 after10 a.m. service (only one service that day)
laST SunDay oF ePiohanysunday, february 23
AbOuT YOur submissiON(s)• Articles which are selected for publication will be proof read for content, spelling, and grammatical errors.• Articles should be submitted in word format and discuss subjects relevant to the st. John’s community.• Articles should include section headings.• illustrations, tables, sidebars are encouraged to illustrate and emphasize the message.
sTrucTure OF YOur ArTicle(s)• News items and announcements - short, topical, news oriented
• major Articles - in depth discussions of topics of interest
ST. John’S WeBSiTe SuBmiSSionSinformation to be considered for inclusion on the website is very limited and will undergo strict review!
email your information DirecTlY to [email protected] at least two weeks in advance of possible placement. Please remember, submitting your article does not guarantee placement on the website.
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ST. JOHN’S EPISCOPAL CHURCH A Place in Time continued…
’ “A Place in Time” Brick Project, we are looking forward personalized brick “in memory of”, “in ”
’
St. John’s bricks are $50 each for a 4x8 brick. You may purch
St. John’s Church (MEMO: Brick Project) –
☐
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leT’S hear From you!
The deadline for the February 2020 issue of “st. John’s way” is monday, January 27.
Submissions can be left in the newsletter box in the church office; either as hard copy, on CD, or on a flash drive. You also have the options to mail or email your submission.
The preferred way to receive your submissions is as a microsoft word document, via email. more info on “upcoming events” page.
please email your letters, ideas, articles, comments, information, questions to [email protected].
NOTe: dates, times, locations mentioned in this newletter are subject to change. All information has been edited to the best of our abilities. be kind and understanding. peAce!
remember the January 27 deadline.
ST. John’S BroaD CreeK ePiSCoPal ChurCh 9801 livingston road • Fort washington, maryland 20744
