Parish Announcements
Announcements for the Week of May 10, 2026
At St. John’s, worship is the work of the whole people of God, and there is a place for everyone to serve. If you are interested in serving as a lector, intercessor, acolyte, torch bearer, usher, greeter, crucifer, or in another ministry of worship, please let the parish office know.
Children, youth, and adults are all encouraged to take part. We are a multigenerational parish, and we mean that. Parents, if you think your child is old enough to do a job, then they are old enough. No child is too young to be welcomed into service if they want to help. And if you are wondering whether you are too old to learn or try something new, you are not.
Training will be provided for every ministry. All you need is a willing heart and a desire to serve."
Daughters of the King: The Daughters of the King will admit 4 new members to our order on May 13th at the 5:30pm. service. Please come to support these women, Lauren Clark, Margaret Fish, Emily Warren, & Jane Woods, as they begin a new chapter in their lives of prayer & service. DOK meets regularly on the first Tuesday of the month at 10:30 a.m. Daughters of the King are dedicated to service and prayer. Contact Virginia Montgomery (228) 238-4230 for more information about Daughters of the King.
Thursday Night at the Movies: We meet on Thursday nights from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on the 2nd floor of the parish hall in the Kindness Room. All are welcome, join us! This week’s movie offering is The Goldfinch.
St. John’s Endowment Fund Highlight: Joel Melton was a beloved and faithful member of St. John’s, known for his rich baritone voice in the choir for over 20 years. He also served as a layreader, Junior and Senior Warden, and oversaw parish electronics. The Melton Meditation Room stands in his honor. In 2020, the Melton family established the Joel C. Melton Music Endowment to support the future of music ministry at St. John’s. The fund reached its minimum goal in 2024 and now stands at $59,000, with a goal of $100,000. Beginning in 2027, proceeds from the endowment will enhance and support the music ministry beyond the parish budget—ensuring that Joel’s love of music continues to bless St. John’s for generations to come.
We invite you to prayerfully consider contributing to the Joel C. Melton Music Endowment. You can give easily using Text2Give by texting STJOHNSOS to 73256 and selecting the Melton Music Endowment Fund.
The purpose of the Endowment Fund is to enable the Parish to fulfill its mission more completely by developing ministries beyond what is possible through its annual operating funds. For more information, contact Margaret Reynolds at 228-365-5622.
Thursday Study Group: Our Thursday Study Group with Fr. Harold Roberts is on hiatus. For additional details contact Fr. Harold Roberts at 228-380-4700.
Mahjong for Beginners: Anyone interested should meet on Tuesdays at 1 p.m. in the parish hall. The class will be taught by parishioner Emily Lancaster, who will guide participants through the basics of the game in a relaxed, instructional setting. This is a great opportunity for those who have always wanted to learn Mahjong or need a refresher. Come learn something new and enjoy a fun afternoon of fellowship!
Please note: This Tuesday class is specifically for beginners and is separate from the regular Mahjong group that meets on Fridays. For more information or to sign up, please contact Emily directly at (228) 341-0775 or ewlanca@att.net.
The Caregiver/Care Partners Support Group: Meets upstairs in the old EYC Room on the 3rd Tuesday of each month from 2:30 p.m. to 3:45 p.m. Purpose - Caregivers are often so concerned with caring for their loved ones’ needs that they lose sight of their own well-being. Connecting with others can help. This is a confidential space to share challenges, receive support, and learn coping strategies. Interested? email Nancy Carstens at ncars10s@gmail.com.
St. John’s has established an Accessibility Committee to help us become an even more welcoming place for everyone. As part of that work, large-print editions of the service leaflet are now available for those who would find them helpful.
Printed copies of the sermon are also available. Our hope is that these small steps will help more people participate fully in worship and feel at home in this parish community. See the ushers or parish office for copies.
Merry Widows: The Merry Widows is a parish social group centered on good food, warm fellowship, and joyful connection. The group meets on the second Tuesday of each month at 11:00 a.m. at a designated local restaurant. Originally formed for widows within the parish, the group has happily expanded and now welcomes all women of the parish who enjoy fellowship and sharing a meal together—widow or not. If you’re looking for a relaxed, friendly way to connect with others at St. John’s, the Merry Widows invite you to join them. Contact Lena Melton at (228) 219-9711 for more information.
Pew Cushions Now Available: We are happy to share that pew cushions are now available for anyone who would like a little extra comfort during services. These cushions may be borrowed for use during worship. If you would like one, simply let your service usher know, and they will be glad to assist you. We hope this small addition helps make your worship experience more comfortable.
Regarding Parking: A request from our neighbors at St. Paul. St. Paul has asked St. John to refrain from utilizing their parking lot.
📣 Got News to Share? Let Us Know! ✨
Do you have an announcement, event, or ministry update you’d like published in the Buff Bulletin, Realm, or on the parish website? We’d love to help share it!
📬 Please reach out to Rogena Woods, Parish Administrator
✉️ Email: Rogena.mitchell@sjosms.org
📞 Phone: 228-249-9791
Thank you for helping us keep the parish informed and connected! ⛪💛
