What’s Happening at St. John’s
INVITATION TO LOVE, a retreat in real life on the Great Commandment
Jesus’ Great Commandment to each Christian was and is to “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind’. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’” (Matthew 27:37-40)
Doesn’t it seem increasingly true that the first part of this passage is relatively easy in comparison to the second? Do you think – or hope – we’re given a pass on either part just because – in our opinion – so many of our neighbors are thinking and acting so very WRONG? Hmmm…
Please consider joining a group of your fellow parishioners as together we attempt to find a bit of spiritual renewal and strength over the summer. We will be following a set of readings and meditations in An Invitation to Love by William Barry, SJ who was one of the most experienced and best-loved spiritual directors of our time.
“An Invitation to Love provides a practical and adaptable sequence of prayer sessions on the great commandment of the Christian faith: to love God and love our neighbor. All other aspects of a healthy and hopeful life grow from our practices of love. When we experience God’s love for us, we can respond with a growing love for God. Loving God will transform us into people who can love our neighbors, too, whoever they are. The voice that speaks in these pages so personally and warmly is that of William A. Barry, SJ, who for decades has gently accompanied people in their prayer. His understanding of Scripture, expertise in nurturing spiritual growth, and joyful confidence in God’s desire for our friendship prepares a welcoming and walkable path to conversation with God and renewal in our hearts.” – Amazon.com
Class will begin on Thursday, July 2nd at 6:30-7:30pm on Zoom. We look forward to seeing you there. If you have any questions, please contact Pat.
This Week at St. John’s
Find past e-newsletters here and keep up with what’s happening “This Week at St. John’s”
Outreach Ministries at St. John’s
FRESH START SOBER LIVING OF MAINE
St. John’s continues to support Fresh Start and its residents. Fresh Start needs furniture and household appliances for their many homes. They are also in need of blankets (they have many full size beds and some twin beds), pillow cases, sheets, towels, wash clothes, pot holders, dish towels, 3-1 soap (shampoo, conditioner, bodywash), combs, brushes, deodorant, Q-tips, toothbrushes, toothpaste, dental floss, shave cream, disposable razors, bandaids, and feminine hygiene products. Items may be dropped off at the back of the church in the box labeled “Fresh Start”. For more information about Fresh Start, go to www.freshstartrecovery-maine.org.
BANGOR AREA HOMELESS SHELTER
St. John’s continues to support the Bangor Area Homeless Shelter. Items needed for the shelter pantry are: peanut butter, pasta & sauce, baked beans, canned meat/fish, rice, cereal, and any other ready to eat meals. There is a box at the back of the church labeled “Bangor Area Homeless Shelter” for these donations. As the box gets filled the Blanchettes will make sure the donations get delivered. For more information about the Bangor Area Homeless Shelter go to https://www.bangorareashelter.org/ .
Phishing scam alert
If you receive an email or text from “Rev. Jarrett Kerbel” asking you for a favor and could you please email him back, please don’t! Fr. Kerbel will never ask you to purchase gift cards for him and will not email or text you with a vague request of needing a favor. If you aren’t sure about a request that you received from St. John’s, please call or email the office at 947-0156 or office@stjohnsbangor.org.
Bangor Pride Parade June 2026
