The Interchange
The Interchange features articles of interest submitted by parishioners along with messages from the priest and senior warden. It also includes critical information about what is happening in the parish, diocese and The Episcopal Church (TEC) generally. To submit content to be featured in The Interchange visit the Parish Communications page.
Vestry Covenant
During our retreat in February, the Vestry developed a Covenant to guide our work together. In addition to sharing it with you here, it will be framed and hung in the hallway leading to the nave and in the administrative area.
Meet Bianca Prince, Parish Administrator
Bianca was born and raised in West Virginia, and is a graduate of West Virginia State University and Clarion University, where she earned an undergraduate degree in English and a graduate degree in Library & Information Science. She says, “ I am excited that I will be able to use my passion and skills to serve this congregation, the community, and God.” We’re glad you’re here, Bianca!
SJ@SJ: Social Justice at St. John’s
Social Justice at St. John’s is here. Join a new monthly ministry exploring how our faith calls us to confront injustice—with conversation, community, and action.
Reminder: Small Groups for Formation & Ministry
Looking for deeper connection at St. John’s? Small Group Ministry is launching this spring—monthly gatherings for food, faith, and friendship.
Three Determined and Persistent Ladies of St. John’s
St. John’s Archivist Travis Baldwin shares a bit about “Three Determined and Persistent Ladies of St. John’s” in this month’s Archives column.
Peterkin Updates - Womens Retreat & Summer Camp
Information on the upcoming May Women’s Retreat and 2025 Summer Camp at Peterkin!
St. John’s Memories: Vestry elite and Frances Hunter
Bob Rosier shares his monthly St. John’s memories.
February Acknowledgements
At Worship ministry team and Vestry meetings we take a few minutes to think about and acknowledge people and things we’ve noticed and wish to commend. Here’s this month’s!
Outreach Update - March 2025
St. John’s Episcopal Church is committed to serving the community in a variety of ways through our Outreach Ministry.
Formation: Small Group Ministry aka Covenant Groups
Small Group Ministry, also known as Covenant Groups, Chalice Circles and other names, offer a place for members to experience mutual growth in Christ through conversation, connection, belonging and working and learning together in intentional ways. Made up of 6-12 people, groups meet at least monthly over dinner or coffee, in homes, at church or in public places. Some groups would meet during the day, others on the weekend or in the evening, as the group chooses.
Preparing for Reading Camp 2025
We are excited to announce the dates for Reading Camp 2025 – the week of July 28 to August 1. We are already hard at work getting ready for camp, which includes lining up activities and field trips, and recruiting leaders, counselors and volunteers. This exciting camp assists local students in 2nd through 4th grades who are identified by their teachers as having difficulties reading.
Adult Formation During Lent
During Lent we’ll be reading and discussing Bp. Budde’s How We Learn to be Brave. We’re prepared to offer this in two different settings. First, in person as the Connected Communities offering on Sundays March 9 – April 13. The second, via Zoom, on Monday evenings from 6:30-7:30pm, Mondays, March 10-April 14. If you’re interested in being part of the Zoom group, please let Beth Marquart know; we’ll need a commitment from a minimum of 6 people to go ahead with this option.
Padre's Ponderings - March 2025
Saturday, February 22, was a chilly morning outside, but St. John’s Vestry was warm inside Mathes Hall at St. Matthew’s for our Vestry Retreat. Your Vestry gathered Friday night at Dave DeBolt’s home for food and fellowship to connect, form bonds of affection, and build trust as a leadership team. St. John’s, we have an extraordinary 2025 Vestry, members of which are listed on the back page of the Interchange.
Flood Recovery
Over the weekend, many communities in southern West Virginia and surrounding areas were devastated by floods.
SAGA @ St. John’s Lenten Learning & Discussion Series - Submitted by Rev. Eric Miller
SAGA @ St. John’s invites families, allies, and community members to a special three-part learning and discussion series designed to equip participants with the skills to better understand and support LGBTQ youth. This welcoming and interactive series is open to all ages, including youth and their support networks.
Updates from The Wardens - Feb 2025
Updates from Diane Hendricks and Brian Hamra for February 2025