Welcome to Saint John's Episcopal Church in Hagerstown, Maryland

The Fourth Sunday in Lent

March 15, 2026

This Sunday’s Gospel presents one of the most compelling figures in all of John’s Gospel: a man born blind who, after a single encounter with Jesus, finds himself at the center of a controversy he never sought. The religious authorities interrogate him, his parents hedge their answers, and the pressure mounts — but the man himself will not be moved. “One thing I know,” he says: “I was blind, now I see.” His simple, stubborn testimony is a model of Lenten faith. In a season that asks us to look honestly at ourselves, this story reminds us that the light of Christ does not only illuminate the world around us — it reveals who we truly are, and who we are becoming.

Upcoming Events

Life together at Saint John’s in the season of Lent.

At Saint John’s

✚ Evensong for Lent — Today, March 15, 5:00 p.m.
This evening the Saint John’s Parish Choir sings Evensong for Lent. The program features Harrison Oxley’s Preces and Responses, Vaughan Williams’ Magnificat and Nunc Dimittis in C, and Will C. MacFarlane’s “Open Our Eyes.” A free-will offering will be received. An elegant reception follows at 6:00 p.m. in Trimble Hall. Our reception coordinator is Tamara Martinez. All are welcome — no ticket required.

✚ Youth Sunday is Coming — March 22, The Fifth Sunday in Lent
Our Lenten Youth Pop-Up Choir sings this coming Sunday! Youth of all ages have been preparing William Billings’ “When Jesus Wept” for a special Youth Sunday service. Join us at the 10:15 a.m. service to celebrate and support our young musicians. Combined rehearsal with adults is this Thursday, March 19, 6:30–7:30 p.m. For more information, contact John Sabine at 678-592-4741 or johnsabine@icloud.com.

✚ Adult Forum: Episcopal 101 — Sundays, 9:15–10:00 a.m., Saint Mary’s Chapel
Father Rick continues his exploration of the 1979 Book of Common Prayer. Today’s session is “A Sacramental Faith.” Next Sunday, March 22, he explores the authority of Scripture in the Episcopal Church. All are welcome.

✚ Mid-Week Services
Holy Eucharist is offered three times each week: Tuesday at 5:30 p.m. at the High Altar, Wednesday at 5:30 p.m. in the Choir Stalls, and Thursday at 11:30 a.m. in Saint Mary’s Chapel. All are welcome to gather for prayer and communion throughout the week.

✚ Bible Study with Deacon Sue — Tuesdays, 7:00–8:00 p.m.
Join Deacon Sue for weekly Bible Study, offered in Saint Mary’s Chapel or online via Zoom. Meeting ID: 827 3456 7853 • Passcode: 175639.

✚ Children’s Church — Next Sunday, March 22
Children’s Church takes place on the second and fourth Sundays of the month during the 10:15 a.m. service. The next session is March 22 — Youth Sunday! Nursery care is available every Sunday. An Usher can direct you to either location.

✚ Parish Quiet Day — Saturday, March 28, 9:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m.
All church members are invited to a day of prayer, reflection, and spiritual renewal as we prepare our hearts for Holy Week and beyond. Detailed information is available from the parish office.

✚ Palm Sunday — March 29
Holy Eucharist at 8:00 a.m. and 10:15 a.m. The 10:15 service will include an outdoor procession with incense. Passion Gospel readers are needed for both services — 11 speaking parts from the Gospel of Matthew. Email Mark King at mbking1632@gmail.com with your availability.

✚ Holy Week & Easter Schedule
Mark your calendars for these sacred days:
• Holy Monday, March 30 — 7:00 p.m., Holy Eucharist, Saint Mary’s Chapel
• Holy Tuesday, March 31 — 7:00 p.m., Holy Eucharist, High Altar
• Holy Wednesday, April 1 — 7:00 p.m., Holy Eucharist, Saint Mary’s Chapel
• Maundy Thursday, April 2 — 7:00 p.m., Holy Eucharist with Foot Washing & Stripping of the Altar; Altar of Repose Vigil 8:30 p.m.–12:00 a.m.
• Good Friday, April 3 — 12:00 noon and 7:00 p.m., Church
• Holy Saturday, April 4 — 10:00 a.m., Church
• The Great Vigil of Easter — Saturday, April 4, 7:00 p.m., St. Mark’s Lappans
• Easter Day — Holy Eucharist at 8:00 a.m. and 10:15 a.m., with incense

Community & Outreach

✚ Easter Gifts — Deadline Monday, March 23
We invite you to make a gift in memory or in honor of a loved one to support special music or altar flowers for Easter. Donation forms are on page 23 of this week’s bulletin, or mail your gift to Saint John’s Episcopal Church, 101 S. Prospect Street, Hagerstown, MD 21740. Deadline: Monday, March 23.

✚ Donations for the Easter Egg Hunt
The Annual Easter Egg Hunt takes place on Easter Sunday at 12:00 p.m. We are collecting donations of plastic eggs and individually wrapped candy. A collection box is located outside the choir room — thank you!