By the Rev. Marisa Sifontes

It’s hard to believe it’s already May. It seems like just last month we were reveling in those early glimpses of Spring. There’s so much that happens with this turn of the calendar: reengaging with the outside world before the heat of summer weighs us down, digging in the dirt as we plant and tend gardens, prom season (and graduations), and the impending start of Summer Break and travel season for many.
   We also have our own rhythms in the church, as we continue through the fifty days of Easter towards Pentecost, and towards the end of another program year. This month, we’ll celebrate our graduating seniors on Youth Sunday, May 7. We’ll gather for a cookout after the 5 p.m. service on May 21, and the Bishop will join us for Confirmation on Pentecost Sunday, May 28. By every account, there’s a lot going on! 
   The end of the program year has me thinking about how it began — about how we gathered last September to kick off a season of opportunities for formation, service, and community building, all tied together by our common life of faith, as we seek to bring the words of the Gospel to life. We’ve been focused on the word CONNECT and the idea of CONNECTION this year. And that’s one thing that the end of the program year won’t change.
   We’ll still be here each and every Sunday this summer for worship. But you also may want to lean into a different opportunity to be involved. Fine Wines has a whole slate of summer activities for our 50+ set. Our monthly book club will still meet. And there will still be opportunities for formation and service. In fact, the quieter months make summer an excellent time to figure out where God may be nudging you to get involved. 
   We’ve got a new Community Engagement guiding team who is taking a look at our existing and potential opportunities for service in Roanoke and beyond. Or if you’re inspired by the work of justice, our Becoming Beloved Community team would welcome others who wonder about how we live into the words of our Baptismal Covenant to strive for justice and peace and respect the dignity of every human being. Women at the Well and our Men’s groups will also continue to meet and would love to welcome you in.
   In short, the work of St. John’s doesn’t stop, just because the calendar changes.
   Whether you are brand new to St. John’s or have been around for years, whether through gardening, or our Children and Youth Ministries, volunteering in the office, visiting with our homebound parishioners, or a whole host of other opportunities, there’s a place for you here. While it can seem overwhelming, we also like to think that we’re a pretty friendly bunch. If you’re interested in exploring, the clergy, staff, and lay leaders would love to chat with you about how God may be calling you to find different ways to connect. Just let us know!