Today, we remember Jesus’ words of radical welcome from last Sunday’s Gospel when he said, “Whoever welcomes you welcomes me, and whoever welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me… whoever gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones in the name of a disciple– truly I tell you, none of these will lose their reward.” (Matthew 10:40 & 42) As we go about our daily activities, please remember Jesus’ command for us to welcome all of God’s children and assist them. As temperatures and gas prices rise, our welcome and hospitality to the stranger becomes even more important. Think about how you can assist others in need, whether it’s offering a ride to the store, donating food to Transitional Housing participants, or checking on an elderly neighbor. One form of “welcome” is being able to say, “I prayed for you today,” so let us now turn to our community prayers …

For the life of Prince George’s Police Corporal Richard S. Findley, who was killed in the line of duty last Friday. Corporal Findley is a relative of Bob and Elsie Ziepolt. Tributes for Corporal Findley in Beltsville include viewings today at Borgwardt Funeral Home, and the funeral tomorrow at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church. Please keep the extended Findley family in prayer, including his colleagues on the Prince George’s County Police force, and the Beltsville Firefighters, with whom he served as a volunteer.

For the life of Carolyn Jones who died on Tuesday, June 24. Ms. Jones is the mother of Rich Noland, grandmother of Sarah and Mitchell, and mother-in-law of Diane, our Vestry Clerk. Funeral arrangements have been made for July 8 in Kensington, MD. Please keep all of the Noland family in your prayers.

For the birthdays this week of Kwame Poku on June 30 and Erin Reynolds on July 5. We give thanks for the anniversary of Leslie and James Roper on July 3.

Our parishioners, family and friends who are sick/ shut-in/or in grief:

• Olga Allen;
• Patricia Clark, sister of Joan Obecny;
• Dorothy Rittenhouse;
• Ed Northover;
• Bob Osborne;
• Wallace Tayman;
• Teresa Sommerkamp;
• Jane Schwab-Walthall;
• Rob Reed and Cesar Peck, friends of Mahadeo & Shanty Ramkissoon;
• Maryalice Thomas;
• Victor Revron, son-in-law of Bob & Joan Osborne;
• Christina Rolls, friend of Stan & Jacinta Marshall;
• Roland Beard, father of Leslie Roper;
• Graham Harrison, student of Leslie Roper;
• Cheryl Donaldson, friend of Nancy Ward;
• Jean Francis;
• Cameron, friend of Deb Stafany;
• Kevin, friend of the Hosein family;
• Juan, friend of Stan & Jacinta Marshall;
• Jim Harney, friend of Norm Jacob;
• Gifford Doxsee, friend of Neil Deo;
• Grace and George Albrittain, parents of Barbara Neitzy
• Lawrence Brown, Jason Cargill and Nicky Trecannelli, whose names were given to us by Llatetra Brown

The parents who use the Transfer Center here at St. John’s every other Friday and Sunday.

All those who travel domestically and abroad, especially Meca Pryce from Gettysburg College, and all students who are participating in the semester abroad program at Rhodes University in Grahmstown, South Africa.

Please pray regularly our Prayer for the Calling of a New Rector, submitted by our Search Committee:

“Loving God, Creator of all, we give you thanks for your great goodness and grace to St. John’s. We ask for your guidance, wisdom and presence as we move through the search process for our next rector. We ask this in the name of Jesus, your son. May the Holy Spirit guide us every step of the way.” AMEN.

• July 4 - Church Office Closed
• June 29
  • Holy Eucharist Rite II - 8 am
  • Holy Eucharist Rite II - 10 am

• Greeters:
  • 8 am Lana Krawczel & Shanthy Bowman
  • 10 am Shirley Redmond & Annie Zimmerman
• LEM’s:
  • 8 am Deb Stefany - Maureen Callanan, Reader
  • 10 am Laurie-Anne Lee & Jacinta Marshall
• Acolytes:
  • 8 am Bob & Elsie Ziepolt
  • 10 am Lynn Patterson & Juanita Zimmerman
• Altar Guild: Jan Wells, Barbara Shearin, Lana Krawczel

Please keep in mind that this summer we are increasing our donations of food to Transitional Housing participants because school is out and children are home longer during the day. We are accepting donations of breakfast and microwave lunch items, especially: cereal, pop tarts, toaster pastries, cereal bars, canned spaghetti, and “Easy Mac.” We are collecting these food items for weekly distribution, so please bring in food donations regularly to help our families in Transitional Housing. Although school is out, hunger doesn’t take a vacation … Please be generous.

Clothing for small children is also needed for the participants in the Transitional Housing program, especially boy’s clothing, size 3T. If you are able to donate “gently used” clothing for the children of Transitional Housing, please bring in your donations to the church office during the week, or leave them in the Narthex of the church on Sundays. Thank You!

We are a beacon of Christ's love, offering hospitality and sustenance to all on their spiritual way.

As we are faithful to our mission,

• We will serve our community as we feed the hungry, nurture the homeless, and welcome all God's children to grow in Christ.
• We will make a strong impact in Beltsville and our surrounding area as a resource for the community and as an agent of change.
• Our resources of treasure, time and talent will grow as our congregation grows. With the full participation of our adults and children, we will provide personal and spiritual development for the whole St. John's family, and will reflect our community as a culturally diverse congregation.