Hello, Reader!
This Sunday, June 14, we celebrate the Third Sunday after Pentecost. These readings do not offer easy comfort—they offer something more enduring. They speak to the cost of faithfulness when the world opposes it and to what it means to die with Christ and be raised to new life.
FIRST READING – Jeremiah 20:7–13
Jeremiah feels compelled by God to speak prophecies of violence and destruction, which have made him an object of ridicule. He tries to silence God's word within himself but cannot: "If I say, 'I will not mention him or speak any more in his name,' then there is something like a burning fire shut up in my bones." Yet in the midst of his struggle, he discovers that the Lord is with him like a mighty warrior. Assurance does not come before the struggle; it arises within it.
PSALM 69:8–11, (12–17), 18–20
The psalmist has become a stranger to his own family because of his fervent dedication to God's house. The scorn directed at God has fallen on him. He has been humbled and mocked, yet he turns to prayer, appealing not to his own righteousness but to God's kindness and great compassion in his distress.
SECOND READING – Romans 6:1b–11
Paul explains that in baptism, we have been baptized into Christ's death and raised with Him. We have died to sin and been set free from its slavery. We are no longer enslaved to sin because, in a profound spiritual sense, we are dead. Therefore, we must consider ourselves dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus.
GOSPEL – Matthew 10:24–39
Jesus tells his disciples plainly: Do not be afraid. Nothing hidden will remain hidden, and those who kill the body cannot touch the soul. Yet Jesus also makes clear the cost of discipleship. Following Him may divide families and require taking up the cross. Those who try to save their lives will lose them, while those who lose their lives for His sake will find true life.
These readings convey a unified message: the cost of faithfulness is real, yet God's presence as a mighty warrior is also real. We have died to sin and been raised to new life. The price of discipleship is steep, but the alternative leads to a different kind of loss. In this season, we are learning to live as if we have already died and been raised.
Read the full readings and reflections
The podcast of today's service will be available later today on your favorite podcast platform, or you can listen here.
Don’t forget to review this week's announcements and the church calendar.
A few things from Deacon Nate!
Dear St. John's Family,
Sunday was such a wonderful day. It was great to be with everyone, to meet more new people, and to pray together. Everyone has been so kind to my family and me, and you have welcomed us so warmly. We already feel part of the St. John's family.
I'm looking forward to everything the Spirit has in store for us in the weeks and months ahead! Nate+
Changes to Morning Prayer
Now that Deacon Nate has joined us, we have adjusted our Sunday morning schedule. Instead of being held on the third Sunday of the month, lay-led Morning Prayer will now take place on the fourth Sunday.
Deacon Nate will be with us on the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 5th Sundays of the month. This means that next Sunday, June 21, will be the Distribution of Holy Communion with Deacon Nate, and June 28 will be designated for Morning Prayer.
If you missed it!
This week in your prayers, please include those on our prayer list to help strengthen our community.
If you need inspiration for prayer, consider the Book of Common Prayer or these prayers to guide your prayer journey.
Blessings, and have a great week!
