Tuesday, April 1, 2025
The Chapel St. Chronicle
Welcome to the Chapel Street Chronicle, your weekly St. John’s digest.
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Sermon Series
"God loves all - no exceptions"
The Rev. Robert E. Stevens, Jr.
The prodigal son is a familiar parable. Leaning into it makes me wonder, what if we could love like this? We focus on what is fair, whereas God focuses on loving all people… no exceptions. God isn’t fair, and that’s really good news.
BEYOND THE MUSIC
"Even when He is silent," Kim André Arnesen. Click the image to listen and watch.
Recorded live at St. John’s Episcopal Church as part of the Concerts On The Hill presentation of The University of California Santa Barbara Chamber Choir, under the direction of Dr. Brent Wilson on Wednesday, March 26, 2025.
This piece is excerpted from their larger program SO MUCH ON MY SOUL, featuring pieces that explore the raw weight of trauma, to the transformative path toward healing and hope.
The origin story of text of this piece is quite fascinating, and you can read more about it by clicking here.
FROM STILLNESS TO SERVICE: A WHOLEHEARTED LENT
Lent invites us into a season of deep listening — a time to slow down and notice what opens us to God’s presence and what distracts us from it. What keeps us from being fully available to the Spirit’s movement in our lives? This week, as part of our Lenten offerings, we share this poem as a guide for reflection. May it open space for you to listen with curiosity and trust, knowing that God moves with us in the unfolding.
excerpted from An Altar in the World, by Barbara Brown Taylor
“In biblical terms it is wisdom we need to live together in this world. Wisdom is not gained by knowing what is right. Wisdom is gained by practicing what it right, and noticing what happens when that practice succeeds and when it fails… Wisdom atrophies if it is not walked on a regular basis.”
As you reflect, what might God be inviting you to release or embrace in this season?
Join St. John's for a variety of Lenten offerings designed to nourish the soul and strengthen our shared commitment to love and service.
SABBATH WALKS: REST, RENEWAL, AND CONNECTION, Wednesdays, 5-6PM
Join us for a gentle, reflective walk with poetry and prayer, embracing the sacred in creation. Led by The Rev. Aaron Jenkyn at Little Harbor Trail Head, with an indoor option in case of inclement weather.
PRAYERS FOR PEACE, Thursdays, 9-9:30 AM
The sanctuary will be open for private prayer and reflection at 9 AM, followed by our Service of Healing Eucharist. Come pray for peace in your heart, our community, and the world.
EXPLORING AN ALTAR IN THE WORLD, Sundays 5-6PM
Gather for a weekly discussion of Barbara Brown Taylor’s “An Altar in the World,” led by The Rev. Rob Stevens. A simple soup supper will accompany our reflections on finding the sacred in everyday life.
SUNG COMPLINE: A TRADITION OF PRAYER AND PRESENCE, Sundays 7PM
Experience the beauty of ancient prayer and sacred song with The Compline Choir, directed by John Stromgren. This quiet, contemplative service offers a space for rest and renewal.
Click the button below for additional information about our Lent programs.
What are you reading? Listening to? Thinking about? Do you have any great recommendations that you're eager to share? Let Aaron know!