Labor Day Weekend - Rector's Rambling for August 31, 2025

As August comes to a
close we look back at a month full of fun and wonderful ‘extras’, including two wedding anniversary celebrations, two baptsims, and a guest celebrant and preacher who grew up at St. John’s but until this past month hadn’t have the opportunity to say Mass at our altar where his vocation to the priesthood was awaked under the tutelage of Fr. Thomas Frisby.  Each of these occasions brought many guests to worship with us at a time when many of us were away on vacation and attendance is usually at it’s lowest for the year.

St. John’s is in a prominent location.  We are easily recognized in reference - “the corner of Woodward and I-75 next to Comerica Park and across from Hockeytown Café”. We are very recognizable to those who come downtown or drive by on the freeway.  They know the building, but  are less likely to know the name of the Church since they glance at us in passing as they head to the ballpark, stadium, arena, or theatres. 

One of the projects the vestry has been working on this spring and summer has been to improve the signage, to put a name in people’s heads when we are refenced in conversation. 

We now have our two halo-backlit  St. John’s installed on the Burton Ministry Center.  This is a remarkable addition!  People walking or driving on Montcalm Avenue to the south cannot miss the name of the church.  The north side sign is visible from the freeway and the housing on the other side. 

The updated historic sign in the front of the Church has been installed and a replacement “St. John’s Chapel” entrance sign has arrived and will be installed shortly. 

There are three more signage upgrades to come soon.  On the Fisher Freeway Service Drive side a sign will be installed with the name and our service times for those walking toward the stadium or from the arena toward parking.  Over the tower door will be another St. John’s sign prominently visible for those on the Service Drive or walking on Woodward.  The large electronic pedestal sign will be removed for 2 weeks, repainted, and re-installed with an upgraded electronic screen.

Of course, the most important part of a visibility project is getting the parishioners to share their love for St. John’s with friends, family, and strangers. Folks will know the building and will know the name - your invitation may be how our Lord is bringing them into His fold.