Worship

Saint John’s is a very accepting community. You’ll meet people from a wide variety of backgrounds who are warm and welcoming.

Come just as you are! You’ll see people in jeans and t-shirts, dresses, coats and ties, and everything in between. We believe that God cares more about what’s in your heart than what you look like.

We have a parking lot on the east side of the property, beyond the church building alongside East John Street. There are additional parking spaces along the Dover Street side of the property, including many designated handicapped parking stalls. You also will likely find available curb side parking. Please feel free to enter the building either through the main church entrance opposite the church tower, or through the Dover Street entrance.

We recommend that you arrive at least 5 minutes before the beginning of the service so you can park, get familiar with the church, and find a seat. Of course, you are welcome to join no matter when you arrive!

You can sit wherever you feel comfortable; there are no saved seats. If you’d like, the ushers will be more than happy to assist you. Look for them at the entrances to the worship space, where they hand out bulletins to guide you through the service.

Kids are always welcome to join in the life of the congregation on Sundays. There is Sunday School for kids between pre-K and 6th grade. The youngsters are invited to participate in the children’s message at the beginning of worship before they depart with their instructors, and then return before the conclusion of the liturgy. The first Sunday of the month features youth participation in place of Sunday School.

The main Sunday service is typically about an hour. Although you are welcome to bring your personal Bible, it’s unnecessary. All bible passages read during the service are printed in the worship bulletin so you can read along during the service.

The worship liturgy is like those experienced at other traditional mainline Christian Houses of Worship. Our service includes four primary parts, the Gathering, Word, Meal, and Sending, interwoven with familiar Christian hymns and music performances. The Gathering typically includes a Children’s Message, a silent confession and forgiveness of sins, and an opening prayer. The Word includes bible readings, a sermon, and a song related to the sermon. The Meal includes Holy Communion in which all believers, regardless of your faith tradition, are welcome to participate fully. The Sending includes a blessing and reminder to live out our lives as servants of God.

After service, you are welcome to gather with other for our informal coffee hour, where everyone is invited to enjoy coffee, tea and delicious (usually homemade!) baked goods. It’s a chance to catch up with old friends and make new ones.