Worship at St. John
Worship is central to the life of our community. It is the reason we exist. For more than 250 years the people of St. John have maintained a rhythm of worship and praise of God in Christ. We strive to be a beacon of Christ’s light within our city, an oasis of God’s love in a confused world, a dwelling place for the Kingdom of God. Our congregational worship as the body of Christ undergirds us and gives strength and meaning to all of our church activities. Our highest calling is to gather in praise and thanksgiving to the God who gives us life.
Jesus promised that whenever two or three are gathered together in his name that he will be in the midst of them. Everyone is invited and welcome to come and gather at St. John’s as we worship in the presence of the risen Christ.
Weekly Services
8 AM Sunday: Holy Eucharist, Rite I
St. John’s early service is spoken, including music only on Easter Sunday. The Holy Eucharist is always celebrated with the traditional language of Rite I. This dignified and simple celebration has a committed group of regular parishioners. The service is celebrated with traditional Anglican hallmarks of reverential, quiet, and personal devotion.
10 AM Sunday: Holy Eucharist, Rite II
Our later morning service is a gorgeous blend of music and Prayer Book worship. This service is celebrated using Rite II, except for the seasons of Lent and Advent when we use Rite I. Our congregational choirs and/or special musicians sing or play every Sunday. The Psalm is sung in congregational chant.
10 AM Wednesday morning Service of Holy Eucharist with Unction
A quiet service of Holy Eucharist with special prayers for healing is held every Wednesday at 10 AM in the chapel. We read every name on our prayer list and offer to God our intercessions for ourselves and the world. Readings for this service follow the Church’s festal calendar as we celebrate the life of historic and contemporary Christian saints.
Liturgy
St. John’s worships as a congregation in The Episcopal Church according to the rites and sacraments of The Book of Common Prayer. The community gathered in worship is a source of nourishment and strength as we are fed by both Word and Table. In our tradition, the laity serve as ministers of worship in a variety of ways:
Lectors read the lessons from the Bible during the Liturgy of the Word. They also lead the congregation in the Prayers of the People where we offer to God our intercessions and thanksgivings.
Eucharistic Ministers assist the clergy by administering the cup of wine at Holy Communion and helping to clear the altar prior to the post-communion prayer and blessing.
Acolytes assist in worship by performing such functions as carrying the processional cross; lighting and extinguishing candles; holding candles at the reading of the Gospel; and helping at the presentation of the bread and wine during the Offertory.
Ushers and Greeters are the “first line of hospitality” on Sunday mornings. They welcome people to the church, provide direction and assistance when needed, collect the offering at the Offertory, and direct traffic to and from the altar rail during Communion.
The Altar Guild assists the clergy in preparation for worship. Members of the Altar Guild are responsible for the care of the church linens, hangings, vestments, and traditional decorations for special services. They are charged with the care of the altar and its preparation for worship.
To learn more about Acolyte Ministry, please contact our Acolyte Director, Eric Menzer.
To learn more about Altar Guild Ministry, please contact our Directress, Anne Deisher.