I’m new. What should I expect on Sunday?
Worshiping at St. John’s is relaxed and welcoming. Come a few minutes early and park in the lot next to the church or on the street.
Wear what's comfortable – some will be in dresses and suits, most will be more casual, and several might even be in shorts and tees.
When you enter, take a worship bulletin and any music and reading inserts offered by the usher or from the Welcome Table. You may sit in any pew.
Our liturgy (form of the service), from the Book of Common Prayer, is printed the bulletin or found in the red prayer book in the pew rack. The four bible readings heard during the service are either printed in the bulletin or provided as a separate insert. You do not need to bring your own bible.
Hymns are noted on the hymn board at the front of the church. Most hymns are found in the blue hymnal in the pew racks, but some are in the green hymnal supplement called “Wonder, Love and Praise,” found at the end of the pews. Hymn numbers preceded by the letter “S” (service music) are found at the beginning of the blue hymnal. Please join in singing.
Bible readings assigned for each day may be found in the Revised Common Lectionary (proscribed readings used by the Episcopal and other churches) and a sermon or meditation based on the readings is offered during the service.
When we hear the word of God, we believe that we can be transformed, inspired and strengthened in much the same way that receiving the sacrament transformed, inspires and strengthens us.
Everyone may come to the altar rail for communion or a blessing regardless of age, denomination, sexual/gender identity or marital/divorce status.
To receive communion, approach with your row. You may kneel or stand at the rail as you are comfortable. Hold your right hand over your left. The priest will place a consecrated wafer in your hand which you may consumer there or carry to your seat where you can slip it under your mask, if you choose to wear one.
We offer wine, but understand that you may choose not to drink from the common cup, and that is fine. If you do not wish to partake of the cup, cross your arms, putting your hands on opposite shoulders so the chalice bearer will know. At this time, there is no dipping of the wafer into the wine by either the communicant or the chalice bearer. Please wait to return to your seat until the person to your left has received the wine, so as not to accidentally jostle them. Know that receiving the bread alone constitutes full communion. At this time, there is no dipping of the wafer into the wine by either the communicant or the chalice bearer.
For a blessing, approach the rail with your row. Cross your arms over your chest. This will tell the priest to proffer a blessing.
The service is followed by Coffee Hour downstairs in our Parish House across the street from the church. We encourage all visitors to join us for refreshments and to get to know each other.
Children are welcome at our services, and we don't mind if they're fretful or fussy. There are crayons and table activities available in the back of the church.
People try new (or first) churches for a lot of very important reasons. Some are searching for meaning, for hope, for support, for a fresh start. Whatever your reasons, we hope St. John’s is a place that feels right to you and that this will become your new church home. We’re glad you’re here.
Masking protocols: At this time, masks are optional but recommended if you are immunocompromised. Please wear a mask if you have any symptoms or a recent exposure. We will increase precautions if infection rates warrant. Masks and hand sanitizer are available at the back of the church for your convenience.
