What is worship like?
We are a diverse and inclusive community representing all walks of life. We offer a traditional worship Service of Word and Sacrament (preaching based on the three-year Lectionary cycle and weekly Holy Communion) with many of the worship ministries led by lay members. Holy Communion is the Lord’s Table where all are welcome no matter where you are on your spiritual journey.
What do I wear?
Come as you are. Whether you feel most comfortable in jeans and a t-shirt, shorts, a skirt, or slacks, at St John’s you will find people just like yourself.
How do I use the books in the pew racks?
We suggest you follow the service by using either the red Book of Common Prayer, or go to our website to follow along with a full bulletin that can be printed. We also give you a “short sheet” that gives you the order of service, hymnal information, and brief information on the readings. The Blue Hymnal is available for hymns used at the 9:30am service. You will see many people who also use their phone or bring their iPad! A Wi-Fi code is posted at the entrance of the church.
What if I get lost during the Service?
Just put the bulletin or hymnal down and go with the flow. Our worship is like being on a river raft. There are plenty of people paddling, so just put your paddle down and relax. We all wind up in the same place at the end. Also, a neighboring worshipper will be happy to guide you!
What about children?
We welcome your kids! For parents with little ones we offer a “soft space” in the church seating area with a large carpet and soft toys to allow children to engage during worship. There is also a nursery and changing room in the back of the church for taking care of other needs.
Godly Play is our dynamic program for children pre-school to 12 years old, inviting them into the wonder of God’s story. We begin in the Godly Play classroom at 10:15am, and children rejoin their families for Holy Communion.
May I receive Communion?
All are welcome. This is the Lord’s table, not an Episcopal or other denominational table. It is the Lord who invites us. No matter where you are on your spiritual journey, an invitation is offered to you.
How do I receive Communion?
Please follow the directions of the ushers. We go to the communion rail to receive (except on Festivals like Christmas and Easter where a larger attendance requires that we have two stations at the center aisle to move the communicants along with distribution). Respond to the words: “The Body of Christ, the Bread of Life” and "The Blood of Christ, the Cup of Salvation" with an “Amen.” After receiving Communion it is appropriate to return to your seat to kneel or sit in silence for personal prayer and thanksgiving.
There are two options for reception. First is drinking from the common cup. When approaching the priest giving the bread or host, raise cupped hands to receive the bread. Consume and then take the cup by its base to tip to your lips to drink. Return to your seat by way of the side aisles. (The chalice* is wiped and turned each time one receives.)
The second option for reception is intinction (bread dipped into the wine). As the clergy person approaches, point to the chalice that the priest may take a wafer, intinct it in the wine, and give to you to take. Return to your seat by way of the side aisles.
If you are unable to come forth to receive Communion, simply make it known to the usher and the clergy will come out to you to bring the bread and wine. The priest will instinct the bread and give it to you to consume.
If you are not communing, please consider coming forth for a blessing. As you approach the priest, cross your arms across your chest to indicate you desire a blessing. It is appropriate when returning to your seat to kneel or sit in silence for personal prayer and thanksgiving.
Note * The use of a metal chalice with either a gold or silver interior, along with the alcohol content of the wine, acts as an antiseptic. In the history of the Church there has never been evidence that one has gotten ill or died from use of a common cup. The CDC has also supported this.
Do you have fellowship after the Service?
Yes! Please join us for some refreshment and conversation after Sunday’s 10:15am worship in the Parish Life Center. The “Coffee Hour” consists of coffee, juice, cookies and/or donuts. It’s a great time to get to know each other. Please sign our guest book at the back of the church.