Worship

Liturgy

“…renewed by your Word and Sacraments, we may come to the fullness of grace which You have prepared for those who love You.”

At St John's, we seek to honor the rich traditions of the Episcopal Church while remaining open to innovation. Beginning with the Book of Common Prayer as our guide, we focus our hearts and minds on the Word of the Lord and on the Sacraments. Through the Daily Offices and the Eucharist, we create time and space in our lives for the refreshment of our souls.

In coming together as a parish family, we draw on our community strength as we reflect and prepare for the work of our individual lives. Our time together is a communal effort, to which we may all contribute. Below are some of the ways in which we participate in the worship of God.

The Altar Guild

The Altar Guild quite literally “sets the table” at St. John’s, continuing a tradition that dates back to the Last Supper. This ministry is a quiet one, yet is also critical to our worship.

Every Saturday, one or two Guild members prepare the altar for the early Sunday service, Last Supper a task that takes less than an hour, and is both satisfying and meaningful. The next day, just before and after the Family Service, the altar is reset and then cleared. Weddings, Baptisms, and Funerals each require special arrangements. The Guild’s ministerial role in these services makes one more fully realize and appreciate the seasons of life in our parish family.

One of the most satisfying aspects of the Guild is its melding of tradition and camaraderie. We work in in pairs for the Sunday services, and in larger groups to decorate the sanctuary (and polish the brass) for holiday services. In the Spring, on Maundy Thursday prior to the service and ceremonial stripping of the altar, we share dinner and fellowship.

If you are intrigued and may be interested in joining us, don’t be shy. The Guild is a very special way to contribute to the QOW (Quality Of Worship) at St. John’s. Men, women…even parent/teen combos…are welcome.

The Sermon Group

The Sermon Group was begun as a response to the need of some lay members of the congregation to speak about the gospel. For eight years, with the guidance of the rector, the group has met monthly to prepare one of its members to preach and to respond to the most recent sermons coming from the group. The preaching is lectionary based, and comes from discussion within the group, and prayerful reflection. Over the years, some of our most powerful preaching has come from this group. As ideas bubble up from within the congregation, they are expressed through these preachers, and resonate strongly with the rest of the parishioners. A person who feels called to preach makes the commitment to attend all Sermon Group meetings, if possible, to be part of the group discussion, and to attend the sermons preached by other members. All are welcome to attend Sermon Group.

Music Program

The choir of Saint John's church is small but experienced in a cappella singing. The choir rehearses weekly on Wednesday evenings at 7:30 and is always open to new members. We sing primarily English renaissance and American motets.

St John's is grateful to our recently retired Organist and Choir Director, Audrey Briggs, for sharing her considerable talents with us. We are pleased to have been joined by Interim Music Director Harrison Kelton.