Overview
For Christians, nothing is more
important than the time we spend at worship. Worship is the core of our
congregation’s life and involves all those who gather. It is here that
we come together as God’s people, called through our Baptism to the one
body of Christ. In worship we experience the means of God’s grace –
God’s Word. God’s Word is Jesus Christ who comes to us in worship in
proclamation of the scripture (the audible Word), Holy Baptism (the
adopting Word), and Holy Communion (the edible Word).
Worship is held at 8:00 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. each Sunday morning using the rich diversity of liturgical resources in the Lutheran tradition as we seek to continually renew our worship life. We also gather for worship on days such as Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, Ash Wednesday, Maundy Thursday, and Good Friday.
St. John’s has joined the growing number of Lutheran congregations which have restored the weekly celebration of Holy Communion. The Eucharist (Holy Communion) is celebrated each Sunday. Communion is distributed at the altar on the first Sunday of the month and by Intinction on other Sundays (with occasional exceptions). (Intinction is the method by which the communicant receives the host and dips it into the wine.)
All Baptized Christians are invited to receive the Sacrament. Children who have not received First Communion Instruction are invited to the altar to receive a blessing. (First Communion Instruction is usually offered during the fifth grade, culminating with the reception of the Sacrament on Maundy Thursday.)
Worship Activity bags are available for children to help them participate in worship. Nursery care is available at the 10:30 service for children up to age eight.
Other worship services are scheduled throughout the year. Mid-week services are held on Wednesday evenings during Lent.
There are many opportunities for all the people of God to participate in the worship service. Lay people serve as communion assistants, ushers, lectors, greeters, and acolytes. The Altar Guild prepares the chancel area for worship, prepares the church for seasonal celebrations, and delivers flowers to hospitalized or home-bound members.
If you are interested in serving in any capacity, please contact the church office.
Eurcharistic Ministry
The Lay Eucharistic Ministry program administers home communions. Sixteen
dedicated team members have faithfully visited between 30 and 40 homebound
members in hospitals, nursing homes, and family homes. We have made
a connection with faces and names, made new friends too (non-members),
on our visits. Some of our friends have passed away, while new names
are added to our visitations. Some members only need our visits on a
short-term basis, while others continue to receive visits from our team
members monthly.
Tape Ministry
St. John’s Worship Tape Ministry Program provides audio
tapes of worship services to our homebound members. Two services each
month are recorded, duplicated, and mailed to homebound members and
friends of St. John’s.
If you or someone you know would enjoy receiving recordings of our worship services or a special service of worship, please contact the church office.
Choirs
Senior Choir - post high school young people and adults
rehearse every Thursday, 7:15 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. They lead the 10:30
a.m. Sunday worship service as well as special services.
Youth Choir - young people in grades 6-12 rehearse
every Thursday, 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. They sing at the 8:00 service
every week.
Adult Handbell Choir - post high school young people
and adults rehearse every Wednesday, 7:45 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Youth Handbell Choir - young people in grades 6-12 rehearse every Wednesday, 7:00 p.m. to 7:45 p.m.
Holy Baptism is a Sacrament, a means of God's grace. In Holy Baptism God delivers us from the forces of evil, puts our sinful self to death, gives us new birth, adopts us as children, and makes us members of the body of Christ, the Church. Holy Baptism is received by faith alone.
Candidates for Baptism are of all ages. Some are adults and older children who have heard the Gospel of Jesus Christ, declare their faith, and desire Holy Baptism. Others are the young or infant children of active members of the congregation or those children for whom members of the congregation assume sponsorship.
Baptisms are scheduled through the Church Office. Baptisms are celebrated as part of our regular worship service. Several "Baptismal Festivals" are scheduled throughout the church year to highlight the centrality of Baptism to our faith. Baptisms can be scheduled on other Sundays if a family's circumstances require it.
Baptismal Sponsors (known in some churches as "godparents") are active members of Christian churches who (along with the parents of infants and young children) take responsibility for supporting and nurturing the faith development of the baptismal candidate.
Baptismal candidates or, in the case of infants and young children, parents and baptismal sponsors, attend classes with the Pastor to prepare for the celebration of the Sacrament.
To discuss Baptism and/or schedule an appointment, please contact Pastor Wayne Matthias-Long through the Church Office at 610-965-9885.
Marriage is a gift of God which God has given that we might live in community. A marriage is the occasion for a service of worship and praise - not just a ceremony for spectators to watch. A wedding is, first of all, a worship service. The focus is on God.
Weddings are celebrated at St. John's for members of the congregation and others who have and/or desire a relationship with Christ and His Church.
Weddings are scheduled through the Church Office (610-965-9885). Couples are required to participate in marriage preparation sessions sponsored by Lutheran Congregational Services. The couple meets with the pastor to plan the service and with the Director of Music to plan the service music.
A Wedding Coordinator helps coordinate the activities of the church staff and facility use. The couple will be provided a schedule of fees and guidelines.
A Christian is received into the Church, the body of Christ, in Holy Baptism and sustained by the Church's proclamation of God's Word and celebration of Holy Communion. So, too, at death the Church proclaims the Word of God. In the Funeral Liturgy the Church proclaims its glorious hope in the resurrection of the dead through our Lord Jesus Christ.
At the time of the death of a loved one, please notify the Pastor as soon as possible either through the Church Office (610-965-9885).
The Church is the usual place for the funeral of a Christian, although the Pastor will officiate at the service at a funeral home if that is the family's wish. The Parish Hall is available for luncheons and fellowship. A volunteer group serves the meal; the only cost is for the food and supplies. Arrangements are made through the Church Office.