St. John’s has two worship services each Sunday year-round at 8:00 am & 10:15 am in the sanctuary. Both of our services blend the styles of a traditional worship service with elements of contemporary worship. On Communion Sundays, the Sacrament of Communion is offered at both services as part of the services.
Our 8:00 am service has a less’ formal’ feel than our 10:15 am service, is shorter in length (about 35 – 40 minutes), and does not include choir anthems, liturgy, or a message geared specifically for children. For many, its appeal is its more intimate atmosphere, created by both a smaller crowd and the close proximity of the pastors to the worshiper. This service is also geared toward those who must work or participate in other activities on a Sunday but still desire an opportunity to worship. The basic elements of worship included in this service – the opening and closing hymns, scripture reading, sermon and prayers – are the same as the 10:15 am service. At this service there is a time for the congregation to share their prayer requests aloud if they desire. For a more ‘intimate’ setting, all of the congregation sits on the lectern side of the sanctuary.
Shown above: One of the traditions of the 8:00 am service is taking time before the service begins to greet one another and to pass the Peace of Christ. (This has been suspended during the time of COVID-19 for safety reasons.)
The only exceptions to our schedule: there are no 8:00 am services on Easter Sunday, when our outdoor Sunrise Service is held at Whites Road Park at 7:00 am, the second Sunday of December, when we join to celebrate our traditional Advent “White Gift Service” at 10:15 am, and sometimes on the Sundays following Christmas and New Year’s Day – check our publications.
“For where two or three are gathered in my name, I am there among them.” Matthew 18:20 (NRSV)