Learning

As a community that seeks to walk with Jesus in daily life, we honor all questions and value everyone’s journey.  We may not always have all the answers, but we do have a desire to be in conversation with one another about important issues of faith, theology, and society.  We offer regular opportunities for spiritual growth throughout the year.

The Children's Hour

​​This intergenerational gathering centers children’s learning of stories of faith and positive values through the use of music, theater and art. We meet every 1st Sunday 12:00 -1:00 pm. 

Adult Learning

Pastor Beverly teaching special class
Throughout the year, St. John's offers opportunities for Bible study, theological reflection, moral deliberation, and the development of personal spiritual practices.We meet from 9:15 am to 10:15 am on Sunday mornings. 

Some of the topics we have examined include:
  • Living the Questions: A Progressive Discussion of Christian Faith
  • Hebrew Texts for Advent
  • Ecology and Liturgy
  • Luther for Today
  • Centering Prayer
  • Practicing the Apostles' Creed
  • Archaeology in the Bible
  • Images of the Reformation
  • Poetry as a Faith Practice

Lunch and Learn

Confirmands and families
Every 3rd Sunday of the month from 12:15 pm to 1:30 pm, we gather for Lunch and Learn. Facilitated by experts in study and experience, these dialogues bring the church and community together to gain a deeper understanding of social issues and offer ways to respond faithfully. Topics have included:
  • Understanding Mary and a Woman’s Right to Choose
  • The Stories of Us: An Oral History of Race through the Lens of Everyday People of the Civil Rights Era
  • Compassionate Intersectionality
  • The ELCA’s Guide to Suicide Prevention
  • Immigration and the Bible
  • Lutheran 101: What we Believe and Why
  • What does the Village Do: On Helping to Raise kids as Part of Our Baptismal Covenant.

Sacred Moments

Every 2nd Sunday, during fellowship hour, we get a chance to hear call stories and significant moments of faith members of our congregation have experienced and are willing to share. These stories enable us to connect further with our church family.

Lectionary Bible Study

Pastor Nancy leads a Lectionary study every Tuesday 7 - 8 p.m at St. John's. Each week, we read and discuss the Scripture lessons for the upcoming Sunday. A second group meets downtown in the Healey building every Wednesday 12:30 - 1:30 p.m.

Wednesday Evening Bible Study

Picture
St. John's members also meet on the second and fourth Wednesdays of each month at 6:00 p.m. for bible study, a light dinner, and fellowship with members of Mercy Church, a local congregation of people living on the fringes of society.

Monthly Morning Bible Study

A group of St. John's members also meets on the second Tuesday of each month at 7:30 a.m. at IHOP on Clairmont and Briarcliff for bible study, breakfast, and fellowship. 

Communion for Children

Children in class
Decisions about first communion are primarily made by each family in conversation with the pastor.  Children may be ready and eager to participate at different ages.  We welcome all children to the table.  A class in communion instruction is offered for all children during Lent of their First-Grade year.  They receive a Bible from the congregation at the Easter Vigil.  For some children, this will be their first communion.  For others, it is a deepening of their understanding of the sacrament.  Parents are encouraged to speak with the pastor about these issues.

Confirmation

Confirmands and families
Confirmation, more appropriately titled “Affirmation of Baptism”, instruction is offered for young adults of middle-school age. Class meets monthly for 2 hours during the school year. This instruction is an opportunity for our youth to learn about and to claim the faith in which they were baptized.