Worship

The central event in the life of St. John’s is our Sunday morning gathering around Word and Sacrament. With the table at the center of our sanctuary, we gather in a circle as a family of grace, celebrating ancient Christian liturgy in a joyful, creative, respectful and inviting style.

Holy Communion

Although we regularly change the liturgy with the season, we plan our Sunday service to be a participatory experience that includes a variety of musical styles led by many of our members, a special time with children, silence for reflections following Bible readings, opportunities for people to name out loud words or phrases from the readings that are important, prayers offered by lay members of the congregation, sermons that are thoughtful, engaging, and relevant, and frequent artistic components that invite participation. Our goal for worship is to be filled with the grace of Christ as it is embodied in our ritual practice. All are welcome!

Sanctuary

Laying on of hands

The circular setting for worship creates wonderful opportunities for liturgical creativity. Our circle highlights participation and the development of intimate community. With the altar in the middle, the presence of God in the center of congregation is emphasized. No one is more than five rows from the altar table, and we have the opportunity to see one another during worship. In many ways the architecture of our sanctuary has created a congregational atmosphere that values openness, hospitality, and participation.

Music

Our music program prioritizes congregational singing and participation.  There are many opportunities for individuals to be involved in the accompaniment of hymnody or in special musical offerings. Music selection includes a variety of styles in one blended worship service.  We use hymns from Evangelical Lutheran Worship, the ELCA’s new hymnal, as well as material from African American traditions, chant-style singing from Taize’ and Iona, as well as resources from the global Christian community. Liturgical music might be from the ELW or from a setting by our own musicians.  Instrumentation might include pipe organ, piano, flute, oboe, drums, brass, depending on the character of the musical selection.

Our adult choir assists in the regular leadership of the Sunday worship service and provides special music as needed.  During the school year, the choir practices on Wednesday nights at 7:00 p.m.