Although the structure of worship at St. John's is deeply rooted in the traditions of the Lutheran church, the content of worship, as realized through our liturgical choices, will vary from Sunday to Sunday and season to season. This creative approach to worship, developed through careful collaboration between the pastor and the Worship and Music ministry, are a core expression of St. John's values. 

Regular changes to our liturgy take place for several reasons:  

• To observe a new season (Advent, Easter, etc.)

• To break up a long season (like the season after Pentecost, which lasts about six months)

• To give everyone a chance to sing their favorite liturgy at some point

• To celebrate traditions from other cultures and denominations

• To symbolize our unity with brothers and sisters of the faith who sing the liturgies

• To keep our minds alert and worship fresh

Our music ministry prioritizes congregational singing and participation. Individuals are involved in our music ministry in many ways, including singing in the choir, accompanying hymns, playing a variety of instruments, or performing special musical offerings. 

St. John’s is blessed by the music leadership of Rolando Salazar, who uses his expertise to guide our choir and other musicians.

For more information about our music program, please email Rolando.

We celebrate Holy Communion every week and all are welcome at Christ's table.  As Lutherans, we trust that Christ is present for us in the elements of bread and wine. Recognizing a variety of preferences, we offer both wine and grape juice and have gluten-free wafers for those who need them.

All ages are invited to receive holy communion. However, if a family wishes for their child not to partake yet, a blessing is offered instead.

Jesus welcomed little children and so do we. We want your entire family to belong here at St. John's!

When a baby is baptized, the whole congregation promises to help raise the child in God's church. As our children grow in faith, they also help us to know God in new ways. We need all God's children in the sanctuary with us on Sundays, to help us worship, sing, and pray.

If you are new to worship at St. John's or worried about how your children will respond, read on for a few helpful hints:

• We invite you to relax. God put the wiggle in children, and you don't need to suppress it.

• Participate with enthusiasm, and encourage your children to join in with you. They will learn from your example.

• Attend worship often. Children love familiar routines, especially when they can participate and contribute.

• If your child needs a break from the service, feel free to leave the sanctuary and then return when you're ready. The sanctuary doors open and shut often at St. John's so you won't disturb the service.

• We provide worship bags that offer a variety of items that engage children in worship. Please help yourself as you come in and return them after the service concludes. You are also welcome to bring quiet amusements for children: soft toys, snacks and sippy cups for toddlers, etc. Our pews are perfect for budding artists and readers.

Bring your child with you to the altar for communion. At St. John's we practice infant communion, which means that all God's children are invited to the meal, regardless of age. Your child can receive a blessing, or take the bread and wine or white grape juice, whatever you prefer.

We want children with us in the sanctuary, but we also know that some children may need time to get used to the service. If your baby or toddler is uncomfortable in worship, we do provide a nursery on the second floor of the Stonehenge Mansion. Our nursery welcomes children up to kindergarten age to play during the worship service.

If you are sitting near a worshiping family, remember that a smile of encouragement is always welcome to parents with small, active children!

Members of St. John's play an integral role in the leadership of our worship services. Every week, volunteer members fill many worship roles, including assisting minister, lector, communion assistant, usher, musician, acolyte, and nursery worker. Please consider how your gifts can be an offering during worship at St. John's.