“Building Community at the Crossroads of Faith and Life.” Everything we do is done through the lens of building community – helping people connect to people. Whether we worship, learn, grow, or serve, everything is meant to help us grow into deeper community with God and with one another. We believe that building community is at the center of what it means to be a church.
WHAT WE DO
FOR ALL AGES
At St. John’s, we like to eat good food, be together, and have fun. Thanks to our Parish Life committee, we enjoy regular parish lunches, dinners, holiday events, and other family friendly social gatherings.
FOR YOUTH
Our Youth Group offers opportunities for middle- and high-school students to meet regularly, hang out, enjoy food and fellowship, and plan for outings and service projects throughout the year.
FOR MEN AND WOMEN
Our men’s and women’s groups sponsor retreats, dinners, book clubs, and more for fellowship among the parishioners of St. John’s.
HOW YOU CAN GET INVOLVED
PARTICIPATE
All are welcome to grow with us at St. John’s through fellowship at our many events and gatherings. Events are announced at services, in our weekly e-Crossroads email, and on Facebook. Events are open to all visitors and parishioners unless otherwise specified.
VOLUNTEER
Many parishioners contribute their time and talents to “Building Community” at St. John’s. Opportunities to get involved range from assisting with a single event to participating on a regular basis with a team devoted to a series of events. We welcome you to get involved with any of the following ministries.
Ministries
We have many exciting opportunities to give life to St. John’s mission: “building community at the crossroads of faith and life.” Join us!
Cooking and Baking with Love
The Cooking and Baking with Love ministry is full of parishioners that enjoy pouring their love into delicious food. We are available to provide a home cooked meal or delicious baked goods to others in need, in a life transition, or dealing with a difficult time. If you enjoy preparing food for others, we would love to have you join us. Contact Ellen & Chris Kalisz, parishioners.
Koinonia Fellowship Dinners
Table fellowship was an important part of Christ’s ministry and is an essential part of Christian community. Join a Koinonia Dinner Group and meet periodically with fellow parishioners to build fellowship and close personal connections! Contact the Rev. Anne Derse, Deacon and Minister for Community Engagement.
Men’s Book Group
Join fellow readers for conversation and fellowship. Contact Earle O’Donnell, parishioner.
Men’s Ministry
The Men’s Ministry is currently very active in community outreach to address community needs. In normal times, the Ministry sponsors periodic Sunday evening cookouts and two annual events, a late summer all-parish gathering and a winter weekend retreat. Past retreats have focused on men and their work, men and their fathers, men and their brothers, and men and their children. Contact John Ross, parishioner.
New Parents Ministry
The New Parents Ministry supports new parents by delivering soup and flowers, visiting if desired, and inviting the family to take part in a welcome ceremony during a Sunday worship service. Contact Carol May or Lizzie Glidden-Boyle, parishioners.
Parish Life
St. John’s outstanding Parish Life volunteers provide warm hospitality for community events throughout the year with wonderful food, table fellowship, and the opportunity to connect with fellow parishioners in fun and relaxed settings. If you have a taste for hosting, organizing, cooking, baking, or just generally helping out with an enthusiastic and congenial team, join this dynamic group that is vital to St. John’s community. Plan, publicize, cook, serve, decorate, and more with the Parish Life team. Time commitments and activities are flexible; sign up as your schedule allows. Contact Lee Walsh, parishioner.
Serving Seniors Ministry
St. John’s is blessed to have a wealth of life experience, knowledge, and commitment to community in its senior members. The Serving Seniors Ministry seeks to tap that great resource by building intergenerational connections and supporting our seniors’ engagement in service and the life of the church. Parishioners of all ages are invited to join! Contact Dr. Joanne Allen, parishioner.
Stephen Ministers
Stephen Ministers are trained Christian caregivers who provide confidential, supportive listening to parishioners who seek spiritual support while facing personal challenges or making difficult life choices. The 50 hours of training required to be commissioned is offered periodically. Stephen Ministers typically meet once a week for one hour with their care receivers as long as needed, and meet monthly with Stephen Leaders for supervision and continuing education once trained and commissioned. If you are interested in finding out more about becoming a Stephen Minister or if you or someone you know would like to have a Stephen Minister, please contact John Mertens, Rob Hartmann, Penny Winder, or Sandie Stoianovici, parishioners.
St. John’s Drama Troupe
Have you ever acted in or directed a play, or been involved in backstage activities such as designing or creating sets, costumes, lighting, or sound? How about in front office activities like selling tickets, designing posters, programs, or advertising materials? St. John’s Drama Troupe is for you! The Troupe plans readings and productions of adult dramas that deal with the human condition. Contact Rob Hartmann or Emily Morrison, parishioners.
Women’s Book Group
Join St. John’s women in stimulating conversation and fellowship over great literature! Contact Maire Hewitt, parishioner.
Women’s Ministry
The Women’s Ministry is a community designed for mutual support and fellowship; we honor dignity for all. We seek to balance our busy lives of caring for others by reaching inward, to nourish ourselves. We do this in many ways and are always open to new ideas. Official Women’s Ministry activities are an annual retreat and periodic Social Suppers for women in the parish hall. Our email list offers a way to invite women to join other activities, such as afternoon tea, morning walks, and museum or other outings. Anyone who identifies as a woman is welcome to join and share ideas for this developing ministry! Contact parishioners Roxy Wolfe or Mary Packard-Winkler.
