We hope that you will feel at home at this crossroads of faith and life, where we seek to grow into deeper community with God, with one another, and with our world. Here’s a taste of what you will find for your family, as we Worship, Grow, Build Community, and Make a Difference together.
WORSHIP
Children are welcomed and loved at St. John’s, and are invited to attend any of our worship services and fully participate in Holy Communion. You’ll also see children, youth, and families playing an active role in St. John’s worship ministries and music ministries, serving as Acolytes, Lay Readers, Welcomers, Choristers, and more.
We also offer a number of supports for young families, such as quiet activities, livestreaming in the Lounge, and child care for infants and young children. See Children in Worship to learn more.
LEARN AND GROW
During the school year, St. John’s offers an engaging and fun church school program from preschool through high school where children and youth learn how to practice the love and kindness Jesus taught. Classes for children employ the Godly Play curriculum, inviting children to explore, engage, and respond creatively to the timeless stories of our Christian faith. For 6th graders and above, St. John’s offers Journey to Adulthood (J2A), a spiritual formation program that includes confirmation at the National Cathedral and a high-school pilgrimage.
BUILD COMMUNITY
Each Sunday morning, we provide two opportunities, before and after our 10:30 am service, to gather socially. Throughout the year, we offer age-based gatherings, from play dates for families with young children, to game nights for families, to social events for teens, to service opportunities for all ages. We welcome children and youth to attend parish social gatherings, most of which include special activities to engage younger parishioners.
MAKE A DIFFERENCE
At St. John’s we believe that all are called to make a positive difference in our world. Opportunities specifically for children, youth, and families include weekly food packing events with our own “Nourishing Bethesda” food shortage program, monthly “Sundays of Service,” and the J2A Pilgrimage. St. John’s is an approved MCPS-SSL organization. Many of our activities can be used to meet MCPS graduation requirements.
