Worship at St. John's

Worship is central to St. Johns' identity as a community of Christian faith. Our regular worship includes communal and individual prayer,
readings from scripture and a short sermon,
singing hymns (both ancient and modern) and moments of silence,
a time of offering, and occasional and voluntary
participation in the sacraments.
*Sacraments are the sacred acts of the Christian faith.
At St. John's these are baptism and communion (see below).
WHY DO WE DO ALL OF THIS EVERY WEEK?
In Christian scripture we read that we love God because God first loved us (1 John 4:19). Similarly, our worship is a response to God's love, grace, and the hope in which we are caught up through Jesus' life death, and resurrection. Worship also acknowledges God's authority in our lives and in the world.
SACRAMENTS (from www.ucc.org)
Baptism: We believe that all of the baptized 'belong body and soul to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.' No matter who – no matter what – no matter where we are on life's journey – notwithstanding race, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, class or creed – we all belong to God and to one worldwide community of faith. All persons baptized – past, present and future – are connected to each other and to God through the sacrament of baptism. We baptize during worship when the community is present because baptism includes the community's promise of 'love, support and care' for the baptized – and we promise that we won't take it back – no matter where your journey leads you.
Communion: We believe that all people of faith are invited to join Christ at Christ's table for the sacrament of Communion. Just as many grains of wheat are gathered to make one loaf of bread and many grapes are gathered to make one cup of wine, we, the many people of God, are made one in the body of Christ, the church. The breaking of bread and the pouring of wine reminds us of the costliness of Christ's sacrifice and the discipleship to which we are all called. In the breaking of bread, we remember and celebrate Christ's presence among us along with a 'cloud of witnesses' – our ancestors, family and friends who have gone before us. It is a great mystery;
we claim it by faith.