The St. John’s congregation is from every part of our nation. We are people seeking a sense of belonging and an opportunity to worship and grow as disciples of Jesus in the locations we are planted. May you find grace and blessing in our time together. Here is what you can expect.
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When we meet. We gather for worship on Sundays at 10:30am. Our worship lasts around 75 minutes and includes music, preaching, and Holy Communion. You can join us live on Facebook or YouTube. We also hold special services around Christmas, Easter, and on church festival days and at noon on Wednesdays. Our Sunday education starts at 9:15am. Just walk in the front door and our welcome person will get you to the right place. |
What to wear. We care more about YOU than what you wear. You will see jeans, suits, shorts, dresses, and business casual clothes. Wear something comfortable and join in. |
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Worship style. We are a congregation of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS) and follow a liturgy (an established order of worship). You receive a bulletin as you enter the room where we gather, the Sanctuary. Follow along and speak the bolded words. Hymns are either printed in the bulletin or found in one of the books in the pew rack in front of you. The bulletin lists song numbers. |
Making Connections. Complete a Connection Card found in the pew rack when you attend worship. Place it on the offering plate located at the rear of the room when you leave. Leave an email and/or address and we will write back. You can let us know you are coming by filling out this contact card here. You will be met at the front door and welcomed. You can also stop at the Welcome Center to pick up an Information Packet full of facts about us.
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Child participation. On Sundays we have a staffed nursery during worship, for ages 4 and under. Ask any usher or the Welcome Desk for the location. Understand, all children are welcome during worship - wiggles and all. Near the beginning of our worship time, we invite young ones to come forward for a special message designed for them. After, they rejoin their parents in the pews. |
We have all been new at some point. We regularly welcome people just visiting the area or newly moved to our nation's capital. As you enter our red, double front doors into the lobby (traditionally called a narthex), a greeter says, "Good morning. Welcome.” Coffee is always available. St. John's is medium-sized and people matter. We will notice you and someone will say hello. We do not all think or act alike; but we laugh, find joy, and give support as needed. Ask questions. We respect your choice of a place within a community of Jesus followers. |
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Accessibility. We have a portable personal listening device available from an usher for the hearing impaired. There are numerous reserved parking spaces available, the main entry doors are equipped with an automated opener, and there are cutout pews for wheelchairs in the Sanctuary. We also have elevator access to the floors and rooms in our education building, should that be needed. |
Taking communion. Lutheran Christians believe and teach that in the Sacrament of the Altar the gifts of Christ's true body and blood are given to those who receive the bread and wine. In this sacrament, Christ's people receive forgiveness of sins, strength for our journey of faith, and a foretaste of the heavenly banquet. All who have been baptized into Christ's death and resurrection, and who trust His words that these gifts are given and shed for you for the forgiveness of sins, are invited to receive the Sacrament. Glasses of grape juice are available for those unable to consume wine. Gluten-free wafers are available. In our congregation, children at least 10 years old, in 5th grade, attend a first communion class before participating. Those not receiving communion still come forward for a blessing, signifying by crossing their arms over the chest. |