FORMATION & EDUCATION

Children's Ministries - (contact Meg Garvey)
All God's children, regardless of age, are full members of our community and are treated as such. We want all children to feel welcome, safe and comfortable in our parish community. We have provided support and structures to help you feel comfortable bringing your small children to church services. We hope you will find our Children's Page helpful as you seek to raise your children in the community of Christ's love.

Youth Ministry/Journey to Adulthood – (contact: Jenine Grabau)
Our youth ministry at Saint John’s uses The Journey to Adulthood™ curriculum, a spiritual formation program designed for youth grades 6- 12. The program balances Bible study, prayer, and both serious and playful activities to nurture the whole person during the passage from child to adult. Leaders model living the faith, and remind young people of the ever-present love and mercy of God.

J2A meets every other Sunday morning from 11:00am-12:30pm during the academic year, once a month for fun-oriented events, and periodically for off-site ventures. Visitors and newcomers are always welcome. Come join us! See our Youth Page for details.

Ongoing Christian Formation - (contact: John Betit)
Discovering our relationship with God is a lifelong journey. It is not unusual to have questions regarding the church and our personal faith. Ongoing Christian Formation provides us with the opportunity to discuss our questions and deepen our relationship with God through the life of the community.
 

LITURGY & WORSHIP

Music Ministry - (contact: Susan Wildman)
We are all music ministers. However, special ministers, including our choirs, accompanists, instrumentalists and choir director, help us to raise a joyful song unto the Lord. Choir rehearsals are on Wednesday evenings. New members are always welcome!

Children’s Choir - (contact: Cyndy and Norman Hill)
A revitalized children’s choir that sings for special liturgical occasions is sweeping the parish! Stay tuned for periodic information.

Altar Guild and Liturgical Arts - (contact: Mary Alice Worden)
The Altar Guild is a special group charged with preparing the Lord's Table. Members of the Altar Guild are our parish artists who help make our worship more beautiful throughout the course of the liturgical year. New members are always welcome.

Ushers and Greeters
We all want all our members and guests to feel welcome when they come to church. Ushers and Greeters help us to feel welcome when we enter the church building. They hand out the bulletins and help with the seating of parishioners when appropriate.

Lay Readers and Eucharistic Ministers
During the first part of our service we hear selections from the Word of God. The Lay Readers are special ministers who read from the scriptures. During Communion Lay Eucharistic Ministers offer the chalice, "The Blood of Christ, the cup of salvation" as we gather around the altar

Acolytes - (contact: John Betit)
Acolytes are special ministers who assist that altar during our worship services. Acolytes carry the Cross in the procession and recession, set the altar table, sometimes carries candles, and assists the priest in worship. Acolytes range from 4th-12th grade and all children and youth are welcome.

The Order of Julian of Norwich - (contacts: Karen Taylor and Joy Ackerman)
Did you know that members of our parish belong to a sacred religious community? Through the Order of Julian of Norwich two of our parishioners have found their way to common prayer life and the support of a monastic community. They are called to be contemplatives in the world. The order recognizes the value of Still Prayer. In Still Prayer, sometimes called meditation or contemplative prayer, one seeks to be aware of God's presence and to remain in that presence silently, attentively and lovingly. If you're feeling an extra bit of support on an especially low day, perhaps its because parishioners who are members of the order are praying for you.
 

PASTORAL CARE

Prayer Shawl Ministry – (contact: Karen Taylor)
People near and far are being wrapped in a mantle of prayer and love through St. John’s Prayer Shawl Ministry. Prayer Shawls are made regularly by our shawl knitters and can be found in the vestibule of the church. If you are interested in becoming a knitter contact Karen Taylor. She will teach you well!

When my niece brought me the prayer shows it brought tears to my eyes. I believe all those prayers were doing their work because after my 15th radiation treatment, I have been pain free. You have a wonderful parish. Keep up the good work. I will continue to pray for your shawl knitters. Tell them I really appreciate their prayers…You are all in my prayers.” ~ Dora

Visitation to the Homebound - (contact: John Betit)
Some of our elderly and infirm parishioners are unable to come to church for the celebration of Eucharist each week. Lay Eucharistic Visitors or the parish priest bring communion to the home. If you know of a family member or are having surgery and want a visit, please be sure to contact the office.
 

MISSION & OUTREACH

Mission and Outreach Committee - (contact: Dianna Betit)
We believe our primary call as a Christian community is to serve the needs of others. At Saint Johns we strive to reach out to all our neighbors, near and far. Our ongoing outreach activities include:

Local: Community Cupboard, Common Cathedral, Thanksgiving Turkey Drive, Christmas Angels, D.A.R.E. Family Services, Millbury Federated Church “Lord’s Builders”, CROP Walk, Abbey’s House, Jeremiah’s Inn, Florence House (Lutheran Social Services), and Salvation Army.

Global: Mall for Humanity, Connect-Africa, Episcopal Relief and Development and United Thank Offering, Millennium Development Goals, Fisher House, Heifer International, Village to Village, Equal Exchange Fair Trade Coffee

Mission and Outreach Fundraising Activities: Community Cupboard Food Drives, M & O Tag Sale, and Mall for Humanity.

Mission and Outreach meets on the 2nd Tuesday of the Month and all are cordially welcome!

Community Cupboard - (contact: Lee and Rose Hartman or John and Kathryn White)
Our Community Cupboard is open and available to everyone that is in need. See our webpage for more information.

The United Thank Offering - (contact: Dorothea Molleur)
United Thank Offering is an ongoing outreach program with ingatherings twice a year. Coin boxes or envelopes (for larger donations) are supplied by Saint John's and are collected at each ingathering. For more information on UTO please refer to their website: www.episcopalchurch.org/uto
 

CONGREGATIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Stewardship and Evangelism Ministry - (contact: Michelle Leszyk)
Stewardship is the way we offer back to God and the community from the gifts God has given us. Evangelism is our call to spread the "Good News" of Jesus Christ through our words and actions. This ministry team helps guide the parish in ongoing works in these areas.

Property Committee - (contacts: Paulette Howlett & Leonard Marrino)
We have two historic buildings built in the early 1800s and lots of property that require constant, steady maintenance and upkeep. (See our History Page.) The Property Committee shows care and stewardship for our buildings and grounds.