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Ministries "At John's we are dedicated to creating a community that is welcoming to all our friends and neighbors in Charlestown . We are a small church with a big heart and regardless of your religious background, race, class, sexual orientation, gender, age, or education, you are welcome here. As the Rector, I am committed to offering the essential teachings of Jesus. Moreover, it is my intention to offer insights into how to apply these teachings to daily life: how they affect our sense of self, our emotions, our desire to find purpose in life, the positive impact we have on others when we live out of our deepest values and hopes. I appreciate that life, on a daily basis, presents us with tough choices and situations as well as opportunities to live well and with greater self-awareness and compassion. As a community and as an institution we hope that attending church here can contribute in a small, yet significant way to our overall awareness of what a great gift life is. It is my desire and belief that a deeper relationship with God is vital to living well. I invite you to experience St. John's through worship, community outreach, and the great friendships and ministries that make up our community life." --Rev. Gareth C. Evans, Rector
Music Music is one of the highlights of Sunday worship at St. John’s. On any given Sunday, the choir will offer anything from medieval chant, to nineteenth century English cathedral repertoire, to music of today, and our selection of hymns is equally eclectic. Music is chosen to illuminate and comment upon the appointed readings, to adorn our liturgy as a worthy offering to God, and to use music’s transcendent power to open the hearts of the congregation to the divine presence. Under the direction of Douglas Witte, our choir has steadily advanced and grown together as an ensemble since its founding in 1993. A particular focus of the choir is the integration of traditional sacred music with the movement of the liturgy and its seasons. The beautifully restored 1873 mechanical-action pipe organ in the sanctuary is a fine support to congregational singing and has proven its versatility in a wide range of solo repertoire. A highlight of St. John’s season is the Advent Service of Lessons and Carols. Over the years, Lessons and Carols has developed a reputation for inspiring and enriching musical offerings and has become a must-attend community event in Charlestown. The choir is always looking for new members! New members are invited to attend individual sessions for voice placement and orientation on Thursday evenings at 7:00 p.m. by appointment, followed by the main choir rehearsal from 7:30 to 8:30, with additional or extended rehearsals scheduled as needed around major holidays. Though some ability to read music is a plus, it is not vital, and singers of all skill levels are welcome and instruction is always available. If you are interested in joining the choir, please contact Douglas. Adult Programs Throughout the year there are many opportunities at St. John's to study, explore, and reflect upon faith at a deeper level. Our short courses make use of a variety of teaching techniques, reflecting the different ways we learn. Sometimes cerebral and academic, at other times visually-based and experiential, we offer you many opportunities to explore your relationship with God. We explore faith through film, art and writing; the doctrines of the Church and bible study; retreats and the art of prayer; and by critically engaging with contemporary culture. Our diverse approach to learning is enhanced by an awareness of inter-generational differences. While we meet together as a whole congregation for a particular series or event, often courses are geared towards a particular group such as younger adults or our seniors. Regardless of your age or educational background, we aim to provide a safe and stimulating setting within which to question, appreciate, and renew your understanding of faith as you live it out in daily life. St. John’s also has a women’s group -- “WIT” (Women in Touch) -- that meets the last Wednesday of every month. All ages are welcome to participate in a pot luck dinner, listen to guest speakers, create crafts, engage in stimulating conversations on a variety of topics, and join in for some good old fashioned fun! Please contact Rosie Sprague for more information. Youth Program The Youth of St. John's have created a mutually supportive and at times dynamic way of exploring faith as it relates to growing up. Through film, music, and other media, they find ways to approach the "big questions" as they arise naturally within the group. There is always time for bible study and prayer, eating together and relaxing. Their mentors seek to provide a safe context within which relationships are built and strengthened, where the unfolding dimensions of life are honored and where the reality of God is acknowledged and appreciated. The youth group targets youth from sixth grade through high school. Please contact the Rector or Nancy Armstrong for more information. Godly Play Godly Play is a program of Christian education and spiritual direction for children. Developed by an Episcopal priest, the widely used Godly Play curriculum uses elements of the Montessori approach to make religious education fun and engaging. The curriculum involves the classroom environment, an adult storyteller and a greeter, story props, personal reflection, fellowship, and consistent schedule. These elements come together in a fun and nurturing way that stimulates children's participation in story and ritual and awakens their creativity. At St. John's, the goal of Godly Play is to teach our children about the Christian faith, the traditions of the Episcopal Church, and the customs of St John's, all in a fun and engaging way. Godly Play invites all of us to learn and interact with each other in a way that we don't do much of any more. We practice the art of using religious language, parable, sacred story, liturgical action, silence, and individual reflection in a safe, quiet, and peaceful environment. We feast together, we celebrate our fellowship, and we become more aware of the mystery of God's presence in our lives. Godly Play meets the Parish House every Sunday morning from 9:50 a.m. until approximately 10:40 a.m., when we join the main service in the Sanctuary. All children from ages four through twelve are welcome. There is no formal sign up process -- children can simply show up! First timers should try to arrive a few minutes before 9:50 so they can get used to their surroundings and have a comfortable transition. We also always welcome adult volunteers to be the "storyteller" and the "greeter." No experience is necessary; we will provide the training! Interested adults can speak with Art Schintzel or Simon Ringrose. Nursery Care Thanks to the Charelstown Cooperative Nursery School, St. John's has a beautify and well equiped nursery available for children up to age four. Our friendly and well-trained nursery caregivers would love to keep an eye on your children while you attend the Sunday morning worship service. |
