St. John's is an active community of Christians committed to living out the Baptismal Covenant to proclaim by word and example the Good News of God in Jesus Christ; to seek and serve Christ in all persons, and to strive for justice and peace among all people. We believe that God has given all of us different gifts which we use to glorify God. Members choose to serve the church in various ways. The following is a brief overview of some of our ministries.

St. John's is a community that worships together in the tradition of the Episcopal Church according to the rites and sacraments of The Book of Common Prayer. The community gathered in worship is a source of nourishment and strength as we are fed by both Word and Table. In our tradition, the laity serve as ministers of worship services in a variety of ways:

Lectors read the lessons from the Bible during the Liturgy of the Word. They also lead the congregation in the Prayers of the People where we offer to God our intercessions and thanksgivings.

Chalicists assist the clergy by administering the cup of wine at Holy Communion and helping to clear the altar prior to the post-communion prayer and blessing.

Acolytes are younger people who assist in worship by performing such functions as carrying the processional cross; lighting and extinguishing candles; holding candles at the reading of the Gospel; and helping at the presentation of the bread and wine during the Offertory.

Ushers and Greeters are the "first line of hospitality" on Sunday mornings. They welcome people to the church, provide direction and assistance when needed, collect the offering at the Offertory, and direct traffic to and from the altar rail during Communion.

The Altar Guild assists the clergy in preparation for worship. Members of the Altar Guild are responsible for the care of the church linens, hangings, vestments, and traditional decorations for special services. They are charged with the care of the altar and its preparation for worship.

The Choirs are a wonderful way to develop and share God-given gifts for music. Those with either vocal or instrumental talents are encouraged to participate in our music ministry in the following ways:

The Senior Choir is a mixture of adult male and female voices that sings at the 10:00 Sunday service, and at special services. Rehearsals are Thursday evenings at 7:00 and Sunday mornings at 9:00.

The Children's Choir is a mixture of young male and female voices (grades K through 5) that sing at the 10:00 service once a month. Rehearsals are Thursday afternoons at 4:30.

The Handbell Choir is an intergenerational mixture of male and female ringers who ring at major feast services such as Easter and Christmas, and on occasion at Sunday services to provide instrumental accents.

Adult and young instrumental soloists are encouraged to perform preludes, and to provide accompaniment for anthems at Sunday services.

Christian Education is central to the life of St. John's. The reality is that everything we do -- our worship, study of the Bible, and outreach -- is about our formation as members of the body of Christ. Central to our education efforts is teaching the stories of the Bible, passing on the traditions of the Episcopal Church, and helping Christians negotiate a world that more often than not stands in opposition to the teachings of Jesus Christ.

The journey of one who follows Jesus Christ is a life-long pilgrimage of discernment and discovery. Learning about the Christian Faith is also a life-long "work in progress." To that end we offer Christian Education for youth and adults in a variety of settings:

The Christian Education Hour is from 9:00 a.m. until 9:50 on Sunday mornings from September through May.

For children and youth from Age 4 through Grade 12 we offer a curriculum entitled, Living the Good News, which consists of a weekly Bible story accompanied by a corresponding activity appropriate to the age group. Classes are taught by adult members of the parish. A person interested in teaching this curriculum need not be a professional teacher, but should have a passion for teaching and learning.

For adults we have two options. There is the Adult Forum which consists of modules focusing on an assortment of Scriptural, ethical, theological, and life issues. We also offer a Bible study. Recent topics have included the Book of Revelation, the Book of Daniel, "Searching for God in America," and "Applied Theology." Often we seek the knowledge and experience of members of the parish to lead these sessions.

The Evening Bible Study is a group that meets periodically throughout the year for the examination of specific Scripture. The study of Scripture nourishes us and helps to open up the richness of the Bible to us.

A Book Review group meets periodically under the leadership of the Rector and others to have in-depth discussions about books that influence our lives as Christians and human beings. In the past years the group read and discussed Engaging the Powers and Speaking for Ourselves.

Throughout the year we offer classes and instruction as situations require. This includes First Communion Classes, Confirmation Classes, Pre-Wedding instruction, Pre-Baptismal instruction, and seasonal programs in Advent and Lent.

The weekend of April 15-17, 2005, we have a wonderful opportunity to participate in an all parish retreat at the Bishop Claggett Center.  The Bishop Claggett Center is the diocesan conference center for the diocese of Maryland, in Buckeystown Maryland.  The retreat will start Friday evening with supper and end after lunch on Sunday.  This weekend is geared for parishioners of all ages.  Child care will be provided so that parents of young children can participate fully.  Activities, games, study, worship and fellowship appropriate for all age groups is being planned.  If you have never experienced a retreat – this is your chance.  If you already know how powerful a time of retreat is, you know to reserve the weekend now.  Mark your calendars, sign up in the parish hall, and plan to attend.

St. John's is engaged in a variety of ministries to the local community and the world. We consider both York and the world-at-large to be our mission field. Among the many ways we serve the world outside our doors are the following:

Our Daily Bread Soup Kitchen: Casseroles for the Soup Kitchen on South George Street are prepared and delivered by members from the parish on the first Tuesday of every month.

Meals on Wheels: Members of the parish deliver meals to homebound persons one Monday per month.

Blood Donor Program: In the spring and fall, York Hospital Donor Center conducts a blood drive in our parish hall. We frequently exceed our annual goal of giving 70 units of blood.

Rummage/Opportunity Sale: Three times a year, families in the local community are able to purchase needed items at reasonable prices.

Eyeglass Collection: Eyeglasses collected at St. John's are donated to New Eyes for the Needy in New Jersey.

CROP Walk: Members of the parish walk on the second Sunday of October to publicize this important ministry of Church World Services to alleviate world hunger. Walkers from St. John's have raised nearly $2,500 for Church World Services in past CROP Walks.

Sewing Group: Meets on the second and fourth Tuesday of the month from September through May. This group makes bibs for the Margaret Moul Home and Pleasant Acres and enjoys fellowship with one another.

Sisters in Caring: This group of women in the parish provide care and service in a number of ways. They send greeting cards to the ill, the homebound; on birthdays, and when there is a death in the parish. They send Christmas cards to members of the American armed forces stationed overseas, visit people in hospitals, and prepare health kits for Church World Services.

Time, Talent, and Treasure are given by members of the parish to organizations in need such as Kuluva Hospital (Uganda), Access-York, Contact York, Rescue Mission, and New Life for Girls. Our financial resources are also given to the Episcopal Relief and Development, the United Thank Offering, and All Saints Relief.  Low Income Housing is a critical need in the York area.  St. John's actively supports Habitat for Humanity through both work and financial assistance.  In the past several years the parish bought three townhouses in the 100 block of North Beaver Street and are now in the process of finishing work on the third to rent out to a needy family.  Two of the houses have been renovated and are currently rented.

The pastoral care ministries of St. John's support parish members during illnesses, death, and in time of difficult family situations. Persons involved in pastoral care ministries volunteer to provide food, transportation, visitation, or meet other special needs. Some of our pastoral care ministries are:

Episcopal Church Women (ECW): ECW is a strong fellowship and service ministry in the parish. Mardi Gras is a celebration organized by the ECW and eagerly awaited every year by the parish. They also conduct bread and soup sales, provide food and transportation to those in need, and support the parish Prayer Chain.

Lay Eucharistic Visitors: Trained members of the parish bring communion to members of the parish family who are ill or homebound and unable to attend Sunday worship. They bring bread and wine consecrated at our worship service, thereby extending the fellowship of the Table to those unable to be in church.

The clergy and laity are engaged in visits to members of the parish family who are in hospitals, nursing homes, or are homebound on a regular basis.

The nurturing of the young in their spiritual journeys and formation as followers of Jesus Christ is the responsibility of the entire parish family. In the rite of Baptism, the congregation is charged with doing all in their power to support the newly baptized in their lives in Christ. A vital youth ministry depends on both young people and actively engaged adults who invest of their time and interest in young people.

Episcopal Young Church People: The EYC meets for discussion, fellowship, service, and fun. Recent activities have included making gifts and delivering them to nursing homes, participating in an EcuYouth hayride, participating in a hunger lock-in, doing the Stations of the Cross on the grounds of the church during Lent, and going indoor rock climbing at the Climbnasium.

Lay persons are encouraged to share leadership in the parish with Vestry members by participation on Vestry Committees. These committees include Worship, Stewardship, Christian Formation, Outreach, Finance, Investment, Property, and Planning. If you have a special interest or talent, we need you. Contact the Rector or Senior Warden for more information.