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 Junior 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 education and formation. 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, The Whole People of God, 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 offer an Adult Forum which consists of one, two, or three-week modules focusing on an assortment of Scriptural, ethical, theological, and life issues. 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.

Intergenerational activities take place one Sunday per month, and are called "Celebration Sundays." This is a time for youth and adults to come together, to learn from one another, and to share in a particular activity. Examples of intergenerational activities include making Advent wreaths and pretzel making.

The Wednesday Bible Study is a weekly group that meets following Holy Eucharist to study the upcoming Sunday's Bible readings in depth. The study of Scripture nourishes us and helps to open up the richness of the Bible to us.

A Book Review group meets 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 year 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.

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.

Blanket Sunday: Blankets are collected by members of the parish and donated to Helping Hands of York. Financial contributions are donated to hospitals in support of those in need for basic medical care.

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 Presiding Bishop's Fund for World Relief, the United Thank Offering, and All Saints Relief.

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.

Girls Friendly Society: A local chapter of this organization is active in the St. John's community. Young girls (ages 7-14) meet twice a month for fellowship, to perform service work in the community, and to support one another. Recent activities have included a talent show and group trip to Cape May, New Jersey.

St. John's has recognized the need to be attentive to the special needs of young couples who are juggling the needs of work and family. Often these couples feel isolated and find it difficult to establish relationships with others in the community.

Connections is a group of young families who gather monthly for fellowship and to foster relationships. Activities include pot-luck suppers, outings such as miniature golf, and pool parties. This is a new ministry that has the potential to help us reach young people who are seeking a church home.

The need for community and relationship is strong among older adults who often find it difficult to come to church and visit with others. Often older adults feel cut off from the life of the parish and members of the community.

A Planning Committee has been formed to reflect on our life as a parish. The committee has been challenged to examine where we have been, where we are today, and what it will mean in the future for St. John's to be a church in York, Pennsylvania in the 21st Century. Visionaries, dreamers, and those with backgrounds in strategic planning play a vital role in shaping the St. John's of tomorrow.

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.