Worship invites each one of us
to come, at God's invitation, to a place of community,
communion, and commitment. Each one of us at St.
John's United Church of Christ brings a different
lens to worship, and yet, in worshipping community the
differences become celebrations of diversity.
Worship is "the work of the people." It calls
us to discover a new way of being in the presence of God each
time we gather. St. John's is a liturgical church that
uses a variety of traditional and contemporary forms as it
worships. Worship is enhanced by three
choirs, soloists, instrumentalists, chancel drama, and sacred
dance.
Children
and youth are an important part of our worship. Each time
we gather you will find special features for children.
The liturgy, as well as the preaching, is
biblically based. It is designed to address the human condition.
It is a ministry style that reflects
a concern for people, an outreach to youth and children, an
interest in developing its social consciousness, and
a strong desire to be a witness to Christ's presence in the
community and in the lives of its people. It seeks to live
by its credo of
Being the Christ to One Another.
St. John's is an eclectic congregation of of
nearly 600 members with more than half of its recent members
coming from traditions other than the United Church of Christ.
This diversity
has enriched the congregation with an openness and receptivity
that is unique in the area, while at the same time being
rooted in the faith and values of its Pennsylvania-German
heritage.
The resources of our church, such as the extensive music
program; the development of prayer and meditiation groups;
the participatory Bible studies; Encounter
class,
and an active Healing Ministry; and the church activities enhance
our worship and are available to all who call upon God's presence.
We pray that the Spirit of God will be upon
us as we worship: "Come, bless our God, all you
servants of God!...Lift up your hands to the holy place, and
blesso ur God." (Psalm 134 adapted)
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