Camp Discovery - A Wednesday after school program for St. John elementary age children. Students and adults meet as a large group to sing opening songs. As the afternoon progresses, students rotate through three small groups to participate in a weekly bible study, a Spanish lesson, and a fun activity related to the bible study.
Sunday School - From as early as 3-years-old to adults, St. John offers Sunday School opportunities. In between our first and third service, students of all ages can learn from teachers and pastors. Classes are divided by grade levels, and high school students are grouped in one large group. There is also an adult bible study in the narthex of the church for adults.
Lutheran Youth Organization - Our middle school and high school teens plan and carry out all of the events for St. John LYO. Events include an annual ski trip, service trips to the Washington D.C. area, and other events throughout the year. Teens have hands-on leadership opportunities by organizing these projects with adult supervision.
Bibles Before Books - Get this. Given a choice between extra sleep or a bible study, many of our young adults choose… the bible study. Twice a month, beginning at 6:15 A.M., students gather at Erik Hoefer's house to talk about their lives, take part in a bible study, and eat breakfast.
Confirmation - This program is for 7th, 8th, and 9th graders who desire to take responsibility for the promises made by their parents at baptism. The three year program teaches students about the Bible, the catechism, Christian beliefs, and what it takes to become a mature Christian. Classes meet on Wednesday evenings at 6:15 as a large group, then are split up into classes led by lay people. Classes should be dismissed at 7:20 PM. Students are confirmed in the fall of their 10th grade year.
Preschool - Our preschool serves our 3,4, and 5 year olds. See more information about St. John Christian Preschool here.
Vacation Bible School - Just because it's summer doesn't mean being a good young Christian stops. VBS is a weeklong summer event to engage students in Christian learning. Our VBS is so strong and popular that students from other congregations and other communities come to St. John to get involved in the summer program.
Christian Ones - A peer group of men and women who are families of one. The group attends events together, meets for dinner, and is generally a social group. One annual event is to go to Wartburg College in Waverly for the Christmas with Wartburg dress rehearsal in December.
Music - One of St. John's trademarks is an outstanding music program. Special music in the worship service is more of a weekly expectation than an occasional treat. With two choirs, (Trinity Choir for adults, Cherub-Carol Choirs for elementary age), "Wings" our contemporary worship song leaders, chime choir, a brass ensemble, a string ensemble, a men’s chorus, and numerous vocal and instrumental soloists, St. John is well rounded in musical opportunities.
Bible Studies - We have three regular bible studies at St. John.
· Meets: During Sunday School time (9:00 A.M.) each Sunday - Topic: the text for NEXT week's services.
· Meets: Wednesday 6 PM in Chapel - Topic: Disciple bible study - a group of readings is assigned weekly
· Meets: Wednesday 6 PM in the narthex - Topic: Letters of Paul
Sunday morning greeters - When you walk into St. John for worship we personally welcome you. Our Sunday morning greeters can be found at each main entrance to the sanctuary. Each greeter is guaranteed to have a warm hand on a cold Sunday morning.
Wednesday Night Suppers - With so many events happening on Wednesday evenings, it's easier for families to eat at the church. Beginning at 5:00 P.M. every Wednesday this event isn't only about great food, but an opportunity to mingle with fellow parishioners. Prepared by Kathy, our parish chef, these home cooked meals are fixed fresh. The Wednesday night menu changes weekly. Meals are $1 for students and $3 for adults and are open to everyone in the congregation.
Home Baked Outreach - For our new visitors who would like to know more about St. John, we have a ministry that caters to them… literally. A group a people who know about St. John and like to bake goodies call on visitors who live in the area and answer any questions they might have about St. John.
WELCA - WELCA stands for Women of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. These women help with funeral lunches and hold an annual fall festival, as well as monthly circle meetings and other events throughout the year.
Clothing Room - A ministry of St. John is to collect clothing in good condition and to make it available to those in the community who need apparel at no cost. Open on Tuesday and Thursday mornings and by appointment, the clothing room is available to those who need children, youth, teen, and adult clothing. Anyone may drop off items for the clothing room at the church office.
Radio Broadcasts - For those who can't make it to church, but still wish to worship with St. John, we offer radio broadcasts on our local radio station. Tape delayed broadcasts are recorded live at our early service (8:00 A.M.), and replayed each Sunday at 9:05 A.M. Tune into KCHA 95.9 FM to listen each Sunday.
Bulletin Delivery - To help you follow along with the service, St. John volunteers deliver a Sunday bulletin to those who can't make it to church. Full of information about the events of each week at St. John and announcements, the bulletin is more than just an order of service.
Group Home Worship Services - For those who can't attend church, the church comes to them. Pastors and lay people help conduct services at area nursing homes. A message, scripture readings and communion all travel to those people in our local nursing homes.
Altar Guild - The colors of the church year are reflected on St. John's altar and pulpit. A group of individuals take care of making sure the altar is tended to during season changes. They also tend to the flowers, candles, and other maintenance of the linens at the altar, pulpit, and lectern.
Angel Tree - A Christmas ministry aimed at filling the need of a missing parent. Congregation members adopt a child whose parent is serving time in prison, and provide a Christmas present to those who wouldn't receive any Christmas gifts. Congregation members choose a child from a Christmas tree in the narthex, purchase a gift, and it is given to the child anonymously from the church.
Card committee - This ministry of St. John makes sure everyone's special events are recognized. They take care of the congregation by sending them recycled cards wishing them well in times of celebration and need.
EPIC (Educational Partners in Covenant) Scholarship – established to provide a grant to students who choose to attend a Lutheran college.
Dartball - It's a social match of skill and luck between regional churches. The meets combine baseball and darts into a competitive game. Practice and/or competitions are each Wednesday night during the fall and winter.
Softball - The St. John Sacrificers take to the softball field in the summer to battle against other local congregations. All ages are welcome to participate, and those who just want to watch and cheer are also welcome. We claim to have a spiritual advantage.
