Ministries
Children's Ministries
Our church warmly welcomes children of all ages with the hope that, through our Sunday School classes and other church activities, they will experience God’s abundant love for them. Our goal is to include them as important members of our faith community and help them learn to know, love, and serve God.
Staffed Nursery
Staffed Nursery for infants and toddlers up to 3 years old, open during the 9:30 am service.
Pre-Kindergarten/Kindergarten Room
Pre-Kindergarten/Kindergarten Room bright, fun and inviting….children in this classroom hear Bible stories, play games and sing, make crafts, share prayers and snacks, and enjoy time in the loft where they can read or play with toys.
Elementary Youth
Elementary Youth Class for children in elementary grades 1-5. Children learn Bible stories and Christian concepts through acting out stories, making crafts, playing games, and watching related movies in our theater.
Vacation Bible School
Students will enjoy an interactive, energizing Bible-based good time as they discover their strength in God. They will explore how to serve God and God’s mission for their lives.
After a high-energy opening assembly, participants will break into groups for Bible stories, crafts, music, science, and games!! There will also be a time for snacks.
Vacation Bible School takes place in the summer.
Youth Ministries
Sunday Morning Gathering
St. John UCC is always evolving to meet the desires of our youth. We have regular Sunday gatherings at 9:30 am for Middle and High School youth. Some Sundays we join in worship with the whole community around the sacrament of communion. Some Sundays we gather around the breakfast table and share a meal and discuss life. Other Sundays we have a scriptural lesson, and some Sundays we work on service projects. All of these different pieces are part of the regular life of a youth at St. John and we embrace that flexibility in our community.
Fellowship Gatherings
We enjoy our time of fun and fellowship with each other. We have times when we gather as youth and youth leaders to have fun and fellowship together. In the past we have done such things as; Crazy Bowling, Paint-balling, Lock-Ins, etc.. We enjoy gathering as friends and strengthening our bound of community fellowship.
Middle School & High School Program
Middle School Youth and High School Youth meet together for Sunday morning classes as well as service projects, outings, and other special activities designed just for them.
Confirmation Program
Confirmation Program is held every other year for 7th and 8th graders seeking to become members of our church…classes are on the first and third Wednesday evenings at 6:00 pm in the Hospitality Room at church. The class will participate in additional field trips, service projects, and activities.
Pastor Tracey Harris
Adult Ministries
Adult Sunday School
A class is offered on Sunday mornings seasonally at 10:45
am for those who would like to read and understand the Bible in
greater depth. The group uses different curriculum and is primarily facilitated by lay leaders.
Bible Study
On the first and third Tuesday nights of the month (September thru November and February thru April), everyone is welcomed to this group discussion. Pastor Kevin leads this evening session (7:00 to 8:00 p.m.) on how scripture applies to our daily lives. Sometimes a book study on a particular topic has the biblical text woven in for relating current events to our Christian faith.
J.O.Y. (Just Older Youth)
JOY is a fellowship opportunity for mainly, but not always, seniors in the congregation. People are invited to enjoyable gatherings where bread is broken and games are played. The group usually meets in February, April, June, August, October, and December. Keep on the lookout for one of their events.
Men's Brotherhood
This group has social events for men in the church. They also put on the Annual Sausage Supper the second Saturday in November to raise funds for the ministries of St. John. The combination of service and fellowship makes this group a vital part of the work and function of our congregation.
Women's Fellowship
The women of the church meet for fun and fellowship. Meetings are generally held on the third Tuesday of the month (September thru May). The women join at church for a meal and to socialize; sometimes the group goes out for a meal. This group carries out the Silent Auction and Bake Sale as part of the Annual Sausage Supper on behalf of the congregation. It’s a great bunch of women dedicated to the mission of St. John who are always open to having more ladies attend.
Green Team
In May 2022 fourteen (14) intergenerational members of St. John met to start the process of becoming a UCC Creation Justice Church. This group meets faithfully the second Thursday of each month at 6:00 pm in the Gathering Area of the church. Check out the Green Team’s website at https://sites.google.com/view/stjohngreenteam/home
Care Ministries
This ministry seeks to help and support members wherever they may find themselves along God’s path. Various members of the church enjoy visiting our homebound members and sharing with them the latest news of St. John. Visits are typically once a month. This is in addition to pastoral visits at Christmas and Easter, where members are offered communion. If you’re excited about your birthday, then don’t be surprised when a member calls to celebrate with you by wishing you a ‘Happy Birthday.’ We are a family of faith that cares for each other by sharing the love of Christ.
Music Ministries
We enjoy having a variety of music at St. John! Whether it be classic hymns at the organ, contemporary hymns at the piano, modern praise songs with a band, or even a sacred jazz combo, the music is sure to lift your hearts in worship and praise.
There are currently three performing groups that rehearse on a regular basis (from September through May):
Sanctuary Choir
The Sanctuary Choir sings anthems and helps lead the congregational singing in worship. Rehearsals are on Wednesday nights at 7:30pm.
Bell Choir
The Bell Choir performs special music at various services throughout the year. Rehearsals are on Wednesday nights at 6:30pm.
Joyful Noise
Joyful Noise sings contemporary music and leads the congregation in praise songs during worship, usually on the third Sunday of each month. Rehearsals are on the first two Sundays of each month at 11:00am (after the 10:00 service.)
Outreach Ministries
Circle of Concern
A local food pantry that also assists with various needs of West St. Louis County residents. Many members give generously of their time and money to this service agency. For additional information on Circle, please go to their website: https://www.circleofconcern.org/
Emmaus Homes
Emmaus is an institution that advocates for the developmentally disabled. St. John has a special relationship with Fontana. We visit the home each month and play games with the ladies; we also do yard work and have holiday parties. Emmaus Homes | Disability Support Services | Home
Every Child's Hope
ECH is a St. Louis agency that assists children, youth and families in their effort to sustain a healthier way of life.
ECH | Every Child’s Hope Children’s Home | Transitional living (everychildshope.org)
Habitat for Humanity
Every year a group from St. John combines with other UCC congregations to build a neighborhood house in St. Louis.
Lydia's House
This partnership seeks to help women and children start a new life after an abusive relationship. For immediate assistance call 1.800.799.7233 or text “START” to 88788.
SPECIAL U.C.C. OFFERINGS
- One Great Hour of Sharing
- Strengthen the Church
- Neighbors in Need
- The Christmas Fund
Provides support in over 70 countries to feed victims of famine, to offer services to displaced people, and to fund projects that give hope.
Shannondale
It’s a partnership near and dear to St. John. This mission center that serves the community of Shannon County was founded by Rev. Wobus and St. John Church. A group from the congregation goes every summer to work at Shannondale and to touch lives with the love of Christ. https://missourimidsouth.org/shannondale-ministries
UNLEASHINIG POTENTIAL “UP”
The mission of Unleashing Potential (formerly known as “Neighborhood Houses”) is to close the opportunity gap for children and youth by building on their strengths. We create educational and empowering experiences through early childhood education, after school programs, youth development and enrichment camps. Unleashing Potential – Unleashing Potential (upstl.org)
