Welcome to St. John’s Episcopal Church!
Please know that you are always welcome here!
If you are new, here are some tips on what you can expect when you come to our Sunday service (10:00 a.m.).
First, come as you are! Some people dress up, while others feel more at home in casual attire. What matters to us is who you are, not how you look. We are gathering of old-timers and newcomers alike, LGBTQIA+ and straight, single and married, progressive and conservative, old and young, committed Christians and journeying seekers. Whoever you are, wherever you are on your journey, you are welcome in this place.
Next, the all-important question: where do you park?!! The Bank of America lots on the east side of the parish hall (access from 2nd) and south of our campus (access from ‘A’), the Chase lot opposite the parish hall, and the City lot south of the B. of A. lot (access from Union) are all available on Sundays because they’re not in use by the banks or city.
Our main entrance is on 2nd, through the three sets of double doors into our Welcome Center. A greeter will welcome you and – if you’d like – will give you one of our Welcome brochures. If you have any simple questions please don’t hesitate to ask – we can always say, “later!” if more time’s required to answer. Then it’s up the stairs or one of the lifts to the worship space!
An usher will give you one of our Sunday bulletins. Arriving about 10 minutes before the service will guarantee a good choice of seating.
As a liturgical church, all those present for the service actively participate in the service. But individuals worship in whatever way best lets them connect with God. You will see some people sit quietly while others stand or kneel. During particular parts of the service, everyone will stand. Please feel free to participate as much or as little as feels right to you. If you get confused, just let the worship of the congregation carry you.
Our service has a pattern that’s familiar to many different denominations: we gather, hear the word in four scripture readings, respond to the word in sermon and prayers, share in bread and wine, and “un-gather” – three main movements with book-ends.
After the readings, sermon, and prayers of the people, people will exchange the Peace by greeting each other with “Peace” or “Peace of the Lord”. Next will come the sharing of bread and wine. Everyone is invited and welcome to come to the Table for communion or for a blessing.
After the service many choose to come over to our Parish Hall for coffee or tea and snacks. This is a good time to meet some folk who’ve been around awhile. It’s also an opportunity to ask questions, or – now that there’s more time – ask them again.
We look forward to meeting you! If you have any more questions, please call our parish office at 360-568-4622.
ST JOHN’S LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
We acknowledge that we occupy the ancestral lands of the Coast Salish Peoples, in particular the Tulalip, Snohomish, Stillaguamish, and Sauk-Suiattle Tribe, past, present and future, a people that are still here, continuing to honor and bring to light their ancient heritage, We acknowledge them, respect their right to sovereignty and self-determination, and commit to listen and learn from them. We will seek opportunities to lift up and emphasize indigenous voices and culture, without appropriation. May we always remember that the Earth does not belong to us, that we belong to the Earth, and that we are all relatives in life. Help us to learn from our past mistakes and be instruments of justice and peace for all people in today’s world.