Fellowship Ministry at St. Johns

In addition to Sunday services and Christian education, St. John’s parishioners enjoy gathering at other times for worship and fellowship. A book club meets monthly to discuss books chosen by the group members. A special lecture series is held on Wednesday evenings during the Lenten season. A yearly retreat to Shrine Mont, the Diocesan camp in the Shenandoah Valley, offers Church members a beautiful setting for worship and recreation. The Church also hosts two services each year in conjunction with the Church Hill Association:  a Vespers service to mark the beginning of Christmas activities in the neighborhood and a Good Friday walk through Church Hill.  We provide worship services for other organizations as may be requested as well.

The St. John’s Fellowship Committee strives to provide opportunities for communicants to become involved in the life of St. John’s.  The Fellowship Committee helps by establishing and/or assisting in the development, formation, and planning of groups and events that will promote Christian fellowship within the Church and the surrounding community including working with Region IX and the Diocese.

Coffee Hour:  St. John’s coffee hour fellowship has long been an important part of our communal life. Coffee is provided in the Parish Hall after both the 8:30am and 11:00am Sunday services. This fellowship opportunity gives members time to catch up with old friends as well as becoming acquainted with newcomers and greeting visitors. The coffee hour fellowship time is available for individuals or groups to host a light breakfast, sumptuous brunch or simple doughnut to recognize a special date or event. Sign-up sheets are on the bulletin board in the Parish Hall.
 
Occasional combined services:  In an effort to provide opportunities for fellowship between those who prefer the 8:30am service and those who attend at 11:00, we will have one combined service held at 10:00am that is usually followed by brunch. Please contact the Parish Administrator for details.
 

Book Discussion Groups and Bible Studies:  Members of the parish are welcome to start discussion groups and study programs. Most of the groups meet in a member’s home on a schedule determined by the group. Group study programs and discussions are noted with contact information in the monthly newsletter (The Parish Sun), the Sunday bulletins, and the weekly emailed updates.
 
Parish Retreats at Shrine Mont:  Annually, members of our St. John’s family hold a parish retreat and program at Shrine Mont, a conference and retreat center of the Episcopal Diocese of Virginia located in beautiful Orkney Springs, Virginia.  “Nestled among the trees at the foot of Great North Mountain in the Shenandoah Valley,” members replenish their spiritual and physical strength.
 
Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper and Wednesday Lenten Potluck Supper Programs:  The observance of a Holy Lent at St. John’s is of great importance to our parishioners.  As members of Christ’s Body we prepare through self-examination, repentance, prayer, fasting and by reading and meditating on God’s Word to share in our Lord’s passion and resurrection.  Visitors are welcome and encouraged to share in this time of preparation.
 
Special Events:  Throughout the year there may be special events that bring our Church family together for fellowship. These events will be posted on the website, announced in the monthly newsletter, and included in weekly updates.
 
While many citizens of Richmond view St. John’s only as a historic landmark, our congregation seeks to reach out to the greater community in sharing our faith in a warm and meaningful way and to spread the knowledge that we are, above all, a place of worship. Whether you live here in Richmond or are visiting from out of town, you are always welcome to share in our worship services and fellowship gatherings.