There is a place for everyone at St. John’s.
No matter your age, gender, orientation, interests, experience, ours is a church that fully embraces diversity and recognizes that everyone has something to offer and all have the right to receive. Join us in the following ministries:
Taking the time to study/reflect/share on the issues of faith, as well as wider issues of the world in which we live.
Children’s Programming
Coming soon
Study Groups
Whether discussing biblical themes, reflecting on a contemporary book, or engaging in conversation around an issue currently facing our municipality or country … Study Groups are offered seasonally and for a limited time.
Other Events
We are often invited to events (online and in person) to join with other churches (locally and Canada-wide) to address a particular topic.
Our priest leads all services (both online and in person), but there are several opportunities for others to share in leadership … schedules are always prepared in advance, so it’s NOT that you will be assigned any of these as you walk in the door:
Greeters/Ushers
The “first contact” most have when they arrive on Sunday. These people greet, distribute an Order of Service, and invite you to a seat of your own choosing.
Readers and Prayer Leaders
Words from the Bible (a sacred book of theological writings and stories from the history of our faith) are read in all services, by a variety of people. As well, our weekly prayers are led by a number of our members. Training available if required.
Altar Guild
A group of people working in teams, who prepare the area around the altar for all services. Training provided.
Choir
Those who love to sing will be most welcome to join our choir. A weekly practice helps prepare for the upcoming Sunday songs, as well as work on pieces for future services.
Coffee Hosts
Following the service, we gather in the lower hall for refreshments. Each week a different pair of “hosts” facilitates this gathering by providing coffee, treats, and clean-up.
On-Line Production
This is a new and developing ministry – and we are looking for those interested in helping create and produce our two regular weekly online worship experiences.
We are committed to making a difference in the world. St. John's maintains special ministries and holds regular events in support of this.
Dignity Kit Program
St John’s participates in an outreach program entitled “Dignity Kits for the Homeless”. Each month a dedicated group of volunteers from our Parish shop for personal hygiene and grooming items then meet at the church and sort into individual bags for distribution. These bags are then delivered to “Start Me Up Niagara”. With the growing need in our community we intend to continue this ministry with the hope of eventually expanding our reach.
POPPY CASCADE
St. John’s is hoping to create a Poppy Cascade in time for Remembrance Day 2024. This will see a flow of knitted red poppies from the bell tower of our church down the front of our building, and across the parish hall. Given that we are located directly across from the village cenotaph, this is a most powerful tribute. To that end, we are working with the local branch of the Canadian Legion, knitters from the parish, community, and beyond. To create thousands of knitted and crocheted poppies which will stand as a vibrant and silent tribute to those who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country, and for world peace. If you are interested in being part of this initiative, in any way, please contact the church office.
Food Drives
We regularly hold Food Drives in support of St. Catharines Community Care. In addition to a community-wide food drives held in the Spring and Fall, we collect food weekly in support of Community Care and St. George’s Breakfast program.
Bells of Hope
Begun in pandemic, this ministry aimed to bring HOPE to village residents … by simply ringing the church bell on Sunday. This was a sound that many missed during lockdown, and the reinstitution of ringing the bell brought joy to many, as well as the hope that the whole pandemic journey would soon be behind us.
St. Catharines Justice Group
We are working with other Anglican churches in St. Catharines, to keep alive the need for justice here in our own city. Events like “Coldest Night” and drives for Community Care, along with other events and presentation show our support for all those in need here in our own neighbourhood.
Sending and receiving information is vital to the administration, connection, and pastoral care of St. John’s. We utilize many tools for this.
Newsletter
One of the oldest communications devices in any church: a monthly letter from the priest, churchwardens, and others, including inspirational thoughts, words of thanks, business matters, and upcoming events.
Caring Circle
An ongoing chain of cards and prayers and connections, with those we know who are celebrating milestones or facing particular challenge.
Phone Callers
A group of people each with a small “call list” of members – regular telephone calls are a way of “staying connected” as well as serve as a vehicle to distribute more immediate messages that cannot wait for the newsletter.
Pastoral Visitors
A team of members who are interested in sharing in home and hospital visits. They act under the authority of our priest, and represent the church in all they do. Training is provided.
Social Media
We are currently engaged in a few social media platforms, maintained by a couple dedicated folk. Our dream is to engage through more platforms, and are hopeful others will help share in this responsibility.
Tech Support
As we become a more technical and online body, we are thankful for those who keep our machines in proper order. From photocopier to laptop to modem – this ministry is foundational to all our communications.
The women of the church meet monthly to plan/operate a number of events, in support of the church. Subject to interest and availability, they also arrange visits from a variety of speakers to "field trips" to specific locations such as a local mosque, monastery, convent, and some more "secular" venues. Sub groups utilize various interests and skills to advance their contribution to the greater mission.
Men’s Group
The men of the church meet monthly (over breakfast) for fellowship and (as needed) focus on a specific church need/issue.
Property Group
A dedicated group of souls meet regularly to maintain the physical aspects of our church.
Gardeners
Our gardens and landscape continue to receive accolades. Even in pandemic our committed gardeners maintained the church grounds, bring beauty and joy to residents and visitors alike.
Kitchen Crew
The kitchen is the backbone of many of our ministries. Community events, church
fundraisers, bonding activities, all seem to incorporate food and fellowship. Our kitchen is staffed by a committed group of talented people. This is a ministry team always ready to serve, and willing to grow
Special Events Group
Coming soon
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