I'm New

Looking for a church can be a little daunting, and at St. John’s we would like to make your first visit here a comfortable and enjoyable one.
Here you’ll find some general information , as well as answers to some of the most basic questions you might have when you first arrive at a service.

Parking and Entrances

St John’s is located on a triangle of property bounded by 13^th St (at the top of Keith Road hill), Chesterfield and 8^th St.   At St John’s, park on 8^th off Chesterfield on both sides of the road, or across the street from the church on both 13^th and Chesterfield.  There is a parking lot on the corner of 8^th and Chesterfield.

On Sunday mornings, parking is also available in the parking lot of Queen Mary Elementary School, just across the street from the Church on 8th. Link to Map.

The sanctuary entrance is mid-block on 13^th.  Or enter through the Lounge doors on 8^th, or the office door on 8^th beside the labyrinth.   

Wheelchair access is available at all three entrances, with an elevator just inside the office door to take you to the sanctuary.  Wheelchair-accessible washrooms are located on both floors.  We also have a dedicated unloading area on 8th Street with a wheelchair and walker accessible letdown.

What about my kids? God loves the sound of children and so do we.  Children and youth are welcome to every Sunday whether they are new, regular attendees, or visitors. We have bags for children to pick up in the Narthex.  They are filled with colouring books and fun games. Unfrotunately we do not have a regular Sunday School at the moment.  Children may of course stay in the sanctuary for the entire service if that is their wish.

What to wear? You are welcome to dress in whatever is comfortable for you. Most people wear casual clothes, while some prefer more dressy atire. Clergy, servers, and choir members will be wearing robes and are easy to spot!

What to expect when I walk in the door? Expect to be greeted and given a service bulletin by a member of the congregation at the door.  Patrick, our Priest, will also be at the door greeting you. The bulletin gives you everything you'll need to participate in the service, including readings, prayers, and music.

What’s the music like? We have a fantastic, enthusiastic choir, led by our excellent Music Director and Choir Director. Our music is grounded in the rich tradition of the Anglican Church, and spans a range from traditional to contemporary. Music is an integral part of the service. Expect hymns, an anthem by the choir ('anthem' means a special song sung by the choir alone), sometimes sung prayers and service music, and often spirit-filled postludes by our instrumentalists and choir. 

And the Preaching? In the Anglican tradition, all the senses are engaged in worship. Sight, sound, and intellect. We believe that we can encounter God through each of these elements. Sermons are one important element, along with beauty of liturgy, symbolism, the Holy Communion, and music. Sermons (our priest is an excellent preacher!) usually last 10-15 minutes.

Anglican Eucharist  The word 'Eucharist' is a Greek word that translates into English as 'Thanksgiving'.  Eucharist is another word that we use for Holy Communion.  Therefore the Eucharist, Holy Communion, The Lord's Supper and even the word Mass all refer to the same sacrament - that of sharing bread and wine with each other as Jesus did at the Last Supper with his disciples disciples

We celebrate Holy Communion each Sunday. The order of service is taken from the The Book of Alternative Services (BAS) of the Anglican Church of Canada. All are welcome to receive communion. 

What happens after the service? Coffee and tea are served downstairs in the lounge after the service. This is an opportunity for connecting with people, making new friends, and finding out more about things going on at St. John's. Stop by the Welcome Table to fill out a Connection Card so that you can be included on the parish email and mailing lists, and find out about exciting upcoming events at St John's.