GROUPS

We take our faith seriously at St. John and offer many opportunities for spiritual growth and faith formation. From Bible Study to current events, we like to learn and grow in our understanding of God and others.

Sunday Morning Adult Faith Formation

A new Adult Faith Formation opportunity is available on Sunday mornings after coffee hour. A topical conversation, usually focused on one topic for two or more weeks at a time, will be available for anyone wanting to stay. If you can’t come every Sunday, don’t worry, you can attend whenever you want!

Tuesday Morning Bible Study

On Tuesday mornings, a group gets together to read through portions of the Bible and talk about life, faith, and everything in between. All are welcome who are free on Tuesday mornings and want to learn a little about the Bible, and most importantly to relate it to real life. Pastor Michael leads Bible Study.

Small Group Studies – If you’re interested in a topical small group study, and/or in leading it, let us know! We’ve had small groups in the past led by the pastor and by others. Most recently we did a small group titled “White Privilege: Let’s Talk”, and we’re always open to new ideas about how to get adults growing in their faith through discussion and relationships.

Care & Hospitality Ministries

Do you feel led to support St. John by caring for others, helping out with church functions, and/or outreach to the community? It takes a very special person, who usually is willing to work behind the scenes.

Called to Care

Called to Care is an extremely important care ministry at St. John. This ministry is made up of people who believe visiting homebound and/or sick people in the hospital is something in which both the pastor and the whole church community should participate. It is truly the work of Christian love. The volunteers take one week a month to visit anyone in the hospital, along with visiting the homebound and keeping up with those in need.

Sometimes it’s nice to meet with friends just to talk, spend time together, and/or do a project. At St. John we have many active social and fellowship groups that are another way for members and friends to create community. Below are some of the groups that meet together.

Faithful Friends

Fellowship group for singles and couples in their 50’s and up. This group meets once a month October through June at restaurants and at members’ homes.

St. John Crafters

This group of crafters meets in Fellowship Hall and makes prayer shawls, christening blankets, and works on projects. They also make hats, mittens, and scarves for the Mitten Tree at Christmas. All are welcome to join!

St. John Book Club

This group of readers meets monthly and is always reading good books and learning and growing together. They welcome all to join them as they discuss books and life.

What’s a church without mission? The core of the Gospel message is about mission in that we go out and serve others. Below are some ways to serve through the mission of the church.

Journeys/The Road Home

This is a local mission that assists the homeless and those at risk. Volunteers are needed at several PADS sites to cook and serve food, interact with clients, and clean up.

Preparing Food for PADS

St. John members and friends prepare food on the second Thursday of each month (October – April) for the homeless shelter at Congregational UCC in Arlington Heights. There is a sign-up to make food for this important outreach in Fellowship Hall.

Mission Team

St. John’s mission team is a group of people who believe that mission is at the core of what it means to be Christian. They find and plan opportunities for mission activities for the whole congregation. Some of their work has included Habitat for Humanity builds, planning “All-Church Mission Projects” throughout the year that are often done in coffee hour, and mission activities for the Soup Suppers during the season of Lent. Anyone is welcome to join the Mission Team! We also participate in Summer PADS, as well.

Faith Community Homes

St. John has several members involved in this important mission that helps families in need. Faith Community Homes provides housing, mentoring, and other support to low-income local families on the road to self-sufficiency. Volunteer opportunities include serving on working committees, planning FCH events, becoming a member of the Board of Directors, training and serving as a mentor to families in the program, office support, and other opportunities as they arise.

Faith in Action Team (FIAT)

FIAT’s purpose is to do the social justice work that God calls us to as Christians and as the church. FIAT is connected to St. John’s membership in the Community Renewal Society, a community organizing organization that has historic ties to the United Church of Christ. Activities include attending CRS meetings and identifying annual priorities, educating the congregation regarding issues, promoting legislative initiatives, and lobbying legislators. All are welcome to be part of this important work of the church!