For New Visitors

    St. John's Episcopal Church > For New Visitors

Welcome!

Welcome to St. John's, where visitors are always welcome. There is a place for you and your family in our warm and joyful congregation, and we hope that you will worship with us and become part of the Body of Christ in this place.

Sunday Gatherings

Sunday is our traditional day of worship, and the Holy Eucharist (also called Communion and the Lord’s Supper) is our principal act of worship. All baptized Christians are invited to receive Communion at the Lord’s Table. The Book of Common Prayer guides our services, which are liturgical and sacramental in nature.

Our 8:00 service is quieter and more intimate than our later service and uses the traditional language of Rite I. The early service includes some organ music and a closing hymn.

The 10:30 service is enriched by our Chancel Choir and other ensembles, including Selah, an acoustic, contemporary group that plays about once a month. The later service is a family-friendly, warmly traditional liturgy.

Location

We are located at 2827 Wheat Street, Columbia, SC 29205.

Common Questions

Are children welcome during worship?
Children are very welcome in our services. The 10:30 service includes elements for our youngest worshipers. Nursery, led by at least one staff person and a volunteer, is available for infants and preschool children from 9:15 am until 11:45 am, in Heyward Hall. Children (in 3, 4, and 5K) can follow the crucifer out of the church before the reading of the Gospel and sermon, for Children’s Church. They return at the Peace. Parents can collect smaller children from the nursery at the Peace or just before receiving communion. The St. John’s Singers, our children’s choir, sings periodically at the later service. Students in grade six and above serve as acolytes in our services.
What is the typical dress for worship services?
Dress for services varies; you’ll see ties and dresses and jeans and sport shirts.
Where should I park for Sunday services?
Limited parking is available in the lot behind the church, including handicap parking. Parking on Wheat Street and other neighborhood streets is abundant. The main entrances to the church are through the bell tower and the central doors on Wheat Street. Handicapped access is from the Holly Street side of the sanctuary. The church is equipped with an audio loop, and we have personal listening devices available at the rear of the church; see an usher. Please contact us in advance if we can assist you.

Connect with Us!

Once here, we encourage you to complete a welcome card, found in the pew. Introduce yourself to one of the clergy or a greeter after worship and join us for lemonade and coffee on the patio. We offer a Newcomers Class and Welcome of Baptized Members twice a year. We want to welcome you to this church, answer your questions, and offer you opportunities to serve and learn in the name of Christ. Please come and grow in Christ with us.

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