St. John's Episcopal Church

About Us

The Hands and Feet of God's Love/Caminando con el amor de Dios

We are a faith community that is open-minded, warm, and committed to showing Christ's love in our neighborhood and our world.

Our mission is
To WORSHIP God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, in the beauty of holiness.
To PROCLAIM Jesus Christ in the the power of the Holy Spirit in such ways that persons may be led to believe in him as Savior and follow him as Lord within the fellowship of his Church.
To SEND Christians forth to seek and serve Christ in all persons, loving our neighbors as ourselves.

Vibe: Traditional Liturgy, Friendly, Inclusive, Historic, Neighborhood-focused

Programs: Community Service, Addiction/Recovery, Choir, Missions, Yoga/Meditation, Nursery, Adult Education, Food Pantry

Music: Traditional Hymns, Organ, Chanting

Denomination: Episcopal

Networks

Episcopal Diocese of Western Michigan

Size: Small

Language: English

Founded: 0

Contact Information

Phone

269-651-5811

Website

http://www.stjohnssturgis.org

Social

Our Services

Service Times

Sunday

10:00am: Traditional sung Holy Eucharist
08:00am: Meditative, less formal Holy Eucharist

Wednesday

12:00pm: Short, 25-minute midweek celebration of the Eucharist

What to Expect

What are services like?
8:00 am Holy Eucharist is a warm and friendly congregation of “early birds”, many of whom gather for breakfast following the liturgy. The 8:00 Holy Eucharist begins in meditative silence, with organ music at the Offertory, Communion, and Postlude. Healing prayer is available during communion, for oneself or for others. 10:00 am Sung Holy Eucharist is Holy Spirit-inspired worship in the Episcopal/Anglican tradition, with hymns, incense (except in the summer months), many liturgical participants, and sung portions of the service, which allows the beauty of holiness to shine through the liturgy. At 10:00 the nursery is available. The younger children in the nursery join their families at the time of Communion. Healing prayer is always available during communion, for oneself or for others. Coffee hour after the liturgy is lively and friendly.

What is the community like?
We are a mix of "cradle Episcopalians" - those who have grown up in the church - and newer members who are attracted by our thoughtful and open approach to faith. We have a long history of involvement in our community, a tradition we carry on today in our Friday Friendship Meals, and hope to expand in ministry to our immediate neighborhood.

What if I'm not a Christian?
There is no need to check your brain at our door. We welcome questions and participation at any level you feel comfortable with. We are happy to have you join us just to observe, and we won't pressure you to commit instantly.

Leadership

Aaron Evans

The Reverend Aaron Jay Evans was born in Texas and raised in Texas and Arkansas. He majored in religion and received his Bachelor of Arts degree from East Texas Baptist University in Marshall Texas in 1999. In 2004 he received Master of Arts in Liberal Studies at Valparaiso University in Valparaiso, Indiana. His Masters of Divinity was matriculated from The School of Theology, University of the South, Sewanee, Tennessee in 2008. Fr. Aaron’s ministerial duties have included being Youth Pastor, Coordinator of Christian Education, Extended Supply Priest, and Supply Priest at Churches in Texas, Indiana, Tennessee, and Louisiana. Currently, he is the Rector at Trinity Episcopal Church in Grand Ledge, Michigan. He presently lives in Muskegon, Michigan with his wife, the Reverend Rachael Evans and their 1-year-old daughter, Esther. He is familiar with the Sturgis area as he has family in Burr Oak. They are looking forward to moving to Sturgis in mid-October to live in the Walton Rectory and to leading our parish in our mission and ministry as our Priest-in Charge beginning November 1st.