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Ash Wednesday @ St. John's
Join us for worship this Wednesday, February 26th at 7 pm in our sanctuary for a contemplative service with the imposition of ashes and Holy Communion.
Meet St. John's
What We Believe
Lutherans believe in the Triune God. God created and loves all of creation -- the earth and the seas and all of the world’s inhabitants.
Music Program
Learn more about how we make a joyful noise to the Lord here at St. John's.
Acting Together
St. John's provides a wide variety of service opportunities, because both those who need and those who serve reflect the diversity of our local body.
Services
Candlelight Service - Saturdays at 5 PM
Looking for an energizing, yet peaceful worship experience? This service of evening prayer and song, Vespers, may be just what your spirit and your mind are longing for. Readings from the Bible, a brief meditation, prayers, and Holy Communion, with candles and songs, create a time for listening for and being with God.
Worship Service - Sundays at 9:30 AM
Our 9:30 AM service follows the traditional pattern of Christian worship, in the Lutheran tradition. We gather to praise God, we hear God’s word, we share in the Lord’s Supper, and we are sent out into the world refreshed and ready to witness to the love of God. All are welcome at the Lord’s Table.
Children's Church - Sundays at 9:30 AM
Children's Church (a.k.a. Sunday School) is offered during our 9:30 am worship service. Children begin the service in the sanctuary with their families, and they are led to their classrooms after the opening announcements. Children in grades 4-6 attend pre-Confirmation class, and children in grades K-3 participate in Godly Play, a story-based curriculum designed to foster creativity, curiosity, and theological wondering. The children return to worship before the end of the service, usually in time for communion. Young visitors are very welcome to attend Children's Church (parents invited as well)!
Nursery - Sundays at 9:30 AM
Two paid caregivers are on duty to care for young children during the 9:30 AM service on Sundays. Please visit our nursery and introduce yourself!
Children in Worship - Sundays at 9:30 AM
Children of all ages who choose not to attend Children's Church or go to the Nursery are very welcome to join the congregation in worship! Our “pray-ground” offers children the opportunity to engage in quiet activities as needed throughout the service. Items from the pray-ground may also be taken to the pews and returned at the end of the service.
Learn More
Special services include:
Handicapped Accessible Lift
Handicapped Accessible Washroom
Hearing Loop Equipped
Large Print Bulletins
Staffed nursery available on Sunday mornings
Events
View our full calendar here.
First Visit FAQs
Where are you located?
The church is at 1235 Wilmette Avenue in Wilmette. We are at the corner of Wilmette Ave. and Park Ave. directly across from the Wilmette Public Library. You can find a helpful map at the bottom of the Contact Us page.
What should I wear?
Wear what you’re comfortable wearing. We gather as God’s loved people; some casual, others more dressed up. It’s your call. After all, we’re thrilled that you’re joining us and want you to be more focused on the experience than what you’re wearing.
Will I fit in?
Whether you’re old or young, coming with friends or family, on your own, like more traditional forms of worship or prefer something more modern - or even if you’re totally unfamiliar with a Lutheran church – you’ll find a home here with people who have a lot in common with you.
How will I know what to do?
Inside the entrance, you’ll meet greeters who’ll give you a friendly welcome and a leaflet explaining what will happen during the service. Just sit wherever you want. There are no reserved seats. There are times during the service when people stand or sit. The leaders of the service will guide you. If you have difficulty standing or are minding a baby or toddler, feel free to sit throughout the entire service. Many people do.
Do I have to put money in the collection plate?
We do take a collection during the service. Like every other house of worship, we have to pay the bills, but making a financial contribution during the service is totally voluntary. If you don’t want to put anything in the plate the day you visit us, just hand the plate along to your neighbor. Many regular members donate by pre-authorized payment or write a monthly check, so you won’t be the only one passing .
Can I take communion? What do I do?
All are welcome to gather at the table. When it comes time for communion, people walk up row by row to the front of the church.
The pastor will place a communion wafer in your open palm and say “the body of Christ given for you”. You don’t need to say anything, but a lot of us reply with a quiet, heartfelt, “Amen” or “Thanks be to God”. You dip the wafer into the chalice of wine or grape juice. The person assisting with communion may say “the blood of Christ shed for you”. You may say amen or remain silent.
It’s also okay to receive only the wafer. If you would rather not consume the wine or grape juice, you can pause at the cup to hear the words of communion, or you can just walk past the chalice bearers and return to your seat.
If you prefer not to take communion but would like a blessing, go up to the front with everyone else and just cross your arms over your chest. You’re also perfectly welcome to remain in your seat during this part of the service. If you have mobility concerns and would like communion brought to you, just signal an usher and they’ll make it happen for you.