2010 St. John Lurtheran Church Christmas Pageant



What time are Sunday worship services?


Liturgical Worship - 9:00 AM
This service uses traditional liturgy and features music led by the Chapel Choir under the direction of Heather Traxler. The Chapel Choir is always happy to welcome new members to their group. You needn't worry if you don't read music, as the group rehearses enough to make learning parts very manageable. They rehearse on Wednesday evenings (except during the summer when the Chapel Choir takes a break) in the choir loft from 7:15 'til 8:15 PM. If you'd like to know more about this ensemble, please plan to attend a rehearsal to try them on for size!

Contemporary Worship - 10:15 & 11:30 AM
(Labor Day thru Memorial Day)
These services use modern music presented by the Praise Band led by Paul Buker. Dress is casual and the pastors are not vested. Communion is celebrated the FIRST Sunday of the month at the 10:15 AM service and EVERY Sunday at the 11:30 AM service.

How and when is Holy Communion celebrated?

We celebrate the sacrament of Holy Communion using various methods. The congregation either communes at the altar rail by intinction, in which the bread is placed into your hand and you dip the bread into the cup of grape juice and then receive the "meal."  Holy Communion is celebrated at the 9 AM service on the first and third Sunday of the month generally around the altar by intinction. The 10:15 AM service on the first Sunday of each month and every week at the 11:30 AM service by intinction. During the summer months, the 10:45 AM outdoor service communes by intinction.

First Communion Instruction is generally held once each year during the season of Lent. When children begin to ask questions about communion and express a desire to also receive the body and blood of Christ; it is then time to register them for the First Communion Instruction class. First Communion Class will take place prior to Holy Week For more information contact Linda Lester.
What time is Sunday School?
Sunday School classes for children and adults, are held Sunday mornings from 10:15 to 11:15 AM. Children's classes are split according to age, from toddlers to high school students.  Adult classes explore various study topics from the Bible and make these teachings relevant to our everyday lives. For more information contact Linda Lester.

Where is St. John located?

We are located at the intersection of Waterloo Road (Route 108) and Old Montgomery Road in Columbia, Maryland. If you are somewhat familiar with the area, we are across Old Montgomery Road from Waterloo Elementary School and across the intersection at Waterloo Road from the Maryland School for the Deaf.

Still not clear as to where we are located?
Check out our link to MapQuest
Where should I park?

We have 4 campus parking lots with overflow parking at Waterloo Elementary School. The church parking lots are located as follows:
  1. The lower parking lot, which runs along Waterloo Road, provides two entrances for handicapped access: one for the lower level of the Education Wing and the other for the Fellowship Hall*. A new ramp has been constructed to allow handicapped access to the Sanctuary from the lower parking lot.

  2. The upper parking lot, which runs along Old Montgomery Road against the side of the Sanctuary. Handicapped access to the Sanctuary is provided through the Education Wing door, which is located to the right of the Sanctuary entrance.

  3. Another upper parking lot runs along the side of the Education Wing. This entrance allows handicapped access to the Sanctuary.

  4. Additional parking is available across Old Montgomery at the Church Office in designated areas.

*Please note that currently the only handicapped entrance to the Fellowship Hall is the entrance between the Education Wing and the Fellowship Hall on the lower level.

What is St. John's policy with regard to weddings?

We believe weddings are intricately connected to relationships, not just between the individuals wanting to be married, but between the couple and God, as well as the couple and the faith community. So, if you are a visitor, we invite you to worship with us for a few months to understand our vision and mission and to experience our faith community. Then, if you are still interested in beginning your marriage in this faith community, contact us again. We normally perform weddings for members of the congregation. All other weddings are at the discretion of the ordained pastor.

What is St. John's policy with regard to Baptisms?

Those who believe in salvation through Jesus Christ and have a desire to be a part of our faith community may be baptized at St. John. Parents who desire to share this gift of faith with their children that begins in baptism and continues to grow through teaching what Jesus taught and living in relationship with a faith community, may have their children baptized at St. John. Baptism classes are held three or four times each year; information about the classes are posted in the Weekly Update, which is our information publication that is handed to everyone as they enter worship services. This class is required for either you or your child to be baptized. You must register for this class by contacting Linda Lester or call the church office at 410/799-8888. Call for the date and time for the next Baptism Class.


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When are Confirmation Classes held?

Our confirmation program is a three-year journey when adolescents explore the Christian faith in greater detail with the hope of them embracing this faith in Jesus Christ as their own. Classes for youth in grades 7-9 occur weekly from September-April, with a break in December. The large group gathering meets at 7:00 PM on Wednesday evenings until about 7:30 when everyone goes into their small groups with their small group leaders for in-depth discussion about the topic of the week. This small group time usually begins with the sharing of Highs and Lows from the past week and prayer following the small group discussion. These small groups remain intact throughout the entire confirmation experience, creating a safe environment for sharing and support through the mentoring process.

This season of spiritual growth takes on a greater commitment when the 9th grade confirmation students make a public declaration of their faith as an affirmation of God saving them in baptism. Having shared their Faith Project near the end of their 9th grade year, these youth are invited to continue to write their faith story through their lives, in relationship with the faith community and in service to the world.

How does one become a member of St. John?

Several times a year we hold a New Member Class. Although this session only takes 2 hours, it is an essential launch point for newcomers and a requirement for membership. The class provides a basic introduction to life within our community of faith. Since we have members from many different church backgrounds (including no church background), the material used during the introduction is designed to clearly explain who we are and what our congregation is all about. Using a small group style of discussion questions mixed with some content from our leaders, the class begins from the perspective of the St. John vision statement “Making disciples of Jesus Christ, growing in faith, hope & love.” We examine what it really means to be part of this vision and to live it out in our daily lives. The discussion helps our leaders to get to know the needs of newcomers and for newcomers to understand how they can fully connect in the St. John family. For more information or to register for a New Member class contact Linda Lester or by calling the church office at 410/799-8888. Call for information about the next class.

6004 Waterloo Road • Columbia, MD 21045 • 410.799.8888 • office@stjohnmd.org