NURTURING OUR COMMUNITY

with outreach programs for all

 WORSHIP 

Acolytes
Acolytes assist the priest and help lead the congregation during worship to ensure that the service runs smoothly. Serving as an Acolyte at St. John's Church is a wonderful and unique way to participate more fully in the spiritual life of the church.

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Duties Include: lighting/extinguishing the candles, carrying the cross, assisting with the gospel reading, and offertory and communion preparation. In addition to serving at Sunday Services, acolytes serve at special services such as weddings and funerals. Training is available and scheduling is flexible.

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Altar Guild

Serving on the Altar guild is a wonderful chance to get close to and truly feel a part of the service. Members of the Altar Guild are responsible for preparing the church for Sunday and Holiday Services. Members meet on Saturday to set up the church.

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Duties Include: filling candlesticks, preparing the service vessels, and setting up the required items for communion. Following services, members clean the vessels and make sure the sanctuary is clean and tidy. Scheduling is flexible and members serve on a rotating basis.

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Flower Guild
The beautiful floral arrangements that grace the altar every week, as well as seasonal decorations, are the work of the Flower Guild.

Duties Include: Meeting every Saturday, arranging the flowers and placing them on the altar and around the sanctuary. Scheduling is flexible and members serve on a rotating basis. No experience is necessary.

Lay Eucharistic Ministry
Lay Eucharistic Ministers (LEM) distribute the wine at communion during weekly services, as well as assist the priest during the service whenever necessary.

How to Participate: Guidance/training is provided and simple. Scheduling is flexible. A request regarding availability is sent out approx. four times a year and substitutes can be provided. 

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Ushers and Greeters

These folks help to provide the behind-the-scenes activities during Sunday worship.

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Duties Include: distributing the weekly bulletin, collecting contributions, bringing the elements forward at the offertory, assisting with the logistics coming up to communion, and closing the church following the service. Scheduling is flexible and based on your availability
 

COMMUNITY OUTREACH 

Grace Center
What: The Grace Center is a grant-funded, faith-based program serving the at-risk community of Cape Ann. Breakfast and lunch are provided, as well as engaging activities such as Bingo, discussion groups, arts and crafts, music, and movies. A social worker and staff work closely with other agencies in town to ensure the guests needs are being met. To learn more about Grace Center visit their website.

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When: Monday–Friday from 8am–4pm
 

Where: Unitarian Church at 10 Church St, Gloucester, MA 01930

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Get Involved: Volunteering includes greeting and registering guests, meal preparation, social interaction, or playing music. Shifts are flexible!

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Action Lunch Program

What: The Action Lunch Program provides a bag lunch for guests of the Action Shelter in Gloucester. St. John's has been involved in this ministry for nearly 20 years! Without this lunch many would not get a mid-day meal on Sunday.

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When: Saturdays
 

Where: St. John's Parish Hall, 48 Middle St, Gloucester, MA 01930

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Get Involved: Volunteering includes preparing 36 bag lunches that include a simple sandwich, small drink, chips and fruit. The lunches are delivered to the shelter after 5:00pm and are distributed on Sunday morning. All participants can be reimbursed for expenses and we'd be happy to help anyone through their first time participating!

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Sunday Food Collection

What: A basket included in each Sunday Service Offertory is donated to the Open Door each week to be added to the shelves in their food pantry. Donations help to fill the gap in the assortment of food available and provide much needed nutritional support to our community.

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When: Sundays during St. John's services
 

Where: St. John's Church, 48 Middle St, Gloucester, MA 01930

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Get Involved: All food items are welcome but, please check the expiration date. We also accept diapers, baby wipes, as well as women's sanitary products. Please bring 1-2 items to church with you and drop them in the basket.

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Ms. Fixits

What: Started in 1990 as the Housekeeping Committee, this group of volunteers works together to clean, paint, and repair anything that needs minor work in the church and on its grounds.

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When: Mondays from 9:00am–12:00pm as needed.
 

Where: St. John's Church, 48 Middle St, Gloucester, MA 01930

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Get Involved: When projects are assigned, the Ms. Fixits will be called upon and after work they get together for lunch in the parish hall.

Community Supper at The Open Door

What: St. John's sponsors a community supper at The Open Door six times a year providing a nutritious meal to those who need it.

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When: Dates TBA but, typically two shifts: 2:30pm–5:00pm and 5:00pm–6:15pm.
 

Where: The Open Door, 28 Emerson Ave, Gloucester, MA 01930

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Get Involved: Volunteering includes preparing and/or serving a dinner for approx. 50 people in need of a hot, nutritious meal and social contact. From 2:30–5:00pm volunteers prepare and organize items for the salad bar, slice bread, prepare the main course for the oven and lay out dessert. From 5:00–6:15pm these volunteers plate the meal and serve the guests. This is an opportunity to socialize and share meaningful experiences with fellow parishioners.

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Harvest Meals

What: This program is an interfaith effort that provides a meal for homeless and at-risk folks in the Gloucester community.

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When: Tuesdays at 5pm
 

Where: St. John's Parish Hall, 48 Middle St, Gloucester, MA 01930

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Get Involved: Volunteering includes preparing and serving a meal in the parish hall, praying, and social interaction.

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Thrift Shop

What: St. John's Thrift Shop not only carries a terrific array of items for sale but it also serves as a means of outreach to the Gloucester community and provides an opportunity for social interaction among parishioners and the community.

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When: Tuesday–Thursday and Saturday from 10:00am–3:00pm, April–September
 

Where: St. John's Parish Hall, 48 Middle St, Gloucester, MA 01930

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Get Involved: Volunteering helps keep things going. Possible duties include cashier, front room supervision, back room inventory, and shift leader. Training and guidance are available. Scheduling is flexible and shifts are available in 2.5 hour blocks.

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Pastoral Care

What: As a church family, St. John's focuses on supporting the needs of fellow parishioners. Members of the community provide support in areas including transportation, temporary respite care and meals, Eucharist distribution, visits and phone calls.

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When: Mondays from 9:00am–12:00pm as needed.
 

Where: St. John's Church, 48 Middle St, Gloucester, MA 01930

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Get Involved: Requests for help come through our rector and church assistant. All are welcome to participate in this ministry.

EDUCATION 

Bible Study Meetings
What: Meeting once a month, this Bible Study group provides members of St. John's community with an opportunity to further reflect on and discuss the Sacred Scriptures. Based on the African model, which is a Lectio Divinitas study. Using the Gospel of the previous Sunday, the Scripture passage is read aloud. Following a quiet time, participants share passages that stand out to them. Following a second reading, there is a discussion of how selected passages are meaningful to them. Then there is a final reading and general discussion. The evening ends with prayer for the person sitting to each participant's right.

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When: First Monday of each month at 7:00pm
 

Where: St. John's Parish Hall, 48 Middle St, Gloucester, MA 01930

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Get Involved: No preparation is necessary and materials are provided. Everyone is welcome.

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Psalm Study

What: Psalm Study meets monthly and provides an opportunity to focus on a specific psalm from the Bible. A passage is selected prior to each meeting with a discussion of meaningful aspects. This is followed by the reading of a different version of the psalm from another source and further reflection. Participants then say a prayer and offer intentions.

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When: Fourth Monday of each month at 7:00pm
 

Where: St. John's Parish Hall, 48 Middle St, Gloucester, MA 01930

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Get Involved: No preparation is necessary and materials are provided. Everyone is welcome.

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Arts Alive: Music and More

What: This is a summer day camp for children ages 5–12 that introduces kids to different aspects of music and performance. Under the direction of music master Mark Nelson, the program focuses on music, drama, movement, and art. A public performance is held on the last day of camp.

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When: Monday–Friday from 8:30am–12:30pm
 

Where: St. John's Church, 48 Middle St, Gloucester, MA 01930

Get Involved: Volunteer to provide snacks that are served throughout the day or sign up your children to be a part of this fun-filled and educational experience.

Adult Forum

What: This is an opportunity for learning and enrichment for church members that "Nurture and Challenge your Spirit." Lively discussions focus on theological, spiritual, and social justice aspects of Christian life. Themes vary and topics are posted in advance. 

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When: Sundays from 9:15am–10:15am, between the 8:00am and 10:30am services.
 

Where: St. John's Parish Hall, 48 Middle St, Gloucester, MA 01930

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Get Involved: Participants attend based on personal preference. No preparation is required.

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Men's Bible Study Group

What: This group of gentlemen meets every week to review the readings for the upcoming Sunday service and reflect on their meaning. This results in a lively discussion that provides additional insight as they prepare to participate more fully in the weekly services (often this group go out for breakfast at Two Sisters following the meeting).

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When: Wednesdays from 7:00am–8:30am
 

Where: The Thompson Room, St. John's Church, 48 Middle St, Gloucester, MA 01930

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Get Involved: No preparation is necessary and materials are provided. All men are welcome.

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Cursillo Reunion Group

What: This group provides an opportunity for members of St. John's community to grow in faith and spirituality. It encourages participants to live out their Baptismal vows. Following an initial Cursillo weekend retreat, members of the group meet twice a month to share how each person has encountered and exercised their faith.

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When: First and Third Mondays from 6:00pm–7:00pm
 

Where: The Thompson Room, St. John's Church, 48 Middle St, Gloucester, MA 01930

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Get Involved: No preparation is necessary and materials are provided. All men are welcome.

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