NURTURING OUR COMMUNITY
by using our gifts in ministry in and beyond our faith community
Providing opportunities for the multitudes on Cape Ann whether you're giving back or asking for help.
At St. John’s Gloucester, our commitment to grace and excellence shines brightest in our service to the wider community. True humility means seeing ourselves as God sees us, and in that spirit, we humbly share our gifts with our neighbors. Our discipleship is expressed through acts of service, using the talents we have been given while sharing our faith.
We open our campus to valued community partners, including the Coalition for Domestic Violence Awareness, Sorellanza Sisters in Song, 12-step programs, the Cape Ann Climate Coalition, and neighborhood card groups. Each week, we provide food to those facing insecurity and offer special worship and educational opportunities that engage with timely and relevant justice issues.
Below are ways you can get involved in sharing your gifts with us
If you are interested in participating in any of these ministries, please email the
WORSHIP
Lector
Lectors read scripture during Sunday services and special occasions. Readings are shared in advance, scheduling is flexible, and no formal training is required — just a heart for the Word and community.
Altar Guild
The Altar Guild offers an opportunity to actively participate in our services. Members are responsible for preparing the church for Sunday services, special holidays, and other occasions. Flexible scheduling.
Ushers
Ushers often serve as the first point of contact for those entering the church on Sunday. Greet everyone warmly, distribute the weekly worship bulletin, collect contributions, Bringing the bread and wine forward during the offertory
Choir/Music Ministry
Our choir is for all who wish to share their gifts and talents.
Choir members usually meet weekly to rehearse, but you can also choose to join us for one Sunday a month, or for special occasions like Easter or Christmas.
Worship Team
The Worship Team meets every four months to make suggestions for both Sunday and special worship schedules.
That includes contemplative, creative, thematic, and inspiring services focused on seasonal and social justice.
Flower Guild
The Flower Guild keeps the church beautifully decorated throughout the year. Flowers are sourced from various florists, and during the summer months, parishioners with gardens generously contribute. Scheduling is flexible.
Lay Eucharistic Ministry
Lay Eucharistic Ministry offers a unique opportunity to actively participate in Sunday services. Assisting the priest, Distributing the wine during communion, leading the congregation in prayer. Scheduling is flexible
Acolyte
An Acolyte lights the candles before service, carries the cross during the procession, assists with communion and stays aware to the priest's needs. Hands-on training is provided. Scheduling is flexible
Outreach
Regal Rummage
Regal Rummage is open Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, from 10 am to 2 pm, and is staffed by one to two volunteers. Scheduling is flexible.
(note: A Spanish speaking volunteer would be greatly appreciated.)
Thrift Shop
Some duties include cashiering, bagging, sorting donations, and arranging merchandise front room supervision, and inventory. Scheduling is flexible.
Visit our Thrift Shop page >
Social Media/Website
St. John's maintains an active online presence to keep parishioners and the wider community informed and connected with special attention given to accessibility and outreach.
Open Door
Every Sunday, a basket of donations is in Service Offertory. These donated items are added to the shelves of the food pantry help in the assortment of food available in support of our community.
Action Lunch Program
Volunteering includes preparing 20 bag lunches that include a simple sandwich, small drink, chips and fruit. The lunches are delivered to the Action shelter after 5:00pm and are distributed on Sunday morning.
Grace Center
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
To learn more about Grace Center visit their website.
FORMATION
Men's Bible Study Group
This group of gentlemen meets every Wednesday from 7:00 am–8:30 am in the Thompson Room to review the readings for the upcoming Sunday service. No preparation is necessary and materials are provided. All men are welcome.
Homeletic Huddle
Meeting every Wednesday from 12:00-1:00 pm, this group reviews and discusses the gospel assigned for the upcoming Sunday service. The group meets September to November, January to February, and April to May.
Cursillo Reunion Group
This group meets the First and Third Tuesdays 4:30pm to 5:30pm in the Thompson Room and provides an opportunity for members of St. John's community to grow in faith and spirituality. All are welcome.
Will You Sit With Me While I Feel This?
A monthly gathering where participants share personal feelings about events beyond our church walls. Through active listening, it offers a space for reflection, expression, and healing. No discussion, just time to be heard.
Adult Formation
Grow in faith, knowledge, and community through our diverse Adult Formation offerings. Whether you're drawn to weekly Bible study, seasonal book discussions, teaching series on spirituality and theology.
HOSPITALITY/FELLOWSHIP
Welcome Team
Offers hospitality to newcomers to help them feel part of the community of faith. Based on the all-important message in the Gospel of offering hospitality to all and creating an enriching experience.
Coffee Hour
Working in teams, coffee hour occurs following the Sunday service. Participation in this ministry provides parishioners with an opportunity for social contact and fellowship.
PASTORAL CARE
Lay Pastoral Care Team
Our vision is to provide a ministry of hope and caring so that no member of our congregation need be alone. We hope to visit the ill at home or in the hospital, support those going through a life crisis.
SPECIAL EVENTS
Special Events
Providing an invitation for fellowship, the Special Events team provides parishioners with an opportunity to celebrate events together through food and special programming throughout the year.
Middle Street Walk
Scheduled for the second Sunday in December, the Annual Middle Street Walk is a way to experience Gloucester's Historic District with special events in churches along Middle Street.
St. John's Village Fair
A major annual fundraising event at Saint John’s church, the Village Fair is on the Saturday before Thanksgiving. Visitors to the fair can peruse and purchase homespun crafts, an array of holiday decorations.
Festival Of Lessons and Carols
This annual event, which is open to the public, is designed to add hope and anticipation during the Advent season. A series of nine lessons, combined with familiar carols and newer choral expressions of the Advent and Christmas season, are presented. An expanded choir and additional instruments are led by Saint John’s Director of Music.
Contact: John Churchwell.
Monthly Parish Dinners
Occurring from June through October, friendship and fellowship are extended to parishioners through monthly dinners held at designated homes. Individuals volunteer to host the dinners in their homes.
Cape Ann Arts Alive
Held in August every year, Saint John’s opens its doors to host the Cape Ann Arts Alive summer camp. A one-week arts program for children age 6 -12, and teenage mentors, full of singing, dancing, theatrics, art projects and local excursions.
Ashes To Go
Ashes To Go Starting at noon on Ash Wednesday, Saint John’s priest can be found distributing ashes in front of the church to all who come or even those “driving through.”
Contact: Marya DeCarlen,
Calming Sunday
Scheduled for the First Sunday in Advent, Calming Sunday gives parishioners an opportunity to pause and embrace the values associated with Advent which address hope, anticipation, and longing for joy.
PROPERTY MANAGEMENT
Ms. Fixits
An informal group of women who meet on Monday mornings to “care for the fabric of the church” by helping with tasks not handled by other functions or groups. These tasks often involve activities that require more hands, good backs and/or the ability to use a ladder!
Property Team
This group is responsible for the maintenance of Saint John’s infrastructure. In addition, the group is involved in developing entrepreneurial projects for the parish.