A Warm Welcome

In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, this church opens wide her doors and offers welcome to everyone.

If you need a Savior; if you are spiritually weak and seek rest; if you mourn and long for comfort; if you struggle and desire victory; or are a stranger and want fellowship; if you hunger and thirst after righteousness - then St. John's is the right place for you. We don't allow any perfect people to attend - so you'll fit right in!

Our Church

We are a joyful, Christ centered fellowship of believers within the Anglican tradition. Our stated purpose is to "know Christ and to make Him known." As a result, we enjoy a rich and lively parish life and actively support various missions and outreach programs.

Our Mission Statement

Being rooted and grounded in love (Ephesians 3:17), we commit ourselves to knowing Christ and making Him known. With joy, humility and gratitude for God's saving grace in our Lord Jesus Christ, we devote ourselves to well-ordered family life, fellowship and worship - all in submission to godly authority. God being our helper, we dedicate ourselves to works of mercy, love and witness. May we glorify God, enjoy Him and prove zealous for the good works that please Him.

In order to understand our theological underpinnings, visit on our Beliefs page.

Our People

St. John the Evangelist’s congregants come from all walks of life and all kinds of traditions. Some are former members from St. John's Episcopal Church in Huntingdon Valley. Some come from Presbyterian backgrounds, some from non-denominational backgrounds. College graduates, landscapers, computer experts, doctors, office workers, electricians and chemical engineers - they all worship together at St. John's. Young families, singles, and retired folks - they're all part of the family.

Our Affiliation

Our parish is a member of the Anglican Mission in America. The Anglican Mission is a mission work of the Episcopal Province of Rwanda. AMiA is focusing on planting new Anglican congregations from coast to coast throughout the United States.

Feel free to look around and let us know if you have any questions. Suggestions for other features are welcome!

The Web Master

What We Believe

What We Believe About The Bible

We believe in the faith that has been received and carried on by the one, holy, and catholic church throughout the centuries. Most importantly, this includes:

1. A commitment to the Bible as the revealed Word and Will of God the Father, the ultimate truth by which we order our lives,
2. A commitment to the truth that in that Bible, Jesus Christ is demonstrated to be the unique Son of God, in whom salvation is found alone, through His sacrificial death and powerful resurrection, and,
3. A commitment to the truth that the Spirit of Holiness is further revealed to be the sole means of both engendering faith and keeping it alive.

Our Historic Faith

The links below contain the "Formularies" or the written standards, which are the foundation of our faith at St. John the Evangelist Anglican Church.

• The 39 Articles
• Solemn Declaration of the Anglican Mission in America
• The Nicene Creed
• The Apostles' Creed
• See also a side by side comparison of the Apostles' and Nicene Creeds
• The Book of Common Prayer defines our worship. Though we don't use it in our main worship service at the moment, nevertheless the theology of the 1662 Book of Common Prayer is considered the "gold standard" of Anglican worship and defines the meaning and structure of worship for Anglicans; more about which, see this page.

Clergy

The Rev. Canon Mark E. Rudolph, Rector

(M.Div., The Theological Seminary of the Reformed Episcopal Church). Ordained in 1985 in the Reformed Episcopal Church, Mark transferred his orders to the AMiA in November 2004. Mark began as Rector at St. John’s in September 2007. Prior to becoming Rector, he worked as a consultant to the Anglican Mission in America’s Northeast Network and in the Office of Clergy Credentialing. His interests include computers, ecclesiology and science fiction, and playing the guitar. Mark and his wife Lynn have 5 sons.

 

The Rev. Kenneth R. Cook, Associate Rector

(M.Div. Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, Th.M. Westminster Theological Seminary). Ken began ministry at St. John’s in 1988. His special interests include the English Reformation and music, especially blues/roots music, and rock and roll. He and his wife Margie have 2 children.

 

The Rev. William C. Kenney, Assistant Rector

Bill is a long time member of St. John’s. Today he serves the church voluntarily following his retirement from a career in public education.

 

 

 

Ministries

Among other ministries at St. John’s, we have these:

• Acolytes - The acolytes serve to glorify God and assist during the worship services. All young men in grades 7 - 12 are encouraged to serve.
• Ushers - Need a bulletin, help with a seat, or have a question? Ushers are always available during services to help! Be part of the team; ushering is easy, fun and provides an opportunity to meet and greet our parish family.
• Altar Guild - All ladies in the church are invited to serve on the Alter Guild. Responsibilities include caring for alter linens, preparing alter vessels and flower arrangements. Willing hands are all that are required.
• Baker Library - The library provides Christian books, study material and audiovisual materials for adults and children. The library gratefully accepts donations of monetary and literary material. The library is currently in the Church office.
• Adult Choir - We resolve to "sing with the spirit and sing with the mind." (I Corinthians 14:15) Rehearsals are on Thursday evenings at 7:30 PM, as well as prior to Sunday services. The Choir sings Sundays from September through June.
• Altar Flower Ministry - Alter flowers are delivered to the sick and shut-ins in our parish on Sunday afternoons.
• Fellowship Groups - A number of Fellowship groups are held during the week. Check out the days, times and leaders here. All are welcome to join these groups.
• Fellowship Hour Hosts/Greeters - A welcoming face every Sunday morning and a hot cup of coffee following the service are generously provided by our Greeters and Fellowship hour hosts. All are welcome to join this ministry.
• Caregivers - Caregivers meets the second Monday of every month for prayer and writing of cards for loved one and friends of the parish who have long term needs. Special care is given to those in the parish who have lost loved ones.
• Intercessory Prayer Group - This group gathers weekly for prayer on Wednesday mornings at 9:30. Come and pray with us!
• Anglicans For Life - Support the life of the unborn through meetings, the March for Life, Life chains at local hospitals, and other events. Join us to support those whose lives are at stake. Do you know someone hurting from an abortion, contact us.
• Lay Readers - Our mission is to read the Word of God firmly and clearly during Sunday services. All are invited to join this ministry.
• Prayer Chain - Members of the prayer chain receive pray requests via phone or email, then pass them along to others. Help support those in need in the congregation through prayer.
• CD Ministry - The CD ministry team is busy every Sunday recording and archiving the 9:30 AM service and the occasional adult class. Tapes are available upon request from the church office.

Services, Small Groups, Bible Studies

 Sunday

Please note that prayerful silence is being practiced for the 10 minutes prior to the beginning of the services.

• 8:00 am - Holy Communion
• 9:30 am - Holy Communion (except 5^th Sundays, Morning Prayer), child care and children's church available.
• 11:00 am - Education for all ages
• 7:00 pm - Every 3^rd Sunday, Contemporary Compline Service

 Tuesday

• 1:00 pm - Prayer

 Wednesday

• 7:30 am - Holy Communion & Short Bible Study
• 9:15 am - Holy Communion (during Lent)

 Thursday

• 8:00 - Morning Prayer after 6:30 am Men's Bible Study

Friday (Jesus Focus Ministry)

• 8:00 pm Bible study and worship service. See JFM's web site at www.jesusfocusministry.org.

Bible Study / Small Groups

Name	Location	Dates	Times	Contact Info
Women's Fellowship Group	Abington	2nd & 4th Mondays	7:00 pm	Margie Cook (215-657-6946)
Women's Bible Study	At St. John's, Churchville	Every Wednesday	9:45 am	Office (215-396-1970)
Table Talk Fellowship	varies, typically Glenside area	Every Wednesday evening	7:30 pm	Carl Wegner (215-885-8006)
Men's Bible Study	At St. John's, Churchville	Every Thursday	6:30 am	Office (215-396-1970)
Maple Village Fellowship	Hatboro, Maple Village Retirement Community	1st & 3rd Thursdays	2:00 pm	Bill Kenney (215-947-2457)
Thursday Night Theologs (TNT)	Abington	2nd & 4th Thursdays	7:30 pm	Ken & Margie Cook (215-657-6946)
Kingdom Fellowship Group (KFG)	varies	Every other Friday or Saturday	7:30 pm or 6:00 pm respectively	Raymond Baker (215-672-2027) or Chuck Steege (215-997-8538)
Community Life Group - a new offering, child care provided	At St. John's, Churchville	Every other Saturday	5:00 pm	Ben Cramer (630-418-2430)

Pastoral Policies On Common Topics

From time to time, the clergy are asked questions about "policy" on particular topics. For the most part, we handle various questions on an individual basis, using pastoral judgment and Scriptural principle. However, we have been asked often enough about the topics below that we have formalized a response. At present, we have these four policies:

• Weddings
  
• Baptisms
  
• The Lord's Supper
  
• Confirmation and Communion
  

In all cases, if you wish ask us to consider your situation, please feel free to call (215-396-1970) or email (info@toknowchrist.net) and ask for a pastor, briefly describing your situation. We will be glad to discuss your specific circumstances.

Weddings

St. John's typically only schedules or hosts events like weddings and funerals for members and regular attendees of St. John's. Occasionally we may host events for others with whom we have a relationship, but we do not host private events for the general public.

Baptisms

Baptism, being a sacrament ordained by Christ himself, is a serious matter of discipleship and discipline. If you do not regularly attend St. John's, please be aware that we typically will not baptize you or your child without a period of discernment and instruction, as well as requiring weekly church attendance.

The Lord's Supper / Holy Communion / Eucharist

Sometimes we are asked "who may participate in the Lord's Supper at St. John's?" Note these two caveats:

• You must be a baptized Christian.
• If you are under church discipline in your own church, you probably should not participate in the Lord's Supper.

If you are uncertain, please feel free to consult with a pastor and we will be glad to discuss your situation with you. Our desire is nothing less than to see "all who are weary and heavy-laden" come to Christ and find the rest He promises.

Otherwise, as a baptized believer in good standing in any believing church of Christ in the world, we say: "Our fellow Christians of other branches of Christ's Church and all who love our Divine Lord and Savior Jesus Christ in sincerity are affectionately invited to the Lord's Table." In any event, you may always feel free to come forward when the Lord's Supper is served. You should cross your arms across your chest and we will gladly pray with you at the rail; or after the worship service, if you prefer.

Confirmation And Communion

An increasingly common question is whether unconfirmed people (of any age) may take the Lord's Supper. We know that customs vary regarding this matter. A paper will be forthcoming on this topic. Until then take note of this Article from the 39 Articles:

"Confirmation is not to be counted for a Sacrament of the Gospel, being such as have grown partly of the corrupt following of the Apostles, partly are states of life allowed in the Scriptures; but yet have not like nature of Sacraments with Baptism, and the Lord's Supper, for that they have not any visible sign or ceremony ordained of God." (Article 25)

This means that confirmation is not a mandatory rite. It is a useful one. It is part of Anglican polity and will in no way be set aside at St. John's. However, we believe that it may not be imposed upon anyone as a matter of faith. Therefore, the clergy will serve the Lord's Supper to the unconfirmed, provided that the following are all true:

• That the person has been baptized,
• That the person is not under discipline in any part of Christ's church for just cause,
• That in the case of a minor child, the parents agree with the minor's participation in the Supper and at least one parent is a baptized and practicing Christian, and,
• That in the case of one who regularly attends St. John's, the person either intends to be confirmed or intends to demonstrate that she or he has been received into the larger church of Christ by some analogous method elsewhere.

If you are contemplating this matter and particularly if you are contemplating a change in your family practice, please seek one of the clergy out. We are glad to speak with you.