Services & Music
Worship
Holy Communion, Rite Two is on Sundays at 8:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m.
Morning Prayer from the Book of Common Prayer is on Mondays and Wednesdays at 9:30 a.m.
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On Sundays, join us in-person at the church or via Zoom ( contacting the office for a Zoom invitation).
Alternately you can view recorded Sunday services by visiting our YouTube channel.
Episcopalians (Anglicans) across the world, worship in many different styles, ranging from very formal, ancient, and multi-sensory rites with lots of singing, music, fancy clothes (called vestments), and incense, to informal services with contemporary music. Yet all worship in the Episcopal Church is based in the Book of Common Prayer, which gives worship a familiar feel, no matter where you go. At St. John's we are considered Broad Church which means that our worship includes elements of the ancient multi-sensory rites of the Church but in a much more informal atmosphere. Interested? There is more on this below the music section, keep scrolling!
Holy Communion, Rite Two is on Sundays at 8:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m.
Morning Prayer from the Book of Common Prayer is on Mondays and Wednesdays at 9:30 a.m.
--
On Sundays, join us in-person at the church or via Zoom ( contacting the office for a Zoom invitation).
Alternately you can view recorded Sunday services by visiting our YouTube channel.
Episcopalians (Anglicans) across the world, worship in many different styles, ranging from very formal, ancient, and multi-sensory rites with lots of singing, music, fancy clothes (called vestments), and incense, to informal services with contemporary music. Yet all worship in the Episcopal Church is based in the Book of Common Prayer, which gives worship a familiar feel, no matter where you go. At St. John's we are considered Broad Church which means that our worship includes elements of the ancient multi-sensory rites of the Church but in a much more informal atmosphere. Interested? There is more on this below the music section, keep scrolling!
Music
Music at St. John’s currently includes organ, piano, classical/jazz guitar, song and, occasionally, hand bells. Our organist and choir director retired recently, if you are a trained musician and would like to apply for the position of Organist/Choir Master please see our job posting, and consider applying. This post will remain open until filled. Currently we have organist Robert McWithey, of Weaverville, twice a month and are accompanied by Jazz guitarist Mike Holstein and choir leader and pianist Katie Souva twice a month. They are all simply amazing and we are growing to love this Holy variety.
Special Music led services/events.
Our church presents a service of Lessons and Carols, during Advent, each year. We hope to begin more music focused offerings (concerts) that bring us closer to God in 2023. In 2022, St. John's hosted Friedemann Stihler's "Rockin' Organ Concert Tour". Mr. Stihler, a classically trained organist from Germany who serves St. Joseph's Episcopal Church in Germany, has set the goal for himself of playing concerts in all 50 states. St. John's was honored to be one of the Churches he visited when he was in North Carolina.
Our Organ
The organ at St. John’s is a three manual Rodgers Allegiant digital electronic instrument installed in 2007.
Jazz Guitar and Piano
After our organist retired in July of 2022 we began seeking a new organist (and we sill are) but we re-discovered the simple beauty of piano and voice when a new member offered to play the piano for our hymns. Then, one Sunday, a visitor mentioned that he played jazz and classical guitar and was willing to help out. Such blessings these two have been, and many others who have stepped up to the plate to add beauty to our services through their musical gifts. We hope to continue this new tradition alongside the organ!
Handbells
We have 3 octaves of Malmark Bellcraftsmen hand bells. Ringers meet to rehearse for a few weeks before playing for services during Advent, Christmas, Lent and Easter.
Special Music led services/events.
Our church presents a service of Lessons and Carols, during Advent, each year. We hope to begin more music focused offerings (concerts) that bring us closer to God in 2023. In 2022, St. John's hosted Friedemann Stihler's "Rockin' Organ Concert Tour". Mr. Stihler, a classically trained organist from Germany who serves St. Joseph's Episcopal Church in Germany, has set the goal for himself of playing concerts in all 50 states. St. John's was honored to be one of the Churches he visited when he was in North Carolina.
Our Organ
The organ at St. John’s is a three manual Rodgers Allegiant digital electronic instrument installed in 2007.
Jazz Guitar and Piano
After our organist retired in July of 2022 we began seeking a new organist (and we sill are) but we re-discovered the simple beauty of piano and voice when a new member offered to play the piano for our hymns. Then, one Sunday, a visitor mentioned that he played jazz and classical guitar and was willing to help out. Such blessings these two have been, and many others who have stepped up to the plate to add beauty to our services through their musical gifts. We hope to continue this new tradition alongside the organ!
Handbells
We have 3 octaves of Malmark Bellcraftsmen hand bells. Ringers meet to rehearse for a few weeks before playing for services during Advent, Christmas, Lent and Easter.
How we Worship
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Liturgy and Ritual
Worship in the Episcopal Church is said to be liturgical, meaning that the structure of our worship and the prayers that we pray don’t change greatly from week to week. This sameness from week to week gives worship a rhythm that becomes comforting and familiar to the worshipers. Our worship also follows patterns that have been used in Christian worship for centuries, and in countless places, so our worship anchors us to an ancient faith. |
If the customs and worship of The Episcopal Church are new to you, let the congregation carry you along in the liturgy, and know that we welcome your conversation and questions. Episcopalians are comfortable with a wide variety of physical expressions of devotion and adoration during worship. You may see people bowing, making the sign of the cross, sitting, kneeling or standing, or all three, throughout the service. You are free to participate in ways that you are comfortable. If you are not comfortable or able to kneel at the times indicated in the bulletin, please stand. If you are not able to stand, please remain seated.
If you have more questions, check out our Frequently Asked Questions page or contact our priest and just ask!