Where is St. John’s?
St. John’s Lutheran Church is located at the corner of 17th and L Streets in Midtown Sacramento. To view a map of our location, visit our Directions page.
Where can I park?
Despite our location in the busiest part of Sacramento, we are blessed with ample free parking. We have a small parking lot on the church grounds as well as a parking garage at the corner of 18th and K Streets. Check out our Parking page for more information.
What are the styles and times of worship services?
At St. John’s we believe that worship is a creative and engaging experience, and we worship in a wide variety of styles. Visit our Worship page for more information about our worship times and styles.
How do people dress?
You will find a little bit of everything here at St. John’s. Whether you arrive for worship in a coat and tie or in blue jeans, you will not be alone.
What can I expect in worship?
Each service has its own feeling largely dictated by the music choices for that service. However, all services follow the basic Lutheran liturgy and include reading of the scriptures, time for prayer and confession, praise and thanksgiving, and usually the celebration of the Sacrament of Holy Communion. For more information about our individual services, please visit our Worship page.
Is Communion open to everyone?
Yes. We believe that the gifts of God are free. We commune by intinction most of the time. You will be handed bread and will dip it into the chalice. The red liquid is wine; the clear liquid is grape juice. To read more about the Sacrament of Communion, visit our Baptism & Holy Communion page.
Is there Communion at all services?
Usually. We celebrate Communion in every worship style, but occasionally we have services without Communion. For example, we do not always celebrate Communion during our seasonal evening Vespers services. But most of the worship services at St. John’s include Communion.
What is the ELCA?
The ELCA – or Evangelical Lutheran Church in America – is the national religious body to which St. John’s belongs. Visit the ELCA website for more information about this affiliation of Lutherans in the USA.
What do Lutherans believe?
Lutherans believe in the Triune God who is loving, forgiving, and nurturing. We believe in Jesus Christ, the Son of God, who died to free us from our sins. And we believe in the Holy Spirit who is active in our lives bringing inspiration and transformation to each of us. For more about what Lutherans believe, take a look at the Statements of Belief of the ELCA.
How can I become a member of St. John’s?
We accept new members several times each year. New members are asked to attend a series of classes to acquaint them with the basics of Lutheranism as well as the history and ministries of St. John’s. Lutherans transferring from another congregation are asked to attend classes as well so that they can be better acquainted with St. John's. Contact us to find out when our next new member class will begin.
What is expected of members at St. John’s?
We ask that members of our community join together in four ways:
1. Participating in worship regularly
2. Growing in faith through study of the scriptures
3. Serving God by following the example of Jesus Christ
4. Giving to the church in proportion to their income
Is child care available?
Yes. We welcome children in worship, but we also provide childcare for children ages 6 weeks to 4 years. Visit our Childcare page for more information.
What is Sunday School like?
We believe that nurturing and teaching young disciples and their families is one of our most important responsibilities. And to facilitate that, we encourage our children to explore their faith through Bible study and discussion, art, dance, and music. To find out more, visit the Children and Families page.
Are there Bible study classes for adults?
Yes. We have a strong and vibrant Discipleship program for adults of all ages. Check out our current calendar of offerings on the Adult Discipleship page.
Can I take classes on Lutheranism?
We offer a variety of Discipleship opportunities on Sunday mornings and on Sunday evenings. Those interested in learning more about the church should watch for notices for Jump in to St. John’s, our introductory class offered several times each year. Additionally, we also offer several classes about the Lutheran tradition. For more information, visit the Adult Discipleship page.
Can I join the singers? Or play an instrument?
Absolutely. We are always looking for more talented and dedicated musicians. Read more and find out who to contact on the Music Ministries page.
