What Makes St. John’s Special

In addition to our wonderful church building and our more than 250 year tradition, there are four key things that define our parish.

We are a Missionary Church, seeking to grow by sharing and witnessing to our faith. 

• We ask parishioners to personally visit families new to the church to extend a hand of welcome. 
  
• We share the good news of our faith with others through our work in the community.

We are a congregation deeply connected to and engaged in our community.

• St. John’s is located on the Square, in the physical center of Carlisle.  Throughout our history we have been a church for the community, opening our doors with hospitality and extending our arms in many forms of outreach ministry, especially among those in great need.
  
  
• Our community extends beyond the boundaries of Carlisle to include our companion parishes in St. John the Baptist in York Pennsylvania, Carlisle Cathedral in Carlisle, United Kingdom and Holy Trinity Parish, Sao Paulo, Brazil.
  

We are a church dedicated to nurturing a new generation in the Christian faith.

• We have a varied program of worship services, with a quiet service at 5:00 p.m. on Saturday evening, traditional services at 8:00 and 10:15 a.m. on Sunday and a special Children’s Chapel at 11:00 a.m. on Sunday.  We also offer several opportunities to worship during the week.
  
  
• Our children and youth represent the future, and we share God’s love and community with them through our Nursery, Church School and Children’s Chapel.  Each summer St. John’s presents a unique summer Vacation Bible School experience that we open to all members of the community. Energetic adult volunteers also guide youth groups oriented towards the needs and interests of our young people.
  
  
• We value the participation of Young Adults from the surrounding communities and colleges in our parish life and reach out to to include them in our family.
  
  
•  There is a formal adult education program held at 9:15 a.m. on Sunday where we gather to study, learn and pray together.  The weekly sessions are supplemented periodically with speakers from outside the parish who acquaint us with current issues facing the church and promote discussion and understanding of them.

• These circles make our 900 person parish feel small and intimate, offering something for everyone to do, to enjoy and to cling to in times of need.
   
  
• Central to these circles of relationship are our fellowship and pastoral ministries designed to reach out to, care for and nurture those in our congregation who welcome the opportunity to be connected to the parish in their own personal ways.
  
  
• St. John’s is blessed with a beautiful Moller pipe organ, and an extensive music program with several choirs which unite us in praising our Lord Jesus Christ’s ministry through song and prayer.

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