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daring confidence in God’s grace.  Learn more...


We are the church that belongs to Christ.  There is a place for you here.  Learn more...



You are welcome here...

For over two centuries, people have gathered on this small hill to worship and praise the Lord.  Though many changes have taken place in the congregation, in the neighborhood and in the world, we remain committed to actively worshiping and serving our Lord Jesus Christ at St. John Center Lutheran Church.

If you are passionate about discerning your gifts for ministry and finding ways to use them, the members at St. John Center Lutheran open their hands in welcome to you.  

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Each Sunday, begins with a Gathering to review the day's Lessons at 9:30 am on the lower level of the church.

The Gathering is followed by Worship service at 10:15 am in the sanctuary on the upper level of the church.

Holy Communion is celebrated the first Sunday of each month,

all Festival Sundays and weekly during Advent and Lent.

The sanctuary is air conditioned and handicapped accessible by chairlift.

​Restrooms on the lower level of the church are not accessible by wheelchair.

Handicapped accessible restrooms are available in the Fellowship Hall.

Little One's Sunday School is offered each Sunday.  Children will be gathered prior to the Sermon

and their time together will end at the conclusion of Worship.

Staffed nursery is available.

Join us as we do God's work in Christ's name for the life of the world.

Three weeks ago we heard John’s gospel’s version of Peter’s confession of faith. This week we hear Mark’s version, when Peter says, “You are the Messiah.” In John, the stumbling block is Jesus’ invitation to eat his flesh, given for the life of the world. In Mark too the scandal has to do with Jesus’ words about his own coming death, and here Peter himself stumbles over Jesus’ words. But Jesus is anointed (the meaning of “messiah”) in Mark only on the way to the cross (14:3); so we are anointed in baptism with the sign of the cross.

Click here for more about This Week's worship at SJCL

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Upcoming Events

Happenings you shouldn't miss in the weeks ahead.

Wed

Dec 19


"God with Us " Advent Lunch, Fellowship and Service Series

Noon

"God with Us - Our Guide"

Thurs

Dec 20


Choir Rehearsal

7:00 pm 

December 20


6:30 pm

December 24


Sundays

January 6 and 20, February 3 and 17, March 3

Sun

Dec 23


Bell Choir Rehearsal

Following worship

December 23

Mon

Dec 24


Christmas Eve Candlelight Worship Service with Communion

6:45 pm - Hymn Sing

7:00 pm - Worship Service

Sat

Jan 12


"Hands of Hope" Prayer Shawl Ministry

9:30 am - 11:30 am

2nd Saturday of the month at Ephrata Manor Apartments' Library

Jan 16

Jan 17


Pictorial Directory

Schedule your appointment with Cheryl Doman


Sun

Jan 20


Pork and Sauerkraut Dinner

Following worship

200th Anniversary Celebration

Snow date - January 27th

Reserve your seat by signing up


Begins in Feb


Bible Study with Liz

Mondays at 1:30 pm and Thursdays at 6:00 pm

Topic:  James

February 2 and 7




God with Us

Advent Gatherings

Begins at Noon with a Light Lunch provided

Bring your friends!







Wednesday, December 5th

"God with us - Our Potter"


Learn More

Wednesday, December 12th

"God with Us - Our Shepherd"


Learn More

Monday, December 17th

"God with Us - Our Guide"


Learn More





Advent Bible Study

Courtesy of ELCA World Hunger

Week 1

“Food is never ‘just food’

and its significance can

never be just nutritional.”

– Pat Caplan,


“Food, Health and Identity,” 1997

Click to continue Study

Week 2

[Abraham] said, “My lord, if I find favor with you, do not pass by your servant. Let a little water be brought, and wash your feet, and rest yourselves under the tree.

Let me bring a little bread, that

you may refresh yourselves,

and after that you may pass on

—since you have come to

your servant.” So they said,

“Do as you have said.”


– Genesis 18:3-5 

Click to continue Study

Week 3

“When you meet together, it is not the Lord’s supper that you eat. For in eating, each one

goes ahead with their own meal, and one is hungry and another is drunk.”


– I Corinthians 11:20-21, RSV 

Click to continue Study

Week  4

“Here your heart must go out

in love and learn that this is a

sacrament of love. As love and

support are given you, you in turn must render love and support to Christ in his needy ones.”


– Martin Luther 

Click to continue Study

"SJCL E-Blast"

Click here to subscribe to St. John Center's weekly e-mail, filled with current worship information and upcoming events.  Type the word "Subscribe" in the subject line.

​Inclement Weather

Unsure if Sunday School and/or worship services are cancelled due to inclement weather?  


Simply call the church office at 717.445.5505.  The voice mail message will be updated by 

8:00 am on the day in question.

Center Union Cemetery

Call Becky at 717.354.5560 for information regarding the cemetery.

What does the ELCA mean to you?

Words From Our Customers

We are saved by faith alone, but the faith that saves is never alone.​

Martin Luther

© 2017  St. John Center Lutheran Church

[email protected]