WORSHIP
10 AM SUNDAYS
In-Person or Online
Experience the Seasons of Worship at St. John’s
Throughout the year, we gather to celebrate, reflect, and grow in faith through special seasonal services. Each one offers a unique opportunity to encounter God’s presence and deepen your spiritual journey.
Explore our upcoming seasonal worship services below and join us as we walk in God’s grace together.
Special Spring Services
Lent & Holy Week
Lent & Holy Week begins on Ash Wednesday and ends on Holy Saturday. A sermon series will lead our Lenten celebrations in preparation for Easter.
Maundy Thursday
We’ll gather for a light meal, Holy Communion, and a powerful reenactment of the Last Supper. The evening ends with the solemn Tenebrae, as the lights are slowly extinguished in remembrance of Jesus’ journey to the cross.
Tenebrae is a liturgical service of sung readings and Psalms that features distinctive symbolic elements of Christ's passion and death, extinguishing the lights of the sanctuary in anticipation of Jesus Christ’s death on Good Friday.
Ash Wednesday
Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of the season we call Lent. As we mark the sign of ashes on foreheads or hands each year, we mark the time that is set apart leading up to the cross and empty grave. It is a time in which we turn our hearts and minds toward our relationship with God.
Good Friday ( No Service)
St John's UCC currently does not hold a Good Friday Worship Service. The Church Office and Church close this day in observance of Holy Week and Good Friday.
Palm Sunday
Join us as we begin Holy Week with Palm Sunday worship!
We’ll remember Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem and 𝐝𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐢𝐛𝐮𝐭𝐞 𝐩𝐚𝐥𝐦 𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐬, just as the crowds did when they welcomed Him. All are welcome—no matter where you are on life’s journey
Easter Sunday
Join us for a joyful Easter service as we celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ! We’d love for you to come celebrate with us! Expect some uplifting music, a message of hope, and a community that’s all about love. Let’s enjoy this special day together!
Easter Service at 10:00 AM.
Special Summer Services
Pentecost Sunday
On Pentecost Sunday, we remember the day when the Holy Spirit descended on the disciples in a powerful way, enabling them to speak in different languages. This allowed people from many nations to hear the good news of Jesus in a language they could understand. Wearing red on Pentecost symbolizes this moment of unity and the spreading of God’s message to all people, no matter their background or language.
Worship at Albright's Woods
Our outdoor worship time in nature is an opportunity to experience God's presence and creation. Worship in the Woods is a great opportunity to bring someone to church with you!
It all takes place at Albrights Woods on Grove Street in Orwigsburg.
Annual Church Picnic
Our annual church picnic. It all takes place at Albrights Woods on Grove Street in Orwigsburg. Our church picnic is pot-luck style in which everyone can volunteer to bring a dish! We look forward to worshiping with you at (Albright’s Woods Park, located off of Grove Street, Orwigsburg, PA).
Special Fall Services
Back-to-School Sunday
All are invited to celebrate Back-to-School! This service is held in August or September depending on the start of the new school year. We give a special blessing to the students and the teachers heading back to school!
Thanksgiving Eve Service
Join us for a community Thanksgiving Eve Worship Service. This service is held the evening before Thanksgiving. Everyone from the community is welcome to join us, praise, worship and give thanks!
All Saints Day
The first Sunday of November we recognize All Saints Day. This special service is an opportunity to give thanks for those who have gone before us in the faith. We welcome anyone to submit names to the office for those loved ones they want remembered during All Saints Day service.
Blessing of the Animals
The Blessing of the Animals has become a deeply meaningful experience for the community. It offers a chance to honor the love and companionship that animals provide, and to express gratitude for their presence in our lives. The animals we spend time with are often our primary companions, and they bring us great joy and comfort.
Paster Jeff will pray over and bless your beloved pet.
The entire community is invited! Best to bring pets on leashes, or if you prefer a carrier.
World Communion Day
The first Sunday in October is World Communion Sunday. St John's UCC congregation join many Christian churches across the globe for this celebration of unity among churches across denominations.
Special Winter Services
Advent
You are invited to celebrate Advent at St. John's UCC! Each Sunday during Advent, we light an Advent candle representing each Sunday of Advent.
Holiday Office Hours
The Church Office will be closed on Christmas Day and New Year's Day. Stay up-to-date with weather cancellations and revised office hours by checking our Facebook page.
Christmas Eve Service
Traditional Candlelight Service is a special candlelight service as the entire congregation gathers for a service of scripture readings, carols and Candlelight.
Candlelight Service at 8:00pm
Gift Sponsors
Every year the local Orwigsburg Food Pantry supplies Christmas gifts to families in need. We are always looking sponsors for local children's Christmas gifts. If you are interested in helping please contact us at the Church Office. Thank you in advance for your help