Hospitality Ministries

Entertaining saints and angels unawares.

FEEDING the SAINTS, ONE SNACK at a TIME

Hospitality Ministers feed our congregants, body and soul, at every service. They hand us bulletins, provide us with caffeine, set the table with donuts and bring the offering to the Table. Without our hospitality ministers, there would be fewers smiles and less harmony on our Sunday morning. They serve to create community in the service, and beyond.

"Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by doing that some have entertained angels without knowing it."

Hebrews 13:2

Hospitality Roles

Connections are not made in the Nave or during the Passing of the Peace (or at least not only then). Connections are made in the Narthex, over a smile, some coffee, or even a root beer float. The first moment an usher brings someone a bulletin, that’s the first moment we have the opportunity to welcome angels to our midst.

Party Guild

A new and upcoming group, this Guild runs special receptions for visiting clergy and special services.

Ushers

Assist the Clergy by collecting and dedicating the offering, ushering communicants to the communion rails, welcoming and providing bulletins to parishioners before the service.

Hospitality Team

These people control the treats, and therefore the very happiness of our congregation. With great power comes significant responsibility (setting out the goods, and taking the plates back to the kitchen, and cleaning up)

Greeters

These volunteers staff the Welcome Center, and offer information and assistance to all I who need it, but especially our newcomers and those with questions about happenings at the parish.

In the Christian tradition, contemplative prayer is considered to be the pure gift of God.

It is an opening of mind and heart, our whole being to God, the Ultimate Mystery,

beyond thoughts, words, and emotions. It is simply resting in the presence of God.

Like all Christian prayer, contemplative prayer is rooted in the word of God in scripture

and in the person of Jesus Christ. Its source is the indwelling Trinity; Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

God in unconditional LOVE takes the initiative in relation to us.

At the same time our desire for God is also God's gift to us.

Centering Prayer

Sunday Mornings 9am

Thursday Evenings 6pm

In the Chapel of the Holy Innocents

The Practice of Centering Prayer familiarizes us with God’s

first language – SILENCE. This method of silent prayer serves to prepare one to receive the gifts of God’s presence. It is simple yet profound in its effects.

The Mystics Study Group

Thursday Evenings 6:30pm

In the Chapel of the Holy Innocents

We use the study of the Mystics throughout history as a guide. These people lived the Contemplative life in search of God’s constant presence. We can learn about deepening our own spiritual lives through their example and testimony. Our first book to read and discuss: The Naked Now, by The Rev. Richard Rohr.

All Saint John’s Bible images used in this website are used with permission by and the property of Saint John’s University, Collegeville, Minnesota.