Our Mission: We are gathered to celebrate God’s gifts and sent to respond to the needs of the world.
Since 1888, St. John’s Episcopal Church has provided the community with an opportunity to celebrate and proclaim its Christian faith. Our foundation and our bond rest upon both Word and Sacrament. Through our celebration and worship of God, we realize our strength and the power of the Body of Christ.
We believe the Church must provide the guidance that enables adults and children to follow their quest for a deeper understanding of God and the Church. We, therefore, remain committed to provide a positive and nurturing environment in which each person’s faith and comfort in the church community can grow.
The fullness of our fellowship enables us to support the members of our church and encourages us to show respect for their worth and compassion for their needs. From the strength of this fellowship and the shared experience of a community worshipping together, we are also able to look beyond the needs of this parish. As members of Christ’s Church, we accept our responsibility not only for ourselves but also for others who share our world.
Outreach opportunities
There are lots of new ways you can get involved in your community. Please fill out this card Community Life Card and return it to the church office by e-mail, info@stjohnschicago.com or mail it to: St. John’s Episcopal Church, 3857 N. Kostner Ave., Chicago IL 60641
Annual Thanksgiving Dinner
Every year St. John’s opens its doors and hearts by serving a traditional Thanksgiving dinner for those who are alone or in need. This is a rewarding ministry and there are many ways you can contribute. We will need gifts of food and gifts of time–if you can donate a can of yams, or if you can help set the table, or help peel the 40 pounds of potatoes–no offer of help is too small! At the end of the day around 100 people get a home cooked,sit down meal served on china. Join us!
Pence Blessing Program
St. John’s members have pence cans at home to put spare change in as a reminder of our blessings. The cans are collected three times a year and given to local, national and international organizations. Collections for local charities include: Step Up (mentoring program at Schurz High School, Lydia House (local alternative high school), Irving Park Community Clinic (free medical care for those without health insurance), Lawrence Hall Youth Services (foster care).
Partnership with San Juan Evangelista in Acayucan, Mexico
The people of San Juan
St. John’s parishioners have made two trips to SE Mexico and formed a partnership with the Anglican congregation of San Juan Evangelista in Acayucan, Verecruz. We have fun raising money for our partner congregation! Our Cinco de Mayo fiesta raised money to help build a new facade for the church. Our Pence Blessing collection, rummage sale, and Latin Dance Night raised money to support the ongoing work of the parish. We are currently working on a development project aimed at reducing poverty in Acayucan. Fr. Marco Polo, of San Juan, hopes to travel to St. John’s to visit and celebrate mass in Spanish as an outreach to our neighbors.
 Latin Dance Night! |
 New Church Facade |
 Leslye Martinez with Bishop Benito |
National and International Mission
St. John’s works towards the Millennium Development Goals to cut poverty and disease by setting aside on Sunday collection per month for our Benevolence Fund, by donating to national and international development through our Pence Program, participating in CROSSWalk to Work, and by speaking out for justice alongside the Peace and Justice Commission of the Diocese of Chicago. You can join us in international mission by supporting Episcopal Relief and Development (international aid organization). To learn more about the ERD, visit their website.
Our Maundy Thursday and Good Friday offerings support the Anglican Church in Jerusalem.
