I find that one important thing in a church is being able to talk to the Elders, and the congrgation, easily. Jesus was approachable, so we should be as well. When I visit my church, someone always says hello, every single time, and usually I get a lot of hugs:) It is great to have such a supportive community there. They are extremely welcoming to visitors, and will give you a "Visitor's Pack" which includes a nice Welcome letter and a business card with a number to call if you have any questions about anything.
Joe Vee in in charge of the Outreaches, and the Under His Wings Street Ministry. This is actually how I found this church! They were having an outreach in a park close to my house, with live music, puppet shows, and skits. Some people even got up to the microphone to give their testimony about Jesus and what He has done in their lives.
St. John's offers the "ALPHA" course, some of you may have heard of it. It is a course for beginning Christianity. I am taking it, even though I have technically been a Christian since birth. It is always a good idea to learn more. The current classes are winding down, but will start again in September. Within Alpha are other classes: "A Life Worth Living"-study on the book of Phillipians; "Challenging Lifestyles"-based on the Sermon on the Mount; and "Youth ALPHA"-designed for high school teenagers.
There is Intercessory Prayer every Friday night from 7:00-8:00 pm, and a Sunday School for children, as well as a Vacation Bible School and Prayer Chain.
News: UHW has lost its permit for the Outreach in the park across from my house. It seems many people called the Parks Dept. and said their kids were afraid of some of the puppets and masks that were used in some of the skits. The Outreach uses very strong images and messages-- sometimes a bit too strong. We called up the Parks Dept. and they said that St. John's had been warned about the rules. I am at a loss, I guess. I don't know why St. John's did not heed the warning. I want to be fair and say that although we need to get the Christian message out, and should be allowed freedom of religious expression, we should also pay attention to our audience, and the laws of the state. Perhaps children need something a bit more gentle, since a lot of these kids see enough "horror" in their own homes.
I hope something can be worked out so that the Outreach can come back to the parks. I think that it is a fun Outreach with lots of friendly people and it isn't harmful in its intention. The music is cool, singing, talking, testimonies, skits. Pretty nice to see in a park. Since we live right across the street from a park, we know that usually there are drug dealers and loud mouths late at night and we DON'T WANT THEM. Too bad the Parks Dept can't revoke their "permit".:)
News 7/22/98
Ok, UHW has gotten its permit back:) They will again be appearing in the park by my house. This thing is a bit topsy turvy, isn't it? I don't know if it is fair to mention they they got the permit back using some political help (because I think politicians are not honest people, but do things for money. I think that this is very well known and undertsood about politicians and comes with the job. As long as we understand what it is, and what it is not) I personally do not find the practice of political "favours" on the up and up, but I have no evidence whatsoever that "favours" were used, or anything else dishonest. I just don't think it sounds great. I am glad they got their permit back, though. God Bless Them.
I guess I should say that all of the opinions expressed on this page are my own, and may or may not be St. John's Church or any of its members opinion of things. I think I have the basic right to share what I think, whether I am right or wrong. I try to be honest, and tell things like I see them. Since we all have different views, you are free to disagree with what I say.