Welcome to St. John United Methodist Church
The Mission of St. John United Methodist Church is to grow disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world, and to be a welcoming family, joyfully sharing God’s light.
We believe that you belong to God. We strive to be a welcoming family, and to celebrate the diversity each person brings, but like all families, we are not always so successful. Our members are politically diverse, but united by the love of God. We try hard to love and serve our neighbors and community. No matter your doubts and questions, your race or ethnicity, your political persuasions, your age, economic status, physical or mental abilities, your sexual orientation, your gender identity, no matter whom you call family, we hope to welcome you into the St. John family. We invite you to come as you are, for you are loved by God.
What’s Happening
Coming June 8
This Sunday Pastor Andy Bartel will bring the message “Revelation.” Worship services are at 8:00, 9:15 and 11:30 a.m., with the later two services livestreamed on YouTube.
Registration for VBS 2025 is Open!
We're going on the road with God this year for Road Trip VBS!
Who: potty trained 3 years - rising 5th graders
When: June 9-13, 9am-12pm
Cost: $50/child, $100/family; details about discounts in the registration
Register here by May 11 to guarantee your child gets a t-shirt!
Youth event on Wednesday
Rising 6th graders to graduated seniors have the opportunity to play with goats this Wednesday, June 4, from 6 to 8 p.m. Come be a “kid” again!
Church family potluck
Join us at St. John for a potluck dinner on Wednesday, June 11, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Bring your favorite dish to share.
SEE Anchorage with us
Monday Morning Women is changing things up for the summer; they are meeting weekly to SEE (Serve, Eat, Explore) Anchorage. You can view the schedule here. All are welcome!
Alaska School of Theology 2025
Registration is now open for the 2025 Alaska School of Theology! It will be held July 18 and 19 at St. John UMC, led by author/retired pastor/activist Brian McLaren.
The theme this year is "Dancing on a Moving Floor: Christian Leadership in an Ever-Changing Landscape." It's not the 1950s or 1980s or 2010s anymore. The world we have always known seems to be falling apart before our eyes. McLaren will help us contemplate our current situation and prepare ourselves for a future that is full of challenges, yes ... and also, amazing opportunities.
Find the registration link here. Don't miss out on savings with early bird registration! Continuing education credits will be offered by SMU Perkins through Credly.
Worship band song list is growing on Spotify
Our praise band literally ROCKS! Do you love singing along with them on Sundays but are not sure how the song goes? Well, now you can practice ahead of time! Our band leaders post Sunday's songs on a Spotify list a few days before worship. You can view this week’s songs or choose from a growing library of songs the praise band plays here. You'll need a Spotify account to listen (it's free).
Greeters needed!
Are you looking for a chance to get involved at St. John, meet new friends, and be a welcoming presence in the community? If any of those apply to you, you’re ready to be a greeter on Sunday mornings! We’re hoping to get as many folks as possible involved, so if you’re available even one Sunday this year, reach out to Pastor Adam at pastoradam@stjohnanchorage.org and they will get you on the schedule!
Do you have our church app?
St. John has a new church app! Find all the important things in one place – current events, our Giving link, the Connect Card, the newsletter, the prayer chain and more. If you enable notifications, you can receive important announcements such as “Wednesday Night Supper and activities canceled due to snowstorm.” (We promise not to blast out too many notifications.)
Interested? Go to your app store and search for Ministry Keeper. The logo is gold with a black MK (see image above). Or use the links here for Apple and Android. When searching for our church, type in St. John United Methodist Church – and be sure to include the period in “St.” Check it out and let us know what you think!
Pickleball is on Thursdays throughout the summer!
Come play pickleball on Thursdays in the gym from 6 to 9 p.m. All levels are welcome. (Note: Pickleball will be from 7 to 9 p.m. on June 19, July 17, and August 21. There will be no pickleball on July 24, 31, and August 7.)
Cookies for Sundays
Fellowship time is better with a cookie! Can you help supply cookies for one Sunday? Sign up here to bring 3 dozen peanut-free/nut-free cookies - they can be homemade or store-bought. Cookies will need to be brought to the church by 10 a.m. Sunday, or by noon Friday.
Monthly Mobile Food Pantry
St. John’s Mobile Food Pantry is every 3rd Thursday of the month at 5 p.m. in the church parking lot. There will be no Mobile Food Pantry at St. John in June since the Food Bank of Alaska will be closed on June 19 in observance of Juneteenth. The next one is July 17. To volunteer at St. John’s MFP, sign up here.
To find other resources for food in Southcentral, check the Food Bank of Alaska website or F.I.S.H. (Friends in Serving Humanity). For other types of assistance, call 2-1-1 or go to Alaska211.org.