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 April 27
It’s Confirmation Sunday! Pastor Andy Bartel will bring the message “Least Likely.: Part II,” our confirmands will help lead worship, and new Stephen Ministers will be commissioned. Worship services are at 8:00, 9:15 and 11:30 a.m., with the later two services livestreamed on YouTube.
Susan Westervelt service
A memorial service for Susan Westervelt, who passed away Dec. 1, will be held at 2:30 p.m. Saturday, April 26, at St. John. The service will also be livestreamed.
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!
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.
The last Wednesday Night Supper of the season
For this last Wednesday Night Supper of the season, we’re serving up Breakfast for Dinner! And how about some coffeecake for dessert. Supper starts at 5:15 and runs until “about” 6:00 or 6:15. Suggested donation is $10/plate and $5/half plate but please just pay as you can. Gluten free and vegetarian options are available.
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 Appleand 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 Sundays and (most) Thursdays!
Come play pickleball on Sundays in the gym from 1 to 3 p.m. and Thursdays from 7 to 9 p.m. (except 3rd Thursdays). All levels are welcome.
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. The next one is May 15. 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.