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 July 13
Having just returned from the Youth SLAM Trip, Pastor Autumn Krueger and SLAM Trip Participants bring the message “Demonstrating Mercy." Services are at 8:00, 9:15 and 11:30 a.m., with the later two services livestreamed on YouTube.
Desserts needed for Alaska School of Theology
Alaska School of Theology is in need of desserts for our Friday Night Dessert Bar on July 18. If you can help, sign up with your name and the type of dessert here. Drop off desserts on July 18 by 3 p.m. in the Triangle Room. The Care and Spiritual Formation Team appreciates your help!
Alaska School of Theology 2025
Register 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. Continuing education credits will be offered by SMU Perkins through Credly.
Playground Picnic
Pack your picnic, load up the family, and meet at the South Anchorage Sports Park (769 W. Klatt Rd.) at 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, July 16, for a playground picnic supper.
Order Your Rainbow Eagle Sweatshirt Here
Orders accepted through July 16! Due to popular demand, we have 4 sweatshirt styles with 2 color options each, and we’ve added a white rainbow logo to be used on dark colors.
Click here to order and to see more product sizing and fabric information.
Youth Hike & Food
Rising 6th graders through graduated seniors are invited to join in a hike and food at Ruth Arcand Park on Wednesday, July 23, from 6 to 8 p.m.
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!
Summer Book Club
Colleen Runty is hosting a Faith and Politics Book Club in her home this summer. Books are to be read before meeting. Feel free to join one, two or three if your schedule allows.
June 29: Hate Won’t Win by Mallory McMorrow/$25
July 27: Politics is for Power by Eitan Hersh/$15
August 17: Jesus and the Powers by N.T. Wright & Michael F. Bird/$10
If you would like to join, purchase a book from the office for the above listed price and contact colleen.runty@gmail.com for more info.
Clothesline Project
The St. John Mission & Outreach team invites you to participate in the 10th annual Clothesline Project sponsored by Anchorage Cops for Community and the Anchorage Police Department. Donations of gently used and new clothing are being collected and will be distributed Aug. 3 to kids headed back to school. A donation bin will be in the west foyer starting on Sunday, June 16.
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!
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).
Do you have our church app?
St. John has a 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 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. 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.