Dear Friends in Christ,

The sun came up today as we, along with so many other Christian congregations, continue to live in faith.  In our worship service on All Saints Day, we took a moment to remember all who had gone on into paradise with Jesus last weekend, and we read the words from Revelation 7:17

For the Lamb at the center of the throne
    will be their shepherd;
‘he will lead them to springs of living water.’
    ‘And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes

The place of the Lamb, who is Jesus Christ, is in the primary place.  The world does not revolve around me.  It does not revolve around you.  It does not revolve around political leaders, but our world revolves around “the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.”  That Jesus continues to live and reign in all eternity and our lives are in His hand.  I love this word regarding trust, “Unbounded trust in the merciful love of the redeeming God deals a mortal blow to skepticism, cynicism, self-condemnation, and despair.”  It is our decisive YES to Christ’s command, “Trust in God and trust in me.” 

The election on November 8^th was exhilarating for some and depressing for others.  Either way, we get up and get after life each day.  In our worship services and in my personal prayers, I have prayed for President Obama and for our nation.   I believe that we have a continued burden to pray for and support our leaders and all who represent us.  It’s part of being a Christian.  The Lamb is at the center, not anybody else.

A couple things to bring you up to speed on at St. John’s:

Walker Hall Worship Center: 

With the movement of some staff, some time in prayer and reflection, and a retreat with leaders, we have decided to make some changes in this worship center.  Pastor Michael Hayes has been given responsibility to lead these two services.  He will be the Pastor for preaching, themes, and leadership.  He has established himself as an excellent Pastor, a fine preacher and a loving man.  Working with him will be Vicar Trevor Van Blarcom and Chris Matthews.  I am excited to have this leadership team, along with our Creative Arts Team, who has worked to bring us continuity and have served tirelessly and selflessly.  I am grateful for all who attend, assist and lead our services.  Some things will change and other things will remain the same.  We continue to grow together

Our Thanksgiving Celebrations Will Be Wonderful

A time of worship with the Lord and the Community starts the celebration in the best way possible and focuses our hearts on the provision of our Heavenly Father.

Thanksgiving Eve

On Thanksgiving Eve, November 23 we will be having our Thanksgathering service.  On this special night, with grateful hearts, we gather to sing, praise, and pray to our Rock and Redeemer, Jesus Christ. Together as one family we eat, drink, and celebrate God’s provision and....  READ MORE>

Thanksgiving Day

For many years our country has designated the fourth Thursday in November as Thanksgiving Day. What better place to be than in God’s House on this national holiday set aside to give thanks to Him? Worship begins at 9:30 a.m. in the Sanctuary.  Familiar hymns, festive anthems, and an inspiring message will all be part of this communion....  READ MORE>

A New Mobile App!

We have developed a new St. John’s Orange Mobile App.  You'll have a connection to St. John’s at your fingertips. The new St. John’s App is available now on the App Store and Google Play. Install it today so you can stay connected with everything at St. John’s.  MORE>

God be with you and bless you and keep you strong in Jesus.  So glad that we have life together and that we get to celebrate God’s love for us in Jesus.  May this day and everyday be a day of God’s grace,

Much Love,

Pastor Timothy M. Klinkenberg
Senior Pastor