New Here?
“All are welcome in this place.”
Are you looking for a community of faith that prides itself on both tradition and inclusion? Or a tight-knit family of members who value engaging with the world around them (especially the portion of that world in its own backyard)? Or dedication to ancient spiritual principles while also recognizing that our communities, and the individuals within them, change, grow, and learn throughout their lives? St. John’s Episcopal Church - Tower Grove aims to be just that kind of community!
“Let us build a house where prophets speak,
and words are strong and true,
where all God’s children dare to seek
to dream God’s reign anew.”*
and words are strong and true,
where all God’s children dare to seek
to dream God’s reign anew.”*
A parish within the Episcopal Diocese of Missouri, and the Episcopal Church of the USA, St. John’s is proud of its Anglican heritage. We are Bible-believers; we are also Bible-interpreters. We believe that God’s inspired Word, shared through Old Testament writers, the prophets, and His Son Jesus Christ, requires thought, prayer, discernment, and imagination. You may wonder if you believe as we do; chances are, you’ll find people who agree with your own interpretations of Scripture here… and others who hold very different ideas. We welcome all.
“Let us build a house where love is found
in water, wine and wheat:
a banquet hall on holy ground
where peace and justice meet.”*
in water, wine and wheat:
a banquet hall on holy ground
where peace and justice meet.”*
Each Sunday morning members of the St. John’s congregation gather to share the Holy Eucharist, the “body and blood” of Christ symbolized in bread and wine. In this celebration we not only reaffirm our own membership in “the Body of Christ,” but also our responsibility to feed Christ’s “sheep” by sharing “the Good News” of God’s unconditional love for all people.
“Let us build a house where hands will reach
beyond the wood and stone
to heal and strengthen, serve and teach,
and live the Word they’ve known.”*
beyond the wood and stone
to heal and strengthen, serve and teach,
and live the Word they’ve known.”*
While we’re proud of our over 100-year-old campus in South City, and our over 150-year history in St. Louis, we also know that “the church” isn’t a building or a location. The Church is the people who not only come together to worship, but who also reach out to the community around them in service. Every Saturday, St. John’s hosts the Peace Meal, a free meal for anyone who wants it. This weekly gathering symbolizes our commitment to our neighbors, and to living lives of shared sacrifice in which all have their needs met.
We welcome you, whether you’re actively seeking a new faith community, or if you’re exploring your own beliefs and values, and think we might be a good fit. Please explore the rest of this site, and contact us with any questions.
*Hymn lyrics by Marty Haugen, “All Are Welcome,” 1994.
