• A Pastoral Prayer for Our St. John’s Youth

    by Dennis W. Foust, Senior Minister This coming Sunday, we will observe a long-standing tradition in the life of St. John’s. Our youth group, guided by Rev. Haley Blackwell, has planned our expression of worship. We will gather in Broach Hall for our 10:30 worship hour and they will lead...

  • Where Dawn Begins

    by Dennis W. Foust, Senior Minister Have you ever been in the mountains and waited for dawn? Have you ever been still and silent watching the glimmers appear when the sun defines the horizon separating what is near and far? Have you ever witnessed morning light emerge until brightness unfolds...

  • Commitments and Priorities: Moving Forward with Balance

    by Dennis W. Foust Albert Einstein was not only brilliant in intelligence, he was also extremely wise. For example, consider this insight: “Life is like riding a bicycle. To keep your balance, you must keep moving.” Throughout my life, I have learned that writing down my commitments and priorities is...

  • Celebrating Lee Gray on His 25th Anniversary with St. John’s

    Rev. Lee Gray has been a part of the St. John’ family since 1997. We are now joyfully celebrating his 25th year with us as a permanent staff member.  This Sunday, following worship, we will share fellowship in Lasater Hall to celebrate his ministry among us as a full-time...

  • From the Heritage Room: The Story of the Magi

    Continuing from “The Epic of Jesus” by Dr. Chauncey Durden, the following is the story of the Magi: While yet the mother happy did rejoice Over her firstborn Son and to her breast The Infant pressed, wise men from out the east Came, guided by a strange new Morning Star,...

  • Minister for Worship and Music Candidate

    Russell Nelson On Sunday, December 10, we will ask the congregation to approve our new Minister for Worship and Music. The Search Team is excited to unanimously recommend Russell Nelson to St. John’s as Minister for Worship and Music. Russell has been reviewed and endorsed by the Personnel Resource Team and...

  • The Epic of Jesus: The Birth by Dr. Chauncey Durden

    From the Heritage Room— In the 1930’s, “The Epic of Jesus” written by Dr. Chauncey Durden, the second minister at St. John’s was published. This book tells the story of the life of Jesus in the form of an epic poem. Following is the section from the book telling the...

  • The Church Is Picking Up Energy

    by Dennis W. Foust, Senior Minister Since 1975, I have witnessed congregations pick up energy as summer transitions to autumn. Once again, September is revealing this wonderful experience. One of the best things about you, St. John’s, is your consistent expression of commitment. You ask, “How are we doing?” and...

  • Remembering Dr. Thomas Graves

    From the Heritage Room Dr. Thomas Graves, Senior Minister, St. John’s Baptist Church December 5, 1987- February 1991 The congregation of St. John’s voted to issue a call as Senior Minister to Dr. Thomas Graves in a church conference on Sunday, September 13, 1987. A reception was held to welcome...

  • St. John’s and the Lost Boys of Sudan

    From the Heritage Room— St. John’s and “The Lost Boys of Sudan” In church on Sunday, Phillips Bragg spoke about our support of the Nyarweng School in South Sudan. The following article (here in shortened form) is by Nina Phillips. In 2001 many of us at St. John’s knew very...