About Our Church
Goal
Share the story of Jesus and the ELCA by engaging with 1 million new people as we grow the church together.
Purpose
Activate each of us so more people know the way of Jesus and discover community, justice and love.
Vision
A world experiencing the difference God’s grace and love in Christ make for all people and creation.
Mission Statement
Growing Christ Like by Loving, Serving, Telling the Story.
Our values are grounded in faith, in our biblical and Lutheran confessional sources and our love of God and neighbor. They speak to the way this church lives and practices our faith, and they will guide how we journey forward in Christ as church together.
Forgiveness and reconciliation – We are reconciled to God by God’s forgiving mercy. Forgiveness and reconciliation flow from what God has made us to be in Jesus Christ and what God is doing with us in the world. As a people of God, we embody forgiveness in speech, action and relationships, and our ministry in reconciliation is foundational.
Dignity, compassion and justice – Each person is created in God’s image. We respect this God-given right to dignity and, inspired by the life of Jesus, show love and compassion for all people. Through proclamation of the gospel, through worship and as servants of God working for healing and justice in the world, we uphold and seek to protect the dignity and human rights of all people.
Inclusion and diversity – As Christ’s church, we value the richness of God’s creation and offer a radical welcome to all people, appreciating our common humanity and our differences. We are a church that does not view diversity as a barrier to unity. We recognize and will challenge dynamics of power and privilege that create barriers to participation and equity in this church and society – for women, people of color, minority ethnic groups, people with disabilities, people who are marginalized or living in poverty, and the LGBTQ community.
Courage and openness to change – Because we trust in God’s promise and understand faith to be a living, daring confidence in God’s grace, we are emboldened to embrace learning and change in our spiritual and institutional journey as church. This means we are open to new ways and willing to take risks to discover God’s plan for this church.
Faithful stewardship of God’s creation and gifts – As church together, faithful stewardship is about holding to God’s purpose and ensuring the responsibilities and resources that God has entrusted to us are used with great care and with accountability to God, to each other and those served by this church.
“All who call on God in true faith, earnestly from the heart, will certainly be heard, and will receive what they have asked and desired.“
– Martin Luther
Who We Are
Our Team & Leadership
The St. John Congregational Council is made up of the pastor and seven members elected by the congregation to serve 3-year terms. The council works for the congregation by setting goals and priorities, supporting the pastor in the fulfillment of their calling, and promoting a congregational climate of peace and goodwill. There are lots of opportunities to get involved. We have small groups (standing committees) which meet monthly/quarterly/annually depending on what makes sense for those involved. Each small group is made up of one or more members of the council and other members of the congregation. Small groups have a more specific focus to allow members to focus your energy where you feel God is calling you
Our Pastor: Alex Heffelfinger
Pastor
Pastor Alex grew up at St. John, and he now has the honor and privilege to lead our congregation as the Synodically Appointed Minister (SAM). He a great fit as he relates well with other families raising teenage & preschool children as well as being attentive to the needs of our senior members.
Jamie Burns
President - Youth/Christian Ed Liaison
Jim Kruse
Vice-President - Missions Liaison
Heidi Turnbull
Secretary - Worship & Music Liaison
Veronica Yoder
Office Manager
Empty Council Seat
Consider Serving
Jason Finzer
Outreach / Stewardship Liaison
Karen Schmidt
Property Liaison
Don Hannah
Finance / Endowment Liaison
F.A.Q.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I join this church?
- Joining the St John Evangelical Church of America (SJELCA) is easy. The process begins by meeting with the pastor or church leaders, and formally expressing your desire to become a member. SJELCA requires all members be baptized and affirm their faith during a regularly scheduled service. We generally recognize baptism by other Christian denominations.
What does church membership mean?
- Church membership is a commitment to actively participate in the life of the church, including worship, service, and fellowship. It signifies a desire to be part of the church community and to grow in faith through its ministries.
Do I have to be baptized to join the church?
- At SJELCA, we offer baptism to members (especially infants) as part of our faith tradition. If you or your child haven’t been baptized, we would be happy to help you go through the process of taking this important stem in your faith journey. If you were baptized in another Christian tradition, it is usually recognized by the church.
Can I join the church if I’m not sure about my faith?
- Yes! We welcome individuals who are exploring or questioning their faith. Joining can be part of a journey of spiritual growth, and the church community is there to support you as you explore your relationship with God.
What are the responsibilities of church members?
- Members are encouraged to actively participate in worship, support the church financially, volunteer in ministries, and engage in fellowship. Members are also called to live out their faith in their daily lives and contribute to the church’s mission.
What does it mean to become a Christian?
- Becoming a Christian means accepting Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior and seeking to follow Him in your life. It involves a commitment to faith, learning about God’s word, and living according to Christian principles.
How do I become a Christian?
- To become a Christian, you can begin by expressing your faith in Jesus Christ, accepting Him as the Savior, and desiring to follow His teachings. Many people mark this commitment with baptism, which signifies a new life in Christ. Attending church, reading the Bible, and praying are also important steps in growing in faith.
Do I have to be perfect to be a Christian?
- No, becoming a Christian is about recognizing that everyone falls short and needs God’s grace. Christianity is centered around the forgiveness and love of God, and Christians seek to grow in faith and love, knowing that perfection is not required.
Can I become a Christian if I’ve done bad things in my past?
- Yes! Christianity teaches that God’s grace is available to everyone, regardless of their past. Repentance, asking for forgiveness, and turning to Christ for guidance are central to the Christian faith.
What should I expect after becoming a Christian?
- After becoming a Christian, you are encouraged to grow in your faith through prayer, Bible study, worship, and community with other believers. Your life may change as you begin to live more according to Christian values, and you may experience a sense of peace, purpose, and connection with God.