St. John's, founded as a mission in 1851, is a historic church located in the heart of historic Milwaukie, just a few miles south of downtown Portland.

We are a multi-generational community of faith committed to serving God, our community, and our parish family in the spirit of Christ.   In the spirit of our patron, St. John the Evangelist, we strive to bring light into the world around us, make the Word of God flesh as we strive to be Jesus' hands and heart in the world, and love one another as we believe that Jesus loved us.

About our worship

We worship in the Prayer Book tradition, including the supplemental liturgies found in "Enriching Our Worship." Our Sunday 8:00 service is a traditional Rite I spoken service (except on the first Sunday of each month, when we add a few hymns).

Our music at the 10:00 Sunday service incorporates the best of traditional and contemporary worship music. We don't have a "family service" at St. John's because we believe that every service is a family service. Worship is a celebration, and children are part of what we celebrate. We do offer a "children's chapel" where children can experience the Liturgy of the Word in an age-appropriate way.

New to Episcopal worship?

• We Love a Parade. You know you're in an Episcopal church when the worship service begins and ends with a procession. We like to move up and down the aisle, early and often, preferably with music. We incorporate as many people as we can in our procession: acolytes to carry candles, a crucifer to carry the cross, a book-bearer for the Gospel Book, choir members, eucharistic ministers who assist with communion, and the day's clergy.
• Where's the action? The altar is the central focal point in an Episcopal church. The first half of the Holy Eucharist, referred to as the Liturgy of the Word, takes place mostly at the lectern, and the second half, the Liturgy of the Table, takes place at the altar. (The Offertory, when bread, wine, and other gifts are brought up to the altar, marks the transition between these two parts of the service.)
• Sit, stand and (occasionally) kneel. After the Liturgy was revised in the 1970s, Episcopalians have been kneeling less and standing more. Most people kneel for the General Confession, some kneel for the Prayers of the People, and a few kneel for Eucharistic Prayer and the closing blessing.
• Heads, shoulders, knees, and…. You may notice that some people genuflect (kneel briefly on one knee) at certain points in the service, many bow (for example, when the cross passes in procession) and at other times make the sign of the cross (at the Absolution following the Confession, for example). These are personal expressions of devotion that some, but certainly not all, find meaningful in their worship. Do as the Spirit leads and don't worry about what others may think. They probably won't even notice.
• You're welcome. All are invited to receive the consecrated bread and wine of the Eucharist. Even if you are not receiving communion, you may choose to come to the altar rail to receive a blessing. Other people likely will be remaining in their seat during communion, so if you choose not to come forward, you won't be alone. And after the service, please join us in the parish hall for coffee and conversation.