annual events

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  • Ash Wednesday Luncheon

    A committee of women from the Women of the ELCA groups meet to plan this meal that occurs on Ash Wednesday every year. They line up decorations, paper goods, food, and times for set-up and clean-up.


    Members of St. John are asked to bring a type of salad (hot or cold) to share with everyone. The committee supplies bread, crackers, tea, coffee, and water for the meal.

  • Bake Sale

    Each year the women of the church have a bake sale to raise money for scholarships. The sale is always held on Maundy Thursday.


    There is a committee that plans the advertising, securing the place for the sale, and actually receives the items and prices them. Brochures are distributed to businesses in town where people will see them, some are taken to businesses in town that have many employees where brochures are then put in their break room.


    Volunteers usually arrive at 7:30 a.m. on the day of the sale and the contributors are asked to have their baked goods there by 8:00 a.m. Items are priced as soon as they are received and sales start as soon as the baked items arrive. Most items are sold by about 10:00 a.m. Any items left are taken to the church to be sold at the noon service. 

  • St. John Kids Camp

    All day camp for 2 weeks in June. Children enjoy story time, music, crafts, and more. Check out Youth page for online signups.

  • Springfest

    The first Saturday in May, you & your family are invited to join us out at our beautiful Retreat Center for fellowship, faith, food, & fun!

    Games & fishing will begin at 2:00 pm; followed by a non communion outdoor worship at 4:00 pm; with a delicious beef & pork BBQ meal prepared by the Men In Mission.  Proceeds from the meal go towards scholarships and the proceeds from the event benefit the Retreat Center.

  • God's Work, Our Hands

    Once a year, usually in September, thousands of congregations dedicate a Sunday (or a whole weekend) to serving their community in various ways. St. John participates in this effort every year. The projects we do each year are varied and are based on the needs of Bellville and our people.


  • Living Nativity

    St. John Lutheran Church of Bellville  brings that beautiful night of Jesus' birth back to life at their Retreat Center every December. Volunteers help to become a 'Living Nativity' that uses both people and animals to enhance the viewers experience. 


    Those who wish to view this scene simply drive thru our Retreat Center property, bearing witness to the birth of Jesus. The LIVING NATIVITY usually consists of four stations that will depict the Christmas Story. Live characters and animals will be featured as well as villagers strolling throughout. 


    ALL are welcome to the FREE Christmas event  which is sure to become a part of your holiday traditions.

  • Oktoberfest

    The Oktoberfest is an annual event held each year during the latter part of October which celebrates the German heritage of many members in our congregation. New members of the congregation are recognized. The Evangelism committee assumes the overall responsibility for the event and the Men in Mission prepare the food.

  • Rally Day

    This is our kick off Sunday to begin our Sunday School year.  It is held on the Sunday after Labor Day.  Children come to meet their teachers and enjoy breakfast. They will join together for a special project.

  • Special Services

    In addition to our three regular weekend services, we have a number of seasonal services that we celebrate during special times in the church year. Please note that dates and times are subject to change from season to season. Any changes in the scheduling will be reflected in the announcements for each service both on the homepage and the Current Events page as needed.

     

    Lent Midweek Services

    Held at noon and 7 pm on the five Wednesdays between Ash Wednesday and Holy Week. 


    We have a series of services to prepare us for the resurrection of Jesus. These services vary in content from year to year.


    Maundy Thursday

    Held on the Thursday before Easter.


    We celebrate the Last Supper and Jesus instituting Holy Communion as a sacrament of the church.


    Good Friday

    Held on the Friday before Easter.


    We remember the crucifixion of Jesus and what it means for us to trust in the cross as source of our salvation.


    Easter Sunday

    Held at different service times during the weekend of Easter.


    We celebrate the resurrection of Jesus from the grave. This includes a Sunrise Service and Breakfast at our Retreat Center and an egg hunt at our main building.


    Advent Midweek Services

    Held at noon and 6 pm on Wednesday evenings in December.


    We have 3 different services to help prepare for the birth of Jesus at Christmas. The style and content of these services varies from year to year.


    Christmas Eve Services

    Held on December 24th.


    We have 3 services to celebrate the birth of Jesus and God coming to live among us.


  • Thankoffering Meal

    A committee of women from the Women of the ELCA groups meet to plan this meal that occurs in late November. They line up decorations, paper goods, food, and times for set-up and clean-up. 


    The committee is responsible for finding volunteers to prepare turkey, ham, rolls, and gravy for this meal. The committee supplies tea, coffee, and water to drink. Members of St. John are asked to bring side dishes to go along with the foods listed above.

  • Vacation Bible School

    Vacation Bible School meets in the evening the last Sunday through Thursday in July. Children enjoy a meal, Bible lesson, music time and make crafts. Check out the youth page for signup.