St. John, Bellville is a multi-generational and grace-filled congregation dedicated to proclaiming the unconditional love of God for all people. We welcome people from all beliefs and denominations as well as those who aren’t sure what they believe. We proclaim that the message of Jesus Christ offers love and faith to all people regardless of race, creed, sex, or social status. This gift of faith allows us to live a life of loving service to our neighbors and enjoy a life full of purpose and joy. This is how salvation happens: when we accept this gift and live into it. It allows us to experience a new life in this world and eternal life in the next.
We believe that the Bible is God’s inspired word which has been passed down through the centuries. It first and foremost points us to the Gospel found in the life, teaching, and sacrificial death of Jesus Christ. Through the Holy Spirit, it offers wisdom for how we live our lives today. We hold the Bible as the “norming norm” that guides our church and all who seek to follow Jesus as His disciples. Therefore you will always hear scripture read during worship. We also encourage people to read their Bible daily with the help of a devotional guide, or on their own.
Our purpose as a church is to offer this gift of grace every day and welcome people into a relationship with God. We provide opportunities to grow in this relationship for all ages. We also challenge all who come to our church to live out their beliefs through action and service. Our church helps to feed the hungry, care for the poor and vulnerable, and to lift up the least -the lowest of society, because that’s what Jesus told us to do. We invite you to join us in this work.
Finally, we seek to have a community that cares for each other and supports one another. We console those who are grieving, we celebrate with those who are rejoicing, and we love one another as Christ loves each of us. In a world where families are increasingly mobile and separated by states and countries, we believe that the church can be a source of help and strength as we act as “brothers and sisters” in the family of God. You can be a part of this family. You are welcome here.