Worship at St. John's Lutheran Warman
Sundays at St. John's begin promptly at 10:30 AM Central Standard Time and run about 60 minutes. Services follow a predictable rhythm so newcomers can arrive late with ease. Parking is available along 2nd Avenue and in the adjacent lot; doors open 20 minutes before the service.
Weekday and Special Worship Services
Midweek offerings include a monthly healing and prayer service on the first Wednesday at 7:00 PM and seasonal Lenten gatherings on Wednesday evenings during Lent. Special services for Remembrance Day, Canada Day ecumenical events, and civic memorials are scheduled with advance notice in the bulletin.
Liturgical Tradition and Worship Style
Worship follows the Evangelical Lutheran liturgical pattern with a balance of Word and Sacrament. Music ranges from traditional hymns found in Evangelical Lutheran Worship to contemporary arrangements. The congregation uses the Revised Common Lectionary for scripture readings, linking local preaching to the broader church year.
Order of Service
A typical order includes an invocation, confession and forgiveness, two scripture readings, a sermon, the creed, prayers of the people, and the offering. The service then moves to the Sacrament, closing with a hymn and benediction. Services emphasize clear proclamation, pastoral prayer, and practical application for daily life.
Holy Communion Practices
Holy Communion is celebrated regularly and on principal festivals. The congregation follows an open table approach consistent with many ELCIC congregations, welcoming baptized Christians. Communion assistants and ushers provide guidance for first-time participants. Gluten-free wafers are available upon request.
Baptism and Other Sacraments
Baptism is offered for infants, children, and adults by arrangement with pastoral staff. Confirmation classes for youth normally begin in the fall and conclude with a public affirmation of faith. Pastoral rites also include marriage preparation and anointing for the sick.
Music Ministry and Choir
Music is central. The choir rehearses weekly on Thursday evenings and leads one Sunday each month. An organ and a digital piano support congregational singing, and periodic contemporary ensembles perform on festival Sundays. The music program emphasizes congregational participation and theological clarity in hymn texts.
Congregational Singing and Hymns
Hymns form the backbone of worship with a mix of hymnody and psalm settings. Seasonal favorites include "O Come, O Come, Emmanuel" during Advent and "Christ the Lord Is Risen Today" at Easter. Singing is supported by projected lyrics and traditional hymnals in the pews.
Children’s Ministry During Worship
A brief children’s message occurs near the beginning of each Sunday service to engage young worshippers. Activity packets and a supervised nursery are available. During major festivals, children participate in choirs and pageants, and teaching moments are designed to connect scripture with everyday experience.
Youth Participation in Worship
Youth serve as readers, acolytes, and choir members. Confirmation students assist with liturgical roles as part of their formation. Opportunities for leadership include planning youth-led worship once each program year.
Accessibility and Facilities
The building is accessible with a ramped entrance, wheelchair seating in the nave, and accessible washrooms. Hearing assist devices are available at the welcome desk and printed large-print bulletins can be requested before the service. The congregation regularly reviews facility improvements to maintain safe access for all.
Introductory sentence followed by specifics.
- Accessible ramp and level entry at the north doors.
- Designated wheelchair seating and companion spaces.
- Assistive listening devices and large-print worship folders.
These amenities support participation for people with varying needs.
Fellowship and Coffee Hour After Service
A coffee hour follows most Sunday services in the fellowship hall. It lasts about 30 to 45 minutes and provides opportunity for introductions, informal pastoral visits, and community announcements. Potlucks and seasonal luncheons happen monthly and after major festivals.
Seasonal Worship: Advent, Christmas, Lent, Easter
Seasonal worship at St. John's reflects the church year with special liturgies, music, and educational offerings. The calendar below outlines key observances in 2026 and typical congregation practices.
A short explanation follows the arrangement, inviting participation in seasonal rehearsals and volunteer roles for festivals.
Special Services and Community Events
Community carol sings, interfaith remembrance gatherings, and joint services with neighbouring congregations form part of outreach. The congregation hosts an annual warm clothing drive and coordinates with the Warman Food Bank for emergency support.
Pastoral Leadership and Sermons
The pastor delivers weekly sermons that typically run 12 to 20 minutes, focused on scripture exposition and practical application. Guest preachers and synod representatives join for milestone occasions and synod Sundays.
Lay Participation and Worship Volunteers
Volunteers fill essential roles as readers, communion assistants, ushers, and greeters. Lay-led prayers and testimonies occur regularly to deepen shared responsibility for worship.
Volunteer Opportunities in Worship Teams
Volunteer teams are open to members and newcomers. Introductory training is offered annually and roles include:
- Readers and intercessors with scheduled rotations.
- Communion assistants and sacristans who prepare elements.
- Audio-visual operators for projection and livestreaming.
Contact information provided in the bulletin connects volunteers with team coordinators.
Worship Technology and Livestream Services
Services are livestreamed on Sundays at 10:30 AM CST and archived on the church website and a public channel. The technology team manages audio mixing, camera angles, and captioning for accessibility.
Visitor Information and What to Expect
Visitors are welcomed with a printed bulletin and a brief orientation from ushers. Attire ranges from casual to formal. Newcomers are invited to introduce themselves at coffee hour.
Membership and Participation Pathways
Pathways to membership include attendance at orientation classes, baptismal preparation, and a welcome covenant. Confirmands receive mentoring and are encouraged to join volunteer teams.
Offerings, Giving, and Stewardship
The congregation accepts offerings by envelope, e-transfer, and Pre-Authorized Remittance. Annual stewardship campaigns and financial reports are presented at the annual general meeting.
Outreach and Community Involvement through Worship
Worship themes often align with outreach priorities such as support for local food security, refugee sponsorship, and partnerships with regional shelters. Special collections fund these initiatives.
Weddings, Funerals, and Pastoral Care
Weddings and funerals are arranged with pastoral staff and clergy availability. Hospital and home visits are provided upon request and in crisis situations.
Worship Calendar and How to Stay Updated
The worship calendar, weekly bulletin, and announcements are posted on the church website and on the congregation’s social media channels. Email newsletters provide weekly reminders and volunteer schedules.