St. John has a “Commitment to Community”.  Whoever you are, wherever you come from – when you walk through our doors, our goal is to help you find your people and grow in faith alongside others.  These fellowship-focused small groups, demographic ministries, and educational opportunities are great ways to find your community at St. John.  Service-focused groups (link) and our Music Ministries (link) are also great ways to form lasting church friendships.  Contact the church office if you need more information or are interested in joining one of these small groups.

Don’t see the kind of small group you’re looking for?  Small groups and adult education are an evolving ministry at St. John. The pastors would be happy to discuss the possibility of forming new groups and can help connect you with others who share your passions. 

Monday Night Bible Study
  • If you’re looking for a community of adults to join for fellowship, prayer support, humor, lighthearted Bible study and faith education, Monday Night Bible Study is always open to new members!
Martha's Circle
  • Martha Circle is a group of women who gather to learn from bible study, make friends in fellowship and service, and find strength in prayer together.  New members are always welcome!  
Coffee With Friends
  • Coffee With Friends is a group of women from different backgrounds who gather for support, friendship, and camaraderie. They share joys, sorrows, laughter, and prayer. What’s said there, stays there. No preparation is necessary.  Come when you can, stay as long as you’re able.
“Good Grief” Group
  • Good Grief is an informal support group for anyone who is processing grief, whether the loss of a loved one was recent or happened long ago. If you come to this group, you will find that you are not alone.  Together, through prayers, stories, laughter and tears, we hold space for one another in love.
Women's Retreat
  • Once a year, the women of St. John organize a powerful retreat at an offsite location based on a faith theme.  Together they share stories, form deep relationships across generations, and leave feeling empowered to be women of faith. Anyone who identifies as a woman is welcome to join!
Men’s Ministry
  • The Men’s Ministry hosts a variety of community gatherings throughout the year, including once a month general meetings, Pub Theology, service opportunities, and an annual offsite Men’s Retreat based on a faith theme. Anyone who identifies as a man is welcome to join!
Faith Field Trips
  • Faith Field Trips are exciting opportunities to experience and learn from the world around us.  Trips vary from visits to other faith communities, musical performances, movie and theater outings, architectural tours, museum visits, historical sites, local attractions, and more!  
Diakonia: Growing in Faith
  • The “Diakonia: Growing in Faith” program is a ministry of the ELCA, the Northern Illinois Synod, and St. John that is committed to providing in-depth theological education for lay people (non-pastors). Followers from many ELCA congregations gather via Zoom to participate in educational courses, retreats, and mutual care.  Those who go through the program often become leaders at the churches they attend. 
Seasonal Pastor-Led Bible Studies 
  • In addition to other adult education opportunities, the pastors of St. John occasionally lead short-term educational series on topics both biblical and spiritual.  These series often take place during Advent and Lent, but may happen at other times of the year.