ecent Press Releases:
Press Release from St John’s Episcopal Church Huntingdon Valley
Thursday December 9th, 2004: For Immediate Release
Progressive Church Growing!
St John’s Episcopal Church, Huntingdon Valley is alive! Like the legendary phoenix it has risen from the ashes of the dark days of 2001: when 96% of the congregation left.
Over the past couple of years the church’s membership has increased substantially. In 2001 attendance was in the low teens: there are now 159 members. This growth has been spurred on by the church’s creation of an inclusive vision statement that guides the community.
At a time when other churches are effectively closing their doors to people whose lifestyles are different, St John’s celebrates the diversity of the whole human family. The church also believes their members are called to ‘fearlessly proclaim a radical tradition of God’s inclusive love for all.’
Children are integral to worship services at the church, and participate fully in communion. Due to the increase of children in the church they have recently opened a nursery, and the Sunday School is flourishing. At a recent Toy Service, coordinated with the Marine Corps Toys for Tots program, the church blessed toys for local children in need. The church children were also enthralled by stories at the church’s first Teddy Bears’ Picnic.
The church is also now in partnership with the Nexus School, a special groundbreaking school for autistic children. The dedicated teaching staff are making tangible progress: with the children recently helping out at a lunch for Senior Citizens.
The church also supports a fledgling school in Ghana. Members gave books, shoes and all sorts of school supplies in a special Outreach drive at Thanksgiving. With the holidays approaching the church is now collecting food and gifts for local families in need.
A recently joined member, Ben Dettinger, was asked what attracted him to St Johns. ‘St John’s is everything I had hoped to find in a church. Our church truly follows Christ’s example of love for those of every lifestyle and social status.’
As a sign of this genuine inclusion the church recently mailed a Christmas card to almost 1,500 households in Huntingdon Valley. The card wished people of all beliefs and religions a peace-filled holiday.
For those searching for a church home St John’s may be worth a visit. The presently-small size of the congregation allows new members to share in the thrilling adventure of growth.
Information for Editors:
St John’s is located at 1333 Old Welsh Road, Huntingdon Valley, PA 19006 at the intersection with Washington Lane.
The church office number is 215 947 3212.
The website address is www.stjohnshv.org
The Rector of the parish is The Rev Dr Guy J.D. Collins guy@stjohnshv.org
The Parish administrator is Ruth Gordon ruth@stjohnshv.org
Vision Statement
The St John’s Vision Statement was adopted by the church members
on 29th February 2004:
We, the people of St John’s Church, believe God calls us to:
- Grow and be nurtured by reason, scripture and tradition
- Comfort all God’s children, rejoicing in the diversity of the
whole human family.
- Fearlessly proclaim a radical tradition of God’s inclusive love
for all
- Demonstrate God’s love by finding Christ in service to others
Christmas Services
Friday, December 24 4 pm All-age Christmas Carol Service and Pageant
Friday, December 24 11 pm Midnight Mass
Saturday, December 25 9:30 am Christmas Day Festival Eucharist
Sunday, December 26, 9:30 am Holy Eucharist