Welcome to St John’s Asquith!
Whether you’ve never been to a church, or are used to going to church, you’re welcome at St John’s Asquith.
Our doors are open to everyone. Church is not a place for people with the “right” label or lifestyle, and it is not even for “good” people. In fact, quite the opposite. St John’s is a place for anyone from any background who has a sense that there is more to life, anyone who wants to explore the deeper things or just improve their relationship with God. We believe that the good news of Jesus is for everyone!
Here’s a bit about what happens when we get together.
Sunday services
Our services are first and foremost about God. We hear the Bible read and explained (in a 25 minute talk), someone will lead the church in praying to God, we sing about him and enjoy each other’s company. At some services, we eat bread and drink juice together as a reminder of Jesus’ death and return to life (this is known as “the Lord’s supper”).
Some of these things may be unfamiliar, and that’s OK. You’re welcome to join in as much or as little as you like. We also catch up over morning tea or supper after each service, and you’re welcome to join us for a cuppa and chat.
We meet at three times on Sunday:
8am
This is a traditional service, that follows service outlines in a book. We sing traditional hymns, accompanied by an organ.
10am
This is a contemporary service for all ages, including families. We sing modern praise & worship songs, accompanied by a band.
At the same time, we run a creche for pre-school children (Seedlings), children’s program for infants and primary children (Kids@10) and youth Bible study for school years 6-8 (Clash). Children in pre-school and Kids@10 start in the service for the first 15 minutes or so, which often includes a kids talk, before going to their groups. Children in school years 6-8 head straight to their group, and we can point you in that direction when you arrive.
Younger children or those who don’t want to go to the children’s programs are welcome to stay with parents or carers in the main service, we don’t mind a bit of noise! Alternatively, we have a family room where children can play while parents or carers can see and hear the service.
To check out recent 10am services, see our livestream.
5:30pm
This is a relaxed, contemporary service for youth, young adults and all ages. We sing modern praise & worship songs, accompanied by a youth band.
Before the service, we run a Bible study for senior high students in years 9-12 (Fireplace).
Frequently asked questions
Is there a dress code?
There’s no dress code, come dressed as you feel comfortable. We believe church is about community, not what you wear. Children may want to wear casual clothes so they can join in some of the more active activities!
Do I have to sing or pray?
No. Just join in wherever you feel comfortable, or you’re welcome to just watch and listen. Feel free to sit or stand when you please.
There’s no expectation to share anything about yourself or to do anything you're not comfortable with, and you can come and go at any time. Feel free to ask as many questions as you like - you’ll find someone as you arrive who can answer your questions and help you feel right at home.
Accessibility
All areas involved in our services are universally accessible, including car park, foyer, church, hall and bathrooms. There are disabled parking spaces in the car park, and the main meeting spaces have wide doorways.
We have a hearing loop in the church, to the right of the main aisle.
We have large-print Bibles nearest the main aisle, with page numbers that match the standard print Bibles elsewhere in the church. We also have Chinese/English, Hindi/English, Korean/English and Farsi Bibles available at the back of the church.
A family room is available during services, for anyone who would prefer to sit in a smaller space. You can still be part of the service, with a window to the church auditorium and speakers to bring the sound to you. There are toys for little ones and chairs for grown-ups, and sound in the family room can’t be heard in the church.
A baby change table is available in the accessible bathroom.
When we share the Lord’s supper, all bread is gluten free and we have non-alcoholic juice instead of wine at our 10am and 5:30pm services.
If you have more specific questions about accessibility, please contact us so we can help make your visit as enjoyable as possible.