History
Services have been held at the current site on Lagunitas Road since the 1880’s when it was known as the San Anselmo Chapel. The Episcopal Diocese of California officially acquired the site in 1908. The cornerstone of the current St. John’s Church was laid in 1910. Its inscription, “A house of prayer for all people,” is as strong a calling to the parish today as it was nearly a century ago. Worship services began June 2, 1912. Parts of the church were renovated and expanded in 1926, 1952 and 2006. St. John’s is one of the larger parishes of the Episcopal Diocese of California. Approximately 200 people of all ages attend weekly worship services at St. John’s and participate in its youth programs and adult spiritual education classes. Parishioners total over 800 persons. Non-profit community groups, and an independent, secular pre-school program also use church facilities during the week.
What We Believe
St. John’s is an Episcopal church. We are part of the national Episcopal Church and the worldwide Anglican Communion which originated with the Church of England. We believe that flexibility in our community is an asset. We may differ on some issues, but we come together grow spiritually, to learn more about the God revealed in scripture, and to serve those in need. We invite you to come and learn about us. Join us for worship, take part in one of our programs, and become part of this giving community.
Our Mission
We pray, worship and celebrate the Gospel responding to the needs of our communities while building relationships to support us on our journey of faith.
Our Vision
St. John’s is a spiritual home that welcomes all, loves and respects all, and serves all in Christ’s name.
St. John’s CARES
The fundamental essence of St. John’s core values is this church CARES about its congregation, community, environment and civic responsibilities. How this church and its congregation care is what makes St. John’s special.
Connect – St. John’s connects with people no matter where they are on their spiritual journey. We connect without judgement, and recognize everyone has their own spiritual path. Through the process of connecting with each other and our community we strengthen our own connection with God, ourselves and the communities in which we live.
Assist – St. John’s strives to assist people regardless of faith, race, gender, sexual orientation or socio-economic status. We build and adapt our services to assist our congregation—including our children and youth—in helping to meet their spiritual, emotional, mental and physical needs. St. John’s strives to assist parishioners at anytime and anywhere.
Respect – St John’s respects peoples’ faith, spirituality, religious backgrounds, and personal journeys. Respect helps St. John’s offer a warm, welcoming, inclusive and safe environment of worship. Respect enables St. John’s members to share more deeply and learn from each other and other religions which aids us to better serve and contribute to our friends, families, and communities.
Embrace – St John’s embraces change and views change as an opportunity for personal and communal spiritual growth. We embrace children and youth as symbols of change. St. John’s embraces empowering people to develop, foster, and strengthen their own personal connections with Jesus Christ.
Serve – St John’s serves with open and loving hearts and minds in the hope that with our words and actions we reflect the spirit of God. We strive to advocate for and help the vulnerable where and when we are able in the local community and beyond.
Adopted by the St. John’s Vestry
09.15.21; revised 11.16.23