St. John’s Episcopal-Lutheran Church members are involved in several special ministries to the Williams community and the surrounding area.

Weekly Services/Bulletins

Weekly bulletins, containing all but the sermons, will be posted in our News Blog each week, and linked through to our Facebook page. Weekly video services began on our Facebook page during the pandemic and will continue until most members of the congregation are able to return in safety and comfort.

Food Cupboard

Williams receives a once-a-month visit from St. Mary’s Food Bank (based in Phoenix) at Northwoods Church (2023 calendar below).  The members of St. John’s came up with the idea to create a cupboard that will be stocked 24/7 with some basic food items.  Those who are hungry may take what they need, and we ask that everyone who can help restock the cupboard do so to help the next hungry person.  The cupboard was built by Dr. Cesareo Vasquez, and was filled for the first time November 18, 2017.  Within days of being filled for the first time, it was serving several people in the community.  We ask that the Williams community to continue to help provide food in the cupboard for those that are hungry.

Those needing more food assistance in Arizona should click this link for more information: https://www.firstfoodbank.org/get-help/

Highway 64 Clean-up

Each Fall, St. John’s volunteers to clean up a section of Arizona Highway 64, just north of I-40, in Williams.  Members of the congregation work together on a Saturday to clean up litter and debris from their designated section.  The date for the cleanup will get announced at church, in the Sunday bulletin, on our Facebook page under Events, and in our Blog.  Everyone who would like to keep our community free of litter and keep our town beautiful is welcome to participate.

Advent Concerts

Since 2009, St. John’s has brought a variety of music to the community in a concert series each Sunday afternoon during Advent.  St. John’s choir (which is open to all in the community – not just members of the congregation) and local clergy present Lessons and Carols in one of the concerts, and the other two feature many local and regional musicians.  The concerts are child-friendly and free (a free-will offering is there for who would like to help offset the costs of the performances).  After each concert, members of the church serve refreshments in Walker Hall and it provides a time for the musicians and the public to meet.

Adult Book Study

The Book Study group is currently meeting at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday mornings with the Pastor in Walker Hall.  The current book is by our Presiding Episcopal Bishop, The Rt. Rev. Michael Curry.  The book study group is open to the community.  You do not need to be a member of St. John’s to participate.  Please contact Pastor Fox with any questions.

St. John’s Choir

Note: The choir is meets at 10:00 a.m. on Sunday morning in the choir room off of Walker Hall.  Rehearsals last about 15 minutes. We rehearse in the sanctuary on Wednesdays at 4:30 p.m. and rehearsals will be about 30 minutes.

We welcome members and non-members of St. John’s alike – the only requirement is a love of singing God’s praises.  The choir sings almost each Sunday during the worship service.   We welcome young adults (middle school through high school) as well as adults into the choir. The choir does special music for the Advent and Lent/Easter church seasons along with the regular Sunday music.

Rummage Sales

St. John’s typically hosts two large rummage sales per year.  Items do not have price tags, but instead we only ask for a donation for the items needed.  This means it can be what you can afford.  Check our Events calendar to find out when the next sale is going to be!  Proceeds from the sale go to various Episcopal and Lutheran (ELCA) agencies/missions.

Shrove Tuesday Pancake Dinners

Each year we mark the day before Lent begins with a Shrove Tuesday pancake dinner for the community.  Pancakes, sausage, fresh fruit, beverages and a variety of syrups are offered for a free-will offering donation.

Blessing of the Animals

The first weekend of October we celebrate the Blessing of the Animals.  All pets are welcomed at St. John’s, receive a blessing, and a St. Francis medallion that can be placed on their collar or cage.  From goldfish to horses, they are all welcomed.  Check our Events page to find out the exact date and time in October.

Alcoholics Anonymous and Al-Anon Meetings

AA and Al-Anon meetings are held in St. John’s Walker Hall (the parish hall).  These meetings are open to the community.

Al-Anon meets in Walker Hall on Thursdays at 7:30 PM.

AA meetings are:

• Monday -12x 12 Discussion 6:30 – 7:30 PM
• Tuesday – Speaker Meeting 7:30 – 8:30 PM
• Wednesday – Grapevine Discussion 7:30 – 8:30 PM
• Friday – Daily Reflection 7:30  – 8:30 PM
• Saturday – Dawn Patrol (closed meeting) 7:30 – 8:30 AM
• Saturday – Big Book Study 7:30 – 8:30 PM
• Sunday – 7:30 – 8:30 PM

For more on AA and Al-Anon meetings and times call 866-641-9190 for assistance.