St. John Lutheran church is an ELCA (Evangelical Lutheran Church in America) congregation located in the heart of Belle Plaine, Minnesota, close to the historic downtown area. St. John worship services have an average attendance of 300 people during two Sunday morning services and one evening service. The congregation provides Sunday School for children from 3 years old up to 6th grade on Sunday mornings and Wednesday evenings. Confirmation classes for 7 – 8 grade students are also offered on Wednesdays.
St. John Lutheran was an original German Lutheran congregation, founded on December 26, 1877. After the original building was badly damaged in a storm, the congregation decided to build a “new” sanctuary in 1911. It is in this classic, Chaska white brick sanctuary with stained glass windows and a wrap-around wooden balcony that the congregation meets and worships today.
Today, the community of Belle Plaine is experiencing rapid growth as the Twin Cities continue to expand. Many new people have moved into the area and St. John has welcomed many new members. In line with this, the congregation put a new addition onto their sanctuary, dedicating it in November 2003, which features a large gathering area used for Sunday morning coffee as well as special meals, classes and other special occasions. The new addition also features a new kitchen, full handicapped accessibility, a new office and administration area, a full downstairs of classrooms, and dedicated areas for youth and music groups.
The Mission Statement of St. John is “A Growing Community in Christ – Loving God and Loving Others.” Today, with Senior Pastor Mark Johnson and Associate Pastor Mark Lepper, along with a fine staff and a host of many volunteers working in a variety of ways, the community of St. John is continuing to grow in its Mission Statement – not only growing in a quantity of new members, but also in the quality of being a warm and friendly congregation where individuals and families are encouraged to become involved and share their interests and talents in making new friends and in furthering the congregation’s mission and ministry.
The St. John Community of Faith partners with the Catholic and Presbyterian churches in town for ecumenical worship services and community outreach to those in need. St. John supports a family of ELCA missionaries serving in the West African country of Senegal. Members also take an active, hands-on part in mission trips to help others. Long time and newer members work side by side, partnering to help make St. John a place where Christ is lifted up in worship and served in daily life.
The Ministry of St. John is supported through a variety of Ministry Teams, including, Evangelism, Social Justice, Adult Education and Fellowship, Stewardship, Children’s and Junior and Senior High. The Women of the ELCA meet regularly in three different circles for Bible Study and fellowship with each other. There are also many other seasonal and special activities that make up the congregation’s life, ministry and outreach. Together, the people of St. John continue to provide a vital community of faith within the Belle Plaine area for worship, support, fellowship, nurture, learning, service and outreach.
Please join us!
