Welcome!
We are so glad that you are here.
St. John’s is an inclusive and welcoming Christian community rooted in the Episcopal tradition. Our historic church is nestled in between the Shawangunk Mountains and the Catskill Mountains in Ellenville, NY. We are blessed with a congregation that comes from all over the Shawangunks and Rondout Valley – not only Ellenville, but also Napanoch, Wurstboro, Accord, Grahamsville, Kerhonksen, Cragsmoor (and more!).
It is no surprise that today many people have turned away from church. Some have left because of bad experiences at churches with harmful and repressive theologies. Others have turned away because they have witnessed hypocrisy and inauthenticity within institutional religion. Given this, the fact that you have landed on this page is, in its own way, an act of courage. We want you to know that at St. John’s we are seeking to live out our faith in a different way. Our mission is to welcome all, to celebrate God’s love, to care for creation, to build community, to empower the person, to nourish the soul, and to worship God. Know that you are safe here, and that no matter where you are on your spiritual journey that there is a place for you at God’s table and at St. John’s.
You’ll notice some key words in our mission statement that paint a picture of who we are as a congregation – celebrating, welcoming, nourishing, building, caring, empowering. When you walk in the doors of our church, we hope you will see how we bring these words to life.
Whether you have never been inside a church before, are a practicing member of another faith, or are just spiritually curious – we hope that you will feel at home when you walk in our doors. The most important thing is that you come as you are. Bring your questions, your doubts, your hopes, and your fullest, most authentic self. We invite you to journey with us as we seek to walk the Way of Love.
