The Episcopal Diocese of Southern Virginia
St. John’s ChurchElizabeth City Parish
Holy Eucharist — Sundays at 9 & 11 a.m.
All Are Welcome
Common Prayer, Open Doors
Our prayer book is called the Book of Common Prayer for a reason: everyone says the same words, sings the same hymns, and receives the same bread.
Every one of us has promised, in the words of that prayer book, to “respect the dignity of every human being.” So whoever you are, whoever you love, and whatever name you go by, you won’t be a guest watching from the back. You’ll be praying with us.
Watch
Recent Parish Announcements
September 13
Digital Directory
Invitations for our Digital Directory will be sent Monday morning. Look for them in your email! If you don’t receive an invitation, or have questions about navigating the new directory, please email the office.
Now through November 1
Directory Photographs
Help Us Build Our New Church Directory! St. John’s is creating an online parish directory, and we need you in it. Bob Harper is providing portrait sessions for every parishioner and family, free of charge, with a complimentary gift portrait for your own keeping. Sessions take about 20 minutes and are being offered Saturdays, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. and Sundays, 12 noon – 3 p.m. between September 12 and November 1. (portrait sessions not available Saturday, October 17). Weekday appointments are also available directly with the studio. To sign up for a weekend time, contact the Church Office. For a weekday session, contact Bob directly. A directory is only as good as its participation, so please make an appointment today.
September 13
Christian Formation Resumes
Sunday morning classes for children and youth meet at 10:00 in the Parish House. All are welcome.
October 17
Golf Outing
Join fellow St. John’s golfers for our second annual Golf Outing on October 17 (no skills needed). Tee time is 9:30 a.m., at Woodlands Golf Course. $29.70 gets you the game, taxes and fees, and a cart. Contact the office to sign up. Questions? Ask Dory Holder!
Veterans Day
Veterans!
St. John’s wishes to recognize your service to our Nation for the upcoming Veterans’ Day. We are planning to have a display with photographs of our vets and a brief summary of service dates and places. If you are a veteran of any service and a St. John’s parishioner, you are asked to contact Bob Harper, the Project Lead, at 757-325-8300 or bob@bobharperportraits.com. You may use a photograph of your choosing for the display or Bob will create one for you at no cost.
From the Blog
Kickoff Sunday 2026: Welcome Back
The choir is back, our Sunday School teachers and choir were commissioned, and the children couldn't wait to get to class.
Welcome to Our New Website
St. John’s has a new website. Here’s a short tour of what you’ll find, and where.
Archaeological Dig at the Second Church Site, 2023
The quest to determine the location of the first site (church) has long been a matter of great interest as well as conjecture.
Our Ministries
Rooted in prayer and service, our ministries invite all to grow in faith and community.
Worship & Liturgy
Rooted in the Book of Common Prayer, our worship life centers on the Holy Eucharist at 9 and 11 each Sunday.
Outreach
Serving our neighbors through food programs and community partnerships.
Fellowship
Building community through shared meals, social gatherings, and parish events for all ages.
Formation
Deepening faith through Sunday School, Bible study, and confirmation preparation.
Pastoral Care
Walking alongside parishioners through life’s joys and challenges with prayer, visitation, and support.
Music
A vibrant music program featuring our parish choir, handbells, and the Academy of Music.
New Here?
Your First Sunday
Which service?
Both Sunday services are Holy Eucharist and last about an hour. The 11 a.m. makes a good first visit: our choir sings anthems, it’s livestreamed, and coffee hour usually follows in the Parish Hall.
Come as you are
No need to dress up. Ushers will greet you at the door, hand you a bulletin with everything you need to follow along, and help you find a seat.
At communion
All baptized Christians are welcome to receive. If you’d rather not, come forward for a blessing — simply cross your arms over your chest.
Bringing children?
Childcare is available on Sundays, and Sunday school for 2nd through 5th graders runs during the 10 o’clock hour, September through May.
Est. 1610
A Living History of Faith & Witness
St. John’s traces its origins to the first English settlers in this area, making it one of the oldest parishes in the country. Our historic sanctuary, surrounded by an equally historic cemetery, has witnessed centuries of faith, war, restoration, and renewal.
Through generations of faithful stewardship, we continue to honor our heritage while embracing the call to serve God’s people in new and meaningful ways. As our mission states: to live in the Spirit of Christ.
Read More of our History
Support Our Mission
Your generous stewardship sustains our worship, outreach, and care for this historic parish. Every gift makes a difference in the life of our community and those we serve.