Welcome!
As the Episcopal Parish in the City of Bedford, it is our privilege to welcome many visitors throughout the year. Whether you are a visitor to our community or are searching for a church home, we hope you will spend some time with us and offer you an opportunity to strengthen your relationship with God.
If you are new to this parish or to the Episcopal Church, we hope you find the information here useful so that you may participate freely in worship and join us as we are nourished by Christ's presence in Word and Sacrament.
If you need information about the order of worship, please click here to be redirected to our Episcopal Worship 101 page.
Below are answers to a few commonly asked questions:
Where do I park?
Parking is located behind St. John’s The parking lot is accessible from a driveway off of Bridge Street, or by turning down Lee St. (Next to Tharp Funeral Home) and turning right at the end of the Funeral Home parking lot. Directions can be found by clicking here.
Is the church handicapped accessible?
Yes…there is an elevator in the parish hall (which is directly accessed from the parking lot) that will take you up to the sanctuary level and there is a ramp at the front of the building that will take you directly into the sanctuary. We are currently working on installing additional wheelchair accessible seating in the Sanctuary.
What do folks usually wear?
We welcome you in whatever clothing you choose to wear. Usual Sunday morning attire for most of our parishioners is business casual to Sunday formal.
What am I supposed to call the priest?
In some parishes, priests are addressed as “Father” or “Mother”. In some parishes priests are addressed by their first name. Either is welcome here. Our Rector generally encourages parishioners to simply call him Wilson.
What about my children?
Children of all ages are always welcome in services at St. John’s. On most Sundays we offer a Children’s Chapel for our children. Immediately before the reading of the first lesson, the children are invited to follow the cross to our chapel downstairs where they have their own lesson and prayers. If you or your child has any hesitation about Children’s Chapel, please feel free to accompany your child or to keep your child with you in the larger service.
Where are the restrooms?
St. John’s has an old building that can seem a bit of a labyrinth until you become accustomed to it. We invite you to think of it as a fun place to discover!
There are two restrooms on the sanctuary level. From the sanctuary, they are located in the hall that is accessed by the door to the right of the altar area. The women’s room is straight ahead, through the doors of the “Parlor” and to the right. The other restroom is a unisex, accessible bathroom located by the elevator. Follow the hall to the right. The entry way for the elevator, is beyond the stair case on the right. The restroom is on the right of that entry way. There is also a unisex bathroom (with a changing table) on the lower level of the church building off the parish hall next to the elevator.
Where is the coffee hour?
Coffee hour is usually held in the parish hall on the lower level just to the right as you descend the stairs.
