Sunday Evening Church

Our Sunday Evening Church gathering begins at 6pm. Sunday gatherings consist of an ordered service (or 'liturgy') with singing, prayer, reading, preaching, and response, all of which help us worship God in a thoughtful way. In our Evening Prayer or Holy Communion services, we recognize our sin and need for God's mercy, hear the affirmation of his forgiveness and grace, and respond with sincerity and joy. The congregation are not spectators, but engaged and involved throughout the service.

For those unable to be present, you can follow the service at our Zoom live-stream. More information can be found here. A service sheet is available for download, and instructions to sign in to the call will be sent out by email. To get on our list, email us at contact@stjohnsrichmond.com.

Sunday FAQs

Sundays - Why Evening Church?
Sunday Evening is a unique and special time when Christians have gathered throughout the centuries. It is a terrific way to end the day and start the week. An evening gathering allows people who work on Sundays to worship God. For many people, a 6pm service opens opportunities for enjoying creation or having a relaxed morning or joining with friends and family (and the church family) for special activities. It is a good time to invite people to church to hear about the good news of God in Jesus Christ. The 6pm service includes children's and youth groups, with refreshments following.
Why do we gather on Sundays?
We believe that God gathers us in order to meet with us. The purpose of the Sunday worship service is to help us hear the word of God, to praise him, to pray and to love one another, and to equip us to live our whole lives in relationship with Him.
What does a Sunday service look like?
Our Sunday evening service begins at 6:00 pm. The pattern we follow each Sunday includes Bible readings, music (traditional, classical and modern), prayers, a sermon, and sometimes Holy Communion (the Eucharist or Lord's Supper). The form of service (or 'liturgy') that we use is from the Anglican Prayer Book, and includes English versions of prayers that have been prayed by the church since it was founded by Jesus in the first century AD.
How long is a typical Sunday service?
About 75 minutes.
How do I follow along?
The liturgy (order of service) is projected on screen. There is also a downloadable liturgy for each Sunday on the website at Sunday Services Online.
What denomination is St. John's Richmond?
St. John's Richmond is a part of the Anglican Network in Canada, which, through the Anglican Church in North America, is part of the global Anglican Communion.
What do I do with my children during the service?
Children remain in the service until about 6:15 when there is a brief prayer and then they move upstairs into their Children's Church groups. See our Children's page for more information about what happens in Children's Church. There are also activities at the back of the church for parents with toddlers, and a cry room for those with infants.
What happens after the service?
Our Sunday gathering also includes a time to meet and talk over coffee and snacks. Please stay and enjoy the hospitality and friendship. We meet in the Hall.
How does Holy Communion work at St. John's Richmond?
Holy Communion is open to any baptized Christian. Communion is provided at the front of the church. If you do not wish to receive communion you can either come to the front for a prayer of blessing (cross your hands over your chest to indicate that you wish prayer only) or simply remain seated during this time in the service. If you are unable to come to the front for any reason, but still wish to partake in communion, please let someone know before the service begins so that we can serve communion at your seat.
Communion for children is at their parents' discretion. Teachers from Children's Church will return your children to you prior to distribution of communion. Please instruct your child to hold their hands out to receive communion or cross their hands over their chest to indicate that they are to receive a prayer of blessing.