top of page

A Brief Guide to the Prayer Book and Lectionaries

A healthy dose of Holy Scripture is part of every Episcopal worship service. Thomas Cranmer, the great Archbishop of Canterbury who oversaw the compiling of the first Book of Common Prayer in 16th century England, believed people weren’t hearing enough from the Bible during weekly mass. He stressed the importance of Morning and Evening prayer, calling on all people, and especially priests, to find time several times each day to read the Bible and pray to our loving God. If you don’t have a copy of The Book of Common Prayer, you can read it online. In the back, you’ll see two lectionaries, or schedules of readings: A three-year cycle for Eucharistic services (the readings we use in church) and a two-year cycle, covering almost all of the Bible, called the Daily Office.
Online resources for both lectionaries can be found at:

  • The Lectionary Page —

  • The Online Daily Office:

    • The Daily Office includes readings, prayers, music — everything needed for personal worship except the worshiper’s loving, open, contrite heart. Some people bookmark this page at home and work and use it every day.

JOIN US! 

Church service

Wherever you are on your journey of faith and life, you are welcome to join us at St. John’s!
At the link just below we invite you to let us know about you, how we may best serve you, and provide us with contact information so we may reach out and welcome you to the St. John’s community. Be sure to ask to receive our weekly email called the eVangelist which has information about what’s happening on the weekend and the coming week.
You are warmly and joyfully invited to worship and fellowship, and join the St. John’s community, where all are welcome!

Clergy, Staff, and Lay Leadership

The people of St. John’s are called to follow God in Christ through love, worship, and service in a nurturing, open, and affirming community where all are welcome. We promote lifelong spiritual growth and education through our church and Episcopal School. We serve those in need by sharing our abundance. In faith and our tradition of common prayer, we gather to celebrate and thank our loving God.

The Reverend Jerry Sather

Committed to
Faith and Thanksgiving

You are warmly and joyfully invited to worship and fellowship, and join the St. John’s community, where all are welcome!

Upcoming Events

  • Roaring 20's FUN-draiser
    Roaring 20's FUN-draiser
    Sat, Oct 19
    St John's Episcopal Church
    Oct 19, 2024, 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM
    St John's Episcopal Church, 30382 Vía Con Dios, Rancho Santa Margarita, CA 92688, USA
    Oct 19, 2024, 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM
    St John's Episcopal Church, 30382 Vía Con Dios, Rancho Santa Margarita, CA 92688, USA
    A night of live music, silent auction, live auction, and raffles galore!
  • Sunday 8am Morning Service
    Sunday 8am Morning Service
    Multiple Dates
    Sunday 8am Morning Service
    Sun, Oct 20
    St. John's Episcopal Church
    Oct 20, 2024, 8:00 AM – 9:00 AM
    St. John's Episcopal Church, 30382 Vía Con Dios, Rancho Santa Margarita, CA 92688, USA
    Oct 20, 2024, 8:00 AM – 9:00 AM
    St. John's Episcopal Church, 30382 Vía Con Dios, Rancho Santa Margarita, CA 92688, USA
    Sunday's 8am services are without music. We do have a communion and all are welcome.
  • Adult Forum | The Saints Among Us: Stories of Everyday Holiness
    Adult Forum | The Saints Among Us: Stories of Everyday Holiness
    Sun, Oct 20
    St. John's Episcopal Church
    Oct 20, 2024, 8:40 AM – 9:45 AM
    St. John's Episcopal Church, 30382 Vía Con Dios, Rancho Santa Margarita, CA 92688, USA
    Oct 20, 2024, 8:40 AM – 9:45 AM
    St. John's Episcopal Church, 30382 Vía Con Dios, Rancho Santa Margarita, CA 92688, USA
    Rick Anderson hosts a panel of parishioners who share their personal journeys of faith. Learn how the lives of modern-day saints can inspire our own paths and challenge us to live our values authentically.
  • Sunday 10 am Holy Eucharist
    Sunday 10 am Holy Eucharist
    Multiple Dates
    Sun, Oct 20
    St John's Episcopal Church
    Oct 20, 2024, 10:00 AM – 11:15 AM
    St John's Episcopal Church, 30382 Vía Con Dios, Rancho Santa Margarita, CA 92688, USA
    Oct 20, 2024, 10:00 AM – 11:15 AM
    St John's Episcopal Church, 30382 Vía Con Dios, Rancho Santa Margarita, CA 92688, USA
    Holy Eucharist is offered at 10 a.m. on Sunday mornings. All are welcome! Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81383721660?pwd=ZEd4dDZUbWxBMnFYNkY2QWQxZ3ppZz09 Meeting ID: 813 8372 1660 Passcode: 5SbBN7
  • American Red Cross Blood Drive
    American Red Cross Blood Drive
    Multiple Dates
    Sun, Oct 27
    St. John's Episcopal Church (GYM)
    Oct 27, 2024, 8:00 AM – 2:00 PM
    St. John's Episcopal Church (GYM), 30382 Vía Con Dios, Rancho Santa Margarita, CA 92688, USA
    Oct 27, 2024, 8:00 AM – 2:00 PM
    St. John's Episcopal Church (GYM), 30382 Vía Con Dios, Rancho Santa Margarita, CA 92688, USA
    Schedule your lifesaving appointment by clicking the link below....
  • Adult Forum |  Remember: Learning from History
    Adult Forum |  Remember: Learning from History
    Sun, Oct 27
    St. John's Episcopal Church
    Oct 27, 2024, 8:40 AM – 9:45 AM
    St. John's Episcopal Church, 30382 Vía Con Dios, Rancho Santa Margarita, CA 92688, USA
    Oct 27, 2024, 8:40 AM – 9:45 AM
    St. John's Episcopal Church, 30382 Vía Con Dios, Rancho Santa Margarita, CA 92688, USA
    Part one of a thought-provoking series led by Linda Allport, Scotty King, and Rick Anderson. Reflect on a pivotal year in history to understand our current times and find hope for the future through lessons from the past.
  • Trunk or Treat
    Trunk or Treat
    Sun, Oct 27
    St. John's Episcopal Church and School
    Oct 27, 2024, 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM
    St. John's Episcopal Church and School, 30382 Vía Con Dios, Rancho Santa Margarita, CA 92688, USA
    Oct 27, 2024, 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM
    St. John's Episcopal Church and School, 30382 Vía Con Dios, Rancho Santa Margarita, CA 92688, USA
    All are welcome at this community event.
  • Adult Forum |  Reflect: Our Place in Time
    Adult Forum |  Reflect: Our Place in Time
    Sun, Nov 03
    St. John's Episcopal Church
    Nov 03, 2024, 8:40 AM – 9:45 AM
    St. John's Episcopal Church, 30382 Vía Con Dios, Rancho Santa Margarita, CA 92688, USA
    Nov 03, 2024, 8:40 AM – 9:45 AM
    St. John's Episcopal Church, 30382 Vía Con Dios, Rancho Santa Margarita, CA 92688, USA
    In part two of our series, join Scotty King and collaborators as they guide us in reflecting on contemporary issues through the lens of history and faith. Examine how historical insights can inform our personal and communal life today.
  • St. John's Second Saturday Men's Group
    St. John's Second Saturday Men's Group
    Multiple Dates
    Sat, Nov 09
    Learning Commons
    Nov 09, 2024, 8:00 AM – 9:30 AM
    Learning Commons, 30382 Vía Con Dios, Rancho Santa Margarita, CA 92688, USA
    Nov 09, 2024, 8:00 AM – 9:30 AM
    Learning Commons, 30382 Vía Con Dios, Rancho Santa Margarita, CA 92688, USA
    All men are welcome for a time to catch up with old friends, meet some new guys, and be a part of an outstanding program. We have another great program planned for our June meeting. Our speaker this month will be the president of Saddleback College, Dr. Elliot Stern.
  • Adult Forum |  Imagine: Envisioning Our Future
    Adult Forum |  Imagine: Envisioning Our Future
    Sun, Nov 10
    St. John's Episcopal Church
    Nov 10, 2024, 8:40 AM – 9:45 AM
    St. John's Episcopal Church, 30382 Vía Con Dios, Rancho Santa Margarita, CA 92688, USA
    Nov 10, 2024, 8:40 AM – 9:45 AM
    St. John's Episcopal Church, 30382 Vía Con Dios, Rancho Santa Margarita, CA 92688, USA
    Conclude our series with Rick Anderson, imagining the possibilities for our church and personal lives. Discuss how lessons from the past and present can inspire us to forge a hopeful path forward for ourselves and the next generations.
  • PARISH COUNCIL MEETING
    PARISH COUNCIL MEETING
    Multiple Dates
    Tue, Nov 12
    St. John's Episcopal Church
    Nov 12, 2024, 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
    St. John's Episcopal Church, 30382 Vía Con Dios, Rancho Santa Margarita, CA 92688, USA
    Nov 12, 2024, 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
    St. John's Episcopal Church, 30382 Vía Con Dios, Rancho Santa Margarita, CA 92688, USA
    In the Learning Commons
  • Adult Forum |  The Paternity of Jesus: Revisiting the Gospel Narratives (Part One)
    Adult Forum |  The Paternity of Jesus: Revisiting the Gospel Narratives (Part One)
    Sun, Nov 17
    St. John's Episcopal Church
    Nov 17, 2024, 8:40 AM – 9:45 AM
    St. John's Episcopal Church, 30382 Vía Con Dios, Rancho Santa Margarita, CA 92688, USA
    Nov 17, 2024, 8:40 AM – 9:45 AM
    St. John's Episcopal Church, 30382 Vía Con Dios, Rancho Santa Margarita, CA 92688, USA
    Jeff Allport begins a two-part series critically examining the conception narratives in the gospels. Explore the origins and theological implications of the Virgin Birth and its place within the wider Christian tradition.
  • Adult Forum | The Paternity of Jesus: Revisiting the Gospel Narratives (Part Two)
    Adult Forum | The Paternity of Jesus: Revisiting the Gospel Narratives (Part Two)
    Sun, Nov 24
    St. John's Episcopal Church
    Nov 24, 2024, 8:40 AM – 9:45 AM
    St. John's Episcopal Church, 30382 Vía Con Dios, Rancho Santa Margarita, CA 92688, USA
    Nov 24, 2024, 8:40 AM – 9:45 AM
    St. John's Episcopal Church, 30382 Vía Con Dios, Rancho Santa Margarita, CA 92688, USA
    Continue with Jeff Allport as he delves deeper into the discussions around the Virgin Birth, considering various scholarly and traditional perspectives that challenge and enrich our understanding of this core Christian doctrine.
  • Adult Forum |  Thanksgiving/Advent Preparation
    Adult Forum |  Thanksgiving/Advent Preparation
    Sun, Dec 01
    St. John's Episcopal Church
    Dec 01, 2024, 8:40 AM – 9:45 AM
    St. John's Episcopal Church, 30382 Vía Con Dios, Rancho Santa Margarita, CA 92688, USA
    Dec 01, 2024, 8:40 AM – 9:45 AM
    St. John's Episcopal Church, 30382 Vía Con Dios, Rancho Santa Margarita, CA 92688, USA
    A special session that blends the themes of Thanksgiving with the anticipation of Advent, preparing our hearts and minds for a season of reflection and joy.
  • Adult Forum |  Advent Series: Preparing the Way
    Adult Forum |  Advent Series: Preparing the Way
    Multiple Dates
    Sun, Dec 08
    St. John's Episcopal Church
    Dec 08, 2024, 8:40 AM – 9:40 AM
    St. John's Episcopal Church, 30382 Vía Con Dios, Rancho Santa Margarita, CA 92688, USA
    Dec 08, 2024, 8:40 AM – 9:40 AM
    St. John's Episcopal Church, 30382 Vía Con Dios, Rancho Santa Margarita, CA 92688, USA
    Led by Mike DeVries, engage in a weekly Advent series that focuses on spiritual preparation, scriptural reflection, and community connection as we anticipate celebrating the birth of Christ.
  • Adult Forum | No Adult Forum: Christmas Holiday
    Adult Forum | No Adult Forum: Christmas Holiday
    Sun, Dec 29
    St. John's Episcopal Church
    Dec 29, 2024, 8:40 AM – 9:45 AM
    St. John's Episcopal Church, 30382 Vía Con Dios, Rancho Santa Margarita, CA 92688, USA
    Dec 29, 2024, 8:40 AM – 9:45 AM
    St. John's Episcopal Church, 30382 Vía Con Dios, Rancho Santa Margarita, CA 92688, USA
    Enjoy this festive break with family and friends. Reflect on the year's lessons and the peace of the season. We look forward to resuming our enriching sessions in the New Year.

Upcoming Events

October 2024
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
Sun
30
1
2
3
4
5
6
8:00 AM
Sunday 8am Morning Service
+2 more
+3 more
7
8
9
10
11
12
8:00 AM
St. John's Second Saturday Men's Group
+1 more
13
8:00 AM
Sunday 8am Morning Service
+2 more
+3 more
14
15
16
17
18
19
5:00 PM
Roaring 20's FUN-draiser
+1 more
20
8:00 AM
Sunday 8am Morning Service
+2 more
+3 more
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
8:00 AM
American Red Cross Blood Drive
+4 more
+5 more
28
29
30
31
1
2
3
8:00 AM
Sunday 8am Morning Service
+2 more
+3 more
4
5
6
7
8
9
8:00 AM
St. John's Second Saturday Men's Group
+1 more
10
8:00 AM
Sunday 8am Morning Service
+2 more
+3 more

FAITH-FILLED

GENEROSITY

Wherever you are on your journey of faith and life, you are welcome to join us at St. John’s!

FAITH-FILLED
GENEROSITY

Wherever you are on your journey of faith and life, you are welcome to join us at St. John’s!

SERVICES:


Sunday 8:00 am and 10:00 am
 
Childcare available at the Sunday, 10 am service.
 
ADDRESS:
30382 Via Con Dios
Rancho Santa Margarita, CA 92688

PHONE: 949-888-4595

St John's Bell tower lit by God's rays

“There is a poetry to the worship and I love the beauty of it.”

St John's Bell tower lit by God's rays

MISSION

Inspired by Christ and empowered by the Spirit, the people of St. John’s:

  • Love God

  • Love our neighbors…