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 —
- Eucharistic readings.
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!

EMAIL THE PRIEST

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.

ABOUT US

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!

EMAIL US

Upcoming Events

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!
RSVP

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
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.
Learn more

Multiple Dates
Sunday 10 am Holy Eucharist
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
Learn more

Multiple Dates
American Red Cross Blood Drive
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....
Learn more

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.
Learn more

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.
RSVP

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.
Learn more

Multiple Dates
St. John's Second Saturday Men's Group
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.
RSVP

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.
Learn more

Multiple Dates
PARISH COUNCIL MEETING
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
RSVP

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.
Learn more

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.
Learn more

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.
Learn more

Multiple Dates
Adult Forum | Advent Series: Preparing the Way
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.
Learn more

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.
Learn more