Rev. Travis E. Kern, DMin, Pastor

First-time Visitors

The best way to experience worship at St. John’s is to join us on Sunday morning.

When do you worship?

Every Sunday at 10:00 a.m. in our sanctuary and streamed online.  Our service lasts about one hour. About our worship >>

Where are you located?

We are at 4629 Aspen Hill Rd., Rockville, MD 20853.

Where do I park?

We have ample parking in our main parking lot behind the church. The entrance is accessible from Aspen Hill Road. Our parking lot exits onto Iris Street.

Is the building accessible to people with disabilities?

Yes. Our building is wheelchair accessible and our sanctuary has ample room for guests in wheelchairs. We project our service and music on the wall.

Once I arrive, where do I go?

Enter through either of the two sets of glass double doors. Greeters are stationed inside the entrance, ready to provide a bulletin and direct you into the sanctuary. If you have children with you, there are quiet bags available in the lobby, full of activities for your kids.

Do I have to be a Lutheran or have church experience to attend?

Not at all! We welcome all denominations for inclusion in our worship service. We have many former Catholics, Lutherans, Presbyterians and Methodists. You are not expected to say or do anything that makes you feel uncomfortable. Participate as much as you like and let us know what questions you have or how we can help you.

What should I wear?

Anything you like.  Come comfortably.  Some of our attendees wear ‘Sunday Best’, but most wear comfortable clothes. Come as you are.

What do you offer for babies and toddlers?

Children are always welcome to remain with their parents throughout the entire church service. We do have an unattended nursery, intended for children under the age of 5, where parents are welcome to stay with their children during the service. There is also a separate quieting room, just off the sanctuary, available for feeding infants.

School age children are encouraged to worship with their families. Quiet activity bags are also available for children in worship.

Can a visitor take communion?

Yes. All are welcome to receive Communion including children, toddlers and older. Communion is celebrated every Sunday and we offer traditional bread and wine, as well as a grape juice option. Gluten-free bread is also available.

Is this church really open to LGBTQIA+ people?

Yes. We welcome people of all races, gender identities and expressions, sexual orientations, and socioeconomic statuses to be part of our congregation. No matter who you are, you are welcome to worship with us and participate in church life. We believe God’s love is for everyone and that all are welcome in God’s place of worship as fully participating members.

As part of this commitment, we are a Reconciling in Christ (RIC) Congregation as identified by ReconcilingWorks.

Learn more about St. John’s and the LGBTQIA+ Community >>

Are there other activities on Sunday morning?

We offer seasonal sessions of Sunday School for children of all ages after worship service. About our youth activities >>

We also offer periodic Sunday bible studies or discussions for adults, as well as other opportunities during the week.

What kind of outreach is the church involved in?

At St. John’s, our hands-on service projects are local. Since September 2021, we have offered a monthly food distribution, Nurture Our Neighbor. We also provide meals to a local shelter and support a local school in various ways. We also provide meeting space to a variety of groups within our community.  About our community outreach >>

What opportunities does the church provide for families with children?

Children are an integral part of our community. St. John’s Youth Ministry provides various opportunities for our children to learn and grow. 

Do you have a preschool?

Yes. St. John’s Christian Preschool has been around since 1966. They are a non-profit, offering programs for children, ages 2 up to Kindergarten. Learn more about St. John’s Christian Preschool >>