The first Saturday in May, you & your family are invited to join us out at our beautiful Retreat Center for fellowship, faith, food, & fun!

Games & fishing will begin at 2:00 pm; followed by a non communion outdoor worship at 4:00 pm; with a delicious beef & pork BBQ meal prepared by the Men In Mission.  Proceeds from the meal go towards scholarships and the proceeds from the event benefit the Retreat Center.

Once a year, usually in September, thousands of congregations dedicate a Sunday (or a whole weekend) to serving their community in various ways. St. John participates in this effort every year. The projects we do each year are varied and are based on the needs of Bellville and our people.

St. John Lutheran Church of Bellville  brings that beautiful night of Jesus' birth back to life at their Retreat Center every December. Volunteers help to become a 'Living Nativity' that uses both people and animals to enhance the viewers experience. 

Those who wish to view this scene simply drive thru our Retreat Center property, bearing witness to the birth of Jesus. The LIVING NATIVITY usually consists of four stations that will depict the Christmas Story. Live characters and animals will be featured as well as villagers strolling throughout. 

ALL are welcome to the FREE Christmas event  which is sure to become a part of your holiday traditions.

The Oktoberfest is an annual event held each year during the latter part of October which celebrates the German heritage of many members in our congregation. New members of the congregation are recognized. The Evangelism committee assumes the overall responsibility for the event and the Men in Mission prepare the food.

This is our kick off Sunday to begin our Sunday School year.  It is held on the Sunday after Labor Day.  Children come to meet their teachers and enjoy breakfast. They will join together for a special project.

In addition to our three regular weekend services, we have a number of seasonal services that we celebrate during special times in the church year. Please note that dates and times are subject to change from season to season. Any changes in the scheduling will be reflected in the announcements for each service both on the homepage and the Current Events page as needed.

Lent Midweek Services

Held at noon and 7 pm on the five Wednesdays between Ash Wednesday and Holy Week. 

We have a series of services to prepare us for the resurrection of Jesus. These services vary in content from year to year.

Maundy Thursday

Held on the Thursday before Easter.

We celebrate the Last Supper and Jesus instituting Holy Communion as a sacrament of the church.

Good Friday

Held on the Friday before Easter.

We remember the crucifixion of Jesus and what it means for us to trust in the cross as source of our salvation.

Easter Sunday

Held at different service times during the weekend of Easter.

We celebrate the resurrection of Jesus from the grave. This includes a Sunrise Service and Breakfast at our Retreat Center and an egg hunt at our main building.

Advent Midweek Services

Held at noon and 6 pm on Wednesday evenings in December.

We have 3 different services to help prepare for the birth of Jesus at Christmas. The style and content of these services varies from year to year.

Christmas Eve Services

Held on December 24th.

We have 3 services to celebrate the birth of Jesus and God coming to live among us.

A committee of women from the Women of the ELCA groups meet to plan this meal that occurs in late November. They line up decorations, paper goods, food, and times for set-up and clean-up. 

The committee is responsible for finding volunteers to prepare turkey, ham, rolls, and gravy for this meal. The committee supplies tea, coffee, and water to drink. Members of St. John are asked to bring side dishes to go along with the foods listed above.