St. John's Episcopal Church

Music at the Red Door: Echoes from East to West
2026-04-17 19:30 - 21:00 (America/New_York)
Montreal-based C’est Donya invite you on an evocative journey through time and culture, blending Baroque masterpieces with traditional Persian songs. Free admission with donations accepted.

Spring Fling & Auction
2026-04-24 18:30 - 21:30
The Spring Fling is an annual gathering and fundraiser for St. John’s. All adults (parishioners and friends!) are welcome to join us for an evening of good company and lots of fun, including food and beverages, live and silent auctions, and items to purchase and take home. Tickets are available to purchase on Sundays leading up to the event, or at the door.

Choral Music for the Soul
2026-05-01 19:00 - 21:00
The St. John’s semi-professional Adult Choir, youth Choir School, and professional chamber ensemble present a masterpiece by contemporary American composer Dan Forrest. Requiem for the Living is a cathartic journey through the gamut of human emotion, concluding with light, peace, and rest for both the departed and the living. Free admission with donations accepted.

Pipes Alive! with Elijah Morris
2026-05-03 12:30 - 13:00
The May Pipes Alive! organ recital features Elijah Morris, a student at Trinity College and St. John’s organ scholar for the 2025–2026 program year. Free admission with donations accepted.

Ascension Day Choral Eucharist
2026-05-14 19:00 - 20:30
Celebrate Ascension Day at St. John’s with an evening Choral Eucharist, followed by a potluck dessert reception. The service begins at 7 p.m. and will include music from the St. John’s Adult Choir.

Newcomers Gathering
2026-05-17 15:00 - 17:00
Whether you’ve come to church just a few times or have been attending for a while, please join us for an informal gathering where you can meet people and learn more about St. John’s mission and ministries. The reception is at the home of the rector and his wife, Todd and Amy FitzGerald. Please call (860-523-5201) or email the church office to RSVP and get the address. Food and beverages will be provided.

Church by the Pond
2026-05-23 12:00 - 15:00
On Saturdays at 2pm, people gather for communion in Bushnell Park, after which bagged meals are distributed. Church by the Pond is a ministry of Christ Church Cathedral, with churches in the area providing clergy and meals each Saturday. On Saturday, May 23, Margie Baker (St. John’s associate rector) will preach and preside at the service, and then we will distribute meals. Parishioners are invited to meet at St. John’s at noon to prepare meals, and/or to meet at Bushnell Park around 1:45 for worship and to help with meal distribution. Children and families are welcome! Email Margie if you plan to attend for some or all of the afternoon, and sign up here if you can provide supplies for the bagged meals (sandwich fixings, fruit, cookies, etc.).

Youth Sunday
2026-06-07 10:30 - 12:00
We will celebrate all that our children and youth contribute to the St. John’s community at the 10:30 service on Sunday, June 7.

Pipes Alive! with Christa Rakich
2026-06-07 12:30 - 13:00
The final Pipes Alive! organ recital for this program year features Christa Rakich, visiting professor of organ at Oberlin and organ artist-in-residence at St. John’s. Free admission with donations accepted.

Parish Picnic
2026-06-14 12:00 - 13:30
Let’s close out the 2025–2026 program year with a picnic! Weather permitting, we’ll gather outdoors after the 10:30 service on Sunday, June 14. St. John’s will provide hot dogs and beverages; please bring a side dish or dessert to share if you’re able.

All-ages Vacation Bible School (VBS)
2026-06-15 - 2026-06-18
People of all ages and stages are welcome to attend our evening VBS from Monday, June 15 through Thursday, June 18, from 5:30 to 8 p.m. Each evening’s program includes scripture, activities, prayer, and dinner. Children under 10 must be accompanied by an adult. $25 per person; $75 maximum for families of 4 or more people. Click here to register.

Summer worship schedule
2026-06-21 - 2026-09-06
9 a.m. Holy Eucharist in the Cloister Garden (in the parish hall if it rains)
10:30 a.m. Holy Eucharist in the church and livestreamed
The summer schedule will continue through Sunday, September 6 (Labor Day weekend).

Dine & Dance: Celebration of American In(ter)dependence
2026-06-26 17:30
Come celebrate America’s 250th birthday with an evening of food and fun…and learn the Virginia Reel! We will provide a main dish. Please bring a side or dessert that is a childhood favorite or that represents your family’s heritage. All ages are welcome!

Church by the Pond at Bushnell Park
2026-08-01 11:45 - 15:00
Each Saturday, people gather in Bushnell Park for 2 p.m. worship led by clergy from area churches. On August 1, St. John’s clergy will preach and preside, and we will also prepare bagged lunches to distribute after the service. Join us at St. John’s at 11:45 a.m. to prepare lunches, and/or meet up at 1:45 at Bushnell Park for worship.

Summer Singers on August Sundays
2026-08-02 - 2026-08-30
Join our summer “pick-up” choir! Singers of all ages are invited to sing at the 10:30 service on Sundays in August. Meet in the church at 9:45 a.m. to rehearse. Join us for one, several, or all Sundays!

Kids Community Music Camp
2026-08-17 - 2026-08-21
Music at the Red Door (St. John’s nonprofit music series) sponsors this weeklong day camp where local children explore the joy of music through singing, violin, dance, and drums. The camp is for children entering grades 3, 4, or 5 in the fall. This year’s camp is Monday, August 17 through Friday, August 21 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The cost is $50 per child, and financial assistance is available. Click here for more information and to register a camper.

Blessing of the Backpacks
2026-08-23 09:00 - 12:00
At both services on August 23 (9 a.m. and 10:30 a.m.), we will pray for students and educators and give them a tag for their backpack (or lunch bag, laptop case, tote, etc.) as a reminder that God is with them as they start a new school year.

Acolyte lunch and training
2026-08-30 11:30 - 13:00
All current and potential NEW acolytes are invited to our annual acolyte lunch and training, starting after the 10:30 service on August 30. The acolyte role is open to any child or youth in 3rd grade or higher. Come see what being an acolyte is all about!

New program year & Celebration of Ministry
2026-09-13 08:00 - 12:00
On September 13, we will return to our program year worship schedule (spoken Holy Eucharist at 8 a.m., choral Holy Eucharist at 10:30 a.m.). Sunday School for all ages will begin, and the professionally staffed nursery will re-open for children age 0 to 6. The adult education program will feature our annual Celebration of Ministry, when parishioners will share information about some of our core ministries, with a light brunch provided.
8 a.m. – Spoken Holy Eucharist in the church
9 a.m. – Nursery opens and primary (age 3–6) and elementary Sunday School classes begin
9:30 a.m. – Celebration of Ministry for adults; Sunday School begins for middle and high school
10:30 a.m. – Choral Holy Eucharist in the church (and livestreamed)
11:45 a.m. – Coffee hour

Choral Evensong
2026-09-27 17:00
Choral Evensong is an ancient, contemplative service of prayer, scripture, and music offered around sunset. St. John’s offers Choral Evensong about five times a year, with music from our own choirs as well as visiting ensembles.
The September 27 service of Choral Evensong will be sung by the St. John’s Choir and Choir School.

Music at the Red Door: Whim 'n Rhythm
2026-10-02 19:30
The enchanting tones of Yale University’s premier female a cappella group will resound through St. John’s beautiful sanctuary. Enjoy a fun evening with everything from jazz standards to soulful ballads and pop hits.
All Music at the Red Door concerts are FREE with no tickets/reservations required. Seating is first come, first served. We welcome donations (cash or check at the event or online before or after the event).

Church by the Pond at Bushnell Park
2026-10-17 11:45 - 15:00
Each Saturday, people gather in Bushnell Park for 2 p.m. worship led by clergy from area churches. On October 17, St. John’s clergy will preach and preside, and we will also prepare bagged lunches to distribute after the service. Join us at St. John’s at 11:45 a.m. to prepare lunches, and/or meet up at 1:45 at Bushnell Park for worship.

Choral Evensong
2026-10-18 17:00
Choral Evensong is an ancient, contemplative service of prayer, scripture, and music offered around sunset. St. John’s offers Choral Evensong about five times a year, with music from our own choirs as well as visiting ensembles.
The October 18 service of Choral Evensong will be sung by the adult choirs of St. John’s and St. Patrick-St. Anthony (Hartford).

Music at the Red Door: CT Bach Festival Winners Recital
2026-10-30 19:00
Support young talent from across New England in this recital featuring winning pianists and string players from the 2026 Bach Festival.
All Music at the Red Door concerts are FREE with no tickets/reservations required. Seating is first come, first served. We welcome donations (cash or check at the event or online before or after the event).

Choral Evensong
2026-11-15 17:00
Choral Evensong is an ancient, contemplative service of prayer, scripture, and music offered around sunset. St. John’s offers Choral Evensong about five times a year, with music from our own choirs as well as visiting ensembles.
The November 15 service of Choral Evensong will be sung by the Tenuto Quartet.

Christmas Festival
2026-11-20 - 2026-11-22
The beloved annual St. John’s Christmas Festival has grown into a multi-day celebration and fundraiser. The festival begins with a gala on Friday evening, November 20, with food, beverages, and a festive holiday atmosphere. On Saturday, November 21 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., visitors may shop for gifts, Christmas decor, baked goods, and more. Enjoy a cup of soup and sandwich from the Festival Café, and enter to win one of our fabulous raffle baskets. On Sunday, November 22, any remaining items will be available to purchase after the 10:30 worship service.

Thanksgiving Day worship
2026-11-26 10:00
A service of Holy Eucharist will be held on Thanksgiving Day morning at 10 a.m.

Christmas Lessons & Carols
2026-12-13 15:00
The St. John’s Adult Choir and youth Choir School combine forces for this beloved annual tradition. Carols old and new will be sure to get you in the Christmas spirit!

Christmas worship at St. John's
2026-12-24 - 2026-12-25
Christmas Eve:
Choral Holy Eucharist at 4 p.m. and 10 p.m.
Christmas Day:
Holy Eucharist with hymns and sermon at 10 a.m.

Choral Evensong
2027-02-21 17:00
Choral Evensong is an ancient, contemplative service of prayer, scripture, and music offered around sunset. St. John’s offers Choral Evensong about five times a year, with music from our own choirs as well as visiting ensembles.
The February 21 service of Choral Evensong will be sung by the St. John’s Choir School and Chorus Angelicus (Farmington).
