St John the Evangelist Episcopal Church — Attraction in San Francisco

Sense of Christian community here is real and present. Very welcoming place, but also a great place to experience traditional Anglican liturgy and worship. The choir for such a small parish is phenomenal! Being an Anglican parish in the heart of San Francisco, there is not a hint of brushback or stiffness. Truly all are welcome to come experience Christ in community and in Communion. The homeless are invited in to sleep during weekdays, and of course are invited to worship with regular parishioners during Mass.

The church only has one weekly Mass on Sunday mornings, with drinks and refreshments afterwards. But with an active choir and a great organist and musical director, there are often programs for musical experiences outside of Sunday liturgy. Every third Sunday is an Evensong candlelit event in the evening to celebrate Vespers.

If you are new to a church experience and are unsure how it will be, this small church is both welcoming (and friendly), and fairly traditional in terms of sacraments and ritual (incense and longer forms of liturgical rites used), so you'll experience a solid form of worship used in Christian churches around the world of original origins (Catholic, traditional Anglican, traditional Lutheran), but being Anglican you'll see that there are women clergy, lots of LGBT in the congregation and even perhaps clergy, and truly a broad brush of society in the seats (homeless to San Francisco families who have been going to this church for decades).

We are all children of God and when you come here you'll realize that, and hopefully that makes you feel...

Although I live in the East Bay, I have made several trips into the city to attend St. John the Evangelist for Mass on Sunday. Why? The traditional liturgy is very well done. As churchgoers may know, that is no small accomplishment in this time of liturgical experimentation in the Episcopal Church. I sense the heart and mind participation of a reverent congregation of diverse people who call this lovely, old Mission District church home. The priests and congregation are known for practicing a radical inclusiveness. "All sorts and conditions" of God's people are found here.

The preaching is excellent. The Bible readings for the day are unfailingly related to current events and daily life struggles. I always leave with something to think about and make use of in my spiritual journey. Individual prayers for healing are offered in a side chapel at the time of Communion.

After the service, the congregation gathers for food and drink and spirited fellowship. A warm welcome...

This church is wonderful. They helped my husband and myself find housing so were no longer on the streets. It doesn't matter what background you have they are there to help and listen if that is in fact what you need. Im so thankful for this place if you're hungry they'll feed you if you need a safe place to get out of the rain or to even sleep you can do that as well with your own personal cott they give you which you can sleep from 7am when they open to about 6:45 pm when they get ready to close. I just can't say it enough I'm so thankful for this place and the people that work there no judgement from anyone It's...