“I’m new here.”
Welcome, we are so glad you stopped by.
Welcome
WHAT TO EXPECT
We know that visiting a church for the first time can feel a little daunting—there are lots of unknowns! So we’ve put together some information to help make your visit easier and take out some of the mystery.
There’s plenty of parking around the church on Sundays, and we’re just a five-minute walk from Sutherland Station if you’re coming by train. When you arrive, someone from our welcome team will greet you in the foyer, offer you a name tag, and provide anything you might need for the service. (For example, we use prayer books at our 8 am service.)
Each of our services begins with a warm welcome and a time of singing. We always include a Bible reading and a short talk (approximately 20–25 minutes) that helps us understand the passage and its relevance to everyday life.
Please know that there’s no pressure to read aloud, sing, or take part in any part of the service unless you feel comfortable. You’re welcome to participate as much or as little as you like.
Christianity - what’s it all about?
The message at the heart of Christianity is a message from the Bible about God and his son, Jesus. It is about life and death, and the choice that we all face.
Sunday Service Times
All our services seek to help people connect to Jesus as their Lord and Saviour, grow in their love for him as his disciples,
and equip them to serve him in every area of life. Each service has its own unique style and approach,
thoughtfully crafted to support these goals. You’ll find more details about each service below.
8 am Sunday
Each week, we gather for a prayer book service. On the 4th Sunday of the month, we share in Holy Communion, and on 5th Sundays, we hold a Morning Prayer service.
There’s a genuine warmth and sense of fellowship among our congregation—a place where friendships grow and newcomers are always welcome.
On the 1st Sunday of the month, we enjoy ‘Tea N Toast’ together after the service in the church office lounge—a relaxed time to chat and connect.
10 am Sunday
Our Sunday service is relaxed and welcoming. Around 50-60 adults and 15-20 children and teens from all backgrounds and walks of life gather together—and no matter your story, you’ll feel right at home.
You can expect vibrant music with contemporary songs, engaging Bible teaching that connects with everyday life, and moments of prayer and reflection. The service is easy to follow, supported by clear multimedia and also live-streamed for those joining from home.
After the service, we share morning tea together—a great opportunity to connect and build relationships. On the first Sunday of each month, we enjoy lunch together in the hall, and everyone is warmly invited.
Children are very welcome! During the service, they can join age-specific programs:
5 PM Sunday
Donald Robinson Village, Kirrawee
The Sunday@5 service is all about relationships—growing in our connection with God and with one another. Based in the Anglican tradition, the service is warm, welcoming, and open to people from all denominations and backgrounds.
There’s a strong sense of community and participation, especially from members of the DRV community, with a shared desire to reach out locally and globally with the love of Jesus. Whether you’re exploring faith or looking for a church to call home, you’re very welcome at Sunday@5.
Coordinators: Rev. Craig Stalder and Faye Hillier, DRV Chaplains
6 pm Sunday
Our 6 pm service brings together around 30–40 adults each Sunday to share in uplifting worship, engaging Bible teaching, and times of prayer. It's a space where people come to encourage one another and grow in faith together.
One of the best-kept secrets at St John’s is the fabulous supper that regularly follows the service—an enjoyable and relaxed time to connect, catch up, and build friendships.
On the 1st Sunday of the month, we skip supper and enjoy a shared dinner in the hall after the service, where conversations often linger and people stay to chat and pray. The service wraps up by 7:30 pm, making it ideal for workers and uni students wanting to start the week well and still get home at a good hour.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I wear to church?
St John’s is a welcoming community where you can come just as you are. Our focus is on getting to know you and supporting you wherever you're at in life.
Most people dress casually for all our services—jeans and a t-shirt are perfectly appropriate. Whether you prefer casual wear or like to dress up a little, you're welcome either way. Just come in whatever makes you feel comfortable.
Do I need to bring a bible?
Reading the Bible is a central part of our life together at St John’s. During our services, passages from the English NIV 2011 Bible are read aloud and also displayed on the screen, so everyone can follow along.
If you don’t have a Bible with you, no problem—there are copies available in the church foyer for you to borrow. Just help yourself before heading into the main auditorium.
We encourage our regular members to bring their own Bible if they have one, but there’s no pressure. Whether you listen, read along, or bring your own copy, we’d love for you to join us as we hear from God’s word together.
What about my kids?
St John’s is blessed with a vibrant community that includes many families.
Our 10am Sunday service is especially welcoming for children and youth, with dedicated programs for ages 3 through to Year 10. These groups include:
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Kindling – Ages 3–5
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Sparklers – Kindergarten to Year 2
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Bonfire – Years 2–5
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Surge – Years 6–10
All our kids and youth leaders have a current Working With Children Check (WWCC) and have completed Safe Ministry training, as required by the Anglican Diocese of Sydney.
We also provide a family room for parents with infants. It’s equipped with toys, lounges, a change table and large windows that look into the auditorium. The service audio is available via the PA system so you can still be part of what’s happening.
What should I expect if I come to a Sunday service?
We understand that coming to church for the first time—or even visiting a new church—can feel a little daunting. At St John’s, we’ll do our best to make you feel at home.
On any given Sunday, someone will be at the door to greet you and help you find your way. During the service, we sing praise to God, read the Bible, and hear a talk that helps us reflect on what we've read and how it speaks into our lives. We also pray together and hear about what’s happening in our church community, as well as in the wider world.
Throughout the service, we might stand, sit, sing, or speak—but it’s all shaped by our desire to be a community that glorifies God together.
You’re welcome to participate as much or as little as you feel comfortable. Feel free to ask questions—we’re all learning and growing together, and we’d love to walk alongside you.
How is your church financed? Will you ask me for money?
St John’s is part of the Sydney Anglican Diocese, but we do not receive any ongoing funding from the Diocese to operate. Everything we do—including supporting our staff and running ministries—is made possible through the generous giving of our church members.
From time to time, we also apply for and receive community grants, which are used solely for specific projects that benefit the local Sutherland community.
If you’re visiting or new to St John’s, we don’t expect you to give—just come and be part of our community. We do take up a collection during each service, but there’s absolutely no pressure to contribute, especially if you’re still exploring faith or visiting for the first time.
How accessible is your church for those with limited ability or a disability?
We’re continually working to make St John’s more accessible for those with limited mobility or disability. Here are some of the ways we currently support accessibility needs:
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Easy-access seating, with movable chairs to accommodate different needs
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Wheelchair access to the main building via a permanent ramp, plus a portable accessibility ramp for our other buildings
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Large-print Bibles and songbooks available on request
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A hearing loop (telecoil system) in the main auditorium
If you have any questions, specific needs, or suggestions, please don’t hesitate to contact our church office—we’d love to support you however we can.