More than 200 people joined St. John’s Parish Church for their first worship service at Haut Gap Middle School on July 17. The clergy, staff, and many church members had converted the middle school cafeteria into a beautiful worship space that will serve as the temporary worship home for the church.
“The service was entirely dedicated to the worship of our Lord, recognition of the one true Gospel of Jesus Christ, and being united together by the power of the Holy Spirit,” said newly called Rector, The Rev. Jeremy Shelton. “Upon entering the converted space, many parishioners were overwhelmed with emotion by the beauty and reverence.”
Shelton noted that he received many positive comments about the day. “Today was inspiring, a wonderful beginning to our new path!” “The service today was wonderful! We are praising God!” “Today was great. I could feel the Holy Spirit in that room with us. So happy for us moving forward.” “It is quite evident that the Lord is doing something big.” “That’s not some middle school cafeteria, that’s beautiful!” “Fabulous service today!” “We have so much to build off from this morning! We love the new welcome table and children’s ministry. Haut Gap looked so great today!” “Great first service!”
St. John’s was joined in worship by mission-partner parish Good Samaritan of Summerville. Good Samaritan encouraged their entire congregation to worship with St. John’s that first Sunday in Haut Gap. St. John’s is also partnering with the Church of Our Saviour, Johns Island during the transition.
“Encouragement, prayer, and fellowship has come from all over the Anglican Diocese of South Carolina to the people of St. John’s,” said Shelton. “It means so much. We’re excited to move into this new season of life and ministry together. I am incredibly encouraged by the Body of Christ at St. John’s Parish Church, and by our Lord. We worshipped the Lord in a spirit of unity and fellowship that was palpable. Sunday, July 17, 2022, is a day we will remember forever as the day the Holy Spirit moved mightily within us — leading us further into His mission and ministry, participating in the building up of God’s Kingdom on Johns and Wadmalaw Islands. Praise the Lord for His faithfulness.”
St. John’s Parish Church meets at 10 am on Sunday mornings at Haut Gap Middle School, 1861 Bohicket Rd. John’s Island, SC.