What to Expect on a Sunday Morning at St. John in the Wilderness

If you are planning a first visit to St. John in the Wilderness Anglican Church in Brights Grove, Ontario, the short answer is: expect a warm, traditional Anglican Sunday with two service times to choose from. The 8:30 am service uses the Book of Common Prayer (BCP) for Holy Eucharist (Communion), while the 10:30 am service uses the Book of Alternative Services (BAS) for Holy Eucharist and includes Sunday School. The parish's own invitation is simple — "Come just as you are, we'd love to have you join us!"

The Two Sunday Services

The clearest practical decision a first-time visitor faces is which service to attend. Both are Holy Eucharist (Communion) services, so the central shape of the worship is the same. The difference is the prayer book used.

What BCP and BAS mean in practice

• BCP (Book of Common Prayer) is the older, more traditional Anglican liturgy. Its language is often more formal and its structure more fixed. The 8:30 am service is typically quieter and smaller.
• BAS (Book of Alternative Services) is the more contemporary Anglican liturgy, written in modern language. The 10:30 am service is the busier of the two and is the one that includes Sunday School.

If you have children, the 10:30 am service is the one to plan for, since Sunday School runs alongside it. If you prefer a quieter, more traditional service, the 8:30 am is the natural fit.

What Happens During the Service

Both services are celebrations of Holy Eucharist, which means Communion is part of the worship. The service is led by The Reverend Sherry De Jonge.

A typical Anglican Eucharist includes:

1. Gathering — opening prayers and hymns as the congregation assembles.
2. Readings and sermon — passages from Scripture followed by a reflection.
3. Prayers — intercessions for the church, the world, and those in need.
4. Communion — the sharing of bread and wine.
5. Dismissal — a closing blessing and sending out.

If you are not sure whether you should take Communion, you do not need to decide in advance. It is entirely acceptable to stay seated, come forward for a blessing, or simply observe. No one will single you out.

Practical Notes for a First Visit

• Arrive a few minutes early. It gives you time to find a seat and settle before the service begins.
• Dress is casual to smart-casual. The parish's own words — "come just as you are" — set the tone.
• You will not be asked to stand up or introduce yourself. Visitors are welcome to participate as much or as little as they wish.
• The 10:30 am service is the better choice if you are bringing children, because Sunday School is offered at that time.

Checking Ahead Before You Go

The parish website notes that more information about what to expect on a Sunday morning is available through a dedicated link on the site. If you have a specific question — about accessibility, parking, or the children's programme — it is worth checking that page or the parish's Facebook page before your visit.

Service times and details can change, particularly around special seasons of the church year. The site's "What's Happening" section lists upcoming events such as the Prayer Shawl Group and Bible Study, which can give you a fuller picture of parish life beyond Sunday.

The Bottom Line

For a first visit, choose the 8:30 am BCP service if you want a quieter, more traditional experience, or the 10:30 am BAS service if you want the fuller congregation and Sunday School for children. Either way, the expectation set by the parish itself is that you can come exactly as you are.