Our Story

About St. John's Church

A community of faith with deep roots in Woodstock, Ontario — shaped by history, sustained by purpose, and always open to those seeking a spiritual home.

Who We Are

A Church for the Whole Community

St. John's Church Woodstock is a registered Canadian charitable organization (No. 119180214RR0002) located at 141 – 622 Dundas Street in the heart of Woodstock, Ontario. For generations, our congregation has served as a spiritual home and community anchor for the people of this city and surrounding Oxford County.

Rooted in the rich tradition of Protestant Christianity, St. John's has always held a strong commitment to both personal faith and communal responsibility. We believe that a healthy church is one that is equally devoted to the depth of its worship and the breadth of its service — that these two dimensions are not in tension but are, in fact, inseparable expressions of Christian love.

Our congregation is wonderfully diverse — families with young children, retirees, young professionals, newcomers to Canada, and long-time Woodstock residents all worship and serve side by side. This diversity is not incidental; it is one of the great gifts of our community, and it reflects the inclusive heart of the Gospel we proclaim.

Sunday after Sunday, and in countless programs and acts of service throughout the week, St. John's lives out its conviction that faith must be visible — that the love of God is best expressed through the love of neighbour, and that a church's impact is measured not just in attendance but in transformation.

At a Glance

Organization St. John's Church
Location Woodstock, Ontario
Charity No. 119180214RR0002
Sunday Services 9:00 AM & 11:00 AM
Phone 519-539-2985
Denomination Protestant / Christian

What We Believe

Four convictions that define the character and culture of St. John's Church Woodstock.

Faith

We are rooted in the Christian faith, drawing life from Scripture, prayer, and the sacraments as we seek to follow Jesus together.

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Community

We invest in genuine relationships that sustain people through every season of life — because no one should walk their faith journey alone.

Service

Inspired by Christ's example, we exist not to be served but to serve — in our congregation, our city, and beyond.

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Inclusion

We believe the table of grace is wide enough for all. Every person is welcome at St. John's — fully, unconditionally, and with genuine joy.

Our Leadership Team

Dedicated servants of Christ who shepherd, serve, and guide our congregation with humility, wisdom, and love.

Rev. Dr. Margaret Collins

Senior Pastor

With over 20 years of pastoral ministry, Rev. Collins brings both theological depth and a deep love for the Woodstock community.

Rev. James Okafor

Associate Pastor

Rev. Okafor leads our outreach and community care ministries, bringing a passion for justice and compassionate service.

Sarah Thompson

Director of Youth Ministry

Sarah has served St. John's youth for over a decade, building programs that challenge young people to live out their faith boldly.

David Reyes

Music & Worship Director

David leads our music ministry with creativity and reverence, shaping worship experiences that lift hearts toward God.

Our Congregation

The congregation of St. John's is one of the most vibrant and diverse communities in Woodstock. We welcome families with young children, seniors who have worshipped with us for decades, young adults exploring faith for the first time, and newcomers to Canada who are building a new life in Oxford County.

What unites us is not a shared background or a common life experience — it is a shared commitment to following Jesus and loving our neighbours. In this congregation, you will find accountants sitting beside tradespeople, longtime Canadians beside recent immigrants, those who grew up in the church and those for whom faith is a brand-new discovery.

We are not a perfect community — we are a forgiven one. And we believe that this grace, freely received, is the very thing that makes us capable of offering genuine welcome to every person who walks through our doors.

Visit Us

Sunday at St. John's

9:00 AM — Traditional Service Rooted in liturgical tradition with hymns, scripture, and a reflective sermon.
11:00 AM — Contemporary Service A dynamic, accessible worship service with contemporary music and relevant teaching.
Children's Programming Age-appropriate Sunday School during both services for children and youth.
Fellowship After Service Coffee, conversation, and community — everyone is invited to stay and connect.