Location & Service Times
Where to Find Us:
St. John Lutheran Church
416 Main Ave.
Clinton, IA 52732
How to Contact Us:




Divine Service - Sundays at 7:45 & 10:15am
Sunday School & Adult Bible Class - Sundays at 9:00am
Bible Study with Pastor - 1st & 3rd Tuesdays of the Month at 9:30am & 7:00pm
Advent Services - Wednesdays at 1:30 & 7:00pm
Christmas Eve Children's Program - 6:30pm
Christmas Eve Vigil - 11:00pm
Christmas Divine Service - 9:00am
Lenten Services - Wednesdays at 1:30 & 7:00pm
Maundy Thursday - 1:30 & 7:00pm
Good Friday - 1:30 & 7:00pm
Easter Sunrise Divine Service - 7:00am
Easter Divine Service - 10:15am
What We Believe
St. John Lutheran Church is a member of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod. A thorough summary of our beliefs is at our Synod’s website: https://www.lcms.org/about/beliefs. We recognize the confessions found in the Small Catechism and the entire Book of Concord: https://bookofconcord.org.
We believe in an inaugurated eschatology, generally called amillennialism. Our Lord Jesus Christ will return visibly on the Last Day to raise the bodies of all the dead, to condemn those who reject Him in unbelief to eternal punishment, and to give eternal life to all who trust in Him for forgiveness, life, and salvation. His return will bring about a New Jerusalem and a new creation. We reject the typical dispensational or premillennial theory of a secret rapture before Christ’s final return. Matthew 25:31-46; John 5:28-29, 2 Peter 3:11-13; Revelation 1:7.
Good works, prayer, and holy living are necessary and are the fruit of faith in Christ. They are not the cause of our salvation. Genuine good works flow from the renewal God works in our hearts and from what God commands in His Word. Faith alone receives His righteousness. Our lives glorify God as we serve our neighbor. Holiness and godliness supply proof that faith is living. John 15:5; Hebrews 11:16; Ephesians 2:8-10.
Christian Baptism is an application of water by pouring, sprinkling or immersion in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. We baptize infants, children, and adults at Christ’s institution and with His Word. We affirm the biblical teaching of baptismal regeneration. The work in Baptism belongs to the Lord alone. Matthew 28:19-20; John 3:5; Acts 2:38-39; Titus 3:5; Romans 6:4; 1 Peter 3:21.
Holy Communion, or the Lord’s Supper, is the true body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ sacramentally and mysteriously present in bread and wine. We receive the Sacrament as a confession of the faith of our altar and as a true communion with Christ. In the Sacrament we receive the forgiveness of sins and the strengthening of our faith. We receive the Sacrament every Sunday and on many of the feast days of the church. We practice closed Communion. Please make an appointment with the pastor before you commune if you do not share the confession of faith of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod. Matthew 26:26-29; 1 Corinthians 10:16-17; 11:23-26.
The Bible
Our church recognizes the Bible as the true, inspired, inerrant, and reliable Word of God. It is the fundamental source and authority for the teaching, practice, and life of the church and every Christian. The incarnation, life, teachings, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ are the essential message of the Scriptures. The Holy Spirit inspired the Scriptures and works through the Scriptures and Sacraments alone. John 5:39; 2 Timothy 3:16-17; 2 Peter 1:19-21.
The Trinity
We believe in one God eternally revealed in three persons, the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. The Trinitarian God created and sustains all things in heaven and on earth. The Apostles’, Nicene, and Athanasian Creeds are our confessions and summarize our understanding of the Trinity. Genesis 1-2; Psalm 146:5-6; Matthew 28:20.
Jesus Christ
Jesus Christ is true God from eternity and also true man, born of the Virgin Mary. By His perfect life, profound teachings, vicarious death, bodily resurrection, and reign at God’s right hand, He is the only Savior from sin and the only Mediator between God and humanity. There is salvation in no one else. John 1:1-3,14; 1 Timothy 2:5; 1 John 5:20; Acts 4:12.
We believe in an inaugurated eschatology, generally called amillennialism. Our Lord Jesus Christ will return visibly on the Last Day to raise the bodies of all the dead, to condemn those who reject Him in unbelief to eternal punishment, and to give eternal life to all who trust in Him for forgiveness, life, and salvation. His return will bring about a New Jerusalem and a new creation. We reject the typical dispensational or premillennial theory of a secret rapture before Christ’s final return. Matthew 25:31-46; John 5:28-29, 2 Peter 3:11-13; Revelation 1:7.
Humanity
Although we were made originally in His image, since the fall of Adam and Eve, all those naturally born are conceived and born in sin and under the curse. Apart from regeneration, humanity lacks the fear of God and trust in God. Present in our sinful passions is an inclination to sin, called concupiscence. Humanity is sadly curved in on self. Our thoughts, feelings, and passions are misguided and corrupt and must be redeemed and restored by Christ. Genesis 3; Psalm 51; Ephesians 2:1-10.
Faith
We are justified, or declared righteous, in the sight of God and rescued from sin, death, and damnation not by our works but solely by God’s undeserved kindness given through Jesus Christ. Faith is the gracious gift of God bestowed when and where He pleases. John 1:29; 3:5-8; Romans 3:21-28; Ephesians. 2:8.
Good works, prayer, and holy living are necessary and are the fruit of faith in Christ. They are not the cause of our salvation. Genuine good works flow from the renewal God works in our hearts and from what God commands in His Word. Faith alone receives His righteousness. Our lives glorify God as we serve our neighbor. Holiness and godliness supply proof that faith is living. John 15:5; Hebrews 11:16; Ephesians 2:8-10.
The Sacraments
The church belongs to Christ and is present in the world until the end. We find the church wherever believers are gathered around the Word of God purely taught and the Sacraments rightly administered. Matthew 13:47-48; 18:20; Acts 2:42.
Christian Baptism is an application of water by pouring, sprinkling or immersion in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. We baptize infants, children, and adults at Christ’s institution and with His Word. We affirm the biblical teaching of baptismal regeneration. The work in Baptism belongs to the Lord alone. Matthew 28:19-20; John 3:5; Acts 2:38-39; Titus 3:5; Romans 6:4; 1 Peter 3:21.
Holy Communion, or the Lord’s Supper, is the true body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ sacramentally and mysteriously present in bread and wine. We receive the Sacrament as a confession of the faith of our altar and as a true communion with Christ. In the Sacrament we receive the forgiveness of sins and the strengthening of our faith. We receive the Sacrament every Sunday and on many of the feast days of the church. We practice closed Communion. Please make an appointment with the pastor before you commune if you do not share the confession of faith of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod. Matthew 26:26-29; 1 Corinthians 10:16-17; 11:23-26.

St. John Lutheran Church Preschool is now accepting applications for our 2025 – 2026 School year.
We have a multi-age classroom with several options as to how many days you would like your child to attend.
Students must be 3 by September 15, 2025 in order to apply. Please click here to register your child.
Our Preschool Is A 5 Star School in the Quality Rating System!
St. John offers a Christian, faith-based preschool. Our program includes a daily “Jesus Time” where we learn familiar Bible stories, sing praises to our Lord and Savior, pray, and learn about living the Christian life. We have several centers set up throughout the room that include: dramatic play, blocks, art, sensory/sand/water tables, writing, library, manipulatives, and science. These areas are refreshed regularly to go along with particular areas of study and give the children a choice on where they choose to develop their various skill sets. Pre-literacy skills, number readiness, art processes, rhythms, singing, story time, and motor coordination skills are provided weekly if not daily.
We would love to have you come by the school to see our classroom and visit with us about our program. Call Cindy Sperry, (563) 242-5588, at the preschool for an appointment. You may also contact Cindy by email at csperry@stjohn-clinton-ia.org.
The preschool is looking for substitute teachers for the coming school year. Anyone who applies has to undergo a background check and be fingerprinted. Please contact Cindy Sperry if you are interested.
Visiting St. John
Scripture places a high priority on gathering for worship. The Psalmist declares, “O LORD, I love the habitation of your house and the place where your glory dwells” (Psalm 26:8). Hebrews reminds us not to neglect the public gathering of the church around Word and Sacrament, “Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching” (Hebrews 10:25).
But we often have questions about the nature of our experience at church. All kinds of unknowns can make visiting a church seem intimidating. Let’s see if we can help with some of those questions. There’s no need to feel intimidated. We’re just a bunch of ordinary people who gather together to hear God’s Word, to kneel at the altar, to sing the faith into our hearts, and to respond with prayer and praise together.
What are the services like?
Every church has its own style of worship. The way we worship isn’t an indifferent matter. Instead, it is an expression of what we believe. We think you’ll appreciate the services at St. John, especially if you take several weeks to get familiar with our liturgy and rhythms.
Lutheran worship follows an ancient and beautiful tradition. It’s a bit more formal than some churches. We use an organ to accompany our singing. We sing from a hymnal. We use a written order of service. Some might call it old-fashioned, but we think that is its strength.
In our services, we hear lots of Scripture. Readings and liturgy both come from the Bible. The message each week also arises from these Scriptures, centering on Christ and His work for us.
When you come the first few times, a detailed order of service will guide the way. You are free to just watch, listen, and observe. But we would love to have you join in as you are able.
When are the services?
Our services are Sundays at 7:45 and 10:15 am and last about an hour. Bible Study and Sunday School classes meet between services at 9:00 am. Children and Youth Sunday School meet every week, but only on the first Sunday of the month in the summer (June, July, and August). See the Location & Service Times section for more info.
What happens when I walk in the front door?
Generally, our elders or pastor will welcome you. We’ll give you an order of service. You can pick out your own seat—even in the very back if you want. People are friendly. Others might spend a few moments in prayer before the service begins.
How should I dress?
On any Sunday at our church you may see shorts, t-shirts, dresses, and ties. The pastor wears a clerical collar, alb, and stole. He is easy to spot! We encourage you to be comfortable and respectful, but no one will judge how you dress.
What about the offering?
The church exists because God sustains the church though our members. Guests are not expected to give offerings. We keep our offering plates in the back and at the piano. We don’t pass them during service. If you would like to give, you can put in your offering before or after the service.
What about children?
We Lutherans believe our children should learn to worship with their parents and grandparents. We love to hear their noises in church. That means they’re in God’s house with us, and Jesus loves the little children.
Welcome
Whether you are a life-long Lutheran, curious about the church, or you are looking for a community to call home, we invite you to join us as we grow in Christ at St. John.
The church is the people of God assembled around the Gospel of Jesus Christ and His life-giving Sacraments. We take such things seriously. Every time we gather, He delivers His forgiveness and life, making us His holy people who love and trust Him above all things.
Come join us ordinary folks in receiving something extraordinary—coming into God’s presence to hear about His gracious salvation, and responding with thanks and praise.