St. John’s Church, Chester
Welcome To St. Johns Church
Welcome to St. John the Baptist Church, Chester! We are a warm and welcoming Church of England parish located in the heart of this historic city. Our doors are open to everyone, regardless of where you come from or where you are on your spiritual journey.
At St. John’s, we believe in embracing the diversity of our community. Whether you are rich or poor, happy or sad, you have a place here. We welcome singles, couples, families, and those who may feel alone. We celebrate the uniqueness of each person and extend our love and support to all.
If you are a newcomer, a lifelong believer, or someone exploring faith for the first time, you will find a welcoming community here. Our services are rooted in the rich traditions of the Anglican Church, yet we strive to make everyone feel at home, regardless of their background or beliefs.
We understand that life is full of ups and downs, and we are here to offer a safe haven for those seeking comfort, joy, or a deeper connection. Whether you’re an artist, a professional, a student, or retired, whether you love soccer, rugby, or a quiet cup of tea, you’ll find kindred spirits here.
St. John’s is a place where you can be yourself, find new friends, and grow in your faith. We invite you to join us for worship, fellowship, and service to our community. Come and experience the warmth and love of our parish family.
Welcome home!
Explore Christianity and Ask Life’s Big Questions – Join the 321 Course
The 321 Course is a free, video-based introduction to Christianity for anyone who wants to explore questions about God, meaning, and purpose.
Across four sessions, the course looks at the heart of the Christian faith—focusing on who Jesus is and the life he offers. Each session includes a short, engaging video followed by open discussion, where you can share your thoughts or simply listen.
The 321 Course is designed for:
- People who are curious about Christianity
- Anyone with questions about God or who Jesus is
- Those exploring faith for the first time
- Christians wanting to revisit the basics.
We’re hosting the 321 Course in person. Each session is relaxed, informal, and low-pressure—there’s no expectation to speak, and no prior knowledge of Christianity is needed.
If you’re searching for a Christianity course or a place to ask honest questions about God, this is a great place to start. Come and join us.
Hosted by: St John’s Church (Rectory)
From: Thursday 22nd October
Time: 7.30pm.
To book your place, please email: Rector@stjohnschester.uk
Common Questions
What is the 321 Course?
The 321 Course is a short, four-session course that introduces the Christian faith through video and discussion.
Do I need to be a Christian to attend?
No. The course is for anyone—whether you believe, doubt, or are just curious.
What topics does the course cover?
The course explores key questions like who Jesus is, what God is like, and what Christianity says about life and purpose.
Is the 321 Course similar to Alpha?
The 321 Course is a shorter, four-session alternative that covers the core of the Christian message in a clear and engaging way.
Visiting St. Johns
St John’s is a working church holding a number of services throughout the week. The Lady Chapel is a space for people to light candles, leave prayers, and sit in quiet contemplation. We welcome visitors so that they can enjoy the architecture of this historic church.
Our opening times can be seen in the footer of this website.
We have a cafe and shop located in the south aisle of the church’.
We do not receive any funding from public or private sources to assist us in opening the church to the public. The people you meet are all volunteers and give their time for free. They are a few in number and consequently we can only open the church at certain times.
We can provide guided tours by arrangement, but there is generally someone on duty who can provide information about the church.
Services
Sunday
8.00am – Holy Communion (BCP)
10.00am – Principal Eucharist
Noon – Baptisms
6.30pm – Evensong (Compline last Sunday of the month)
Wednesday
10.00am – Holy Eucharist
Friday
12.00 noon – Holy Eucharist
Volunteer at St. Johns
Could you spare a little time to help?
St John’s simply couldn’t do what it does without the dedication of our wonderful volunteers. Whether you can offer a few hours a month or a regular commitment, there are many ways to get involved – from welcoming visitors and helping in the café and shop, to supporting events, gardening, administration or simply being a friendly face.
Volunteering is a rewarding way to meet new people, learn new skills and play a part in preserving one of Chester’s most historic churches while serving our local community. We’d love to hear from you and help you find a role that suits your interests and availability.
Our Latest News
Autumn Season
We were so fortunate and blessed to have such a great start to the Autumn season, in staging a variety of amazing musical events in our wonderful church. We would like to say a huge thank you to the fantastic visiting choirs who held their concerts and also joined our…
September Events
The University of Nottingham Chamber Choir will be singing for our Eucharist and Evensong Sunday 06 September – Come along to our usual morning and evening services, when we will have the pleasure of welcoming a visiting choir to join us in worship and music….
Kelsborrow Choir
Kelsborrow Choir Celebrates 70 Years with Special Anniversary Concert at St John’s We are delighted to welcome Kelsborrow Choir to St John’s Church this September for a very special concert celebrating an impressive 70 years of music-making. Taking place on Saturday…