United in Christ’s love, welcoming all, experiencing God’s grace
“I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another.” (John 13:34) Having a long history of embracing and welcoming into the life of the church all those seeking to follow the Way of Jesus, we the members of St. John’s United Church of Christ in Mokena, Illinois declare we are an Open and Affirming (ONA) church. We believe everyone is created in God’s image. We affirm people of all ages, races, cultures, sexual orientations, gender identity and expression, physical and cognitive abilities, and economic circumstances. All are welcome to participate fully in the life, leadership, sacraments, ministry, and mission of the church as we seek to grow together in a safe and nurturing community of faith. Our congregation declares to the wider church and community that we are an open and loving community of faith for all people. We invite all to join us in worship, fellowship, and service in Christ’s name.
Sunday Mornings
8:00 Traditional Worship Service
9:45 Contemporary Worship Service (with childcare)
(contemporary & traditional music in a service of praise and reverence)
10:45 Coffee and Conversation Time
11100 Second Street
Mokena, IL 60448
Phone: 708-479-5123
Email: office@stjohnsmokena.org
Office Hours
Monday – Friday: 9am – 3pm
As followers of Jesus we seek to live gracefully, truthfully, courageously, compassionately, and justly in our world. We welcome any who wish to join with us, no matter where you are on your spiritual journey or in life’s journey.
We would love to hear from you. Feel free to reach out and connect with us.
Pastor Rocky came to St. John’s in May of 2020. He grew up UCC in the village of Sugarcreek, Ohio, a small town in the heart of Amish country. After graduating from high school, he worked at a brickyard for ten years. He met Stephanie in the nearby town of New Philadelphia. They got married and made their home in Sugarcreek, raising their two daughters, Deanna and Katelyn. Pastor Rocky soon began to discern a call into ministry. Initially, he began working toward becoming a part-time licensed lay minister for a small church and keeping his job at the brickyard. After he preached his first sermon in his home church, several members collectively offered to support him financially in the pursuit of a theological education and ordained ministry in the UCC.
After prayerful discernment with Stephanie and their pastor, Pastor Rocky left the brickyard and began working on his Bachelor of Business Administration degree from Kent State University. He found things like marketing, human resource management, finance, and organizational psychology easily applicable to the church. After graduation, he and Stephanie moved to the city of Webster Groves, Missouri. As Deanna and Katelyn began their first year at a new elementary school, Pastor Rocky began working on his Master of Divinity degree at Eden Theological Seminary. During those three years, he served three different congregations in the St. Louis area as a student pastor. He also spent one summer doing a chaplain internship at Barnes Jewish Hospital.
Pastor Rocky graduated from Eden Seminary in 2006 and moved to Evansville, Indiana to serve as associate pastor at Bethlehem UCC for five years. He and Stephanie lived in St. Charles, Missouri (near St. Louis) where he served St. John UCC as associate pastor for eight years. Their daughters have grown up and are living on their own. Stephanie has her own house cleaning and organizing business with almost two dozen clients.
Pastor Rocky enjoys music, theater, movies, reading, running, bicycling, and golf.
St. John’s is supportive of local, national, and international missions. Our Mission’s goal is to determine the needs of local and worldwide missions and then to assist them.
St. John’s has several groups and activities to engage your children in a fun and fulfilling church experience. Children of all ages can participate in age-specific, adult-directed activities throughout the year.
St John’s has multiple small groups and activities for those interested in more relaxed environments. Whether it’s socializing or sprucing up the church grounds, St. John’s has a small group for You!
St. John’s sponsors several activities and events each year to help support the church financially and promote volunteerism among its members.
St. John’s music ensembles perform for Sunday morning worship and special occasions. Through music, the ensembles glorify God, give voice to our shared faith, and support the congregation’s own singing.