Welcome to Johnston River of Life
Come just as you are! We celebrate diversity and uniqueness.
Welcome Video
From Our Pastor
Welcome to JROL. There are many ways to get involved, pick whatever you are most comfortable with. One of the best ways to meet people and experience the energy of JROL is to show up for worship. We want your first experience to be as comfortable and joy-filled as possible. Please check out our worship page and FAQ’s and don’t hesitate to reach out if you have questions.
I would love to be your pastor, and look forward to meeting you personally. If you would like to meet over a cup of coffee before you visit (or anytime after that) I will prioritize you. Please feel free to call, text, or email me anytime.
- 319-939-6788
- pastorcferguson@gmail.com
Sincerely,
Craig Ferguson
Pastor Craig / Rev. Dr. Ferguson / Or whatever you want to call me!
Frequently Asked Questions
Worship at JROL is casual and comfortable. People attend in everything from casual dress to shorts and sweats. You are welcome to bring Starbucks, or we have a hospitality station with coffee, tea, and other goodies you are welcome to bring into worship.
Expect praise and worship music from the band, prayer, scripture, and a sermon that is relevant and often interactive with the congregation. Ultimately expect to encounter the love and grace God as we worship together.
If you would like to check out our live stream before attending in person, check it out on our web page here: https://johnstonriveroflife.org/live/
Or if you would like to look at previous worship experience you can find them on our YouTube Channel here: https://www.youtube.com/user/JohnstonRiverOfLife/videos
Kids are welcomed in worship. We have a Children’s time during worship and often have the kids participate with a song or playing bells. We celebrate the sound and joy of children in worship. However, we also understand that kids sometimes need a little extra space to move and parents may feel a need to step out with them. In that respect we have a “Wiggle Room” in the back of the sanctuary that allows parents to still participate in worship. This room is also available for nursing mothers and other infant needs.
We celebrate communion (Eucharist) on the first Sunday of each month and on other special days during the year. We practice an open table where all are welcome to participate. We also do our best to respect the health concerns and comfort level of each person during communion
After the elements are consecrated, the pastor will invite everyone forward and give each person a piece of bread. You are then invited to dip your bread into the cup (intinction).
We do not pass offering plates during worship, and do not emphasize this as an expectation. We recognize the giving of tithes and offerings as something personal and should be done with joy as an expression of gratitude for the abundant blessings God has given to each of us.
Many attenders give online or via text regularly and we have an offering box in back if individuals are so led by the Holy Spirit.
Worship is easy to follow. We do not use bulletins. Everything is on the screen / TV. There will be songs, prayers, announcements and other details and you will be invited to stand or sit as it is appropriate. But, even if you choose to remain seated and just observe you will find it to be a comfortable environment.
Parking at JROL is limited, but we share the parking space with Walgreen’s. Many leaders intentionally park across the parking lot to make space for others. Feel free to use either parking lot on the north west corner of Merle Hay and 62nd. If you are a guest, we invite you to utilize our designated guest parking spot near the front door.
We understand that new places and situations can be scary for some people. We want each person to feel comfortable to be yourself. If you want to slip in silently that will be respected, but you will also find friends who are excited to meet you for the first time.
Welcome to our worship space! Use the maps on this page to find us and we look forward to meeting you!
Johnston, IA
50131 United States