Plan Your Visit
Join Us for Worship
Each week offers several opportunities to join us in worship, either on Sunday or during the week.
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8:00am - Holy Eucharist A quiet service using the Scottish Prayer Book.
9:30am - Choral Matins Traditional morning prayer with choir (except the first Sunday of each month).
10:30am - Choral Eucharist Our principal Sunday service with choir, preaching, Holy Communion, and children's activities. The service uses the contemporary language of the 1982 Scottish Liturgy. After the service, many members of the congregation gather in the church hall for tea, coffee, and biscuits.
6:00pm - Choral Evensong A reflective service of prayer and music in the Anglican tradition.
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Morning Prayer at 8:30am (Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday)
We follow the Daily Prayer office of the Scottish Episcopal Church. Morning Prayer, which lasts about 30 minutes, takes place in the chapel.
Holy Eucharist at 11:00am (Wednesday) & 8:30am (Thursday)
A spoken service in the chapel that includes Holy Communion.
The Ark at 10:30am (Friday)
A service for babies, toddlers, and their parents and carers. Centred around the Eucharist, join us in hearing God’s word through godly play, stories, songs and toys!
Where to Find Us
St John’s is at the west end of Princes Street, in the heart of Edinburgh. It is about ten minutes walk from either Edinburgh Waverley or Haymarket station and many bus routes stop near to the church in Princes Street or Lothian Road. For information on reaching St John’s by public transport see Lothian Buses or Traveline Scotland. On-street parking is available at nearby Castle Terrace Car Park, Rutland Street, and Charlotte Square.
For the Kids
Children are always welcome at St John’s. At the front of the church you’ll find a dedicated family area designed to help children feel comfortable while remaining part of the service. It's a clean, welcoming space with books, toys, and activities where little ones can play quietly, and parents and carers can worship without feeling separated from the congregation.
We love having children in church, and whether they choose to sit in the family area or explore the space a little, you’ll find a warm and understanding community ready to welcome your whole family.
Your First Visit
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The most well-attended service is the main Sunday service at 10.30am. It incorporates many elements that define worship at St John’s: our choir, preaching, and the celebration of the Eucharist. Because many members of the congregation gather for tea and coffee in the church hall after the service, it is also a great opportunity for meeting new people and talking to members of our clergy. The serene, peaceful of worship of Evensong (Sunday at 6pm) has also been a route into the church for a lot of people.
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There is no dress code. Some people dress formally, while others come more casually. Please wear whatever allows you to feel comfortable.
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All baptised Christians who are accustomed to receiving Communion in their own tradition are warmly invited to receive at St John's. If you would prefer not to receive Communion, you are welcome to come forward for a blessing or simply remain in your seat.
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Yes. When you arrive, you will be given a printed order of service to guide you through the service, and our welcome team is always happy to help if you have any questions.
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There is level access to the church from Princes Street. Accessible toilets can be found in the Cornerstone Centre. Unfortunately, the main doors currently do not provide automated access. The Lower Terrace and its shops can be accessed via the ramp from Princes Street. A lift provides access between the church and the lower level, including the Red Cockerel Cafe.
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Music is a central part of life at St John's. Our choir leads worship throughout the year with a rich tradition of Anglican choral music, alongside congregational hymns and seasonal services.