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Frequently Asked Questions
Tell me about your
- Congregation
- Sunday Services
- Sunday School
- Communion for me or my children
- Baptism for me or my child
- Confirmation
- Wedding Policies
- Help in Need — as in crisis, illness, or death
- Ways of becoming a member
Our Congregation
We are "all sorts and conditions" of people, in ages,
backgrounds, interests, livelihoods, and outlooks. Some have been here
their whole lives and some have just moved to the area. We like the diversity
and prize the fabric of life it provides. Worship, education, outreach,
and fellowship are important to all, though each may rank them differently.
There are 14 doors into our buildings and our front door to church faces
away from Durham Road, so it is not always easy to find your way in. We
can't change the architecture but we work hard to be welcoming and make
St. John's an important place for each and every one in their Christian
journey.
Sunday Services
At 8 and 10 AM each Sunday, you will find us using The
Holy Eucharist, Rite One or Rite Two depending upon the season, sometimes
sung and sometimes said. Baptisms and other life-event liturgies are also
regularly made part of our Great Thanksgiving centered in Christ.
All who are baptized are invited to receive communion; and, regardless
of baptism, all are welcome to the ministries of St. John's. Attendance
at 8:00 AM, when there is no music, is 30 to 40. Attendance at 10:00 AM
is 125 to 160.
Sunday School
Religious education begins at home, and our educational
program are to help us in our daily roles as learners and educators.
Sunday School for young people is every Sunday at 10:00 AM. Infant and
toddler care, and group-graded classes for elementary, primary, and secondary
ages take place every Sunday with only a few exceptions.
Young people join their families for communion at the time of the Peace,
after about 40 minutes of class time.
Adult classes are offered at 9:00 AM each Sunday, with nursery care available.
Communion for me or my children
All who are baptized are welcome to receive communion — Bread and Wine, either one or both, are the elements. The wafer is consumed and may be followed by a sip of wine or may be dipped in the cup and then consumed. Non wheat wafers are available — just place your right-hand fingers over your open left pam to let us know. Young or old who do not yet receive are invited to the communion rail for a blessing: "May you continue as Christ's faithful soldier and servant your whole life long." Please join us for some refreshments in the parish hall to help us better say "welcome."
Not all wish to receive communion. Sometimes parents
want their children to wait until confirmation, which is fine. Sometimes
adults are waiting for their own baptism or confirmation, which is great.
In any event, the theology of the Episcopal Church calls us to see the
real presence of Christ in the whole of the service, the people, our lives
and our worship of Almighty God in Christ.
We periodically have classes for parents and children on receiving before
confirmation, and the Rector is happy to meet with parents about instruction
for children at any time.
Baptism for me or my child
Baptism, in an Episcopal Church or that of any denomination, is the singular event making us members of Christ's body the church. If you have been baptized with water and the name of the Trinity, we honor that and do not repeat baptisms. For the baptism of infants or adults, the Rector will to meet and discuss the service with you. We do like to make the service part of our Sunday services but take into account the needs of the family for other times as well.
The next opportunities for Baptism are April 11, May 30, June 20 and November 7. Please ontact the Church office for more information.
Confirmation
All who are baptized are expected to make a mature, public
affirmation of their faith at the age of discretion, in the service of
Confirmation when our Bishop is present. Confirmation classes are held
to assist young people, usually about the age of 12 or 13, and adults.
Bishop Curry will be with us on March 25, 2007. A Confirmation / Inquiries
Class will beheld from 9am - 10am on Sunday mornings in February and March.
Wedding Policies
You can get a copy of our wedding policies by clicking this link
Help in Need - as in crisis, illness, or death
In case of illness, the Minister of the Congregation is to be notified is a line from the Prayer Book and an important ministry of St. John's. All of us want to be of what help we can, and we have a variety of ways of helping with long and short term needs. The hardest part sometimes is the asking, and we know that.
Ways of becoming a member
If you would like to become a member here, ask your present
church to send your membership to St. John's. It is as simple as that.
No vote is required, and you don't have to present yourself before the
congregation. Each is in charge and responsible for his or her spiritual
journey and has sole discretion of choosing a parish home. When your membership
information is received, you are an 'enrolled member.'
Baptism is the singular event making one a member of the Christian Church.
Confirmation is the means whereby one becomes most familiar with the "doctrine,
discipline, and worship" of the church. Confirmation is required to serve
on the Vestry or diocesan offices, but it is not required for participating
in the ministries of St. John's.
All are welcome to 'check out' the church, to ask the Rector for time
to talk about this church and their choice, and to feel at home in the
mean time.
