What do I need to know?
You will find below a number of commonly asked questions about St. John's Church and questions about worship and life in the Episcopal Church. We hope the answers provided to these questions will help your personal questions about our church and we also hope we can support you in your journey of faith. If you have questions that you do not see below, please send us your questions and comments via our "Contact Us" page and we will reply as soon as possible...and we might add your question to the list to help others who share your questions.
How do I get to St. John's Church and where can I park?
What is the Episcopal Church?
Who may receive Holy Communion?
What if my former church was not an Episcopal Church?
What is Confirmation?
What are "Inquirer's Classes?"
How do I become a member of St. John's Church?
What is expected of new members?
How do I pledge?
How do I get to St. John's Church and where can I park?
St. John's Church is located on Farmington Avenue in West Hartford, CT, near the intersection of Farmington Avenue and Prospect Avenue. You may find detailed instructions about driving directions to the church and parking availability by following the link to the "Driving Directions & Parking" web page. <click here>
What is the Episcopal Church?
The Episcopal Church is part of the global Anglican Communion, a family of churches held together by common liturgy and faith traditions tracing our foundations back to the Church of England in the 16th century. The Episcopal Church became an independent church (from the Church of England) in 1798, and today includes members in the 50 US states, parts of the Caribbean as well as the Convocation of American Churches in Europe. The word "episcopal" comes from the Greek word "episcopos," most often translated "bishop." Episcopal churches are grouped together in geographic dioceses, under the guidance of a bishop. St. John's Church is part of the Episcopal Diocese of Connecticut; our bishop is The Rt. Rev. Ian Douglas, assisted by two Suffragan Bishops, The Rt. Rev. James Curry and The Rt. Rev. Laura Aherns.
Who may receive Holy Communion?
All baptized persons are welcome to receive the sacrament of Holy Communion at St. John's Church. Classes to prepare young children to receive Holy Communion are offered every other fall; at least one parent is expected to attend the classes with his or her child/children. Others who wish to learn more about the sacrament of Baptism or who wish to be baptized may contact a member of the clergy at any time. For additional information, please visit our "Communion" page under the Worship section of our website.
What if my former church was not an Episcopal Church?
If you come to St. John's Church from another Christian denomination you are welcome to receive Holy Communion and be as active in parish life as you choose. Confirmation classes for youth and adults are offered at least every other year, although opportunities for Confirmation are available several times during the year. If you wish to learn more about the sacrament of Confirmation or wish to be confirmed, please contact a member of the clergy at any time.
What is Confirmation?
The Sacrament of Confirmation is the reaffirmation of one's Baptismal Vows, in the presence of a Bishop. At this time the Bishop lays his/her hands upon the new member's head invoking the blessing of the Holy Spirit. Confirmation typically takes place every other year (the next classes are in 2012) at the Easter Vigil at Christ Church Cathedral in Hartford. Teenagers enrolled in the J2A program prepare for Confirmation as a part of their Sunday morning education classes.
What are Inquirer's Classes?
Inquirer's classes are the same as Confirmation classes; there is no obligation to be confirmed after taking the classes. Topics covered include the Holy Scriptures, The Book of Common Prayer and worship in the Episcopal Church, history of the Christian Church, the spiritual life, and the obligations and expectations of church members.
How do I become a member of St. John's Church?
You may become a member by requesting a Letter of Transfer from your former Episcopal Church. Persons baptized or confirmed at St. John's Church are entered on the membership list. If you have any specific questions about membership, any member of the office staff will assist you.
What is expected of new members?
New members are expected to attend church on a regular basis and become involved in the life of the church in ways that best suit them. Opportunities for involvement include serving as Church School teachers, J2A mentors, the Choir, Acolytes, Lay Readers, Stephen Ministry, and various committees. Members are also expected to make a pledge or financial commitment annually to the support of the church.
How do I pledge?
Each fall the Vestry organizes a campaign to solicit pledges for the financial support of the church. Parishioners are asked to determine their pledge as a percentage of their income. Pledges are not dues or membership fees. Pledge cards are available from the Bookkeeper's office or are available on the "Resources" web page. Pledging is only one aspect of giving to others the gifts we have received from God - please visit the "Giving Opportunities" page for more detailed information of the many opportunities to share your gifts.
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