Parish Ministry Groups
For more information about any of the ministries listed below, contact the parish office and we will connect you with the coordinator of that ministry. Thank you!
Worship Ministries
ACOLYTES: Assist at worship by carrying the processional cross and serving at the altar. Youth 10 years and older are invited to participate. All training is provided.
ALTAR GUILD: Prepare the altar and church for worship services and care for the vestments and altar vessels.
CHOIR: Sing at the 10:30 AM Sunday services from September through June and at other occasional services and special events and concerts. Rehearsals are on Sundays and some Wednesdays. THE ST. JOHN’S CHOIR SCHOOL (youth age 7 1/2 and older) sings every other week and at major services and concerts. Rehearsals are some Wednesdays and some Sundays; their rehearsal schedule allows them to attend Sunday School and participate in youth group. Learn more here.
HEALING PRAYERS MINISTERS: Provide prayer support to those seeking prayer for themselves or others. Healing prayers are provided at the 10:30 Sunday Holy Eucharist (or the 9 a.m. service during the summer); those requesting prayers may go to the baptismal font after receiving communion to share their confidential prayer requests with the healing team member on duty. Periodic meetings are held to nurture the spiritual development of the healing team and provide training. For more information, watch this brief video from the chair of the Healing Ministry.
LAY EUCHARIST MINISTERS & READERS: Serve as lectors, intercessors and chalice bearers during the Sunday morning and other special services. Responsible for assisting with Holy Communion and reading the lessons and prayers. They also conduct a weekly Morning Prayer service at the Hughes Health & Rehabilitation Center, where they are responsible for leading the service, reading the lessons and prayers and providing a short homily (pre-written homilies are provided if needed). Musicians also participate in the weekly service at Hughes Home by accompanying hymns on piano or another instrument. Each volunteer assists at Sunday services approximately once a month.
Music Ministries
MUSIC COMMITTEE: Provide significant support to the music director by helping with planning and other tasks for worship and concerts, including the Music at the Red Door concert series.
MUSIC AT THE RED DOOR USHERS: Ushers welcome people to St. John’s for concerts and special music events, distribute programs, and respond to needs that arise during the concert.
Pastoral Care Ministries
“JUST CALL” LIST: A list of parishioners willing to be called on for ad hoc needs, such as meals or babysitting for parishioners in need, set-up for special events, and other needs as they arise. Contact the parish manager to add your name to the list.
PRAYER SHAWLS: Knit shawls and present to parishioners in times of need or as a blessing.
Fellowship Ministries
COFFEE HOUR: Volunteer to provide food and set-up/clean-up help for Sunday morning coffee hour each week.
Fundraising
CHRISTMAS FESTIVAL: This popular even is held the first Saturday in December to raise funds to support St. John’s and to promote fellowship within the parish and the wider community. Parishioners make crafts, serve homemade lunches, and offer goods and services for auction and for sale. The festival is publicized in the Greater Hartford area and open to the public.
SPRING FOOD FLING & AUCTION: The auction is a fun social event featuring food, drinks, live music and food-related items that attendees can bid on through silent and live auctions. Auction items range from delicious cookies and cakes to summer garden parties or theme dinners to be scheduled at a later date.
Stewardship, Budget & Investment
INVESTMENT COMMITTEE: Manage our endowment and investment policies.
PLANNED GIVING COMMITTEE: Encourage parishioners to include St. John’s in their estate planning and assist them in doing so.
STEWARDSHIP COMMITTEE: Encourage parishioners to make an annual pledge to the church in response to God’s abundant blessings. St. John’s stewardship campaigns focus on grace, gratitude and generosity.
Facilities Ministries
HOUSE COMMITTEE: This committee is responsible for the stewardship of our property—for its maintenance, comfort, safety, and aesthetics, and for ensuring that our buildings and grounds are used in ways that support our mission in the world.