St. John’s Episcopal Church, West Hartford, CT
The information on this page answers some common questions about life at St. John’s. Please fill out our online newcomer form (click on the button below) so we can get to know you, provide additional information, and answer your questions.
You are welcome at St. John’s no matter where you are on your spiritual journey. There are many ways to become involved here, including attending our worship services and Christian education for all ages on Sundays, and participating in our music programs, attending an event, or connecting with our wider community.
We hope you will find St. John’s to be a place of peace and welcome, where your spirit will be nurtured within a loving and accepting community.
What is an Episcopal worship service like? What if I’m not an Episcopalian?
St. John’s welcomes everyone to our worship services. Many who worship at St. John’s grew up in other Christian traditions, such as Roman Catholic or other Protestant churches, or have no faith background. The Episcopal Church is part of the worldwide Anglican Communion, and we worship using the Book of Common Prayer. Our worship bulletins contain all of the prayers and readings for each service, along with guidance about when to sit, stand, or kneel. Our Sunday services are centered on Holy Eucharist (communion), and all are welcome to receive the bread and wine, or to approach the altar rail and request a blessing instead (by crossing your arms over your chest). We also have confidential healing prayers offered at the 10:30 Sunday service; if you’d like to pray for yourself or someone else with a healing prayers volunteer, go to the baptismal font in the back of the church after you receive communion. You’ll notice some worshippers making the sign of the cross or bowing toward the cross or altar — these practices are a matter of choice, and you are welcome to adopt them or not as you wish. Music is central to worship at St. John’s. The congregation sings hymns and the adult and youth choirs sing anthems and chants.
In addition to regular services of Holy Eucharist, St. John’s offers occasional services in different forms, such as Choral Evensong (featuring choral music and a quiet, reflective setting) and Celtic worship (which is less formal than regular Sunday services and includes prayer, chant, silence, music, and reflection). People of all ages and backgrounds are welcome at all St. John’s services.
How can I learn more about the Episcopal Church?
The parish clergy are always available to talk by phone or in person to answer your questions. St. John’s also offers Episcopal/St. John’s 101 classes several times throughout the year for those who want to learn more about the Episcopal Church and this parish community.
How do I become a member of St. John’s?
Anyone who attends worship regularly and participates in the church by attending special events, volunteering, and/or giving is considered a welcome and valued member of this church community. If you’d like to officially become a member, there are several ways to do so. If you are a baptized, confirmed member of another Episcopal Church, ask your current parish to start the process of transferring your membership to St. John’s. If you are a member of another denomination, or are not currently a church member, contact the parish office or speak to one of the clergy to discuss your situation and what is required for becoming a member, which may include baptism, confirmation, and/or being received into the Episcopal Church.
What programs are there for children?
St. John’s is a family-friendly parish and your children are always welcome to stay in church with you. We encourage you to sit up front, as children will be more engaged if they can see and hear what’s going on. Please do not feel you must rush out of church every time your little one makes a sound; your children are welcome here just as they are! A staffed nursery for children age 0 to 5 is available on Sunday mornings from September to June (during the summer, a changing table and couches are available for parents and children to use but there is no staffed nursery). Christian education for children age 3 and up happens almost every Sunday during the program year (September to June) at 9:30 a.m., at the same time as Christian education for adults. A youth group for middle and high school students meets most Sunday evenings during the program year, with dinner provided. Learn more on our Children, Youth, & Families page.
What should I wear?
You’ll see people at St. John’s on Sunday mornings dressed in their finest, and others wearing jeans. We’re interested in you, not what you wear!
Where can I park?
St. John’s has two parking lots—one on the north (front) side of our property, along Farmington Avenue, and the other on the south (back) side of the property. There are additional parallel-parking spaces (including two handicapped spaces) along the driveway just outside the big red doors facing Farmington Avenue, and some diagonal spaces along the back of the building (including one handicapped-parking space). All parking on the property can be accessed via our two entrance driveways—one on South Highland Street and one on Farmington Avenue. You may also park on neighborhood streets; please observe all parking rules and signs.
Is your building accessible?
Yes. There is an accessible ramped entrance on the back (south) side of the church building, and another ramp leading to the red doors (Farmington Avenue side of the church property) that lead into the church. The nave, education wing, parish hall, parish office, and most meeting rooms are on the accessible main level. There is an elevator to access rooms in the basement, and accessible restrooms on the main level. The church has hearing assistive devices, a wheelchair, and a walker for visitors to use as needed; speak to an usher or one of the clergy if you need this or any other assistance.
How can I find out more about programs and events?
The Get Involved page of the web site features an event listing and information on the many ways you can become more involved in parish life. The Sunday bulletin serves as a weekly newsletter; we encourage you to take it home the next time you attend a service so you can read through the announcements. You can find online versions of each week’s bulletin here. We also send out a weekly e-newsletter; sign up for it here.
If I can’t make it to church, can I access sermons and services online?
Yes! For each 10:30 Sunday service, as well as special services (Evensong, funerals, etc.) we post a livestream video of the service, which you can watch in real time as the service happens, or any time after. We also post the service bulletin. Sunday evening Celtic services are not livestreamed because they are held in the parish hall, rather than in the church where the livestream cameras are located. You can find links to livestream videos and worship bulletins on our main Service Previews & Livestreams page.
