Welcome Newcomer to St. John's

Frequently Asked Questions

What time is worship?

The 8:00 am service is a  Eucharist (Communion) with no music.
The 10:30 am service is a  Eucharist (Communion) with music.

What is the Holy Eucharist?
Holy Eucharist is the sacrament commanded by Jesus Christ for the continual remembrance of his life, death, and resurrection.  The symbols in the Eucharist are bread and wine.  Other names by which this service is known are the Lord’s Supper, Holy Communion, and Mass.

Do I have to be baptized or confirmed to participate in Holy Eucharist?
You should be baptized in any Christian faith to receive the sacrament at St. John's.

How do I make communion?
Following those in front of you, kneel at the communion rail with your right hand over your left.  The priest will come with a wafer.  You may eat the wafer then drink the wine from  the chalice, or you may hold the wafer and dip it into the wine in the chalice.  Both ways are completely acceptable.

Do I have to make communion?
No.  You may either remain in the pew or come to the rail for a blessing.  To receive a blessing, simply cross your arms over your chest.

How old do children have to be to receive bread and wine (Holy Eucharist)?
A child of any age that has been baptized.  Some families have waited until a certain age; others have permitted their young ones make communion.  The youngest may not want any wine!  If your child is not prepared to make communion, it is as easy as shaking your head or having the child cross this or her arms over the chest and receive a blessing.

When and where is Sunday School?
Sunday School for the children and youth is held at 9:30.  

Where do I find out more about Sunday School and whom should I contact?
Information about Sunday School is on the website but can also be obtained from the Church Office (826-2611).

Is there a dress code or dress expectation?
No.   All are welcome regardless of dress.  During the summer, the dress is much more casual.  The church is not air-conditioned.

Where is the room to take crying babies or children?
We don’t have one in particular, but if you feel your young one is causing a distraction, you may take him or her downstairs for a moment.  We welcome parishioners of all ages in the church.

What do we call the clergy?
Father , Reverend or Pastor

What are the colors of the altar linens and stoles on the clergy?
The colors signify the different liturgical seasons of the Episcopal Church.

When do we sit and when do we kneel?
Follow those around you!  Different parishes have different standards for sitting, standing, and kneeling.  There is never a judgmental eye for those who are not doing as the rest are doing, so be comfortable as you worship.  If you are unable to stand or kneel, you may stay seated.

What is the difference between the red book and the blue book?
The red book is The Book of Common Prayer from which the service material is said.  The blue book is The Hymnal from which the hymns are sung.  A second hymnal, Lift Every Voice and Sing II, is also used at times.

Is there a suggested amount to put in the offering?
Not at all.  It is give as you wish.

At the service giving plates are circulated through the pews by the ushers.

Can anyone be married in the Episcopal Church?
To be married at St. John's  you must be an active member of this parish.  Contact the Church Office (826-2611) for more information.

What is the difference between a memorial service and a funeral?
For a funeral, the remains of the decedent are present.  A memorial service is held without those remains.  The liturgy used is the same at both, however.

Is there a class I can attend to find out more about St John's and the Episcopal Church, even if I'm not sure if I want to join?
Not at this time but please attend worship with us or by calling the office (826-2611)

    Those Unable to Attend Church

Those individuals who are unable to attend church on Sundays may call the office at

(610) 826-2611. Nearby parishioners may be able to offer assistance in transportation.

The Pastoral Care Commission distributes greeting cards on milestone Birthdays, Get Well, Bereavement, Baptismal, Wedding, Christmas and Easter with a vision of keeping all members, whether able to attend services or not, involved as continuing members of our common life. St. John's also sends out our monthly bulletin to our shut-in members.

Clergy and lay Eucharistic visitors bring Communion to those unable to attend.

For information, call Margo Ashner at (610) 826-2611.

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