Spiritual Growth & Discipleship

Baptismal Counseling

Baptism is the Sacrament of Initiation. We are brought into the Body of Christ, the Church, through a baptism with water (sprinkling, pouring, or emersion) and the power of the words “In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit,” as Jesus had commanded. Baptism is a choice declaring that we seek to be raised by the values and principles of the faith and to live the servant model as Christ demonstrated. 

An appointment with the rector should be made for this counseling at least three months prior to the scheduled event.

Infant Baptism is a common practice as parents and sponsors (godparents) commit to raising the child in the faith until they are of age as young adults (teenagers) to take on the responsibility for themselves. That is where the rite of Confirmation comes in, and where the young people “confirm” the baptismal vows parents took for them and now independently pronounce them for their own life.

Pre-baptismal counseling is required to prepare individuals and family with an understanding of the commitment they are making. The promises made in the sacramental rite (Book of Common Prayer, “Holy Baptism,” pages 302-305) are reviewed and discussed. 

Baptisms are typically scheduled on “Christ feast days” with the chief time being the Easter Vigil. Other times are the Baptism of Our Lord (First Sunday after the Epiphany in January), All Saints Sunday (around or on November 1), and Pentecost Sunday (the end of May or early June). 

Confirmation/Episcopal 101

  Through the years, formal confirmation classes for teens has fallen by the way side. However, they are very much alive for adults of all ages (and for that occasional teen!). 

Who is this class for?

From life-long Episcopalians who want a refresher course to the person new to Christianity as a seeker – this is a class for you!

• Are you new to the Episcopal Church? 

• Are you planning to be married? 

• Are you wishing for a baptism? 

• Are you wishing to have your child baptized? 

• Are you looking to become an Episcopalian? 

• Want to be a member of St. John’s Church? 

• Are you looking to review what the Episcopal Church believes and teaches?

• Or, just seeking to understand more about being a believer and follower of Christ?

During the Season of Lent, or the Easter Season, the rector teaches a multiple weeklong evening program on Wednesday evenings called Episcopal 101. We make use of the Dennis Maynard book: Those Episkopols. (If purchasing make sure to get the most recent edition. We do make these books available in class for you to purchase.)

How to Become a Member

 We invite you to simply begin by attending worship services and come to the Coffee Hour that follows. This is a very inclusive and loving community that will make you feel welcome. Through these interactions we want you to feel free to ask questions and become better acquainted with the parish. The rector is always open to have scheduled, private conversations. We are a denomination that wants you to bring “your brain to church” and feel free to ask your questions.

In addition to social events, we also offer many education opportunities with Bible Study or book studies, as well as avenues for volunteer service work. Please feel free to explore these options listed on our web site, or with your attendance.

New Members are encouraged to attend the annual Episcopal 101 class, which not only will be quite informative, but offers an opportunity to get to know a diverse group of people and start creating a sense of community. Members are formally received with the annual visit of our Bishop. 

There are multiple ways that new members come to us. If you are coming from another Episcopal church, it is simply having a Letter of Transfer come from you initiating that transfer from your previous church. Or our office could send a letter in your name requesting the transfer as you would supply the specific details to make such a request.

For those who have never been baptized, a baptism arranged with he rector should take place prior to the Bishop’s visit. The Bishop’s visit would formalize you becoming a member with the Rite of Confirmation.

 If you are coming from another denomination, we will need a baptismal record, and after attending the Episcopal 101 Class, you would be received formally by the bishop with the Rite of Reception (which is based on the Baptismal Rite). If you have been lapsed for some time and are seeking to be restored as a believer, after attending the Episcopal 101 Class, you would be received by the Bishop with the Rite of Affirmation of Baptism.