PARISH MINISTRIES

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 Parish Management 

Management at St. John’s is a shared responsibility between the Rector, Executive Committee, Wardens and Vestry. They are assisted in their work with help of lay people working on various committees. The role of the Rector is that of spiritual leader and manager. Additional help is provided including a half time Organist and Music Director, and group of parishioners who volunteer in the parish office.

Vestry

St. John’s Vestry is the lay governing body of the Parish and is responsible for electing the rector. It is comprised of elected Vestry members. Those who serve on the Vestry are diligent and strong supporters of St. John’s future. Each Vestry member devotes a great deal of time to overseeing our financials, maintaining the church property and performing such other duties as may be required for the benefit of the parish. Members are elected to a three-year term. Members are elected for a three-year term, with staggered terms so that four new persons are elected each year .

The word “acolyte” means “follower” or “one who helps.” This rewarding ministry is open to all baptized middle and high school students. Our 4-person teams assist our clergy at the 10:00am service, as well as special services at Christmas, Easter, weddings, funerals, and other times. Serving as an Acolyte gives you the opportunity to participate in the service and to learn more about the history and tradition of our church. These are important and vital roles that are central to our worship at St. John’s, and help to develop a sense of reverence and understanding for the tradition of the Episcopal worship service. Each Acolyte serves about once a month. 

The spiritual development of children and their relationship with God is a journey in progress. St John's children's Christian Education program will continue to embrace the themes of love and service throughout the year. There is always open enrollment from pre-K through to young adults. Sunday mornings at 10:00AM we have Children's Liturgy in the Chapel. They interact with their peers and participating adults in music, song and prayer. Formation classes in the Family Center follow each Liturgy and the children rejoin the congregation in the church at the time of the Peace. Quarterly, we have Youth and Family Sundays, allowing a cross section of the parish to participate individually in the Eucharist service as leaders.

Weekly we present a Biblical/Christian perspective on current issues facing the teens. Through Bible focus, discussions, activities, music, meditations, retreats and outreach, the youth, with strong leadership, continue a journey of growth in the spirit of God.

St Johns Handbell choir is a group that rings recognizable music with melodies and harmony. The bells generally include all notes of the chromatic scale within the range of the set. The bells are typically arranged chromatically. Unlike an orchestra or choir in which each musician is responsible for one line of the texture, a Handbell ensemble acts as one instrument, with each musician responsible for particular notes, sounding his or her assigned bells whenever those notes appear in the music. The Handbell choir plays during Christmas, Pentecost, Easter and and other special events. 

 The mission of the Altar Flowers is to add beauty and enhance worship at St John’s through the addition of flowers and greens. Our members arrange flowers and greens for the main altar in the Sanctuary. We purchase flowers for the weekly arrangements, as well as for Christmas, Easter, and special occasions. Our devoted members graciously and freely give their time and talents toward beautifying St John’s for the glory of God. 

 An important role of the usher is to welcome everyone who comes in the door, making the church member or visitor feel welcome, and helping to make sure that they have what they need for the service – a service bulletin, a copy of the readings. Ushers also keep a count of those attending to assist the parish with its record keeping.

Seeking membership at St. John’s is a very important step. Our goal is to support your understanding of our Parish and its ministries, and to help you find your place in the life of our Church. You may join as a baptized member from another church or by transferring as a confirmed member from another Episcopal church.

With an emphasis on beautiful liturgy and excellence in music, worship at St. John’s provides an opportunity to give thanks and praise to God. 8:00am service (English), Rite I; 10:00am Services (English) , Rite II; 12:noon Service (Spanish); 5:00pm French and Creole Service.  All baptized Christians are welcome to receive Holy Eucharist in the Episcopal Church. .

Just as our lives become more complex and we learn to budget, so does the ministry and work of St. John’s Episcopal Church.  This is why we ask every family to prayerfully express an annual commitment to St. John’s in the form of a pledge.  Pledges, help us to predict the resources that will be available to the Parish over the course of the year. Prayerfully consider what St. John’s means to you and your family and what St. John’s can do for the Bridgeport Community.

During the 10:00am Service, St. John’s holds a healing prayer and lying of the hands for anyone in need of prayer for themselves, friends or family. All interested Parishioners are invited to come and take part, as well as bring anyone else who would like to receive prayer and the laying on of hands.

St. John’s Altar Guild exists to assist  the Rector in preparation of the altar. Members must earnestly dedicate themselves to their work by placing love for Christ above all personal feelings and by working together with the Clergy and fellow members in peace, devotion and loyalty. 

 An active chapter at St. John's, meets the last Sunday of each month. The organization sponsors programs that not only promote socialization through service but also raise funds for outreach projects. They have made donations to local organizations including the Center for Women and Families (formally the YWCA), Bridgeport Hospital, St John's Youth Group, the Community Suppers Program, Church Women United, United Thank Offering and the local Council of Churches. They also support overseas missionary work in the Caribbean and Africa and host receptions following funeral services for parishioners 

St. John’s offers something for everyone. Our music series includes choral groups, instrumental groups. Our remarkable choir is a keystone to the worship experience and is open to both professional singers and those who can carry a tune and like to sing

During the year, an Evensong service is offered which has been greatly received and attended. Another yearly service is the Advent Lessons and Carols. The St Johns Choir is assisted by many other  voices both amateur and professional as well and professional musicians in presenting this service.