Frequently Asked Questions (Everything you need to know!)
Where is St. John’s?
4102 W. Union Hills Dr. in Glendale, AZ 85308. We are located on the corner of 41st Ave. and Union Hills Dr.
What should I wear?
Please come as you are! You will see people here with all different levels of formality in their attire. Some wear suits and dresses, others wear t-shirts and shorts. Most people wear something somewhere in between. Our Rector is known to wear aloha shirts from time to time! Wear what makes you the most comfortable. Remember, Jesus wore sandals!
What time should I be there?
Our services begin at 8 a.m. and 10:15 a.m. on Sundays and at 1 p.m. on Wednesdays. Our holy day worship schedule is updated as appropriate. Many parishioners like to arrive between 10 and 30 minutes before worship to center themselves. Education time takes place between the Sunday services at about 9 a.m. Coffee hour and fellowship time follows our Sunday services. Everyone is invited to come for education time and fellowship time.
Where do I park?
We have two areas for parking that are clearly marked. The entrance to the east parking lot is accessed from 41st Ave. The entrance to the west parking lot is accessed directly from Union Hills Dr. While we’re on the subject, we welcome contributions to our campaign to build a new parking lot. You can make your tax-deductible contribution by clicking here!
Are children welcome at church?
Absolutely! We love to welcome children to our intergenerational worship services! While children are welcome at any of our services, the 10:15 a.m. Sunday service is intentionally intergenerational in nature. Families with children are encouraged to sit near the front of the sanctuary, where they can see what is going on. Children are also welcome to ask the rector any questions they may have. For those who wish to utilize nursery services, a nursery is available beginning at 9 a.m. every Sunday.
Are there opportunities for Christian Education?
Yes! Education is an important piece of our life in faith! Fr. Tim leads a weekly educational program during the program year (September through May, excluding late December and early January). This drop-in course explores a myriad of topics pertinent to the Church in today’s world. Questions are welcomed and encouraged! This gathering takes place in the East Annex (the doors to your left as you pass through the Parish Hall) most weeks, and in the parish library (the doors to the right as you pass through the parish hall) when necessary.
Can I join the St. John’s Choir?
Yes! Please do! We love it when people share their singing talents with the community. We actually have three choirs at St. John’s.
The Joyful Noise Choir meets for rehearsal on Tuesdays at 7 p.m. (Contact Jimmy Diaz for specific dates.)
The St. John’s Choir meets for rehearsal on Thursdays at 7 p.m. (Contact Cynthia Pastula for specific dates).
The St. John’s Praise Band rehearses on Sundays following the 10:15 a.m. service. (Contact Jimmy Diaz for specific dates).
You are welcome to have a conversation with our musicians and our priest if you’d like to share your musical gifts with the choirs.
Where do I go for worship?
Our Sunday and Holy Day worship services take place in our beautiful sanctuary. You will be provided with materials that will help you with your worship experience, and the order of worship is projected on our monitors.
Our Wednesday services take place in the Parish Hall. These are informal healing services with a shared homily. You are welcome at all of our services!
What should I expect at worship services?
Our 8 a.m. service is a spoken service with no singing. There is often instrumental music that helps us to be mindful of the liturgical season and our relationships with God and with each other. While children are welcome at all of our services, there are usually fewer children present at the 8 a.m. service.
Our 10:15 a.m. service can best be described as a sung, intergenerational service. We have music and hymns, and there is frequently a sung setting of some of the prayers.
During both services, you will hear stories from Sacred Scripture, a reading from the Holy Gospel, and a sermon. We will pray the Nicene Creed and then we will pray for the welfare of the Church and the world. We then pray the Eucharistic Prayer together before receiving Communion. At the conclusion of the service, the deacon dismisses us to go out into the world to be the Body of Christ! Then we do it all over again the next week!
What’s the deal with the funny clothing worn by the ministers?
Our ministers, including our lay ministers and clergy, will usually vest in a white robe called an alb. This alb represents our baptismal garment. It is a reminder that all of us are ministers by virtue of our baptism. The deacon wears a stole (a piece of cloth resembling a scarf) over the left shoulder. The priest (or bishop!) wears a stole over both shoulders. These stoles represent their respective offices and roles in ministry. A deacon may sometimes wear a garment with sleeves called a dalmatic. A priest will frequently wear a garment resembling a poncho called a chasuble. These vestments serve as a reminder that we are spending time in a holy, prayerful environment. They also signal to the congregation who is responsible for which parts of the service.
May I receive communion?
Yes! All who seek Jesus are welcome to receive holy communion at St. John’s! Please come forward to the communion rail. You may kneel or stand (please do whichever is most comfortable and meaningful to you). We receive the consecrated bread in our hands, and we take a small sip of wine from the cup. It is not required to receive communion in both kinds. Receiving one or the other alone gives us all the graces of the sacrament! Please let us know if you would like a gluten free piece of communion bread. If you prefer a blessing, please cross your arms in front of your chest. We also are pleased to bring communion to you in your seat if you are unable to come forward. Simply notify an usher. When the bread or wine is presented to you, the appropriate response is Amen. This means, “Yes! I believe Jesus is truly present!”
Do I have to go to confession before I receive communion?
While you may certainly make an appointment with one of our priests if you feel you would benefit from a private act of reconciliation, there is no expectation of this action. We do have a corporate confession of sin, along with an absolution (the priest declares that God forgives us of our sins) during most services. We also believe that the sacrament of the Eucharist brings with it the forgiveness of sin.
Can my children receive communion?
Yes! Your children are encouraged to receive communion at St. John’s! Please know that we do use real bread and real wine in communion. It is acceptable for children to take a very small sip of the consecrated wine. We also can place a small spot of consecrated wine on the lips of an infant. We do not wish to limit the power of God. The Body and Blood of Christ are available to all!
May I sign up to be a server at worship services?
Yes! Please do! Our mission in the Church is to serve as ministers, and a wonderful way to do that is to serve at the altar. We are always in need of people to bake bread, set up and clean up before and after the services, read as lectors, distribute communion as Eucharistic ministers, help welcome people as greeters and ushers, serve the altar as an acolyte, set up and clean up before and after coffee hour, operate our audio/video equipment, and more! Speak with a member of our clergy to become involved. St. John’s is your parish, and you have a role in making sure it runs smoothly!
Why do you take an offering during worship?
We offer to God in thanksgiving for the blessings we have in life. Our offering is freely given, and it comes from a place of gratitude. Our generosity funds our ministries and allows us to keep the building operating. It also pays the salaries of our staff. Unlike some other denominations, parishes in the Episcopal Church are funded exclusively by themselves. Our parish survives because of the generosity of our members.
How can I learn more about St. John’s?
You can’t go wrong if you have a conversation with our parishioners or our clergy. We are happy to answer any questions you may have. You may call our parish office at 623-582-5449 or email us at [email protected]. You may also request a meeting with our clergy. We are happy to make ourselves available.
Can I make a sick call?
Our clergy are available round the clock for emergency pastoral care. Please find our contact information in the parish directory. Non-urgent pastoral care conversations can be made by appointment by contacting the parish office.