Episcopal Church - St. John's North Haven, CT
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Parish Life

St. John’s offers many opportunities for involvement and service. Below is a sampling of the many activities for members of all ages. We hope you and your family will get involved in as many as you like. There’s fun and work for everyone!

Youth Activities

Acolyte Guild – This service on the altar is open to young people from grades 4-12. They are encouraged to be part of our liturgy as torchbearers and crucifers at the 10 a.m. Sunday service. 

High School Youth Group – This active group is for students in grades 9-12. They meet every other week at 9 a.m. for their study of “Journey to Adulthood.” They also plan what outreach and social activities interest them as a group. Past projects include helping at the Ronald McDonald House, hosting the state Senior High Overnight, and planning a fall pilgrimage. There is also a mission trip on tap for next year.

Junior Choir – This group of children in grades 3 and up practice and perform for services two or three times each year under the direction of Jeremy Hutchins, our organist and choir director. For further information, contact him at jhutchins@stjohns-northhaven.org.

Middle School Youth Group – For students in grades 6-8, this youth group meets weekly at 9 a.m. for their portion of the “Journey to Adulthood” program. They then decide on outreach and social programs. From helping with the younger children during the Fall Fair to packing food for the Midnight Run program, they assist in a number of areas. But the social aspects aren't neglected, either. For further information on either the Middle School or High School youth groups, contact Michele Kearney at mkearney@stjohns-northhaven.org.

For Adults

Altar Guild – Guild members are responsible for preparing and maintaining the altar linens, hangings, brassware, and Eucharistic vessels for all regular and special occasion services at St. John’s.

Brotherhood of St. Andrew – This is a men’s group focusing on service, study, and prayer. It is open to all male parishioners.

Building and Grounds Committee – This group oversees and assists in the maintenance of the church building and grounds. We can always use more hands.

Choir – This group of men and women rehearses every Thursday evening and performs at the 10 a.m. Sunday service (except during the summer months) and at special worship services.  New members are always most welcome.

Education for Ministry – This is a program of theological education-at-a-distance of the School of Theology of the University of the South. Students sign up one year at a time for this four-year program. It covers the basics of a theological education in the Old and New Testaments, church history, liturgy, and theology. Students meet regularly, usually once a week, in seminars under the guidance of trained mentors. (Education for Ministries )

Episcopal Church Women – This organization represents all the women in the parish. Their various activities include hosting fairs, special events and fundraisers to support both parish ministries and the work of social service agencies.

Fellowship Committee – These members host receptions for special parish events.

Liturgical Assistants and Lectors – These lay members serve at all worship services. Their duties include reading, leading the prayers of the people, and assisting in administering communion.

Lay Eucharistic Ministers – This group is also made up of volunteers who have been licensed by the Bishop to administer communion to the sick and shut-ins who cannot attend worship services.

Martha Ministry – These volunteers serve occasional meals to temporarily home-bound parishioners. They also coordinate and serve at funeral receptions for parishioners and non-parishioners alike.

Newcomer/Community Relations Committee – This group works to welcome all who come through the doors of St. John’s by providing information regarding the church. They also reach out to the community to inform about all that St. John’s has to offer.

Social Events – Throughout the year, joins together to have fun and fellowship through social events, such as a Mardi Gras celebration, parish picnic, or lemonade on the lawn. These events help us to know each other better and share with one another.

Stephen Ministry – Those participating in this ministry are caregivers who listen to and support people in need of one-on-one attention. They often work with those suffering from an illness and with shut-ins.

Ushers – This busy band greets and assists worshipers as they arrive for services, distributing the weekly leaflets as well as collecting and presenting the weekly offering.