Ceremonies
Communion: Do you use wine or grape juice?
We use wine. If you wish, allow the chalice bearer to “intinct” (dip) the Communion wafer into a small amount of wine, and not to drink from the cup. Those who want to receive bread but not wine simply cross their arms in front of their chests after they receive the bread, and may by-pass the cup of wine altogether.
Holy Eucharist...What does it mean?
Eucharist is the term Episcopalians use for Holy Communion. Eucharist means thanksgiving, and the Holy Eucharist is a Feast of Thanksgiving. During the Eucharist we express our gratitude for and remembrance of the love of God for us expressed in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, and we receive many spiritual benefits, such as forgiveness, strengthening of our relationship with Christ and with one another, and spiritual nourishment.
Communion: Who may receive Communion at St. John’s?
All baptized Christians are welcome to receive Holy Communion in any Episcopal Church. You need not be an Episcopalian. Because some denominations do not permit their members to receive Holy Communion in churches outside of their denomination, you should check with your own pastor if you are uncertain.
HOLY EUCHARIST
Weddings
How can I have my Wedding at
St. John Chrysostom Episcopal Church?
Who May Be Married in the Episcopal Church?
At least one party in the marriage must be a baptized Christian. If you have been
previously married, the Priest who is counseling you must obtain permission to
perform the marriage from the Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Los Angeles. You
will be asked to present copies of all final divorce or annulment decrees. A twicedivorced
person who wishes to be remarried in the Church must consult with the
Priest and meet additional criteria of the Diocese.
Getting Started
Your initial contact will be with a member of the clergy, who will guide your further
arrangements. Your desired date of availability will be checked and confirmed as soon as possible. To contact one of our clergy, please call the Church Office at
949.888.4595 or email us here. Please keep in mind that weddings are not performed from Ash Wednesday through Easter and that scheduled church activities always take precedent. Weddings are usually scheduled for Saturdays, with the rehearsal taking place on the prior evening. The first priority of available dates will be given to active St. John's Church members; however, members may not preempt a date that has been confirmed.
The Celebration and Blessing of a Marriage in the Church
In the Episcopal Church, the Sacrament of Marriage is one of the most important
steps in human life. May God bless both of you in your journey as you plan a wedding
day worthy of your commitment to one another.
CONFIRMATION
Each year we provide classes to assist people new to the Episcopal Church and adults who are ready to reaffirm their Baptismal covenant formally through the Sacrament of Confirmation. Classes include a study of the Sacraments, exploration of the Book of Common Prayer, Anglican History and Episcopal Church Polity (government).
Youth Confirmation:
“In the course of their Christian development, those baptized at an early age are expected, when they are ready and have been duly prepared, to make a mature public affirmation of their faith and commitment to the responsibilities of their Baptism and to receive the laying on of hands by the Bishop.”
Annually, youth of St. John’s in grades 9 and higher are invited to become candidates for Confirmation in the Episcopal Church. Candidates for Confirmation are paired with an adult mentor and together they embark on a nine lesson program called Keeping the Promise.
BAPTISM
Holy Baptism: “Holy Baptism is full initiation by water and the Holy Spirit into Christ’s Body, the Church” (Book of Common Prayer, p. 298). We offer baptism for infants, children and adults.
For more information, please click here to contact Rebecca Swartz in the Church Office.
Funerals
Almighty God, with whom still live the spirits of those who die in the Lord, and with whom the souls of the faithful are in joy and felicity: We give you heartfelt thanks for the good examples of all your servants, who, having finished their course in faith, now find rest and refreshment. May we, with all who have died in the true faith of your holy Name, have perfect fulfillment and bliss in your eternal and everlasting glory; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.