Welcome to St. John’s. Whether you are new to the faith or a lifelong Episcopalian, we hope the following questions and answers will provide you with the information you need to feel comfortable here. When it's your time to find your spiritual home, we hope you will join us on Sunday morning and find peace.

Q:   Who are we?

A:   We are a group of people united by our faith and friendship. We are from all walks of life, young and old, poor and rich, suffering and blessed. As Christians, we are the hands and feet, and especially the face of Jesus in our world. In 1893 Mr. & Mrs. George Bliss gave us this building "for the worship of Almighty God, Father, Son and the Holy Spirit". We strive to respect their wishes and our heritage by preserving their gift for future generations.

Q:   What are your Sunday services like? What should I know before I go through the door?

A:   Service leaflets (programs) are given by the greeting usher as you enter. If you sit in a pew near the middle, you can see the folks in front, and follow their lead. We use the leaflet, follow the historic order of worship in the Book of Common Prayer (BCP) and we sing with the hymnal (The Hymnal 1982). Don’t worry if you lose your place; it happens to all of us sometimes.

We have two services (except in the summer, when we come together for one blended service). The early service is spoken and attended by mostly adults and a few babies. Our later service which includes music with the choir and organ has Sunday school for children and is a mixture of families, seniors, singles and college students. There are activities between the services and hot coffee from 9 to noon.

Q:   What does St. John's offer for my children?

A:   We have programs for all age groups from pre-kindergarten to senior high school. Details are found elsewhere on this web site and in the "Programs for Youth" pamphlet. There is a special place provided at the rear of the nave (where the pews are) for folks with babies or younger children, and they are especially welcome at the early service.

Q:   I am new to the Northampton area. How is St. John’s right for me?

A:   Please take your time to visit other churches in our area, just make sure that you include us! There is a good directory of most of the local churches in the Saturday Daily Hampshire Gazette newspaper. To find out more about us, look for the Visitor Information Packet in the pews and the rest of these FAQs.

Q:   Is St. John’s part of Smith College?

A:   We are the Episcopal Church of Northampton. We have been good neighbors with Smith for more than a century, and while some of us are connected to the college, most of us are not. Our parish includes folks from Northampton, surrounding towns and students within the 5 college area.

Q:   I was raised in a Protestant Church. How is St. John’s right for me?

A:   Because of our independence from the Vatican and our history, organization and worship, many consider Episcopalians as keeping the "middle ground" in Christianity. Established in 1789 with an elected government similar to that of the USA, and with Bishops to maintain the apostolic authority extending to the very beginning of the Christianity, we keep many of the traditions of the early church. All over the world, we share the same liturgy and sacraments as prescribed in the Book of Common Prayer. Please let our rector know if you would like to chat with one of our members who share your Protestant heritage.

Q:   I was raised in a Roman Catholic Church. How is St. John’s right for me?

A:   While independent from the Vatican, we keep many of the traditions of the early church, and our services will seem very familiar. We are both protestant and catholic and feel that we have found the middle ground or "via media". The authority of the church is exercised by bishops, with the guidance of lay and clergy who meet frequently at conventions within our diocese and nationally. Please let our rector know if you would like to chat with one of our members who share your Catholic heritage.

Q:   I have never been a member of a church. How is St. John’s right for me?

A:   All are welcome here. We will welcome and encourage you, not push or prod, and give you as much space as you want or need. You will hear the Gospel - the Good News of Jesus Christ, and you will learn many other things during Sunday worship. We hope you will join us in our Christian faith, and feel drawn to join our parish. It’s pretty normal to visit here for a while before deciding whether St. John’s is right for you. Most folks find the "Foundations of the Episcopal Church" class very special. The important thing is for you to find your faith, your spiritual home, and serve God in whatever ways you feel called.


Q:   I have troubles in my life and fear that I may have lost my faith. Can St. John’s help me?

A:   With God’s help, we will. Please know that many of us have had troubles too, and have found peace and healing here. In Matthew 5:3 and 5:4 we hear the very words of Jesus as he tells his people these truths:

"Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven"
"Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted"


Q:   I’m not sure if I should join in the Sacrament of the Eucharist.

A:　  No matter who you are, or where you are on your journey - you are welcome at the Table of the Lord. Through this Sacrament of Holy Communion we are forgiven and become united with Christ. We come to the table willingly to be renewed in our faith and sustain us in our work in the week ahead. If you are uncomfortable with the Eucharist and prefer a blessing, please come forward with us. Stand or kneel at the altar and cross your arms on your chest to receive a special blessing from the presider.

Q:   As a visitor, I want to give a proper, respectful offering. Can you suggest an amount?

A:   Everyone deals with this in their own way but please don’t let this keep you away from God. We offer our gift to God in gratitude for the blessings we have received. A dollar from one may mean more than a hundred from another.

Q:   I have been visiting and worshiping here for a while and it feels right for me. What do I need to do in order to join this parish?

A:   Welcome! See the "JOINING" page accessible from the menu at the top of each page and chat with our rector.

Q:   I’d like to learn more about the history, heritage and traditions of the Episcopal Church. What resources do you have?

A:   There is a small library in the Cochran Parlor. Several of our members are part time historians, and the rector can recommend who to speak with. We have a great "Foundations of the Episcopal Church" class every fall, and we have a "LINKS" page accessible from the menu at the top of each page.

Q:   I have a thought for a FAQ that might help others. What should I do?

A:   Great! Please let the rector or any of the leadership know of your idea and we will consider it for the next update.