Religious Programs
Baptism
Confirmation
Christian Burial
Christian Education
Bible Study for Adults
Baptism
- Call 908 464-4875 for more information.
Baptism is the sacrament of the Christian
Church by which God adopts us as children of God and makes
us members of Christ's body, the Church. While people of
all ages are welcome to receive this sacrament, many people
in the Episcopal Church present their infants or small children
for baptism. In presenting a child for the sacrament, the
parent(s) are promising to raise their child in the Christian
faith and life and that by their example to help their child
grow into the full stature of Christ.
By affirming their intention to raise
their child to know and follow Christ, they are making a
commitment to be actively involved in the faith community.
Baptism is not a sacrament whereby God miraculously or mysteriously
loves the child by protecting him/her from all evil forces.
One does not need Baptism to receive God's love. That love
is already given, and it is unconditional.
Baptism is administered within the context
of our worship services on designated Sundays. Periodically
throughout the year, the rector meets with the parents of
children being baptized for instruction and as part of church
ministries. We believe instruction is key to understanding
the sacrament and we encourage parents to sign up for one
of the rector's classes well before the date of the scheduled
baptism.
If you would like to be baptized or have
your child baptized, please download and submit the following
form to the rector.
HONORARIA. In lieu of an honorarium for
the clergy, the rector suggests parents make a contribution
to St. Andrew's Discretionary Fund in thanksgiving for the
birth of their child and his/her new life in Christ and
in the Christian community.
Confirmation
Confirmation is making the mature, public affirmation of
one’s faith and commitment to the responsibilities of
Baptism and receiving the laying-on of hands by the bishop.
(See page 413 in The Book of Common Prayer for the
service.)
Confirmation Class is offered annually to both adults and
teenagers who have previously been baptized.
Teens: The next scheduled Confirmation Class for
teenagers will be led by the Rector. Usually the
confirmation service is held in the spring. For exact
dates, please contact the Parish Office 908-464-4875.
Our
middle school and high school youth are encouraged to enroll
in our Sunday classes in the Rite 13 and Journey to
Adulthood program. This program segues into confirmation
class, usually by age 14 or 15. Our desire is to delay
confirmation until high school, thereby strengthening the
education and community we are able to offer our youth.
Adults: An Inquirer’s Class/Confirmation Class will be
offered as well in the new year (dates to be announced), for
adults wishing to be confirmed or received into the
Episcopal Church from another Christian denomination, and
for those who desire to simply learn more about the
Episcopal faith traditions. One also may choose to reaffirm
his or her baptismal vows at the confirmation service.
Confirmation and Inquirer’s classes focus on the history of
the Church, the history of St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church,
the Bible, the Prayer Book, the Catechism, the Creeds, the
Sacraments, the Hymnal, the Church Seasons, and Church
Symbols, among other topics.
Christian Burial – Please call 908 464-4875 ext. 120
to speak to the Rector.
When Death Occurs. Our clergy, staff, and
congregation are here to assist you and your family during
the trying times when death occurs. The Rector is available
twenty-four hours and requests that when death appears
likely, or immediately following the death of a church
member, that she be called.
End of life Planning – Please file your plans and wishes
with the Parish Office, as well as with members of
immediate family. Your form may be updated at any time.
St. Francis Memorial Garden. St. Andrew's
was one of the first congregations in the United States to
open a Memorial Garden on its grounds for the burial of
cremated remains. People of all faiths are welcome to have
their loved ones interred in the garden.
A
suggested donation sheet is available from the parish
office: tel. 908-464-4875 ext. 110, or email information@standrewschurch.org.
Fees include the cost of providing a wall-mounted plaque and
cover the preparation of the memorial garden site for
graveside services.
Christian Education –Call 908 464-4875 for more
information.
All are encouraged to pursue lifelong
Christian education, to be inquisitive about their
relationship with God, and to explore what God has in store
for them. Education is the doorway to realizing one's
potential as a disciple and what God is calling us to be/do
both individually and collectively as a Christian community.
Bible
Study for Adults - Call 908 464-4875 ext 110 for more information.
·
Currently we have three small Bible Study
groups. Two different groups meet biweekly on Wednesday
mornings and afternoons. The third group is a men's Bible
Study, and meets on a weeknight. Please call the Parish
Office to obtain the current schedule of these groups.
·
Weekly Sunday forums meet directly after the
10 a.m. Service and provide learning on a variety of topics
including the Episcopal Church, the community, writers,
charities, etc.
·
Annual Lenten Study meets weekly in the
evenings during Lent.
·
Other study and book groups gather according
to interest.
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