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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