Religious Programs
• Baptism
• Confirmation
• Christian Witness
and Burial
• Christian Education 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.
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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 is offered annually for adults (usually
in the winter/spring) for those 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.
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Christian Burial
- 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 for immediate support and requests that when death
appears likely, or immediately following the death of a church member,
that s/he be called.
End of life
Planning – Please file your plans and wishes with the Parish Office, as
well as with members of your 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.
Donations - 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.
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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.
Nursery and Sunday
School Program– Please contact Joyce Kern at 908-464-4875 ext. 116 for
nursery, pre-school, and programs for grades 1-5.
Adult Study Groups
- Call 908 464-4875 ext. 110 for more information.
·
Bible Study: Currently we have three small Bible Study
groups. Two different groups meet biweekly on Wednesday mornings and
afternoons. The third group is a seasonal men's Bible Study, and meets on a
weeknight. Please see our calendar on the website, or call the Parish Office
to obtain the current schedule of these groups.
·
Forums: 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.
·
Lenten Study: Annual Lenten Study meets weekly in the
evenings during Lent.
·
Other study and book groups gather according to interest.
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