Frequently Asked Questions
Questions
(See the answers below)
Beliefs
What do Presbyterians believe?
What is distinctive about the Presbyterian denomination?
General
Why is St. John Presbyterian Church, a Protestant church, named "St." John?
What is the history/background of St. John Presbyterian Church?
What is the mission of St. John Presbyterian Church?
Worship
What can I expect when I come to your church on Sunday morning?
Is your church theologically "evangelical"? middle-of-the-road? progressive?
Are children welcome?
What kind of clothes do people wear to worship at St. John?
How many members does your church have?
What special worship services do you have during the year?
Can non-members and children partake in Communion?
Can I have my child baptized at John?
How do you baptize new members?
How can I become a member of St. John?
Music
How big is your choir? What kind of music does it sing?
Do you have a handbell choir?
Do you have a choir director?
Programs
What programs does St. John have?
Do you have a prayer group or program?
Weddings
I want to have a wedding at your church. How do I arrange that?
What are the requirements? fees?
Is it possible to have another minister officiate at a wedding at St. John?
Facilities
What unique facilities does St. John have?
Parking
What parking space is available near your church?
What other questions do you have?
Answers
Beliefs
What do Presbyterians believe?
See the denomination's Web site “Presbyterian 101,” a general guide to facts about the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)
Also read articles about Presbyterian beliefs from A to W (Angels–Worship)
What is distinctive about the Presbyterian denomination?
See the denomination's Web site “Presbyterian 101”
General
Why is St. John Presbyterian Church, a Protestant church, named "St." John?
The St. John name was taken at the time of the merger of First Presbyterian Church and Hutchinson Memorial Church in New Albany and refers to the John 17:11, “that we may all be one.” In the King James Version, John is titled “The Gospel According to St. John.”
What is the history or background of St. John?
See our History page of this Web site.
What is the mission of St. John Presbyterian Church?
See our Mission page of this Web site.
Worship
What can I expect when I come to your church on Sunday morning?
See a sample bulletin of worship at the bottom of this Web page
Worship at St. John includes music, singing, praying, a children’s message, readings from the Bible, and a sermon that is a reflection on the Bible.
Worship includes a variety of music styles, from classical to contemporary and praise music, with organ or piano accompaniment. Occasionally other instruments are also used, such as guitar, flute and handbells.
Is your church theologically "evangelical"? middle-of-the-road? progressive?
We don’t believe labels like these are helpful. As in many Presbyterian churches, some members are more conservative than others. We are respectful of all points of view.
Are children welcome?
Yes. We love and value children and enjoy their presence in worship. In addition to Sunday school classes before church, nursery and child care are provided during morning worship services for parents who choose to use those services. A “Time with Young Worshipers” (children’s sermon) is included in the service before children are excused for an “enrichment” program. Once a month children are invited to remain in the worship service, and if their parents wish, to participate in the Lord’s Supper (communion). Children and young people usually assist in the service leadership.
What kind of clothes do people wear to worship at St. John?
Most people wear “business casual” clothing, although some men dress in suits and ties.
How many members does your church have?
St. John is a small congregation with an average worship attendance of 75. This size means that we can know and care for each other well in our worship, fellowship and activities. There is room for you at St. John!
What special worship services do you have during the year?
Communion services once a month, Ash Wednesday, Maundy Thursday, Easter, Christmas Eve, occasional special services such as a “Compassionate Friends” service in December for those whose children have died. The seasons of Advent, Lent and Pentecost are observed.
Can non-members and children partake in Communion?
Yes, all are welcome. Children may participate with their parents’ approval.
Can I have my child baptized at John?
The baptism of members’ children is a part of a congregational service of worship. It is a service of commitment by parents and the congregation.
How do you baptize new members?
Normally Presbyterian baptism is by “sprinkling,” but other methods of baptism are recognized and practiced upon request.
How can I become a member of St. John?
If you wish to join St. John, speak with the pastor to express your interest. Membership in a Presbyterian congregation ordinarily requires some instruction about being Presbyterian and about the particular church, as well as the approval of the session (governing board of the congregation). If you are a member of another congregation, the church office will request a transfer of membership for you; if you have been a member elsewhere but have not been an active participant in a congregation, you can be received by reaffirmation of faith. If you have never made a public declaration of Christian faith, you will be received by profession of faith.
Music
How big is your choir? What kind of music does it sing?
St. John’s volunteer choir usually numbers 10–11 and sings a variety of music, accompanied by piano or organ. The choir welcomes new singers.
Do you have a handbell choir?
Yes. The handbell choir plays once each month.
Do you have a choir director?
St. John has a part-time director of music who directs an adult voice choir and a bell choir.
Programs
What programs does St. John have?
See the Activities page of this Web site [LINK]
We offer Sunday school classes for children and adults, Presbyterian Women’s circles, “Wednesday Nite Live” for neighborhood children, a weekday “Ladies Day Out” fellowship/service group, a “Thoughtful Christians” Sunday evening study/discussion group.
Do you have a prayer group or program?
St. John has an e-mail and a telephone Prayer Tree through which special concerns are prayed for, and an “Undershepherd” program in which every member or household of the congregation is prayed for every day. Each Sunday morning participants in the worship service are invited to share their own prayer requests.
Weddings
I want to have a wedding at your church. How do I arrange that?
E-mail or telephone the pastor or church: stjohnpres@sbcglobal.net; tel. (812) 945-3531
What are the requirements? Fees?
See “Your wedding at St. John"
Is it possible to have another minister officiate at a wedding at St. John?
Except in unusual circumstances, St. John’s pastor officiates at weddings at St. John. Other ministers may be invited to participate in the service.
Facilities
What unique facilities does St. John have?
The family center wing includes a gym and an exercise room. We have a beautiful, historic sanctuary and organ
Parking
What parking space is available near your church?
St. John as two parking lots, one behind the church with an entrance on Elm Street, and one to the east of the church. Street parking is also available.
What other questions do you have?
E-mail or telephone the pastor or church: stjohnpres@sbcglobal.net; tel. (812) 945-3531
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
SAMPLE Bulletin
St. John Presbyterian Church
New Albany, Indiana
GATHERING AROUND THE WORD
Prelude
Call to Worship
One: Holy One, we give you praise and honor.
All: You have been our dwelling place in all generations.
One: We give you praise and honor.
All: Before the mountains were brought forth,
or ever you had formed the earth and the word,
One: from everlasting to everlasting, you are God.
All: We give you praise and honor
*Hymn
*Prayer of Confession
(A time of silent prayer)
One: O God, we ask you to help us to be truthful in this time of prayer
All: Enable us to look deeply into ourselves so that we can acknowledge our mistakes, our failures, our sin; and so that we can remember
our capacity for faithfulness and creativity.
One: We have allowed ourselves to be less than you created us to be.
All: Forgive us our timidity.
One: We have acted as if we could control everything that happens.
All: Forgive us our arrogance.
One: We ask your help in letting go of all that separates us from you and divides us from one another.
All: restore us to wholeness, O God. Amen!
*Gloria, Gloria [response]
*Passing the Peace
*Welcome to Visitors; Ritual of Friendship
PROCLAIMING THE WORD
Anthem
Prayer for Illumination
Scripture
Response: One: Here ends the reading.
May God bless our understanding of these words.
All: Amen.
Hymn: "All Things Bright and Beautiful" refrain
as the children come forward
A Time with Young Worshipers [children's sermon]
Hymn: "I Sing a Song of the Saints of God," verse 1
as the children leave for Enrichment or rejoin their parents in the pews
Scripture
Response: One: Through these ancient words treasured by the community of faith,
God speaks still. These words are true and may be trusted.
May God bless our understanding of these words.
All: Thanks be to God!
Sermon
RESPONDING TO THE WORD
*Affirmation of Faith
[Apostles' Creed or excerpt from another creed such as the Declaration of Faith, written out in the bulletin]
*Hymn
Prayers of the People
In response to prayers, please join in saying:
One: God, in your mercy,
All: Hear our prayer.
The Lord's Prayer
[written out in the bulletin]
Offertory
*Doxology
*Prayer of Dedication
FOLLOWING AND BEARING THE WORD INTO THE WORLD
* Hymn
* Benediction
* Benediction Response: "Send Me, Jesus"
Send me, Jesus, send me, Jesus, send me, Jesus, send me, Lord.
Lead me, Jesus, lead me, Jesus, lead me, Jesus, lead me, Lord.
Fill me, Jesus, fill me, Jesus, fill me, Jesus, fill me, Lord.
Send me, Jesus, send me, Jesus, send me, Jesus, send me, Lord.
Postlude
*All who are able may stand.
(See the answers below)
Beliefs
What do Presbyterians believe?
What is distinctive about the Presbyterian denomination?
General
Why is St. John Presbyterian Church, a Protestant church, named "St." John?
What is the history/background of St. John Presbyterian Church?
What is the mission of St. John Presbyterian Church?
Worship
What can I expect when I come to your church on Sunday morning?
Is your church theologically "evangelical"? middle-of-the-road? progressive?
Are children welcome?
What kind of clothes do people wear to worship at St. John?
How many members does your church have?
What special worship services do you have during the year?
Can non-members and children partake in Communion?
Can I have my child baptized at John?
How do you baptize new members?
How can I become a member of St. John?
Music
How big is your choir? What kind of music does it sing?
Do you have a handbell choir?
Do you have a choir director?
Programs
What programs does St. John have?
Do you have a prayer group or program?
Weddings
I want to have a wedding at your church. How do I arrange that?
What are the requirements? fees?
Is it possible to have another minister officiate at a wedding at St. John?
Facilities
What unique facilities does St. John have?
Parking
What parking space is available near your church?
What other questions do you have?
Answers
Beliefs
What do Presbyterians believe?
See the denomination's Web site “Presbyterian 101,” a general guide to facts about the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)
Also read articles about Presbyterian beliefs from A to W (Angels–Worship)
What is distinctive about the Presbyterian denomination?
See the denomination's Web site “Presbyterian 101”
General
Why is St. John Presbyterian Church, a Protestant church, named "St." John?
The St. John name was taken at the time of the merger of First Presbyterian Church and Hutchinson Memorial Church in New Albany and refers to the John 17:11, “that we may all be one.” In the King James Version, John is titled “The Gospel According to St. John.”
What is the history or background of St. John?
See our History page of this Web site.
What is the mission of St. John Presbyterian Church?
See our Mission page of this Web site.
Worship
What can I expect when I come to your church on Sunday morning?
See a sample bulletin of worship at the bottom of this Web page
Worship at St. John includes music, singing, praying, a children’s message, readings from the Bible, and a sermon that is a reflection on the Bible.
Worship includes a variety of music styles, from classical to contemporary and praise music, with organ or piano accompaniment. Occasionally other instruments are also used, such as guitar, flute and handbells.
Is your church theologically "evangelical"? middle-of-the-road? progressive?
We don’t believe labels like these are helpful. As in many Presbyterian churches, some members are more conservative than others. We are respectful of all points of view.
Are children welcome?
Yes. We love and value children and enjoy their presence in worship. In addition to Sunday school classes before church, nursery and child care are provided during morning worship services for parents who choose to use those services. A “Time with Young Worshipers” (children’s sermon) is included in the service before children are excused for an “enrichment” program. Once a month children are invited to remain in the worship service, and if their parents wish, to participate in the Lord’s Supper (communion). Children and young people usually assist in the service leadership.
What kind of clothes do people wear to worship at St. John?
Most people wear “business casual” clothing, although some men dress in suits and ties.
How many members does your church have?
St. John is a small congregation with an average worship attendance of 75. This size means that we can know and care for each other well in our worship, fellowship and activities. There is room for you at St. John!
What special worship services do you have during the year?
Communion services once a month, Ash Wednesday, Maundy Thursday, Easter, Christmas Eve, occasional special services such as a “Compassionate Friends” service in December for those whose children have died. The seasons of Advent, Lent and Pentecost are observed.
Can non-members and children partake in Communion?
Yes, all are welcome. Children may participate with their parents’ approval.
Can I have my child baptized at John?
The baptism of members’ children is a part of a congregational service of worship. It is a service of commitment by parents and the congregation.
How do you baptize new members?
Normally Presbyterian baptism is by “sprinkling,” but other methods of baptism are recognized and practiced upon request.
How can I become a member of St. John?
If you wish to join St. John, speak with the pastor to express your interest. Membership in a Presbyterian congregation ordinarily requires some instruction about being Presbyterian and about the particular church, as well as the approval of the session (governing board of the congregation). If you are a member of another congregation, the church office will request a transfer of membership for you; if you have been a member elsewhere but have not been an active participant in a congregation, you can be received by reaffirmation of faith. If you have never made a public declaration of Christian faith, you will be received by profession of faith.
Music
How big is your choir? What kind of music does it sing?
St. John’s volunteer choir usually numbers 10–11 and sings a variety of music, accompanied by piano or organ. The choir welcomes new singers.
Do you have a handbell choir?
Yes. The handbell choir plays once each month.
Do you have a choir director?
St. John has a part-time director of music who directs an adult voice choir and a bell choir.
Programs
What programs does St. John have?
See the Activities page of this Web site [LINK]
We offer Sunday school classes for children and adults, Presbyterian Women’s circles, “Wednesday Nite Live” for neighborhood children, a weekday “Ladies Day Out” fellowship/service group, a “Thoughtful Christians” Sunday evening study/discussion group.
Do you have a prayer group or program?
St. John has an e-mail and a telephone Prayer Tree through which special concerns are prayed for, and an “Undershepherd” program in which every member or household of the congregation is prayed for every day. Each Sunday morning participants in the worship service are invited to share their own prayer requests.
Weddings
I want to have a wedding at your church. How do I arrange that?
E-mail or telephone the pastor or church: stjohnpres@sbcglobal.net; tel. (812) 945-3531
What are the requirements? Fees?
See “Your wedding at St. John"
Except in unusual circumstances, St. John’s pastor officiates at weddings at St. John. Other ministers may be invited to participate in the service.
Facilities
What unique facilities does St. John have?
The family center wing includes a gym and an exercise room. We have a beautiful, historic sanctuary and organ
Parking
What parking space is available near your church?
St. John as two parking lots, one behind the church with an entrance on Elm Street, and one to the east of the church. Street parking is also available.
What other questions do you have?
E-mail or telephone the pastor or church: stjohnpres@sbcglobal.net; tel. (812) 945-3531
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
SAMPLE Bulletin
St. John Presbyterian Church
New Albany, Indiana
GATHERING AROUND THE WORD
Prelude
Call to Worship
One: Holy One, we give you praise and honor.
All: You have been our dwelling place in all generations.
One: We give you praise and honor.
All: Before the mountains were brought forth,
or ever you had formed the earth and the word,
One: from everlasting to everlasting, you are God.
All: We give you praise and honor
*Hymn
*Prayer of Confession
(A time of silent prayer)
One: O God, we ask you to help us to be truthful in this time of prayer
All: Enable us to look deeply into ourselves so that we can acknowledge our mistakes, our failures, our sin; and so that we can remember
our capacity for faithfulness and creativity.
One: We have allowed ourselves to be less than you created us to be.
All: Forgive us our timidity.
One: We have acted as if we could control everything that happens.
All: Forgive us our arrogance.
One: We ask your help in letting go of all that separates us from you and divides us from one another.
All: restore us to wholeness, O God. Amen!
*Gloria, Gloria [response]
*Passing the Peace
*Welcome to Visitors; Ritual of Friendship