St. John's Episcopal Church 200 N. Main St. Mt. Prospect, IL 60056 Telephone 1 847 392 1700 * Fax 1 847 392 0496 The Reverend Scott Barron, Rector

How Do We Serve?

In August 2006 our parish leadership adopted the following Mission Statement: To Feed God's People Body and Soul.

The Church’s Ministers

Q: At St. John’s, who are the ministers?

A: We Episcopalians have long held that the orders (or groups) of ministers include lay persons, bishops, priests, and deacons – in short, every member of the Church. Those included in the three ordained orders have been set apart within the Body of Christ to perform special functions:

♦ Deacons are mentioned in the New Testament. They have special responsibility for the poor and marginalized. Deacons are called to hold up before the congregation Christ’s special ministry with all who are sick, lonely, hungry, or in other kind of need. (And yes, women may be ordained deacons in the Episcopal Church.)

♦ Priests serve as colleagues of the Bishop. The priesthood developed in the Early Church when congregations became too numerous for the bishop to visit every Sunday. The priest tends to the sacramental, pastoral and educational needs of his or her congregation. (And yes, women may be ordained to the Episcopal priesthood!)

♦ Bishops are mentioned in the New Testament and have been a familiar part of the catholic (catholic means universal) Church from the beginning. The bishop is in charge of a geographical diocese (a diocese is a group of congregations), and is called to represent Christ and his Church in the world, particularly as apostle, chief priest, and pastor of his/her diocese. (And yes, in the Episcopal Church women may also serve as bishops!)

Q: So, then, what is the ministry of lay people?

A: It is important to recognize that the ministry of the three ordained orders rests on the solid foundation of lay ministry, which comes to each and every one of us by means of our baptism. In baptism, even as infants, we are ordained as ministers of the gospel, and are given gifts (or skills) by the Holy Spirit for that purpose. Different people receive different gifts, but all these gifts are for the common good and the spread of the kingdom of God.

St. John ’s Ministry

Q: How do lay persons minister at St. John?

A: Lay persons exercise a wide variety of ministries both within and beyond the parish. Ministries within the parish are for the benefit of its members. For example: helping the priest at the altar, members serve as Lectors (reading scripture lessons and leading the prayers), as Eucharistic Ministers (serving the wine at Communion), and as Ushers (offering a ministry of hospitality at worship). Our Altar Guild members set up for all our services, while members of the Choir lead our congregational singing.

Beyond St. John ’s our members serve a variety of ministries that benefit the hungry and those in other kinds of need. Our Outreach offers many opportunities for parishioners to be ambassadors of Christ to his people, either by personal service or by offering financial support. Donation of time and resources to Cathedral Shelter made St. John's their Parish of the Year in 2008. We also provide support to CEDA, The Heffer Project, Clearbrook, Northwest Community Hospital and many more organizations.

Remember that Christian ministry is intended to be a 24/7 activity. It’s about how you lead your life and respond to others. Attention to the needs of one’s family, a kind word to someone at work, or the sharing of a neighbor’s sorrow or joy, is ministry at its best.

What is your ministry?

Q: Do new members have to sign up for a ministry right away?

A: No! We realize that new members often want time to settle in before joining a group. Remember, however, that sharing in one of our ministries is the best way to see what gifts the Holy Spirit has given you! It is also a great way to meet other members of the congregation! If you wish, we will be happy to help you discern where your gifts for ministry can best be used.