Years ago , we adopted the phrase Open minds, open hearts, open doors. Although we have been without a priest for nearly a year, we continue to be a congregation that cares about its members and its community. We are a vital part of Honeoye Falls, as we have been for over 150 years.
St. John’s is an historic parish in the Episcopal Church. We are part of the Episcopal Diocese of Rochester. We are proud of our Anglican roots, and our liturgy makes use of American and English resources, such as The Book of Common Prayer, The Hymnal 1982, Enriching our Worship and Common Worship.
We delight in the seasons of the church year, and take joy in creating worship that glorifies God, and lifts up our congregation as beloved community. Our theology is liberal, focusing on the loving, redemptive and participatory nature of a faith tradition that welcomes all people of all backgrounds and identities.
We show a mix of styles, though we lean towards “Broad Church,” with the (very) occasional use of incense and chanting on feast days. In church language, we are “Via Media,” a sort of middle way between Roman Catholic and Reformation Protestant thinking. Celebration of our faith through the shared meal of Holy Eucharist is a central part to our worship.
Sermons work off of the Revised Common Lectionary. Current events are often woven in as we work to discern God’s call and mission for us in the moment. At all times, we work to understand the contemporary meaning of our Anglican Tradition, our Christian Heritage, and sacredness of Scripture.
We have a very strong music program, which includes congregational singing, a volunteer choir, and gifted musicians throughout the parish who share their talents with us. It is common to hear more than one instrument in a service, such as organ, piano, horns, recorder, and/or guitar. Our primary instrument is an historically important Hook and Hastings organ that is played from the front of the nave.
Our worship takes place in a small, historic church, dedicated in 1842. The church retains much of its main architecture, including the original wooden pews and pulpit. We have a terrific collection of nine stained glass windows that bring special color and light into the sanctuary.
We welcome ALL children to be part of our worship and our voice of prayer and thanksgiving to God. On Sundays during the church year, we offer a Church School for children in elementary grades. High school youth and young adults are involved (and welcome) as acolytes, crucifers, and choir members.
Wherever you are on your faith journey, we hope that the Spirit of God will speak to you through St. John’s.
