Frequently Asked Questions

Here, (FAQs) offer introductory questions and corresponding answers to frequently asked questions about Christ Church and the Episcopal faith in general. Click on a question below and view the and answer relating to your selection. Links throughout the answers will guide you to further information on our website or from other sources. Should you have any further questions, please consult our Contact Us page.

Why go to Christ Church or any other Church?

One way to think about this is ordinary and human: it is much easier to make it in the world as part of a community/family. Belonging to a community is a basic human need. Here you share a purpose, ways of behaving toward one another, traditions and a sense that someone knows and cares about you.

The other way is religious or spiritual. For Christians, specifically, there is a story: God in Christ lived his life to give us freedom, loving us so that we might love others and thereby saving us from ourselves --- meaning from false choice --- by giving us better and deeper choices. We call it the Good News. The movement that spreads this news is called the Church and it's radically welcoming to all who come.

What is a member?

A member of our church is any person who has been baptized with water in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, whether in the Episcopal Church or any other Christian church, and has requested that their baptism be recorded in that parish's records.

If you are not baptized and would like to find out what baptism means and when it is offered, do not hesitate to contact any member of the clergy. We are more than happy to talk with you and answer questions. Or contact the Parish Office for the dates when Holy Baptism will be administered and to arrange for pre-baptismal instruction.

What is expected of me as a member?

We expect that you want to be among us for the primary purpose of worshipping God in joy and power. That you commit to worship as regularly as possible in your life. That you believe that God gives us all that we have and are, and that the people of God, including you, learn how to be a giver to the church for its work and to the needs of others.

That life, and church, are not about being right, but about being open. Members commit to rethink and re-do when they fail, and God is open to such 'repentance' again and again. That you help spread the Good News of God in Christ whenever and however possible for you.

That you join with others not only in prayer, but in working for justice and peace in the human family. That you respect the dignity of every human being. In other words:

• Worship regularly.
• Return and rethink when you fall away.
• Give in proportion to what you have.
• Spread the word and serve others.

If I can enjoy most everything about the church as a guest, why would I want to take on the responsibilities of being a member?

When you go to someone's home for dinner, hopefully you enjoy a warm welcome, a generous meal, and fellowship with your friend and their family. But, there is a difference between being a guest at the table and a family member. Some say it is merely the common blood that flows through the family's veins. But those who are adopted, married, or have had a commitment ceremony know that it is more.

In a healthy family unit, there is a bond present. A commitment to take care of one another, to support one another through the good and the bad. This unspoken understanding generates an ease and freedom to be yourself, to be who God created you to be, safe in the knowledge that they are a part of you and you a part of them no matter what. The church word for this bond is 'covenant.'

We who are baptized are united, adopted into the family of God. And not only in this life, but also in the life to come. Baptism is our way of expressing this commitment formally and publicly to God and to one another. Becoming a member of a local community of faith is the way we live out that covenant.

How do I become a member?

When you tell us that you wish to be a member, we, from that moment, consider you a member. So the best way to let Christ Church know you wish to become a member is to write a note, make a phone call, send an email or speak with a member of the clergy who will then record you as a member.

If you're a member of another Episcopal Church, you can contact that church (or ask us to do it) and ask that a Letter of Transfer of membership be sent from that church to Christ Church. If you are baptized here, confirmed or received by the Bishop, you become a member. Providing us your baptismal information (date & place) is requested, but if you do not have it, your word is good enough.

After I ask to be recorded as a member, is there anything else?

Absolutely! We want to recognize your decision and formally welcome you. Several times a year we have a Welcome Sunday. All you need to do is come to the 10:15 AM service on one of those Sundays. Sit anywhere you wish. Come forward when you are invited with others who have been recently recorded as members and those becoming members on that day.

You do not have to participate in a Welcome Sunday to be become a member. However, we hope you will, since it is our way of celebrating your becoming a part of this family. Contact the Office for the date of the next Welcome Sunday.

I heard that if I become a member, I could not only refer to myself as an Episcopalian but also as an Anglican. What is an Anglican?

When you go to someone's home for dinner, hopefully you enjoy a warm welcome, a generous meal, and fellowship with your friend and their family. But, there is a difference between being a guest at the table and a family member. Some say it is merely the common blood that flows through the family's veins. But those who are adopted, married, or have had a commitment ceremony know that it is more.

In a healthy family unit, there is a bond present. A commitment to take care of one another, to support one another through the good and the bad. This unspoken understanding generates an ease and freedom to be yourself, to be who God created you to be, safe in the knowledge that they are a part of you and you a part of them no matter what. The church word for this bond is 'covenant.'

We who are baptized are united, adopted into the family of God. And not only in this life, but also in the life to come. Baptism is our way of expressing this commitment formally and publicly to God and to one another. Becoming a member of a local community of faith is the way we live out that covenant.

What if I am a member of another church, can I belong here too?

Definitely. It is important to remember that, first and foremost, you are a member of the family of God, which is accomplished through baptism. The choice then is where you feel drawn to live out your baptismal vows of worship and service to God.

Some people who are members of another church, be it an Episcopal church or a church of another denomination, choose to make Christ Church their second church home and be recorded as a member here as well. We welcome you to do this.

If I want to learn more before I decide to become a member, what can I do?

There are several ways for people to discover what it would mean to be a part of this community.

Worship with us. Our Christian faith lived out in the Episcopal tradition is often summed up as 'What we pray is what we believe.' The best way to find out if you feel God calling you to be a part of this community is to live with us a while.

Talk with us. Any of the clergy will be happy to talk with you.

Study with us. We have many adult education programs to help you find out more. Alpha is a ten-week course on the Christian faith which takes place two times a year. Our on-going discussion groups, bible studies, Education for Ministry (EFM) and book groups.

Serve with us. There are some wonderful opportunities serve with us by reaching out to those in need, including Interfaith Hospitality Network (providing shelter for the homeless), Caregivers of Ocean County, Habitat for Humanity projects, & mission trips to South America.

Play with us as we gather socially, including parish dinners and fellowship events.

What do I need to do to get baptized (or to get my child baptized)?

Please contact the Office to inquire about upcoming Baptism dates. Paperwork will be sent to you that needs to be completed and returned to the Church. Baptism training classes for the candidate are held prior to the Baptism; or for the parents and godparents if the candidate is a child. Baptism is a Sacrament of the Church. It is the welcome into the Church. Please do not hesitate to ask questions

Is there anything beyond baptism?

The whole of the Christian life lies beyond baptism. The Book of Common Prayer describes baptism as 'full initiation by water and the Holy Spirit into Christ's Body, the Church.' In this sense, there is nothing further required for membership in the church. However, at different stages in one's life there are other means of affirming one's faith.

Confirmation is an opportunity to make a mature affirmation of one's faith in the presence of a bishop. All baptized persons are encouraged to do this, and it is especially appropriate for those who were baptized as infants. If you were confirmed in another tradition/church, you can be 'Received' into this tradition.

Reaffirmation is available for those previously baptized and confirmed who would like to reaffirm their faith before a bishop. Confirmation, Reception, and Reaffirmation all take place when one of our bishops visits, which usually happens once a year. Any of the clergy would be happy to talk with you about upcoming confirmation dates and ways to prepare.

How do you get confirmed?

Young people are prepared for Confirmation through the Journey to Adulthood Christian Education Program. This begins in grade 7 and continues through the High School years.

Adults are prepared for Confirmation or Reception into the Episcopal Church through the Alpha Course and several sessions with the clergy. See our Education Ministry for more information.

How do you arrange a Wedding?

At least six months notice is required, one year is strongly recommended, in order to schedule a wedding at Christ Church. The first step is for the couple to schedule an appointment with the Rector. Please do not select a wedding date prior to verifying the availability of the church and clergy.

The celebration and blessing of a marriage is performed for members of the parish, for those who have a connection to the parish, or for those who in good faith, intend to become members of the parish. Premarital instruction is provided to the couple by the clergy. Approval from the Bishop is required in order for Episcopal clergy to officiate at the marriage of a divorced person.

What should I do if I am in the hospital?

Please phone the parish office if you or a member of your household is hospitalized for any reason. We have no other way to know that you are in the hospital. We would be happy to bring the Eucharist to anyone who desires it.

How do I enroll my child in Sunday School?

Complete a registration form. Then bring your child to the Chapel at 9:50 AM, 10 minutes before the start of Sunday School at 10 AM.

Can I rent the church or facilities?

We are a non-profit organization, so we do not rent out our church or facilities.