Sacraments are special services or rituals that are the means by which we receive Christ’s grace or blessing upon our lives. BCP, p.857
Holy Baptisms
We are lovingly adopted by God into God’s family, which we call the Church through Holy Baptism, which can be performed through the pouring of water or immersion in it. It marks a formal entrance to the congregation and wider Church; the candidates make a series of vows, including an affirmation of the Baptismal Covenant, and are baptized in the Name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. They are marked as Christ’s own forever, having “clothed [themselves] with Christ” (Galatians 3:27).
All people of any age are welcome to be baptized; we believe in one baptism for the forgiveness of sins, as the “bond which God establishes in Baptism is indissoluble”
(BCP, p. 298).
For more information or to schedule a baptism, email our Parish Administrator, Antoinette Cheney, at antoinette@stjohnsmemphis.org, or call 323-8597x 16.
Confirmations
Confirmation is the sacramental rite in which candidates "express a mature commitment to Christ, and receive strength from the Holy Spirit through prayer and the laying on of hands by a bishop" (BCP, p. 860). Those who were baptized at an early age and those baptized as adults without laying on of hands by a bishop are expected to make a mature public affirmation of their faith, recommit themselves to the responsibilities of their baptism, and receive laying on of hands by a bishop (BCP, p. 412). Adults baptized with the laying on of hands by a bishop are considered to be confirmed.
For more information about being confirmed, email The Rev. James P. Biedenharn III, at jay@stjohnsmemphis.org, or call 323-8597x 15.
Funerals
The end of our physical life in death is a reality we all must face. Our hope in everlasting life is based on our trust in Jesus’ resurrection and our belief that nothing separates us from the love of God in Christ Jesus. Please contact our clergy in times of sickness or death of a loved one so we may be available during times of loss and grief. If you need to reach a priest after office hours for a pastoral emergency, call the Priest on Call number 506-2623. (BCP, p. 469-507)
Holy Eucharist
The Holy Eucharist is the principal act of Christian worship. The term is from the Greek, “thanksgiving.” Jesus instituted the Eucharist at the Last Supper as he shared the bread (symbolizing his body) and a cup of wine (symbolizing his blood) at a sacred meal with his disciples. Jesus commanded his disciples to “do this” in remembrance of him. The Last Supper provides the basis for the fourfold eucharistic action of taking, blessing, breaking, and sharing. Christ's body and blood are really present in the sacrament of the eucharist and received by faith. (BCP, p. 859)
Weddings
We believe marriage to be a sacred and public covenant between a man and a woman in the presence of God and enjoy being part of such joyous occasions.
Saint John’s reserves facilities and wedding preparation for parish members and immediate family only. If you are a member of our parish and interested in celebrating your special day on our campus, please email our Parish Administrator, Antoinette Cheney, at antoinette@stjohnsmemphis.org, or call 323-8597x 16.
Book of Common Prayer