Deaf Ministry
St. Paul's Introduces a Unique Deaf Ministry - Fully Integrated with the Hearing Congregation.
Why? Because all are welcome here.
How did this come about? We started with a signing priest who longed to create a uniquely inclusive Deaf ministry. Next, the congregation began learning sign language, so that we could become a truly welcoming community. Now, we've hired an ASL Interpreter, not to step off to the side and provide a separate experience for those who need her services, but as an altar minister who moves from place to place, interpreting from wherever the action of the service takes her. This makes it possible for everyone to participate and experience worship together.
What's next?
- The ASL Minute - This will continue as a feature of our weekly announcements. Follow us on Facebook or check our "Learning Sign Language" tab regularly to see the latest posts.
- More ASL Classes Offered - Check back for further information. New opportunities are added frequently.
- Ministry Opportunities for All - As people of faith, we are called to ministry, to put our faith in action. All of our current ministries are open to Deaf members, and a few new ministries are being added.
Signing Choir - No, that's not misspelled. We already have wonderful singing choir, this is a Signing Choir. We will learn Song-Signing and offer artistic renditions of some of our service music in the beautifully expressive visual language of ASL. No previous experience necessary. All are welcome to join us!
Want to Help Share the Good News? Here's an announcement you can share with your friends and neighbors:
The congregation of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Ventura, California, has been learning Sign Language. Why? Because all are welcome here. We’ve learned a lot through our weekly “ASL Minute” and now with an interpreter in place, it's official - we have a Deaf ministry!
Join us on Sunday mornings at 10:15am to learn, grow and experience church in a new and exciting way. These interpreted services offer everyone the opportunity to participate. Regardless of how much sign language you know, whether it’s completely new to you, or you’ve signed all your life, we have something wonderful to share.
This unique culture and beautifully expressive visual language can be a blessing to all of us. And, because American Sign Language (ASL) is conceptual (based on meaning, rather than on a word for word translation), we’ll be called to deeply consider the concepts behind the words we use as we explore our faith together.
Please consider yourself invited. We would love to have you join us on this journey!
Learning Sign Language
St. Paul's is learning Sign Language.
Why? Because all are welcome here!
At each of our Sunday Services you can experience the ASL Minute, a quick opportunity to learn a few new signs. Our goal is to help the congregation to live into our commitment to being a friendly and truly welcoming community. Knowing even a few signs is one of the many things that can help us accomplis…
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