Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Are you holding services during COVID-19?
A: Yes! We are holding services online during the pandemic but we are not back in the church in person. You can watch our services on our YouTube channel or via Facebook Live each Sunday at 10:15am. We also hold a coffee hour via Zoom directly following our service where parishioners and visitors can say hello.
Q: If I am not able to watch the online service on Sunday at 10:15, is there a way to view the recording?
A: Yes! Go to our YouTube channel and find the service for the Sunday that you are looking for. All of our services are recorded there to view at any time or to share with friends or family.
Q: Are you still holding Bible studies and other group meetings?
A: Yes, you are more than welcome to join any of our Bible studies or groups online! Please visit our online groups and ministries page for details.
Q: Is AA able to meet at your church during COVID-19?
A: No, we are not able to host any AA groups during this time. Many groups are meeting online via Zoom.
Q: How can I get to your church?
A: We are located at 3290 Loma Vista Road, directly across from the Ventura County Medical Center. You can park on Loma Vista, but there is also ample parking in our lot on the west end of campus. Additionally, we are located along bus routes 6 and 18F.
Q: What accessibility options do you have available?
A: All of our campus is wheelchair accessible and we have single occupancy bathrooms. In the sanctuary we have assisted listening devices and an ASL interpreter signs the 10:15am service. Our bulletins are accessible online for those who would like to use a device for magnification, we are also happy to make large-print accommodations, please contact the office in advance. During Eucharist, please let the priest know if you prefer a gluten-free wafer or sulfite-free juice. If it's difficult for you to approach the altar for Communion, please let an usher know, and we will be happy to bring communion out to you.
Q: What should I expect?
A: Great question! Everyone experiences God differently but we can guarantee a friendly welcome, a chance to engage with scripture, and a warm environment where everyone is cherished. The Episcopal Church embraces a wide variety of perspectives so our conversations are fun and interesting. Many people remark on the strong sense of spirit in our church. We find it's a place where we can encounter God, offer worship, make friends and be nourished for the journey of faith in which we all share. So, come as you are and bring whatever ideas and questions you have. We look forward to traveling along the journey of faith together.
Q: What do I do at Communion?
A: That's up to you. St. Paul's welcomes everyone at the altar, the table we set is the Lord's. Generally, to take communion, once an usher has invited your pew to partake, parishioners approach the altar and either stand or kneel at the railing. If you wish to receive a blessing instead of communion, simply cross your arms over your chest. To receive the bread, extend your hands as the clergy approach you. Either eat the wafer and then drink from the common cup when it arrives, or hold on to the wafer and the Chalice Bearer will dip it in the wine for you. (This is known as receiving "by intinction".) Either way, is fine. Please do whichever is most comfortable for you. If you prefer not to receive the wine (or the juice option which is available), cross your arms over your chest and the Chalice Bearer will pass you by. Some members choose to remain at the railing for a moment in silent prayer, this is welcome. Though all are welcome, and you are certainly invited, you do not have to come forward or receive communion. You're welcome to remain in your seat, relax and enjoy the beautiful music.
Q: What about kids?
A: God's children of all ages are welcome at our services. We also provide programs for infants, children and youth during our 10:15am service on Sunday. Nursery care is provided for little ones. A wonderful Sunday School program is available for kids in grades K-6. You are also more than welcome to keep your children with you in service. We have activity bags for kids in the church lobby and a whole bunch of stuffed animals and children's books in the side chapel. If you need to take a fussy little one out of the service, the speakers in the lobby give you the opportunity to hear what's going on. Please let us know if we can do anything to help make your time with us more comfortable or enriching. The ushers will be happy to assist you.
Q: How about Teens?
A: Our Youth Group offers teens in grades 6-12 the opportunity to explore the Bible, express their faith through a wonderful and exciting art program, and discuss important questions.
Q: What's important to this congregation?
A: We are true to our mission statement:
"We follow Jesus, nurture ministries and welcome all!"
Why follow Jesus? We follow Jesus because we love Him, we want to know more about Him and show our appreciation for all he's done for us. We want to serve Him, and we want to live holy lives that honor Him which is why we work to serve the world in the name of Christ.
Why nurture ministries? We recognize the image of God that is reflected in every person, and we realize that we all have great potential to love and to serve in ministry. Within the community of St. Paul’s we nurture ministries so that each of us can realize our potential, follow through on their callings, express their abilities, and find the support they need to serve as the light of Christ to a world in need.
Why welcome all? By dedicating ourselves to following Jesus, we commit ourselves to a radical form of hospitality. We welcome all because to follow Jesus requires nothing less. We follow his example and strive to do what he is calling us to do. All are welcome; there are no outcasts here.
To learn more about The Episcopal Church, you can find Frequently Asked Questions here
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