Frequently Asked Questions
We offer the option of attending services in-person or online.In-person worshippers have may choose socially distanced or open seating. Online Sunday services air at 10:15am and can be viewed anytime on our YouTube channel or our Facebook Page. For further information, please contact us: [email protected]
Q: Are you holding services during COVID-19?
A: Yes! St. Paul's offers three options for Sunday worship:
1. Online – our services are livestreamed each Sunday. Join us by clicking on any of these links: FACEBOOK www.Facebook.com/saintpaulsventura YOUTUBE www.YouTube.com/stpaulsventura ST. PAUL'S WEBSITE www.SaintPaulsVentura.org/live
2. Socially Distanced Seating is available in the church for those who are more concerned about keeping their distance.
3. Open Seating is available for those who no longer need to practice social distancing according to the CDC guidelines.
Masks are currently required for everyone in the church. Why? Because some of our members are especially vulnerable. So, out of love and respect for them, we're still wearing masks. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation! You are a wonderful example of:
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 or Facebook Page and find the service for the Sunday that you're looking for. All of our services are recorded and can be viewed or shared with friends and family any time.
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: Yes. St. Paul's has reopened for in-person meetings. Everyone must follow safety protocols, but we are happy to welcome these important programs back to our campus.
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. 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 hear scripture, listen to a moving sermon and experience a positive 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. Your doubts and your questions are welcome here. We look forward to traveling along the journey of faith together.
Q: Do services include the distribution of Communion (Holy Eucharist)? If so, what am I expected to do?
A: Yes, and what you do is 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, 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. 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. Sunday School has returned for children ages 2 years through grade 5. We hope to extend the program to others as quickly as possible. During the pandemic, lessons have been provided online and supplies have been sent to families so they can enjoy the fun and engaging lessons and activities from the safety of their own homes. You are also more than welcome to keep your children with you in service. We have activity bags for kids in the church lobby. 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
More questions? We would be so happy to answer them! Please contact us below:
Thank you for connecting with St. Paul's! We look forward to getting to know you better.
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