Who attends St. George's?
Our Mission statement is as follows: "We are an open community
of Christian faith built on God's unconditional love; committed
to listening, understanding, teaching, and growing in our trust
of God and each other." St. George's has a congregation of
approximately 350. We are a blend of all kinds of people of different
shapes, sizes, colors, ages and opinions. Some are "cradle
Episcopalians" and some are not Episcopalians at all. Many
ethnicities are represented.
May
I take part in the Eucharist?
Episcopalians are fairly open about welcoming any Christian to the
altar. Some specify baptism and confirmation while others give communion
to children who have had some instruction. At St. George's the clergy
invite everyone "wherever you are on your journey of faith,
you are welcome to take the bread and wine made holy." If you
feel moved by the Spirit and want to share in our fellowship, you
are welcome to come forward when the ushers invite you. By opening
our hands at the altar, God feeds us through the piece of bread
that will be placed in our hands or a sip of wine that will be offered
to us. If you do not wish to receive the wine, fold your hands over
your chest. Children may receive also and if they fold their hands,
one of the priests will give them a blessing. Instruction classes
are available for children who need preparation to receive communion.
How
do I become an Episcopalian or a member of St. George's?
We want as many people from as diverse a background as possible
to make St. George's their home. Episcopalians are now in communion
with the Lutheran church. We can receive communion and share in
each others ministries, as well as throughout the 70 million world
wide Anglican family. There are newcomer classes that meet four
times a year to introduce you to St. George's and the Episcopal
Church. You do not need to be baptized again, but confirmation and
reception or renewal of baptismal vows are available every year
to help you make a commitment and feel at home here. For more information,
see the Christian Formation
heading under Ministries.
What
if I am a member of another religion?
St. George's has been around for 110 years and when you get to be
that old, there isn't much that can upset anymore. Our original
mission church (featured in the first stained glass window on the
right hand side of the altar) was the home to Jews settling in the
Saddleback Valley and to Baptists. An inter-denominational school
was started in 1940 in the old mission that helped reopen the church
following droughts in the area. St. George's Academy has been home
to a Jewish School for a time and employs non-Christians on staff.
Our student body is wonderfully diverse and we look forward to the
day when we can all recognize God in each other.
What
if I am divorced?
God's love is unconditional and the church is full of wonderful
people who are trying to make their way and share the journey with
their children and others. We have a policy where divorced people
may remarry in church with permission from the bishop's office.
We have a number of divorced couples in the congregation and several
"blended families".
How
is St. George's on the gay issue?
The parish community is not in one mind over gay and lesbian issues
but is one of 80 parishes in the Episcopal Diocese that is welcoming
and affirming gay and lesbian people. We sponsor an advertisement
with these other congregations in local papers for Easter and Christmas
services for the gay community and are fully accepting of gay people
through baptism, the Eucharist and in ministry (lay and ordained).
There is a non-discrimination policy at our Academy that allows
for same gender or single parents to participate in our Academy
programs.
Are
children seen and not heard at St. George's?
We are developing a Children's Program at St. George's to be more
aware and inclusive of children in all aspects of our life. This
will help us to develop a stronger family ministry, Sunday School,
youth and Academy Program. Child care is also provided for all family
events at St. George's.
What
about people with special needs?
We are continuing to make our facilities inclusive of all those
with special circumstances or needs. We have installed a system
for the hearing-impaired in Bourne Hall and in the sanctuary. Please
inquire at the Vestry table if you want to rent or purchase a "personal
sound system".
Dress
code?
We live in California, so shirts and shoes get you into most dining
areas including the Holy Eucharist. Some people LOVE to dress up
(in a culture where we consciously dress down for everything). Others
wear hats (men need to remove theirs in church unless you are a
bishop or Jewish). Clergy get to wear the expensive stuff (based
on Roman upper class clothes from the first century) called chasubles
and dalmatics. They are usually colored with the Church seasons
(Lent, Pentecost, Easter, etc.). Lay ministers and clergy wear a
common garment called an "alb". Be comfortable, relax
and wear whatever feels good.
Why
keep the church doors open every day?
In a busy metropolis where most people pass the church at 70 mph,
the silence of St. George's and our facilities becomes not a luxury,
but a necessity. We teach children to pray and play on sacred ground,
walk the labyrinth and meditate in gardens. In an era when insurance
companies decide if the church doors should be open or not, St.
George's dances to a different drummer. Our church is open to anyone
Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. with seven services each
week excluding Sunday mornings. The church and the Bourne Hall complex
are also available to families and organizations/companies for day
retreats, receptions, business meetings and "thinking time."
St. George's is community property. We are God's community and are
glad you are here.