Communion

We understand the Holy Eucharist, also known as Communion, as participation in the Body of Christ. As such, it flows from the vows we have made in baptism. It is a weekly reminder and recommitment to continue in regular worship, to repent from evil, to proclaim the Good News of God in Christ, to seek and serve Christ in everyone, and to respect the dignity of every human being. All who seek Christ – of every age and tradition – are invited to share in Holy Communion.

Baptism

Baptism Information Form
Baptism by water and in the name of the Holy Trinity is how we declare our allegiance to Jesus and our membership in Christ's one, holy, catholic church. It is a response in obedience to Jesus' instruction. You can read more about the meaning of baptism.

At St. Luke's we strive to follow the instruction of the Book of Common Prayer to reserve baptisms for the principal service (10am on Sunday) on
four special days: the Easter Vigil (springtime), Pentecost (early summer), All Saints Sunday (November), and the Baptism of Our Lord (January). Exceptions may be made in unusual circumstances.

If you are interested in having your child baptized, we do that too (also on the four days listed above). To baptize a child is to make a commitment to raise that child in the Christian faith and practice, including regular church attendance. See the baptismal covenant for more information. Parents are encouraged to attend St. Luke's several times first to find out if this is the community in which they would like to raise their children.

If you are interested in baptism for yourself or for your child, please speak to Father Todd after any of our liturgies!

Confirmation

Confirmation is the 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, 860). "Mature" generally means an age at which a person is able to make their own choices and bear them responsibly: teens and up. Confirmation can take place at Diocesan Events or upon occasional visitations by the Bishop to St. Luke's.

If you have been confirmed in another tradition but now wish to align yourself with the Episcopal Church, you can be received or confirmed. If you have already been confirmed in the Episcopal Church but are experiencing a dramatic new season in your life or ministry, you may wish to make a reaffirmation of your baptismal vows before the Bishop.

Weddings

Christian  marriage is a solemn and public covenant between two consenting adults  in the presence of God. The Episcopal Church requires that one, at  least, of the parties - be a baptized Christian; that the ceremony be  attested by at least two witnesses; and that the marriage conform to the  laws of the State and the canons of this Church.

At  St. Luke's weddings are scheduled through our priest, Father Todd. A minimum of six premarital sessions is required of all couples.  If either person has been divorced, special permission from the Bishop of New Jersey  is required.

Funerals & Memorial Services

Funeral Planning Information

The death of a Church  member should be reported as soon as possible by calling the church office (732-548-4308) so that arrangements for the funeral may be made in consultation with a Minister of the Congregation. Baptized Christians are properly buried from the church. The service should be held at a time when the congregation has the opportunity to be present.  We also have a Memorial Garden on the church grounds where people’s ashes may be interred. For more general information about funerals at St. Luke’s, please contact our priest, Father Todd.

Getting Involved in Church Services

Acolytes,  who include crucifers and torch bearers, serve on the altar during services. We encourage children who are able to become acolytes beginning in the second grade. Adults are entirely welcome to join us in this ministry of service at the  altar.

Eucharistic Ministers are an integral part of the service assisting the priest at the altar. This ministry is open to confirmed members of the congregation 16 years of age or older. Training and licensing is provided.

Lectors serve our community by reading the first reading and leading the Psalm.  This ministry is open to anyone in second grade or older.

Ushers greet parishioners and visitors when they arrive at the service and hand out bulletins. This ministry is also open to anyone second grade or older.

Coordinator - Kathy McNulty - verger@stlukesmetuchen.org