1. What constitutes basic membership in the Episcopal Church? Baptism constitutes membership (by water, in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit). If you were baptized in another church, that’s fine – just let us know. Baptized persons are encouraged to receive communion. Note: baptized persons 16 years and older are considered adult members.
2. What is expected of members of Christ Church, Dover? Members are expected to engage faithfully in the life of the church through regular attendance, participation in programs, committed service, and financial support.
3. How do I arrange for baptism for myself or my child? Simply contact the rector at the church office (734-5731) or e-mail ChristChurchDover@verizon.net) for an application, information packet, and covenant of preparation, which gives details on the preparatory period for Holy Baptism. Baptisms are typically scheduled on four major feasts of the Church year: All Saints Sunday, which is the first Sunday in November; The Baptism of Our Lord – January; The Easter Vigil, which is the Saturday evening preceding Easter Sunday; and Pentecost (50 days after Easter).
4. How do I obtain offering envelopes? By phoning (734-5731), writing the church office (Christ Church, P. O. Box 1374, Dover, DE. 19903), or sending an e-mail to ChristChurchDover@verizon.net. We ask that members pledge to the Church so that we may plan appropriately for ministries and maintenance of our historic physical plant.
5. How can I be confirmed in the Episcopal Church? Confirmation is a sacrament in which a person makes a mature commitment to the Christian Faith, and it is administered by the bishop. Candidates for confirmation are typically older teenagers or adults. A course is completed prior to confirmation. Please notify the church office by September 15th if you are interested in confirmation. Note: if you have been confirmed in another denomination, speak with the rector; it may be that you would be received rather than confirmed by the bishop.
6. What programs are available for children and youth?
Year-round we offer nursery care for infants and children through
pre-school age, to cover Sunday morning activities. Two persons
staff the nursery and a paging system is in place to contact parents
if needed. As it is sometimes difficult for young children to sit
through an entire service, we suggest that parents place their child
in the nursery for the first part of the service, and at The Peace return
to the nursery and then bring the child to the church, so that he or she
may join everyone at The Lord’s Table.
Children may participate in Sunday services as acolytes. Teenagers
at least 16 years old, who are ready to make a firm commitment, may
serve as chalicists and readers.
The church offers educational programs at 9:00 AM on Sundays
(between services) for all ages. Our church school coordinator, Sue Higgs, can give details on the Godly Play curriculum for younger
children, and the curricula for junior high and older youth. Contact
Sue through the church office (734-5731). Note: in the summer,
we offer intergenerational education, where all ages gather in a single
group.
7. How do we arrange for marriage in the Episcopal Church? Plan to attend church regularly and contact the rector at the church office (734-5731) for an appointment to discuss your desire to marry. In the Episcopal Church, marriage is a sacrament of the Church; therefore a period of spiritual preparation is necessary.
If you have other questions, don’t hesitate to call the church office!