What's it Like to Attend Services & Frequently Asked Questions
Dear Friends in Christ,
Going to Church--Why bother?
Ever wonder about going to church? Are you looking for something more? More ways to connect with the God who created you? Would you like to learn more about what Jesus said, and taught, and challenged us to do? Are you interested in more opportunities to meet people who have similar questions? And, above all, are you looking for more ways to make your life truly meaningful?
Hi, I’m Rev. Susan and I’m the rector at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church where we invite you to join us for Sunday services. We know it’s not easy for most people to visit a church. It can be uncomfortable, especially if you don’t know what to expect.
So, read on, let me explain what it will be like when you come to our beautiful campus in Ventura, California.
To Attend In-Person, Navigate to: 3290 Loma Vista Road, Ventura
Our church is easy to find. We’re on Loma Vista Road across the street from Ventura County Medical Center. There’s a large parking lot on the west side of the campus.
When you get here, you’ll walk follow the friendly signs which will lead you to friendly people.
All are Welcome!
We welcome believers and doubters, people who grew up going to church and those who are new to this experience, all ages, all genders, all kinds of families and single people too. We welcome the typically-abled and differently-abled. We have a wonderful deaf ministry and, as a congregation are learning Sign Language one Sunday at a time.
When we say, "all are welcome here," we mean it!
Safety Protocols for In-Person Worship
We offer two options for in-person worshippers. One section of the church is reserved for those who prefer to wear a mask. We also have a large section of Open Seating where masks are optional. We hope this makes it possible for everyone to find a place where they can feel safe and comfortable to worship in the sanctuary. Please do what you think is best for you and your family.
Here's where you'll find us:
on YouTube on our Website on Facebook
Here's how you can get connected with friendly people who'd like to welcome you:
In-person - look for the Welcome Table. We invite you to sign in, if you'd like more information. Our greeters look forward to giving you a warm welcome, or giving you your space - whichever you'd prefer.
Online - Here’s how online worshippers can get in touch: https://www.saintpaulsventura.org/newcomer-visitor...
You're also welcome to contact us here: [email protected]
Would you care to see the bulletin?
The bulletin is a printed program that leads you through the service. Check it out! You can find the bulletin here: Bulletins
Please let us know if you have any questions, prayer requests or would like further information. Whether this ends up being a brief encounter or the beginning of a long and inspiring relationship, the people of St. Paul's Ventura and I wish you peace.
With prayers for you and those you love,
Rev. Susan+
The Rev. Susan Bek
[email protected]
Frequently Asked Questions
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: Do you have Bible studies and other group meetings?
A: Yes, we offer groups and studies both online and in-person. Please check with the church office for a current list. Click HERE to email the Church Office
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.
Those who prefer to receive the wine by intinction (dipping) are invited to the Loma Vista side of the altar rail. Those who prefer to receive the bread only, or to receive the wine from the common cup, are invited to receive on the other side of the altar rail. 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. If you prefer a gluten-free wafer, please let us know.
Once you have the bread, you may choose any of the following options:
- Return to your seat without receiving the wine. Be assured that this is a sufficient experience of communion.
- Sip the wine, from the common cup, guiding the chalice gently with your hand. (This meets the current safety standards set by the Diocese of Los Angeles and our bishop because the wine contains alcohol, the chalice is silver or similar metal, and the surface is wiped and turned between communicants.)
- Receive by intinction (dipping) – the Eucharistic Minister will dip your wafer into the wine for you. We must place it in your hand at this time, and cannot place it in your mouth.
The Common Cup will be offered on the right side of the altar rail.
Intinction (dipping) will be offered on the left (Loma Vista) side.
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: 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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