About the Chapel
Our Mission
Saint John's Episcopal Church at the University of Illinois welcomes all who respond to the call of Jesus Christ. Strengthened by and nurturing the intellect and talents of each individual, we affirm God's love for humanity in worship and act it out in service to the church and world.
Back to the top
Our Beliefs
We believe there is One God who creates all things, redeems us from sin and death, and renews us as the Children of God. As Episcopalians we promise to follow Jesus Christ as our Savior and Lord. We believe the mission of our church is restoration of all people to unity with God and each other in Christ. We are enriched by your presence with us.
Back to the top
What is the Episcopal Church?
The Episcopal Church is a member of the worldwide Anglican Communion, with 70 million members in 163 countries. We are a community of Christians bound together by our belief that Holy Scripture contains the very core of all Christian faith and thought, by the many ancient and modern stories that connect us to Jesus and his teachings, and by discovering daily God's hope and call to us through our life together. We live out these core beliefs through:
- worship and parish programs;
- reaching out to the community;
- sharing our story with others;
- seeking God's love together in study and prayer;
- giving of our means and talents to the greater purpose of God's work.
Back to the top
Our Worship
In worship, we are united, acknowledging the holiness of God, to hear God's Word, to offer prayer and to celebrate God's presence among us. All are welcome to participate in our worship because it is in worship that we live out our life as a Christian family together. Scripture is the foundation of our worship. The service follows an order found in our worship book called the Book of Common Prayer, two-thirds of which is scriptural. Every worship service includes the reading of Holy Scripture from the Old and New Testaments.
Many of our prayers and hymns are filled with Scripture. The Book of Common Prayer includes a variety of ancient and modern prayers and worship occasions for times when the whole community gathers, and for individual use. The Book of Common Prayer allows everyone to participate, reminding us that each person is an important part of the worship experience, whether the service is a celebration or a solemn occasion. It is a guide book for daily Christian living. Music, both traditional and contemporary, is an integral part of uniting our prayers and scripture.
Back to the top
Celebrating God's Presence
In worship service, we celebrate God with us through water, bread and wine. Our Lord Jesus Christ tells us through baptism we are united with God. The Episcopal Church believes through baptism—in any Christian denomination--we become brothers and sisters in God's family. (If you are not baptized and wish to be, you may contact the church office for more information.) Jesus shared bread and wine with his first followers and is present with us today in this family meal we call Holy Communion. Through it we receive the forgiveness of our sins and a strengthening of our union with God and one another as we remember Christ's life, death and resurrection. Any baptized person is welcome and encouraged to share in this meal.
Back to the top
Visiting the Chapel
We invite you to participate in worship to any degree with which you are comfortable. Follow along, or simply concentrate on what is being said and sung. We invite your children to worship with us, but if you prefer, nursery care is available for infants and small children, and Children's Chapel is available for children from ages four through seven.
If you are a communicant in your own church, we invite you to receive the Sacrament with us. All baptized Christians are welcome to receive Communion in the Episcopal Church.
The Service Leaflet is a guide to the elements of the Service. In it you will find page numbers for the prayers, hymns and service music. The Old and New Testament readings and the Psalm for the day are on an insert in the Service Leaflet.
The Book of Common Prayer (the red book) is the foundation of our prayer and worship. We treasure corporate worship, find comfort in the familiarity of the liturgy, and are enlivened in sharing the bread and cup, and receiving the life given to all.
The Hymnal (the blue book) contains all the music we sing together. The Service Music is at the front of the book and these pieces are identified by a number preceded by an [S]. The Hymns are numerically arranged and follow the Service Music.
Worship at the Chapel engages all our senses. We move our bodies; we lift our voices in song and prayer; we listen to the words and musical offerings. We see the liturgy unfold in all its color and meaning; we smell the fragrance of incense rising with our prayers. We are involved!
Our Faith Community is a dynamic campus-based ministry, enriched by the inclusive atmosphere of the university community. There's a wide variety of people here: town and gown, indigenous and international. We seek to reach out to meet others' needs in God's unfolding plan for us. We are grounded in the Way of God in Christ, shared in teaching and learning. We enjoy the challenge of using our brains and hearts. We accept that there are not easy answers for everything, and pray to God to help us ask better questions. We value being a sanctuary for the university community, acting as a catalyst for God's peace and justice, witnessing to the Anglican tradition.
You are always welcome at the Chapel! Please join us for refreshments after the Service in the basement of Canterbury House next door. To learn more, ask someone seated near you, fill out a Visitor's Card, or contact the Rev. Timothy Hallett, Rector.
Back to the top
Membership
The Chapel of St John the Divine is a parish of the Diocese of Springfield. Permanent residents and students who wish to affiliate fully with St. John's should transfer their membership from their former parish. Some students wish to retain membership in their home parish. They may become Associate Members while attending the University. Associate Members are eligible to vote at the Annual Meeting and to fill undergraduate terms on the Vestry.
We also have Friends—people from neighboring churches and dioceses, alumni, parents, and others committed to our work.
Details about membership may be had from the church office, or you may fill out a card requesting further information (available in the Chapel and in Canterbury House.) Inquirers' classes are scheduled to suit the convenience of those who want to learn more about the Episcopal Church or prepare for baptism or confirmation. Watch for announcement of dates.
Back to the top
For general inquiries, drop us a line either by conventional mail, electronic mail, telephone, or fax:
1011 South Wright Street
Champaign, Illinois 61820
Telephone: 217-344-1924
Fax: 217-344-1960
Email: stjohns@chapelsjd.org
The Chapel of St. John the Divine is a parish in the Diocese of Springfield. If you would like to contact the Diocese, they can be reached at:
The Diocese of Springfield
821 South Second Street
Springfield, Illinois 62704-2694
Telephone: 217-525-1876
Fax: 217-525-187
Email: episspi@midwest.net
http://www.episcopalspringfield.org/
The Chapel of St. John the Divine and the Diocese of Springfield are part of the Episcopal Church, USA. Their website is http://www.episcopalchurch.org/.
Back to the top
