An Episcopal Church, where in the name of Christ you are always welcome
St John’s Alcohol Policy
Resolution 2015-A158 of the 78th General Convention of The Episcopal Church, which can be found here.
St John’s affirms the national Episcopal Church’s policies on the service of alcohol and affirms that Recovery Ministries of The Episcopal Church (episcopalrecovery.org) has long been and continues to be a valuable resource throughout this country.
St John’s hosts three AA meetings per week (on Thursday, Friday, and Sunday evenings) in addition to three other 12-step meetings weekly. See details of all our 12-step groups here.
1. St John’s seeks to provide a safe and welcoming environment for all people, including people in recovery.
2. Events including alcohol are the exception rather than the rule in parish life, and also the exception rather than the rule in the cultural activities (such as concerts, plays, and art exhibitions) and community activities (such as block association meetings, and charity events) which take place on parish property.
3. All applicable federal, state, and local laws are obeyed, including those governing the serving of alcoholic beverages to minors.
4. When alcohol is served, it is monitored and those showing signs of intoxication are asked to leave church premises by a member of staff of St John’s. The adult (over 21) in charge of pouring (there is never any ‘free-pour’) does not drink alcoholic beverages during the time of his or her execution of his or her responsibilities.
5. Alcoholic beverages are never served to minors (under 21).
6. Hard liquor is never served.
7. Whenever alcohol is served, equally appealing non-alcoholic alternatives are always offered with equal prominence and accessibility. Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages are clearly labeled as such.
8. Food is always served when alcohol is present.
9. The serving of alcoholic beverages at events is never publicized as an attraction of the event.
10. Groups or organizations hosting an event (such as a concert, play, art exhibition, or charity event) must have permission from the Rector & Wardens if they wish alcoholic beverages to be served alongside the usual soft drinks served at receptions. They must designate a responsible serving person in accordance with 4 above. But it is the member of St John’s staff on duty for that event who is responsible for asking any person showing signs of intoxication to leave the premises.
11. Alcoholic beverages are never served when the business of the Church is being conducted.
12. At the Eucharist the clergy consecrate only the minimum necessary amount of wine and perform ablutions in plain sight in a way that does not foster or model misuse.
13. Receiving the sacrament in one kind (bread only) is commonly practiced at St John’s by many communicants for a variety of different reasons. The Doctrine of Concomitance is made clear. This allows those in recovery, those feeling ill, or for any other reason not partaking of the chalice, to feel assured of their full sacramental participation in the Eucharist.
All St John’s policies are in full accord with Resolution 2015-A158 of the 78th General Convention of The Episcopal Church.
These policies, in addition to being public here on our website, are also published in a booklet which is always available at the entrance of the church.