St. John's Honeoye Falls fully complies with the Compensation Policies of the Diocese of Rochester.

While we adhere to the Anglican tradition, we
also consider ourselves to be “broad church” in our style and approach to
worship. We are open to all and make efforts to assure God’s word is
accessible, engaging, uplifting, and meaningful to our modern lives. Our
music comes mostly from the 1982 Hymnal however our music director does
present modern interpretations also. On a Sunday-to-Sunday basis, we
worship according to the Church season and the RCL.

Not to brag, but by and large we know who we are. We are a lay-
driven parish with several active ministries. We are not afraid to roll up our
sleeves when something needs to be done. We are resilient as we encounter
change. Members are encouraged to pursue an activity they have passion
about that will serve God. We are welcoming to anyone who enters our door, and we approach each other with love and grace and we consider ourselves to be familial. No one is left out. Our building is historically significant dating back to 1842. People outside our parish come to see it and are always welcome. Many comments have been made regarding the graciousness of our architecture and our church culture. We agree. Our campus outside is tended to lovingly and in keeping with the decorum of our church building.

We are certainly not without challenges. While all are
important, one of significance is the lack of an ADA approved bathroom in
the parish hall. The collective age of our congregation is advancing so this
has become even more of a priority. Discussion of a capital campaign to
address this is beginning. As mentioned before, our church building dates
back to 1842, and our two other buildings are advanced in age as well. When an issue is apparent it is addressed, but not surprisingly the issues are ongoing. Like many churches there is a lack of youth and we are looking at enlisting the aid of one of our younger parishioners who feels this could be addressed by a stronger presence on the Internet. As this parishioner is
among one segment we wish to address it stands to reason he may have a
good understanding of what appeals to younger people today. We are
hoping to address social issues young people consider important. In addition, we hope this will increase our visibility to the local community also.

St. John’s Church is in the Finger Lakes region with bike and
hiking trails easily accessible for those who crave the outdoors. There are
wineries throughout also. It’s an easy drive to Letchworth State Park, in Mt.
Morris, NY, and the Corning Glass Museum in Corning, NY. We have world
renowned medical centers and universities such as the University of
Rochester (UR), the Eastman School of Music, and UR Medical Center with its seven affiliated hospitals. Rochester General Hospital is widely known as a top cardiovascular treatment center. There are numerous restaurants with a wide array of gastronomic offerings satisfying diverse cultures and tastes. It is a quick drive to the city of Rochester, the long-time residence of Frederick Douglass and Susan B. Antony. There are daily and annual attractions. Rochester boasts the Lilac Festival and the Jazz Festival, to name a couple. Both the city and surrounding towns have their annual celebrations such as Honeoye Falls’ Festival on the Green, or Fairport’s Canal Days locally, or theGreek or Puerto Rican Festival in the city.
While there is plenty going on at St. John’s that will keep someone busy, thereis no shortage of diversions to nourish the heart, mind, and soul in the
surrounding area.

The Rev. Virginia Tyler Smith

Transition Officer

Diocese of Rochester

585-315-6604

transitions@episcopaldioceseofrochester.org