Shield of the Episcopal Church.

The Church of the Atonement is a worshipping community of Christians responding to God's call to know Christ, to love Christ, and to serve Christ in our time and in this place.

We are called, collectively and individually to proclaim by word and example the Good News of God in Christ, seeking and serving Christ in all persons, and respecting the dignity of every human being.

As faithful stewards of God's bounty, we pledge ourselves to an ever-deepening personal commitment to use our resources rightly in the service of others to His honor and glory. We invite all persons to join us, through worship, education, and outreach, in giving themselves to this ministry of God's work in our community and His world.

The Parish

Our parish began worshipping in Laurel Springs in 1905 as a mission congregation of St. John's In-the-wilderness, Gibbsboro. Our church was erected in 1909 and the Parish Hall was added in 1957. Since then, we have grown to become an independent parish with our own rector. The house at 215 Fairmount Avenue was built in 1974 by the parish to be a rectory. The Church of the Atonement is a member parish of the Episcopal Diocese of New Jersey, one of the oldest and largest Episcopal dioceses in the country.

Our hope is that you too will find Jesus Christ in the place and come to know Him through those gathered here and among those whom we serve in the world.

Ministry Opportunities

Laypersons take active roles in assisting in the leading of worship as: Lay Readers, Lay Eucharistic Ministers. Acolytes, Ushers, and Altar Guild members. Laypersons also participate in leadership on the Vestry and in parish committees. Throughout the year there are many opportunities for participating in fellowship, fundraising activities, outreach, and Christian Education. Sunday bulletins and our bi-monthly newsletter News-in-the-Pews have articles about upcoming events and activities.

Becoming a Member

A member is any child or adult who has been baptized with water in the Name of the Trinity and has asked to have his or her baptism recorded. Others are encouraged to ask the Rector about Holy Baptism.

Confirmation and Reception

Christians who join the Episcopal Church as infants through Holy Baptism, in which parents and godparents promise to raise them in the faith, are expected to make a mature, public Confirmation of their own faith before a bishop. Baptized adults from other Protestant churches are also invited to present themselves before a bishop for Confirmation. Persons confirmed in the Roman Catholic Church or baptized as infants in Eastern Orthodox churches are brought into this Communion by Reception.

Holy Baptism

Holy Baptism is normally administered to infants and young children by affusion, pouring water over their heads and anointing them with the Oil of Chrism, from which we sometimes speak of "Christening." Adults are also be baptized with water in the Name of the Trinity, the One God in Three Persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Baptisms may be arranged usually at four times each year: The Great Vigil of Easter, Easter Even; The Day of Pentecost; the Sunday after All Saints' Day, November 1st; and the Feast of the Baptism of Christ, the Sunday after The Epiphany, January 6th.

Open Communion

Anyone, of any age, who has been baptized with water in the Name of Trinity, regardless of church affiliation, is invited to receive. Holy Communion, the Sacramental Body and Blood of Christ.

Getting Married

To be married in the Episcopal Church it is required that at least one of the parties be baptized, that the marriage conform to the laws of the state, and that the intention be for it to be a lifelong union of a man and a woman. The requirements for a remarriage are the same, with the added requirements that the bishop of the diocese give his or her consent and that the former spouse and any children are being properly cared for.

Adult Education

Adult education takes place through worship, studies, Advent and Lenten programs, special events, and outreach. All adults are invited to grow in faith through these and other means.

Children and Youth Activities

Our children and youth are fully included in all aspects of parish life. We have a Church School program from 9:45-10:30
a.m. on Sundays, and a Wiggle Class for toddlers. At 10:30, children and toddlers may join their parents for Holy Communion or a blessing.

Prayer and Healing Ministry

Our spirituality is corporate, liturgical, and practical. We also individually pray daily, and there is a Prayer Chain for those with special needs. The chain consists of small groups who pray for short lists of persons each day. In addition, we have a monthly evening Holy Eucharist, with the Layingon-of-Hands for Healing.

Mission Outreach

Our primary outreach is carried out by our pledge of financial support to the Diocese of New Jersey. We also provide food for the hungry, clothes to aid the homeless, backpacks of school supplies for children in Camden. We also make grants to the Seamen's Church Institute in Philadelphia and to other agencies.