Worship provides the center for our community of faith. Each of our services offers an opportunity to gather together for fellowship, share joys and concerns, hear the Word proclaimed, experience the unity of our faith, and feel God's presence.
I'm New...
...how do I know what to do?
Whether you're new to the Episcopal church or simply new to this congregation, there are a few things we'd like you to know to help your worship experience be the best it can be.
An Episcopal worship service is a 'physical' service in that we pray and worship in a variety of postures. People sometimes joke about our 'holy calisthenics.' The most important thing to remember is that you do not have to do what everyone else is doing for your worship to be efficacious. If you have difficulty standing or kneeling, it is perfectly acceptable to sit. If your own personal piety compels you to kneel for prayer rather than stand, kneel -- the people standing around you will not mind. We vary our postures to enhance our worship, not to detract from it, and you should worship in a manner that best enriches your experience.
When we celebrate the Holy Eucharist (Communion), everyone (as in - everyone) is welcome to come to the altar rail, either for communion or for a blessing.
- You will be invited to come forward up the center aisle. People gather on all three sides of the altar rise. If we all don't fit around the altar, we wait in the center aisle until there is room.
- At the altar rise, you may stand or kneel as you prefer. The priest will come around to you and offer you bread, saying "The Body of Christ" or similar words. The bread is gluten free.
- An appropriate response, as you take the bread, is "Amen," although, again, if you traditionally accept the bread with different words, do not hesitate to use them.
- If you do not want to take the bread, fold your arms across your chest. (This is our sign for 'no thank you.') If you would like a blessing, simply tell the priest.
- Our teaching is that any baptized Christian - regardless of age - may take Communion. If you have an infant or young child with you, the priest will ask if you would prefer them to have Communion or a blessing.
- Both alcoholic and non-alcoholic wine are generally available. Simply tell the priest which you prefer. Alcoholic wine is red -- non-alcoholic wine is white.
- After you have been given the bread, the priest or an assistant will offer you the cup of wine. Our tradition is to celebrate communion from a common cup, although since Covid became a "thing" individual cups are offered as well. The priest will say "The Blood of Christ" or similar words. Again, an appropriate response is "Amen."
- If you wish to drink from the common cup, guide it to your lips and take a small sip, if you take an individual cup, please drink the wine then return the cup to the tray.
- If you do not want to take the wine, fold your arms across your chest, as above.
- When you have had both the bread and the wine, you may return to your seat, using the side aisles. There is no need to wait for the entire group to finish.
- If you have questions about any part of the service, please feel free to ask. Every worshiping community has their own way of doing things, and we want you to feel comfortable worshiping with us!
