What to Expect When You Visit
What is the service like on Sunday mornings?
Most Sundays, we meet to celebrate the Eucharist, a time of thanksgiving in which we sing God’s praises, we hear God’s word and we share Holy Communion – consecrated bread and wine which sustains us as Christ himself. On occasional Sundays, we hold morning prayer. A sermon brings God’s story and purpose into the lives we lead. We pray for the world, the church and each other. And are then sent into the world to do God’s will throughout the week.
Halfway through the service we greet each other in the name of the Lord, shaking each others’ hands. Announcements about events happening at church are offered from the front. An offering plate is passed to receive our monetary gifts in thanksgiving for all God has given us.
How will I know what to do?
As you enter the church, the greeter will hand you a bulletin in which the entire service is printed. The hymns are listed as numbers in the bulletin, and found in the blue books underneath the seat in front of you. No one will ask you to stand and identify yourself in the service, but we would love to stay in contact with you about our upcoming events.
How long does the service last?
The service lasts about an hour. Sermons are about 10 minutes long. Following the service, we gather in our beautiful parish hall to enjoy some fellowship at coffee hour.
Tell me how to participate in Holy Communion
Everyone is welcome to receive the Bread and Wine when they are invited to the communion rail. The usher will guide you to the rail when it is time. To receive a small portion of the bread, place your hands together, holding them palms up. The priest will place the bread in your hands. You may either consume it immediately or wait until someone offers you wine in the cup and dip your bread slightly into the wine. If you’ve already consumed the bread, when the wine is offered to you by another person, sip from the cup, holding the base to direct it to your lips. Then return to your seat.
You may choose not to receive communion but receive a blessing instead. While you are at the altar rail, cross your arms over your chest and the priest will offer a blessing while making the sign of a cross on your forehead.
What should I wear?
Please dress in whatever way makes you comfortable. That’s what we do!
How do I become a member?
You are always welcome to worship with us and serve alongside us in ministries which serve the neighborhood. We’d love to help you grow in discipleship and become a member of our congregation. You can do this in the following ways:
- Transfer your membership from another Episcopal congregation. The Church Office can help you arrange for your letter of transfer.
- Receive the sacrament of baptism – The Episcopal Church recognizes all baptisms with water in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. If you have not been baptized, please talk to the vicar about preparation for baptism for you or your children.
- Confirmation – If you have been baptized in another denomination, you may consider confirmation. This is a way to express “a mature commitment to Christ, and receive strength from the Holy Spirit through prayer and the laying on of hands by a bishop.”
Classes preparing you for confirmation are held annually, and confirmation takes place when our Bishop, The Rt. Rev. Phyllis Spiegel, makes her annual visitation.
- You can be received. If you have been confirmed in the Roman Catholic Church, the Greek Orthodox Church or the ELCA, you will be welcomed and received into the Episcopal Church by the Bishop at her annual visitation.