What to Expect on Sunday Mornings
Each Sunday, we gather in the church to hear the Word of God and come to God's table together. Our normal Sunday worship is called the Eucharist, taken from the ancient Greek word, Euch-aristia - Thanksgiving! Our use of The Book of Common Prayer, a valued tradition dating from the English Reformation in the mid-16th century, can sometimes be daunting to guests or newcomers. Please see more helpful information for newcomers below, and, please, feel free to ask us question if and when you become confused and/or curious.
There are three services on Sunday mornings. They are the 7:45 a.m. service; the 9:00 a.m. service, which includes education for children, Middle School Youth and interested adults; and the 10:45 a.m. service, which includes education for Senior High Youth.
The 7:45 a.m. Service
Our 7:45 a.m. service features the traditional Rite I liturgy in a quiet, intimate setting.
The 9:00 a.m. Service
The 9:00 a.m. service offers the contemporary Rite II liturgy. Children and adults share in the Liturgy of the Word (with a brief message) and Communion, from 9:00 to 9:45 a.m. At about 9:45 a.m. the children leave for Church School in the Church School hallway by following their teachers; Middle School Youth leave for the Sturtz House (Middle and Senior High classrooms); and adults may choose to remain in the Nave for the sermon, prayer, procession and dismissal or interested adults may leave the Nave to take part in Food for the Journey (Adult Education) offerings, when scheduled, in the Undercroft (downstairs). The music during this service is a modified, contemporary music format with special offerings by the Cantor Choir.
The 10:45 a.m. Service
The 10:45 a.m. service also offers the contemporary Rite II liturgy. All are welcome at this service, and children, youth and adults share in this time of worship. The Senior High Youth all sit together in the rear of the Nave, and they depart from the service immediately following communion for education and fellowship in the Sturtz House. The Chancel Choir proffers anthems during this service.
Helpful Information for the Newcomer
As you enter the door, you will be welcomed by greeters who are equipped to answer any question that you may have immediately upon entering. As you move into the Nave (the worship space or sanctuary), an usher will provide you with a worship bulletin that contains an outline of the service. The bulletin gives page numbers for particular prayers used during the service and hymn selections. The bulletin will refer to three books in the racks in the pew in front of you: The Book of Common Prayer, the Episcopal prayer book, the blue Hymnal 1982 and what is referred to as "The Burgundy Book," a collection of more contemporary music.
All who have been baptized in any Christian tradition are welcome to receive Communion, and anyone may come forward at the Communion to receive a blessing.