Walking into a new church can be overwhelming and bewildering sometimes. Here is some basic information about what you can expect at St. Christopher’s. Also, inside the church doors, greeters will welcome you and answer any questions you may have. An usher will provide you with an easy-to-follow paper service bulletin. Finally, please know that no one will give you odd looks if you stand when you’re supposed to sit, or kneel when you’re supposed to stand!
What May I Expect?
What liturgies are offered?
The principal weekly worship service for Episcopalians is called Holy Eucharist, also known as Holy Communion or the Mass. When you worship on a Sunday morning, this is the service you will experience. On Sunday mornings, two liturgies are offered:
- 8 a.m. Holy Eucharist: This 45-minute liturgy is a traditional said service without music (Rite II), held in Sibley Chapel.
- 10 a.m. Choral Eucharist: This liturgy is a sung service with choir and organ (Rite II), held in the sanctuary. This liturgy lasts about an hour, and is livestreamed.
What does a typical order of worship/bulletin/leaflet look like?
View a sample service leaflet by clicking here.
What are Liturgies Like?
Worship in the Episcopal Church is said to be “liturgical,” meaning that the congregation follows the service forms and prays from texts that don’t change greatly from week to week. That sameness gives worship a rhythm that becomes comforting and familiar to the worshipers. For the first-time visitor, liturgy may be exhilarating—or confusing. Services may involve standing, sitting, kneeling, sung or spoken responses, and other participatory elements. Liturgical worship can be compared with a dance; once you learn the steps, you come to appreciate the rhythm, and it becomes satisfying to dance, again and again, as the music changes. “Liturgy” means “the work of the people.” Our work in worship has three parts:
The Word of God: Four readings from Scripture (Old Testament, Psalm, New Testament and Gospel) and a short sermon, 8–15 minutes. Following the sermon, we recite a creed and say a prayer of confession and receive pardon for our sins.
The Prayers of the People: We pray for the concerns of each other, our community and the world. After the prayers, we greet each other in God’s name. This is called passing the peace. Just turn to your neighbor and say something like “The peace of God be with you” or simply, “Peace.” After announcements a collection is taken, while the choir sings an anthem. You are free to contribute or not as you wish.
The Holy Communion: Holy Communion is the high point of the liturgy. It is also called the Eucharist or Great Thanksgiving. All persons, regardless of faith, tradition, or age, are invited to receive the bread and wine of the Eucharist. You are welcome to come forward to receive communion, hold out your hands for the bread, and take a sip from the cup (intinction—dipping the bread into the wine—is not practiced, for health reasons). Gluten-free wafers are available—simply request one from the priest. If you don’t wish to receive, cross your hands on your chest to receive a blessing from the priest. Or if you prefer, you may remain in your seat during this part of the service. Do what is comfortable for you.
Services end with the dismissal at which point we are sent on our way in peace to love and serve God in our lives.
What should I wear?
You will find people dressed casually, more formally and a great variety in between. Just be yourself. You will fit in.
Where should I sit?
Sit wherever you are comfortable. Make yourself at home.
Where should I park?
The town has a large, free parking lot behind the church. Parking is also available on street.
Is the church accessible for people who are mobility impaired?
St. Christopher’s has an elevator that is accessible to all levels. If you would like communion but are not able to get to the altar, please let an usher know and the priest will bring communion to you in your pew. There are handicapped parking spots available in the large parking lot behind the church.
What is the ministry of healing prayer?
If you would like to receive the laying on of hands and a healing prayer, for either yourself or someone you love, please proceed to the prayer station behind the altar after you have received communion. If you do not want the healing minister to physically touch you, simply cross your arms over your chest. This prayer opens our hearts to receive the healing grace of God.
May I bring my children to church services?
Children are welcome and active participants in all St. Christopher’s liturgies.
May my children receive communion?
Children are welcome to receive communion at their parents’/guardians’ discretion.