In the pews you will find a copy of the Book of Common Prayer (the red book), which has the prayers and service forms for all our services, and a copy of the Episcopal hymnal (it’s blue). Although the ushers will give you a copy of the weekly service bulletin, worship leaders will make every effort to announce page numbers so you don’t have to rely on looking them up as the service progresses.

Episcopal worship follows a pattern that doesn’t change greatly from week to week; our worship has a familiar rhythm. You’ll sit, stand, sing, read, and - sometimes - kneel. You may notice that there are times in the service when some people stand while others kneel. So what do you do? The general rule is to stand to sing, to affirm our faith (when we say the Creed), and for the reading of the Gospel. Some parishioners also stand during the Eucharistic prayer, while others kneel - either posture is appropriate. Sitting is the norm for all other Bible readings, the sermon, announcements, and choir anthems.

The first half of the service is called the service of the Word. It focuses on the words from the Bible, the words of the hymns we sing and prayers we pray, and the preacher’s words, expressed in a sermon, which is intended to interpret the Scripture lessons we have heard. This part of the service ends with “The Peace,” where we greet each other with a handshake, a hug or kiss on the cheek.

The second part of the service is Holy Communion - the name Holy Eucharist refers to the entire service. It is based on Jesus’ last meal with his disciples on the night before his death. The bread and the wine at this “last supper” are symbolized by a cup (chalice) containing wine and a plate of bread or small wafers (called hosts). This second part of the service is one long prayer in which Jesus’ Last Supper is recalled, the bread and wine are blessed, and the congregation comes forward to share in this symbolic meal at God’s table.

All people, without conditions, are welcome to receive Holy Communion. If you want to do so, come forward at the direction of the ushers, hold your hands in front of you, palms upward - and the server will give you a small piece of bread to eat, and another will offer you the chalice so you can take a small sip of wine, (or, as many do, dip your bread or wafer into the chalice (which is called “intinction”). If you do not want to receive the wine, it is perfectly acceptable to receive the bread only - cross your arms across your chest to let the server know. Crossing your arms across your chest before either bread or wine is given, means you would like to receive a blessing.

After Communion, the service comes to an end with the singing of a hymn, a final prayer (blessing) and an organ postlude. After worship, you are invited to join others in the parish hall (or, in summer, outside on the lawn) for refreshments and conversation.

We hope this information will help you feel more at home when you visit us.

Please feel free to ask any questions that come to mind - either before you visit or after. Our pastor will be happy to visit with you - on the phone, in his office, or by scheduling a convenient time to visit in your home.