what to expect on Sunday
There are lots of different types of churches, and they each have a different feel in their worship services. Our worship is based on ancient patterns of prayer, and they might feel unfamiliar at first. We hope this page sets you at ease when you visit us.
The 8:00 Service Holy Eucharist, Rite I – Memorial Day through Labor Day only
It's early in the morning, and that suits some people, especially if you're an early riser, or you're hitting the road later in the day. You can come in through the red doors on Chicago Ave. or the main red doors facing the parking lot behind the church. You'll join anywhere from 8 to 16 people. You can sit wherever you like. At 8:00, a bell will ring, and a few seconds later the priest will come in and begin the service. You can follow along in the Book of Common Prayer, if you like, or simply make yourself at home and experience the service. Communion (Holy Eucharist) is offered at this service. Learn more about communion here. This service is a shorter, simpler version of the service at 10:00 and lasts about 40 minutes. Rite I means the language includes older expressions used by the Church, such as "thee's" and "thou's". |
The 10:00 Service Holy Eucharist, Rite II (modern language)
This is the main worship service of the week and is offered at this time every Sunday of the year. We have wonderful music which is played on the pipe organ, the piano, or sometimes other instruments. We have a choir which offers special pieces of music called anthems. The whole congregation also sings hymns, and says parts of the service. When you arrive, someone will greet you and give you the bulletin and all the materials you need to fully participate in worship. Please make yourself comfortable in the church and sit wherever you like. If the customs and worship of The Episcopal Church are new to you, let the congregation carry you along in the liturgy, and know that we welcome your conversation and questions. Episcopalians are comfortable with a wide variety of physical expressions of devotion and adoration during worship. You may see people bowing, making the sign of the cross, kneeling and standing throughout the service. You are free to participate in ways that you are comfortable. If you are not comfortable or able to kneel at the times indicated in the bulletin, please stand. If you are not able to stand, please remain seated. During the first part of the service, we sing, listen to readings from the Bible, and say some prayers. The second part is communion (Holy Eucharist), when the priest leads the people in a prayer of thanksgiving, and we receive the bread and wine (or "take communion"). Learn more about communion here. We also offer a healing station at the time of communion. Except for the Highway 51 side of the building, each side has an entrance. When you arrive, you can come in through either the red doors on Chicago Ave. or the red doors facing the parking lot behind the church – or just follow someone else who's arriving. They'll make sure you get to the right place. Again, you can sit wherever you like. Feel free to participate as you feel comfortable. If you'd like to sit and watch and drink it all in, that's fine too! This service lasts about an hour then everyone is invited to the parish hall for refreshments and fellowship. Coffee Hour
Join us in the Parish Hall after the 10:00 service for delicious treats, coffee, and friendly conversation. It's a great time to get to know a couple of people or ask questions, if you have them. |
