We celebrate Rite II of the Episcopal liturgy at our regular Sunday services at 8 and 10 a.m. each Sunday, with slight changes of schedule for major holy days, such as Easter and Christmas and with occasional special alternate liturgies. The 8 a.m. service is a spoken service; the 10 a.m. service is a musical service, with hymns and organ.
About the Service
As you enter the sanctuary for a Sunday service, an usher will greet you and provide you with a service leaflet. The leaflet is a roadmap to the service; readings and spoken prayers are in it . . . or you can follow the service in the Book of Common Prayer, the smaller red book in each pew. Hymns are found in the hymnal, the larger red book in each pew. A member of our lay leadership, the Vestry, is available to answer questions before the service.
You’’ll note the involvement of lay people in our service: acolytes, lectors, chalice bearers, ushers, and sometimes guest preachers. During the school year, you’ll see children process in from church school just before the Peace, when the congregation joyfully greets each other.
We welcome everyone—young and old, of any tradition and background—to come to the altar rail to share the Eucharist with us. If you prefer, you can receive a blessing instead. To receive communion, place one open hand atop the other to receive bread; you may sip the wine from the chalice or dip your bread into the wine. To receive a blessing, cross your arms on your chest. Gluten-free wafers are available; just request one quietly from the priest.
If you’re confused during the service, please ask a neighbor to help you; we’d like everyone to experience the beauty and holiness of the prayers and the Eucharist.