What might you expect if you visit us? Read along for a practical guide to worshipping at our main service on Sunday mornings. If you’re joining us for our service at St. John’s Chapel in Woodsdale or at our Wednesday service at noon, there will be variations on what you’ll read below. Consistency across our services is related to worship from the Book of Common Prayer, a welcome of all ages, and the participation in the sacramental acts of our church (Communion, etc.). If you have any questions, please reach out to us!

Worship & Music

Most, if not all, of the worship is in the bulletin this morning. If not, the bulletin will direct you to where something can be found during the service. Our prayer book—the worship of The Episcopal Church—is found in the red book with a gold cross. Our primary hymn book is blue. If the bulletin lists a hymn # with an “S” at the beginning, that will be found toward the front of the hymn book. Some of our music may be found in a smaller green hymn book titled “Wonder, Love and Praise.” Hymns from this text will begin with “WLP” in the bulletin.

Children are Welcome!

We believe children are a gift from God and that their presence in church is a sign of life and vitality in the congregation. We know that children will squirm, make noise, and maybe even try to crawl under the pew and say hello to someone else. That is OK. Activity packs for children can be found in the back of the worship space. We also have some toys located under our coat rack in the back hallway (go to the right as you walk out through the center doors, and you’ll find them—or ask one of our ushers for directions and they’ll help). And if you feel your child needs a change of scenery for a moment, that space with toys is close enough that you can still hear the service and allow your child more freedom to move.

Restrooms

Fr. Josh believes a good sermon is about Jesus and about 10 minutes long. But we get it. Sometimes you need to step out for a moment. Our closest restrooms can be found by walking through the doors in the back of the worship space and turning right. Just before the elevator turn left, walk down the stairs, and then turn right and go through the French doors. You’ll find the restrooms marked when you walk down the hall. We apologize for the maze; historic buildings like ours occasionally come with architectural challenges. Restrooms can also be located downstairs in our parish hall. You can take the steps (found to the left as you exit the back of the church) or the elevator. Go through the large double doors and the restrooms can be found on either side of the stage in the parish hall.

Communion in The Episcopal Church

All baptized Christians, regardless of denomination, are invited to receive the Sacrament in The Episcopal Church. If you’re visiting from a Lutheran, Methodist, Catholic, Baptist, Disciples of Christ or Presbyterian church (and there are more!) then please feel free to receive the Sacrament. If you’re not ready to receive in our church, then that’s OK. You may also come up for a blessing. Simply cross your arms across your chest when the priest comes to you. For those receiving the Sacrament, cup your hands together and hold them out when the priest comes to you to receive the Bread. To receive the chalice, please help guide the cup to your lips. Dipping your Bread is OK, too. Cross your arms if you do not wish to receive the chalice. The fullness of Christ’s presence will be found in your receiving either of the elements. Finally, we offer gluten-free wafers. Just let the priest know if that is what you will require when they come to you. If you have mobility issues, the ministers will come to where you are. Please let an usher know, and they’ll instruct the ministers to come to you.