We are glad you are here! Below are some frequently asked questions about worship at St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church.
Visiting a new church can be intimidating:
What should I wear? Are my kids welcome? How do I know when to stand or sit or kneel? Can I receive Holy Communion?
We understand the many thoughts that can come from visiting a new church, so we want you to feel completely comfortable when you visit. Below are some frequently asked questions. If you have any additional questions, don’t hesitate to contact us or talk with an usher or greeter when you visit.
What should I wear?
We want you to feel comfortable. We’re glad that you’re joining us and want you to be more focused on the service than what you’re wearing. It’s not uncommon to see people in casual clothing, while others prefer to put on their “Sunday best,” We think you’ll fit in no matter how you dress.
Can I bring my kids? Children are welcome at all of our services. Busy bags are available at the entrance to the church. We understand that little ones can sometimes be noisy and it can be hard to sit still in a pew. Please feel free to get up and move around as necessary. Restrooms are in the north wing of the building, down the hall to the left as you enter the building.
What are all the books in the pew?
The blue Hymnal 1982 is where most of the music is found. Other hymns may be printed as an insert to the service bulletin. “S” before the number indicates it is Service Music that goes along with a specific prayer. These items are found in the front of the blue hymnal.
The red Book of Common Prayer contains the services most commonly used. Sundays at 8:00 AM we use “Holy Eucharist Rite I” which begins on page 323. At 5:30 PM Saturdays and 10:00 AM Sundays we usually use “Holy Eucharist Rite II” which begins on page 355.
At certain times of year or for special services, we print the materials in a worship booklet for ease of use. We are careful to support authors and composers by ensuring what we print is used in accord with proper copyright use.
When do I stand or sit or kneel?
Standing is usual to sing hymns, during the reading of the Gospel, and at the Presentation of the Gifts. Standing and kneeling are both traditional postures for prayer. Most people kneel or stand at the altar rail to receive Holy Communion. Sitting is the customary posture for the first and second readings, the psalm, and the sermon. Please participate as you are able and comfortable.
May I receive Holy Communion?
ALL BAPTIZED CHRISTIANS, regardless of denomination, and including children, are welcome to receive Holy Communion. If you do not wish to receive Holy Communion, you may receive a blessing at the altar rail. To indicate you wish a blessing, cross your arms over your chest.
How do I receive Holy Communion? At the time for communion, come forward to the altar rail. You may stand or kneel. Extend your hands to receive the Bread. You may then consume the Bread, then take a sip from the Chalice, or proceed to the Clark Altar in the south cloister to receive a small cup of Wine.
If you require gluten-free bread, please stand at the opening to the altar rail.
Note that at St. Andrew’s as at most Episcopal churches, we use wine rather than grape juice. If you cannot or do not wish to receive the Wine, know that receiving Bread or Wine alone is a full communion–it is a longstanding tradition of the Church that Christ is fully present in both elements.
Where do the readings come from?
The Episcopal Church, like many denominations, follows the traditional liturgical year. The titles of the seasons of the church year include Advent, Christmas, Epiphany, Lent, Holy Week, Easter and the Sundays After Pentecost, sometimes called “Ordinary Time”. The liturgical year begins with the First Sunday of Advent, four Sundays before Christmas.
The Eucharistic Lectionary is a three-year cycle of readings for the liturgical year, and the readings for the daily Offices of Morning and Evening Prayer run in a two-year cycle. St. Andrew’s uses the Revised Common Lectionary (RCL), which is shared by a number of Christian denominations. Occasionally we may use especially focused readings, for instance the “Season of Creation” cycle sometimes used in September.
What do I call the clergy?
In the Episcopal Church there are three orders of ordained ministry: deacon, priest and bishop. Parishes are usually led by a priest and may have a deacon. In writing, priests are addressed as “The Reverend” or “The Rev.” Deacons are addressed as “The Rev. Deacon”. In oral reference, male priests are typically called “Father” and female priests use a number of different styles. Our priest prefers “Mother”. Deacons are called “Deacon”.
How do I join St. Andrew’s?
If you are already an Episcopalian, ask your previous parish for a “Letter of Transfer” to be sent to St. Andrew’s. email the parish office. If you are not an Episcopalian, please contact the priest for more information.
What happens before and after the service?
Most people arrive, take a seat, and compose mind and heart for worship by prayer or meditative silence. At 10:00 there is sometimes a musical offering before or after the service. Music can enhance our liturgy, and create space to prepare for our prayer together, and at the end of the service, prepare us for our passage out into the world to love and serve the Lord. However some days it may be just as important to reinforce our relationships with our brothers and sisters in Christ. Everyone should feel free to come early, or linger after the dismissal to enjoy our musical offerings, and equally free to immediately enjoy fellowship and refreshments in the Gathering Space.
After the service
Following the service, please join us fin the Gathering Space. We’d love to get to know you better, and thanks for joining us today!