What to Expect
Friends and strangers and wonder-ers, whatever brings you to this page and this community - in the love of Jesus, I welcome you. I hope that what you find through our online presence will encourage you to experience all of it in person...A Note from Our Rector
Frequently Asked Questions
8 a.m. Eucharist is a simple service that is less than an hour. The 10:15 a.m. Eucharist includes organ music, soloists, and hymns- the service is approximately an hour and fifteen minutes.
Due to the late-pandemic precaustion we are trying to keep them shorter right now.
How long are the services?
If you have seen worship in a television show or movie set in England (or a Royal Wedding) or any service on the West Wing, then you have a glimpse (those are much fancier than we manage to share). It also looks, on the outside, fairly similar to the worship practice of a Lutheran (ELCA), or Roman Catholic church. Our clergy and lay leadership wear dedicated garments with fancy names, we use plenty of candles and carry crosses, walk-in processions, and change the colors seasonally. We follow a regular pattern of worship prescribed in the Book of Common Prayer. There are prayers, Bible readings, a sermon, hymns, and a creed, and unless otherwise stated, communion. We stand, sit, and kneel (on nice kneelers) as we are able. Some of us bow and cross ourselves. Think of it as Episcopal Yoga! Our knowledge of deepest meaning is learned through our postures as well as our minds.
We are a proud "broad-church," by which we mean we are orderly with a generous attitude, elegant without being stuffy, sing congregational hymns from sheet music, and pray using English you know from core sources.
What are the services like?
You will find a variety of dress on any given Sunday from casual (jeans, t-shirts, etc.) to dresses and suits. Wear what makes you feel ready for worship and not uncomfortable. However, clothing and footwear are expected for everyone but the babies!
We are following CDC school rules for worship and require that all ages wear a mask at indoor worship.
What should I wear?
There are no assigned seats, any open pew or chair is available on the main floor of the worship space. If you would like assistance with getting seated an Usher can certainly guide you.
Where should I sit?
Yes! And we encourage it! We welcome you and your family, whatever shape that comes in, to come and grow with us. All people of all ages are invited to be present for worship with the entire congregation: no matter how wiggly or noisy you are.
All baptized children are welcome to God’s table for Holy Communion. We encourage this from the earliest age, as it is a mystery and a grace!
All ages who desire connection but not to receive Eucharist, may come forward for a blessing, signaled by crossing arms over your chest.
Can children & babies participate in service?
All Christians are welcome to Christ’s table.
Who may receive Communion?
Just yourself! Scripture readings, responses, and the service structure will be provided to you in a bulletin. If you would like to give to Christ Church you may bring an offering or use our online giving options.
What should I bring?