How We Worship
On this page, we offer some information that you can read first if you’d like to know what to expect at St Augustine’s Episcopal Church. There are some excellent resources on the web, so first we suggest:
- The Welcome Center at the National Episcopal Church and, for a bit more detail,
- A First-Time Guide to Anglican/Episcopal Worship' from Anglicans Online
Both articles include links that explain some of the terms common in liturgical churches. They also describe how there is a range of worship styles and practices within the church. Here is what you are likely to encounter on a typical Sunday at St Augustine’s.
Before the Service
When you come through the doors of St. Augustine’s, you’ll be greeted by an usher who will give you a bulletin to guide you through the service. You are welcome to sit wherever you like; if you prefer, the usher can assist you in finding a seat and can answer any questions you might have before the service.
The interior of St Augustine’s, as in most Episcopal Churches, is designed so that the altar, and the cross above it, are central. The cross reminds us of the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. The altar is the table around which we gather for Holy Communion, to the meal... "in which we may still find his presence"
Before the service begins, people are quiet as they shift their focus and prepare themselves for worship. There is usually a musical prelude played by our organist or one of our musicians, contributing to the atmosphere of quiet reverence.
During the Service
All worship services follow the Book of Common Prayer. For hymns and other service music, we generally use the Hymnal 1982 and a supplemental hymnal titled Wonder, Love, and Praise. The service bulletin includes page numbers for the prayers and hymns as well as a the Scripture readings for the day. However, if you ever need help finding your place, don’t hesitate to ask your neighbor. We’ll be glad to help you find your way around.
You may wonder whether to sit, kneel, or stand. This is a practice that varies widely among Episcopalians and even among members of our parish! In general, we sit for the Bible readings and the anthem, stand to pray and to sing hymns, and kneel during the prayer of confession and to receive absolution. Please do whatever feels most comfortable to you, both physically and spiritually.
When Holy Communion is served, we do not believe it is ours to decide who comes to God’s table, so we welcome all who are seeking God or a deeper understanding of God. At St A’s we receive the bread and wine from the priest (assisted by other servers), standing, at the front of the church. We have found this makes receiving the sacrament more accessible.
After the Service
You will see some people remain in the pews to pray or to listen to the organ postlude, while others may greet one another. One of the priests will go to the front door of the church to greet people as they are leaving, and we hope you will feel free to ask any questions you may have about the church. One of our greeters may approach you as well, offering to walk with you to Puhlman Hall for coffee or for one of our adult education programs. This is an important time of fellowship for us and part of what nourishes us spiritually for the week ahead, and you are most welcome to join us.
Whether you would like to come and look or come and stay, we appreciate your presence. You will have enriched our worship by sharing it with us.
For Parents and Grandparents
Children and youth are an important part of our congregation and are welcome at all worship services. Details about our nursery, church school classes, youth groups, and children’s chapel can be found in the Education section of this website.