Most of us have been visitors at unfamiliar churches. We get that it can be uncomfortable.
And we often find ourselves visiting a new church when something big is going in our lives—a birth, a marriage, a move, a decision, a question, an illness, or a grief.
If you have any questions before or after you stop in, please contact Mother Meredith.
Here’s a bit more about what to expect when you come:
Start here to learn more about the Episcopal Church.
In our worship, people tell us they experience:
The Episcopal Church belongs to God’s one, holy, catholic and apostolic Church.
We’re both catholic and protestant—we are a child of the Reformation, with roots in the Church of England, while preserving the Church’s ancient liturgies and the four orders of ministry (laity, bishops, priests, and deacons).
Yes—no ifs, or buts.
In The Episcopal Church, queer and trans people participate fully in the life of the church, including equal access to the sacraments of marriage and ordination. Learn more.
We aren’t always perfect and we have work to do—but we are committed to extending our legacy of inclusion.
There’s no dress code; we get the full range from suits to jeans and t-shirts. Some of us even wear funny robes. Whatever you wear, you will be welcomed as a friend in Christ.
Please do. We love kids in church.
For K-8, your kids are welcome to join in Sunday School during the first half of the service (kids rejoin their families for the second half of the service). Some kids are shy at first and prefer to sit with their parents—good by us!
What about very young children? Bring them! We’re working on a nursery, and even after that’s up and running, we always love the sound of children and babies in church.
We celebrate the Holy Eucharist at both our 8 and 10 am Sunday services.
Services include prayers, readings from the bible, a sermon, and Holy Communion. Our 8 am service is quiet, with traditional language that dates back to Shakespeare’s time (so cool!); our 10 am service has music and contemporary language.
When you arrive, you’ll pick up a bulletin (see the homepage for a preview) that includes our prayers, readings, and the hymns we’ll sing. Folks around you will be happy to help you navigate the hymnal and prayer book, or you can just rest in the presence of God.
We also hope you’ll fill out a Welcome Card either online or in the pew.
At the midpoint of the service, the celebrant says, “The Peace of the Lord be always with you.” And the congregation responds with: “And also with you.” You’ll see folks wave, shake hands, or hug—don’t be surprised several people offer you a hand or a friendly wave. Join in the way that’s right for you.
After the Peace, we pass a plate to offer our gifts to God for the building up of the church. Your gift supports our outreach programs, ministries, and the maintenance of our welcoming church and grounds.
If you’re in a position to give joyfully, please do!
And if you can’t or don’t give, we’re still so glad you’re here.
Your bulletin will tell you—and just watch what other folks are doing. Generally:
Everyone is welcome at God’s table!
Here, people typically kneel or stand at the altar rail and hold out their hands to receive the bread (also known as the Host). Gluten-free bread is available. Wine is offered from a common cup. You may either drink from the cup or the minister will dip your bread into the cup for you. And some folks do not receive wine—that works, too.
You can also come forward for a blessing if you do not wish to receive Communion.
No! We’re glad God brought you here, and we’ll welcome you, but we won’t single you out or pressure you.
Services last about 45-60 minutes and include readings from scripture, a brief sermon, music, and Holy Communion.
Nope! After the 10 am service most Sundays, please join us for coffee and treats in the parish hall. Folks at the 8 am service often go out for breakfast after church, and will invite you to join in. We hope you’ll also say hello to the clergy, who stay by the door for a bit after the service.