Welcome to St. Paul’s
What to expect
When you arrive you will be met by a greeter who will welcome you with a smile, answer any questions you have, and help you find your way to the sanctuary. An usher will give you a program bulletin that outlines the service. Please sit anywhere you like.
We love children in Church and believe the presence of children is a gift. As you enter the church you will find Worship Bags that contain Children’s Bulletins, paper and crayons. Our ushers can direct you to a special spot for children and their families at the front of the church near the brass doors. There, you will find picture books and quiet toys.
Children’s Chapel is offered following the Gospel reading. Children in second grade and below are invited to follow the cross and process to Children’s Chapel for their own time of prayer and fellowship. They will return after the sermon during the Passing of the Peace to take Communion with their families.
Nursery care is available for children 3 and under on Sundays from 8:45 AM – 12:30 PM.
Follow along in the bulletin for scripture readings, prayers, hymns, communion and helpful tips on when to stand or sit as you feel comfortable. Please listen and observe, participate as you are comfortable, and ask questions.
The entire service is about an hour and fifteen minutes. It won’t take long for you to feel right at home.
What do I wear?
It’s up to you. Some come dressed in their “Sunday best” while others prefer more casual attire such as jeans and a nice shirt. The same goes for children. We invite you and your family to dress in whatever way you feel is comfortable and appropriate.
What do I do?
Follow along in the bulletin for scripture readings, prayers, hymns, communion and helpful tips on when to stand or sit as you feel comfortable. Please listen and observe, participate as you are comfortable, and ask questions.
At St. Paul’s we are committed to engaging in transformative and relevant worship. As an Episcopal Church, we use liturgy and language for worship from The Book of Common Prayer. While there are prayer books and hymnals in the aisles, we also use a variety of other resources. All the words and music needed for each service are included in the bulletin. Recycling bins are available at the exits as you leave.
During worship services, you are invited to encounter God’s presence through candle lighting and Holy Communion.
Candle lighting is an ancient practice of the church in which the flame is considered a sign of God’s presence. On the lectern side of the altar rail is a place set aside for you to light candles. Perhaps you’ll light a candle in memory of a loved one, or for a particular thanksgiving or hardship in your own life. Your prayers combine with the prayers of the community as we put our trust and hope in God.
Holy Communion: All are welcome at God’s table. An usher will signal when you may proceed to the altar rail to receive the sacraments (bread and wine) or a blessing. Bread will be placed in your hand by the priest. If you choose to receive the wine, you may drink from the common cup by guiding it by the base to your lips. On most Sundays during communion, a priest is present near the pulpit side of the altar to offer individual prayers for healing for yourself or someone else.
If you have questions about worship, please reach out to one of our clergy, (Link to our Clergy, Staff & Vestry page)
Will I be asked to do things?
Stay for coffee
Following the service on Sundays, people meet in the Gathering Space in our Parish House to socialize, enjoy a cup of coffee or tea, and have light refreshments. Feel free to come by and say hi, introduce yourself to our clergy, visit our welcome table and meet other parish members. To get to the Parish House, go out the doors of the church and turn left.