What to expect

When you arrive

When you arrive for service, an usher will greet you and help you find our Sunday program bulletin and a missalette. These will contain everything you need to know to follow along in our worship. 

You may sit anywhere you wish at St. James. There is no assigned seating, and always plenty of room in the pews.

The Episcopal tradition says we sit to learn, stand to sing, and kneel to pray. But kneeling is optional, and standing is always fine. Do what feels right. If you’re not sure what’s happening, just watch the people around you. Everyone’s been the new person at some point.

There’s a collection during the service. Give if you want to, but there’s no expectation.

 

Communion

Everyone baptized is welcome at the table. Come forward to the altar rail, receive, and return down the opposite side. If you’d prefer to stay in your pew, just let an usher know.

All who are baptized are welcome to receive at the Lord’s Table. You can receive both bread and wine, or just the bread.  If you are unbaptized or prefer to not receive Communion, you may just receive a blessing from the priest – simply signal this by crossing your arms over your chest. 

Not sure what to do? That’s completely fine. Feel free to stay seated, listen to the music, and simply be present. No one’s watching, and no one’s judging.

The side chapel is also open during Communion for quiet reflection, and lay ministers are available if you’d like someone to pray with you.

 

After the service

The priest closes with “Let us go forth in the Name of God.” We respond “Thanks be to God,” and depart. Outside of Lent, we also add “Alleluia, alleluia!”

Then stay. The rinfresco (coffee hour) is the best way to meet people and feel at home. It’s informal and friendly.

Can’t make the service in person? Tune into our Sunday Livestream on our YouTube channel – and subscribe for updates and notifications.

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