What to wear? You
will see people of all ages and stages of life. You will see a variety of attire - from bluejeans to coats and ties. We want our doors to be open to everyone.
Where do I sit? You
can sit anywhere that you feel comfortable. Many of us gather around
10:20 AM to sit quietly in prayer before the service begins. We use
this time to prepare ourselves for worship. If you can't make it until
10:30, no problem - we're happy to see you then as well.
How long will the service last?
The service generally lasts about an hour. Our service is full of joyous music and quiet time for digesting the scripture readings and
sermon. We are intentional about providing 'space' to hear the Holy
Spirit and to welcome Christ into our lives.
What kind of worship? If
you're new to the Episcopal Church, you'll discover th at our worship style is very interactive and participatory. By following our worship bulletin - which you will receive, along with a hymnal, when you enter - you can easily follow all of the service. You'll hear people responding
during the service according to "scripts" in the bulletin. And you'll
see people sitting, standing and perhaps kneeling, depending on whether
we're learning, listening,
singing, or praying. Everything we do is indicated in the worship
bulletin. If uncertain, just relax in the moment and know that you are
in an accepting place that welcomes you.
Is there childcare? Young
children can worship in the chapel (see below). Infants can be cared
for by their parents in a special area in the rear of the church. Your
hosts will direct you.
Is there a worship service particularly for young children? Yes. Young ones gather in St. Clare Chapel for children's worship and return to the church prior to Communion.
Will I have to stand and introduce myself? No,
not at all. We invite you to stay for St. Francis Cafe, a time for
coffee, snacks and fellowship that occurs right after worship. Many
will speak with you then, one-on-one, as we are eager to know you.
What should I expect when I get inside? As
you enter the doors, you will be welcomed by our hosts who will offer you a worship bulletin and hymnal. They'll give you a Visitor Information
Card and likely chat with you a bit and welcome you. We're
friendly here and are delighted to meet with new friends and old. Our
hosts can answer questions you may have aobut St. Francis and our
worship service.
I'm not a member here. Should I take communion? This is the Lord's Table, not just ours. All baptized persons are invited and encouraged to participate with us.
What to expect at communion. Follow
the folks in your aisle up to the altar. You may stand or kneel. You
will be presented with communion bread which you may receive with hands cupped, one on top of the other.
When
the cup (chalice) comes, reach out your hand to the base of the chalice
and guide it to your lips. If you prefer not to drink from the chalice,
hold onto the bread until the chalice comes, and then "intinct" or dip
the edge of your bread in the wine and then eat the
bread.
If it is physically difficult for you to come to the Altar, let one of
the hosts know and our priest will bring communion to you where you are seated.
Children receiving communion. Baptized children are welcome to receive communion at their parents' discretion.
Receiving a Blessing. If
you, or your child(ren), would like to receive a blessing instead of
taking communion, come forward just as you would to receive communion
and cross your arms across your chest, and/or instruct your child(ren)
to do the same.
Hearing assistance. Wireless earphones are available. Just ask the hosts when you enter.
After the service. You
are invited to join us for refreshments after worship at St. Francis
Cafe (in the rear of the church). We gather to chat and catch up with
one another and enjoy some fruit, cheese and crackers, desserts and
beverages.
Healing Prayer. There
is a healing service with Holy Eucharist (communion) on the first
Wednesday of every month at 6:15 PM in St. Clare Chapel.
Learning more. As
our guest, we encourage you to ask questions and seek information.
Please fill out a Visitor Information Card and place it in the offering
plate or hand it to a host. We are
happy to introduce you to our clergy and other staff. We are glad
you joined us and want you to feel welcome at St. Francis.
|
