A Typical Sunday at St. Stephen’s

The Episcopal Church form of worship follows a liturgy- a rite or body of rites prescribed for public worship which contains a customary repertoire of ideas, phrases, or observances. Our liturgy is found completely within the bulletin to offer ease for a newcomer into full participation, and also written in our Book of Common Prayer.

The Eucharist is the primary form of worship in the Episcopal Church. It is also commonly known as Holy Communion or The Lord’s Supper. Our liturgy, or  pattern of worship, is that of the ancient Christian Church, as described in a letter from a ‘church’ member in the century following Jesus’ ministry. We  celebrate our authenticity!. ( See Christian Worship in the Second Century- a letter from Justin (c. 150)  Apology lxv-lxvii, Documents of the Christian Church).

Jesus said to love the Lord, our God with all our hearts, with all our souls, and with all our minds. In other words, with our whole selves. Traditionally then, Episcopal worship has sought to engage the whole body and all five senses in the act of worship. You will find that in Episcopal worship, there is a lot of movement: standing, sitting, kneeling and coming forward to receive communion. Though many people find these patterns of worship comforting, no one is required to participate in such a way as to make them uncomfortable. The Episcopal Church welcomes all baptized persons, of any age and from any Christian tradition at communion.

8 a.m. – Rite I is a quiet, spoken service in traditional language

9:30 a.m. – The Rite II service is traditional in liturgy but contemporary in language and offers hymns and organ music

Parking
We are located in a residential area with street parking on all surrounding streets. We also have a parking lot near the rear of the church on Ellison Ave.

Finding a Seat
Please feel free to sit in any pew on either side – front, middle, or back on the main floor of the sanctuary.

Children
Children are very welcome at our services, and baptized children are invited to take communion with their parents.  We offer Children’s Bulletins and quiet toys for our youngest worshippers.

Hospitality
Following the service join us for refreshments; coffee and snacks in winter, lemonade and light treats in summer.

What to Wear
There is no dress code for church 🙂