worship   

It is true that we do kneel to pray, sit to listen, and stand to praise -- each several times in the service.  Our worship is a drama involving the whole person -- body, mind, and spirit -- in which we enact God's love for us and ours for Him.

But one of the great joys of the Episcopal Church is its diversity, and no one has to do anything that will make him or her uncomfortable.  The phrase applies "All may, some should, none must."

But here are a few bits of information that we hope will make you feel at home.

First, Episcopalians customarily enter into prayer when entering into the church, and then keep silent so as to not disturb others.  We are not being unfriendly -- just considerate of your time with God.

If you have been baptized with water in the name of the Holy Trinity, believe that Jesus Christ is truly spiritually present in the Sacrament, and receive communion in your own church, you are welcome to receive at our altar as well.

We kneel or stand as we prefer at the altar rail to receive the consecrated bread and wine.  If you do not wish to drink the wine from the common cup, you may hand your wafer or bread to the chalice bearer, who will dip it in the wine and place it on your tongue.

In addition, if you do not wish to receive the wine for any reason, you may simply cross your arms over your chest after you have received the bread.  You will have received Communion, the body of Jesus Christ, in its fullest.

If you do not wish to receive communion at all, you may join your family and friends at the altar rail but cross your arms over your chest.  The priest will pause to give you a blessing.

We ask ladies to please blot lipstick before approaching the rail (to make linen upkeep easier for the Altar Guild).  We also suggest that you remain at the rail until the person on your left has received communion.

And if you want personal prayer at the time of communion, there are prayer partners available in the chapel to pray briefly with you.

Above all, these few suggestions are not nearly as important as our wish that your worship time here brings you spiritual refreshment.