How do Episcopalians worship?

"O worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness..."
~Psalm 96:9

What are our services like?

8 am  -  Our early service is celebrated in St. George's Chapel, using the Rite I form of the Holy Eucharist.  This means the language of our prayer is more traditional.  There is no music at this service and its tone is generally more solemn than the 10am service.  Because St. George's Chapel has an altar which is against the wall, this service is celebrated in the "East-facing" manner.  Some refer to this kind of service as "Low Mass."

10 am  -  This is a festal, sung, Rite II service of worship with full choir and congregational singing. The choir leads the congregation in the singing of hymns and service music, and edifies the liturgy with beautiful and inspiring offertory and communion anthems, ranging in style and scope from Renaissance to African-American Spiritual.  Some refer to this kind of service as "Sung High Mass." Sunday school is offered for grades Pre-K - 12 during the Liturgy of the Word.

During both of our services, there is a special space
for children 3 and under who are finding the pews a bit too confining.  Called the Oratory of the Good Shepherd, it is located in the rear of the nave (back of the church) on the Epistle side(facing the altar, the right). Parents are asked to accompany their children there so that all may enjoy a reverent worship experience.

 Taizé  -   A candlelit church. Enchanting music. Silent prayer and reflection. A simple Eucharist. Experience all of this and more at our Taizé services, the third Sunday of each month at 7:00 p.m. excepting only December (service held on 2nd Sunday) and July and August (no services). The service is based on the worship practices of the Taizé monastery in France.

The Daily Office

I've heard Episcopalians have a special way of praying in the morning and at night.  What is that?

Our Anglican heritage has gifted us with the beautiful and simple services of Morning and Evening Prayer, forming the principal parts of the Daily Office, or daily prayer. These services are easily learned and intended to be prayed by lay persons and clergy alike, alone or corporately, said or sung, as often as you like.  When you take the time to pray the Daily Office, remember those who did not have the time or opportunity to pray it that day in the knowledge that when you do not have the time or opportunity, it is being prayed on your behalf as well. Morning Prayer is prayed daily at St. George's, Monday - Thursday at 9am in the sanctuary.  Will you join us?

For an introduction on learning how to pray the Daily Office, click on the link below, which will take you to our parish blog page where Fr. Ryan has written an easy to understand and easy to follow guide.

The Daily Office Tutorial

"From the rising of the sun...

...to its setting my Name shall be great among the nations...says the Lord of Hosts."
~Malachi 1:11