What to Expect on Sunday

How do Episcopalians worship?

Guided by the Book of Common Prayer (1979), we worship by gathering in God’s name; hearing readings from Scripture following the Revised Common Lectionary and preaching that expounds upon them; by praying for ourselves and others, and exchanging the peace of Christ; and by presenting gifts to God, celebrating the Holy Eucharist, and sharing God’s gifts with all.

“O worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness…”
~Psalm 96:9

What are our services like?

8:00 AM

Our early service is celebrated in the Church, using the Rite II form of the Holy Eucharist. This means the language of our prayer is modern sounding. There is no music at this service, though a sermon is preached. Fewer people attend this service and its tone is generally more contemplative than the later service.

10:00 AM

This is a festal, sung, Rite II service of worship with full choir, organ, 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 Spirituals. September through June, our bell choir performs every fifth week. A sermon is preached and the Eucharist is chanted on most Sundays. This liturgy celebrates the fullest and best expressions of the traditional, more formal, and welcoming Episcopal liturgical style.

What should I wear?

It's simultaneously easy and unhelpful to say wear whatever you feel comfortable wearing, but the truth is you will find a range of apparel at St. Thomas' on Sunday morning, from suits and dresses, to jeans and polos. More, rather than fewer, choose to dress more formally.

Sunday School & Nursery

From September to May, Sunday school is offered for grades 1 – 6 during the Liturgy of the Word, the first half of the service. In addition, during those months professional nursery care is offered during both services for children under six if parents would like to avail themselves of that option.

The first Sunday of every October we celebrate St. Francis' with a special blessing of pets, right inside the church during the 10 AM service!

Christmas is a special time at St. Thomas', full of beautiful adornments and joyous homecomings. Our family service is celebrated at 5 PM and our Candlelit Service at 9 PM.