St. Paul's Church

What are services like?
We are an Episcopal church (a part of the worldwide Anglican Communion); that means we celebrate the Liturgy of Holy Eucharist, sometimes called “the Mass.” From the ancient Church we have inherited the same liturgical traditions as our sisters and brothers in the Roman Catholic, Orthodox, and Lutheran traditions. You will hear formal prayers, two or three Bible readings and a Psalm. You’ll hear a sermon with one or more of the Bible readings as its text. We use Rite II from the Episcopal Book of Common Prayer for most of our Sunday services. You’ll hear us recite the story of our shared faith in the Nicene or Creed. Please join in saying it with us if you see your way clear to do so. We’ll pray, again with formal prayers, for the church, for our communities, and for the life of the world. We’ll join voices and ask God to free us from our sins, and one of our clergy people will remind us all that God actually does forgive us. We all need God’s forgiveness. We’ll share the peace of God. We tend to run around the church shaking hands with each other saying “peace be with you.” A few people hug each other, but most don’t. Then we’ll celebrate the Lord’s Supper (also called Holy Communion or the Eucharist).We do this at almost every Sunday service. Right beforehand, a clergy person will say words like these: "This is the table, not of the Church, but of the Lord. It is to be made ready for those who love God and for those who hope to love God more. So, come, you who have faith and you who have doubts. Come if you have been here often, and come if you have not been here long. Come if you have followed, and come if you have stumbled. Come, because it is the Lord who invites you. It is Christ’s will that those who seek him will meet him here at his table. Come!" In other words, you are welcome at Communion. We mean it. But some people choose not to partake and that is fine too. We then have a blessing, sing a hymn, and we’re on our way, either to coffee hour or home. Coffee hour usually has some good treats and always has good conversation.

What is the community like?
We are young families and older folks. Some of us are singles. Some of us are different-sex and same-sex couples, including some of both kinds with kids. Recently Rector Martha Hubbard asked, “raise your hand if you were born Episcopalian.” Less than half the hands went up. Many of us were raised Roman Catholic. Some of us come from Baptist and Methodist traditions. Our assistant priest is a Lutheran pastor, serving at St. Paul’s with the permission of his bishop. We come from many denominations and none.

What if I'm not a Christian?
You are welcome at St. Paul's, and at the table of the Lord. No ifs, ands, or buts. You are invited. We know it can feel awkward to visit a house of worship for the first time. You don't know anybody and you don't know what's going on. Know this; most of us here at St. Paul's have had that same experience. There isn't much we can DO to make it feel less awkward, but we will BE with you. We promise! If you're interested in learning more about our local faith community and what it's like to follow the risen Jesus Christ in the world, please don't hesitate to ask questions.