Liturgical Notes

St. Paul's uses the traditional language service, Rite I in the Book of Common Prayer. We celebrate Holy Communion every Sunday at both services, except for the 10:30 a.m. service on 5th Sundays, which is Morning Prayer.

The 8:00 a.m. service is without music and held in the chapel, while the 10:30 a.m. service is accompanied by our fine organist, Charles Lindsay, Jr. and the adult choir most Sundays of the year.

If you are new to an Episcopal service, we use two books for worship, the red Book of Common Prayer and the blue Hymnal. The Sunday bulletin contains the order of service and page numbers, as well as the Bible lessons and the Psalm for the day.

Much of the Episcopal service can be sung, and sometimes the whole service is sung, for example, Evensong.

Our worship is most appropriately termed ‘liturgy', which means ‘the work of the people'. This is because it fully involves the congregation in the prayers, lessons, the psalm, responses, the confession, creeds, and the Holy Eucharist.

Instructions for standing, sitting or kneeling can be found in either the Sunday bulletin or the Book of Common Prayer. Please note that nothing is required, but some people prefer to kneel for prayer. This and other similar acts constitute part of one's own personal devotion within the worship. So you may notice a few people genuflect, make the sign of the cross, nod or bow at certain points in the service.

All baptized Christians are welcome to receive Communion. If you would like to receive Communion, but are unable to come to the altar rail, please inform one of the Ushers. When receiving Communion place your right hand open on top of your left hand to receive the bread.

You may use your hand to guide the bottom of the chalice to your lips or indicate that you do not wish to receive the wine by crossing your hands across your chest.

Silence is observed before each service for prayer and quiet reflection. We do stand to greet one another at the Passing of the Peace following the prayers or the confession, and we have fellowship over coffee or lemonade after the service.

We hope you will find meaningful and prayerful worship at St. Paul's.