It can be a little intimidating walking into a church for the first time. Maybe you are new in town, or maybe it’s just been a long time since you’ve been to church, or maybe you have never been to an Episcopal church at all.
You will feel welcomed
We extend a warm and unconditional invitation to you to worship with us. The sign says “The Episcopal Church Welcomes You,” and we mean it; whether you are just visiting in town, or searching for a community that will embrace you as you are. All Saints is a community that cares about each other and those around them. We are a vibrant and growing group of young and old, singles and households.
You will not be embarrassed
When you visit All Saints, you will be our respected and welcomed guest. You will not be singled out in any way, nor asked to stand before the congregation and introduce yourself. You will worship God with us. Should you wish to know more about All Saints or the Episcopal Church, the clergy, greeters, and members will gladly answer your questions.
Children welcome
Your entire family is welcome at All Saints. All members of your family, regardless of age, may participate in the service. For the convenience of parents, we usually have a staffed nursery during the service, but infants and toddlers are also welcome to stay in church with their parents.
When you enter the church
Greeters will welcome you and provide you with a booklet called a bulletin that will assist you in following along with the service. It lists the songs, page numbers and special prayers that will be used during the service. More details on how to use the bulletin are printed on its cover.
The Service
The typical service is a celebration of the Holy Eucharist, which means “thanksgiving” in Greek. We give thanks for what God has done for us in Jesus Christ. It is also known as Holy Communion, because in it we commune with God and also with each other as the Body of Christ.
The first part of the service is called “The Liturgy of the Word,” in which God’s acts in history are recalled through scripture and applied to our lives in a reflection given by the priest (sermon). The second part is called “The Liturgy of the Eucharist,” in which we repeat the words and actions of Jesus’ last meal with his disciples and make that story our own.
All are welcome to receive communion at the table of the Lord. Greeters will assist you in coming up to the altar rail. The priest and lay minister will offer you the bread and wine consecrated as the body and blood of Jesus Christ. If you wish to receive a blessing rather than the Sacrament, simply cross your arms over your heart as a signal for the priest.
After the service
Hospitality is at the center of our mission, and we would love to get to know you better after the service. We usually have a coffee hour immediately following the service, with plenty of food and treats for everyone. If you come to coffee hour, you can be sure someone will greet you and start a conversation.