When you arrive at St. Mary's, you will be warmly welcomed by one of our greeters. You will be offered a bulletin that will help to guide you through the service. We are happy to assist you with seating if you need.
Processional
The service begins with the Processional, during which the clergy and lay servers enter and take their places at the front.
Children
On most Sundays, children are dismissed to children's church classes at an early point in the service and rejoin their families in time for the Eucharist. We also have a nursery that is available with volunteer leadership for kids under the age of 3.
Service Books
In our tradition, the red Book of Common Prayer (BCP) and the blue Book of Common Praise (CP) guide us through the service. The Eucharist service begins on page 67 of the Book of Common Prayer. Hymn numbers are posted in the bulletin and at the front of the Nave to the left of the pulpit. There are also printed copies of the Eucharist service in the pews for those who prefer.
Eucharist / Communion
All baptized Christians are welcome to receive communion. Anyone who has not been baptized is welcome to receive a prayer of blessing.
At the Eucharist, greeters will signal row by row when it is time to go up to the front to receive the Eucharist or a blessing. To receive the bread, hold out your hands, cupped with palms up. To receive the wine, hold the bottom of the cup and guide it to your mouth or if you prefer not to share the common cup, bow to the cup (nod your head). If you prefer to receive a blessing, indicate this by crossing your arms over your chest.
In the serving of the Eucharist, the priest will offer the bread, saying, "The body of our Lord Jesus Christ, which is broken for you." Next, the lay attendants will offer the cup of wine, saying, "The blood of our Lord Jesus Christ which is shed for you." The customary response to each of these is "Amen" or simply nodding your head.
After having received communion, you may return to your seat.
Recessional
After announcements, a recessional hymn is sung. The lay assistant offers a sentence of sending similar to, "Go in peace to love and serve the Lord." The congregation responds, "Thanks be to God." While a recessional piece is played, the clergy and lay servers exit. At this point, the service is over. Many people choose to wait until the recessional piece is finished to leave.
