It's nice to know what to expect when you visit a church.   We want you to feel comfortable coming as the child of God who you are, and so here are some frequently (un)asked questions.

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What do I wear?  Traditionally people dress up for church.  Others don't.  Both are good.  At Grace, people wear whatever is comfortable and helps them to worship.
 
Where do I enter the church?  You enter Grace through a red door, symbolic of the blood of Christ and the ancient custom of sanctuary that the church offers from the world.  Red doors are a tradition of the Anglican church.
 
After I get inside, then what?  You come into the vestibule where you can hang your coat, check out the bulletin boards, and receive your worship book.  Greeters will be there to give you one.  From there you come into the narthex, the back of the space where the baptismal font is placed.  In larger churches in earlier times, those seeking to join the church received their instruction in the faith in preparation for baptism in this space.  It reminds us that baptism is the beginning of our journey with Christ.
 

Where should I sit?  As you move to your seat, you enter the Nave.  Choose a pew that is comfortable for you.  The aisle is symbolic of our journey together and the Nave, the world through which we journey.  In front of every seat is a kneeler that can be pulled down for those who wish to kneel during parts of the service.  It is customary for many to to kneel briefly and ask God to prepare their hearts and minds to worship.  We strive to respect everyone’s prayer time with quiet at this time.
 

 

 

What will I need for the service?  During the service you'll use the worship bulletin you received when you entered.  You may also use the Book of Common Prayer (red) and the Hymnal (blue) in the pew.  The worship bulletin provides you with the content and responses of the day’s worship.  It is written in Spanish and English.  Use the language of your choice.  An insert with the Collect of the Day and the scripture readings for the day is included.  This is so you can read along as these readings are read aloud by a designated reader.  If the lesson is read in a language not your own, you can read it in your own language.  Since the worship is in two languages, the sermon is often translated.
 
Do I stand?  Do I kneel?  Traditionally the Episcopal Church has stood to sing or proclaim, sat to listen, and knelt to pray.  At Grace we suggest a helpful posture, but all are free to choose, with respect to others, what works best for them.  That means you can follow those around you, or not.
 

 

What is up in front?  In front of the Nave is the Sanctuary.  It is separated from the Nave by the transept aisle and the altar rail.  At Grace the chancel (where the priest and choir sit) occupies the same space as the sanctuary (where the altar is placed).  Today the altar rail is used to steady people when they kneel for communion.  Its historic use has varied explanations.
 

What about communion?  The standard Sunday service (we also call it "liturgy") at Grace is Eucharist, sometimes called Holy Communion.  Eucharist is a Greek word meaning, "Thanksgiving."  All are invited to come forward to the altar to share in this holy meal.
 

How will I know when it's time to go forward for communion?  The ushers will indicate when you should leave your seat and come forward.  We approach the altar by the center aisle.  We return to our seats by the side aisle.  At Grace some people stand and some people kneel for communion.  You should do whatever is most comfortable to you.  It is also our custom to place our left hand on the shoulder of the person on our left when they receive the cup of wine to steady them.

 
What is used for Holy Communion?  The bread we use is the unleaven bread of the Passover, the bread carried by those leaving slavery on the journey to freedom.  If you are gluten free, please just quietly ask for a gluten free host (our word for the pieces of bread) when the worship leader stands in front of you.  We serve wine in our cup.  You may take your host and dip the edge into the wine (this is called intinction) or you may drink from the cup.  You may also choose not to have wine.  In this case, you may simply leave the altar after you receive the bread, or you may cross your arms over your chest indicating that you do not want to receive the wine.
 

What if I'm not comfortable receiving communion?  You may choose to come to the altar for a blessing instead of receiving either element.  Simply cross your arms over your chest and the priest will stop and bless you by placing their hand on your head and saying the prayer of blessing. 

 

What should I do after communion?  After you have received wine or a blessing, please return to your seat by the side aisle.  It is our custom to kneel in prayer until the Prayer of Thanksgiving.  There is often a hymn which you are asked to join in singing when you have completed your private prayers.  If you don't know what posture to use, just watch those around you, or use a pasture that is helpful for you.
 

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What happens after church?  Following the service, our fellowship continues in the Parish Hall with coffee hour.  This is a chance to meet and greet those in worship.  We know that for many it is uncomfortable to enter coffee hour and we deeply appreciate your willingness to get to know us.   People are friendly and look forward to meeting you!

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Can I talk to a priest?  We would love to get to know you better and learn about what God is up to in your life.  Please sign the book on your way out of the church with your phone/email address and we'll contact you.  You are also always welcome to call the office or email.