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Our tradition features many symbols and ceremonies,
each of which teaches something about the spiritual life. It may seem
confusing at first but it will become a source of comfort, strength and joy.
We are glad to have you with us and will gladly teach you.
  
When you come into the church, you will notice people
kneel for a time of silent prayer. This is an opportunity to quiet ourselves
and focus on God, in whose temple we are.
You will find a Prayer Book and a Hymnal in the pew.
Our worship largely comes out of these two books. The bulletin you received
on the way in will help you find the right page or hymn. If you find
yourself lost, ask someone near you or just listen along to the words of our
worship.
At the front of the church is the altar table. The
priest stands behind the altar for the consecration prayer during the
communion. You will see people bow as they come forward to read the
lessons
or receive communion, because the altar is a symbol of Christ’s body. Many
people also bow when the processional cross passes by. The Cross is the
ultimate symbol of God’s love for humanity. You will also see people
making the sign of the cross on themselves at various times; this, too is a
way—along with standing, bowing and kneeling—of drawing our physical
selves into our worship.
Candles at the altar symbolize the light of Christ.
The candle hanging to the left of the altar never goes out and symbolizes
Christ’s presence in this consecrated place. A rack of votive candles in
the garden on the left may be used for personal prayers.
The small door in the wall behind the altar marked
with an image of Christ is the aumbry. It contains consecrated bread and
wine to be taken to those who are sick and unable to come to church.
All baptized Christians who recognize Christ’s
presence in the sacred bread and wine, receive communion in their own
church, repent of their sins, and understand the communion as a means of
reconciliation with God and their neighbor, are welcome to receive communion
in the Episcopal Church.
After the worship, we kneel for a time to
give thanks to God for this opportunity to worship together.
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