What to Expect When You Visit

Everyone is welcome

We are all friendly people who know that visiting any church for the first time can be a little intimidating.  Everything from knowing where to sit to the language of our services can make it all too easy to feel a bit lost.  Don’t hesitate to ask questions of anyone around you. You are welcome in our churches, no matter your age, gender or ability, if you’re alone or with a friend or family, just passing through or looking for a new church home.

What to Wear

Dress up or come as you are. No matter what you wear, you’re welcome in God’s house.  At any of our services, you’re likely to find folks wearing everything from jeans to suits. The most common attire you’ll find will be “nice casual.”

Where to Park & Enter

PARKING
At St. Andrew’s, the parking lot driveway is just prior to the church if you’re traveling south on Rt. 11. At Emmanuel, there is a lot to the left of the church. You may also park in the new Woodstock lot that is behind the church or on the street. Both lots offer handicap spaces.

ENTERING
For those with physical disabilities, the back doors at St. Andrew’s or ramp nearest the parking lot at Emmanuel are helpful.  There are no reserved seats, and you are welcome to sit where ever you’d like.

Welcoming Children & those with Disabilities

Children and infants are always welcome during worship. We love their sounds and outbursts! Children are invited to the Lord’s Table (the altar during Holy Communion/Eucharist)) at your discretion.  If your child does not receive the bread and wine, they may come to the altar rail to receive a blessing.  To indicate their desire to be blessed, please have your children cross their arms over their chest. 

 Both parish halls and sanctuaries are handicap accessible via ramp. We are happy to answer any questions you may have before coming in order to make your visit easier! 

Worshipping togetheR

As you enter the nave, you’ll be greeted by an atmosphere of worship and reverence. This quiet calm before a service is an opportunity to prepare oneself for group worship. 

A typical Episcopal Sunday service has two parts: the Word and Communion.  The Word is where we hear Scripture readings, say our prayers, and listen to  the sermon.  Communion — also known as Holy Communion  — is where we share the bread and wine as Jesus commanded us to do before he died. 

The service follows an order found in the Book of Common Prayer (BCP). Every worship service includes the reading of Holy Scripture from the Old and New Testaments. Many of our prayers and hymns are filled with scripture. The BCP allows everyone to participate, reminding us that each person is an important part of the worship experience. You’ll find a copy of the BCP along with a hymnal in each pew.

Stand, Sit, or Kneel

Throughout the service, we both stand and kneel to assist in the physical act of worship. If you’re new to the Episcopal tradition, a simple guide is to just follow the folks next to you.  Practices vary – even among individual parishioners. The general rules are: 

• Stand for singing, affirming the Creed, reading the Gospel, and during certain prayers. 
• Sit during readings from the Old Testament or New Testament letters, the sermons, and the choir anthems. 
• As you are able, kneel during certain prayers or as an act of humility before God. 

Holy Eucharist

All baptized Christians —  regardless of denomination — are welcome to receive communion (Holy Eucharist). Episcopalians invite all baptized people to receive the bread and wine, not because we take the Eucharist lightly, but because we take our baptism so seriously.

Come forward to the altar rail and take the next available place. You may kneel or stand as you are able or prefer. Receive the communion bread from the priest in your hands.  You may choose to receive the wine directly from the cup/chalice by gently guiding it to your lips as the Eucharistic minister presents it to you, or you may “intinct,” or dip the bread into the wine before putting it in your mouth.