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If you arrive before the service has begun, you are invited to sit quietly for prayer and familiarizing yourself with the service bulletin. The bulletin will direct you to pages in the Book of Common Prayer and The Hymnal, both available in the pews. Even if you are just visiting, we would like to get to know you and for you to know us. An information card is provided in the pews for this purpose. There are usually two Sunday services, each with a distinctive flavor. (On some Sundays there is only one service, at 9 AM. See Worship Services.)
The 8:00 Service is a quiet, meditative, spoken service. We worship according to the Rite I liturgy in the Book of Common Prayer, which makes use of more formal language. The 10:00 Service is a contemporary-language service with music and hymns. Childcare is provided in the Parish Hall beginning at 9:45. During most Sundays of the school year, Church School for grades K-6 meets in the Prince Room (through the Parish Hall, past the kitchen, on the left). Children are also welcome to stay with their parents in church.
If you are unfamiliar with the ritual customs of the Episcopal Church, simply relax and let the rest of the congregation carry you in worship. There will be times when people stand, sit, and kneel (including times when some will do one and some do another). Follow along as feels comfortable, knowing there is nothing wrong in remaining seated. Prayer Books and Hymnals are provided in the pews. At the 10 o’clock service, the congregation joins in the singing, with the support of a choir that is seated at the back of the church. The first portion of the service is the Liturgy of the Word, which includes an opening prayer, scripture readings, the sermon, and prayers, after which the people greet each other in Christ’s peace with a handshake. At the 10 o’clock service, children join their families at this time. An offering will be taken. We welcome contributions in the plate that is passed, but it is not a requirement. The Liturgy of the Table (communion) follows. At the appointed time following the prayer of consecration, the congregation is invited to come forward to the communion rail. If you choose not to receive communion, you may remain in your place. If you come forward, you may stand or kneel, which ever you prefer. A priest will administer the bread to you. The common practice is to receive it by extending your hands, placing your right hand over your left, palms up. Many people cross themselves before receiving, but it is not necessary. You may consume it immediately, then sip from the chalice of consecrated wine which a lay minister will then offer to you, or you may take the bread between your thumb and forefinger and intinct (dip) it carefully into the chalice. If you prefer not to receive the wine at all, cross you hand across your chest when the cup is offered. Once you have received, return to your place. If you choose not to receive communion at all but would like a blessing, cross your hands across your chest and the priest will give you a blessing. Immediately following communion the priest will invite anyone who would like the laying on of hands for healing (for yourself or someone else) to come forward to the communion rail. A quiet prayer will be offered. The liturgy closes with a post communion-prayer, a procession out, and a dismissal. All are invited to gather in the Parish Hall for coffee and refreshments, and to greet each other more personally. If you are able, please join us.
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What to expect when you visit: You are welcome to enter by either the main double door on the street-side, or by the ramped entrance into the attached Parish Hall. At the main door you will be greeted by an usher and given a bulletin which provides the details of the service, including page numbers. At the ramp entrance you can help yourself to a bulletin as you enter the church. Sit wherever you feel comfortable. If you’ve entered the church from the Parish Hall, you’ll come to an area of flexible seating, including chairs with arms and a rocking chair. This space is also convenient for families with young children who may want to come and go inconspicuously during the service. |
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Worshipping in the Episcopal Tradition at Saint Andrew’s |
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The Episcopal Church in New Hampshire’s Ossipee Valley |
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and Funerals |