Beginner's Guide

Welcome!

This is a guide for people who haven't been to our church before, or haven't discovered a church where they've been called to service, or aren't used to coming to church. We follow the Order of Service (the folded handout you find as enter the church) closely. Here are some hints to make you feel more comfortable.

Standing up and sitting down: Always confusing for new people—and some long time members, as well!! We stand up on the items marked with stars in the Order of Service.

Hymns: Our organist plays the hymn tune through once before singing starts. We stand on the last line of the hymn tune. Watch the choir or the minister and stand up when they do.

Profession of Faith: This comes right after the first hymn. Keep standing after the hymn, and sit down when the profession is finished.

The Benedictus: we sing that seated.

Offertory Hymn: Stand up when the minister does. Sit down after he says "Amen."

Benediction: Stay standing after the last hymn, and continue to stand until the Altar Candles are extinguished. Then we all depart through the back of the Sanctuary and greet each other.

The Lords' Prayer: This is found on page 2 of the Book of Prayer, the thin book in the pew rack.

"Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever and ever, Amen."

The Psalms: The Psalms are found in the pew Bibles, which are on the aisle side of every pew. If you are not familiar with looking up the Psalms in the Bible, page numbers are in the Order of Service.

The Gloria Patri: This is Latin for "Glory be to the Father." We say it after the Psalms: "Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be. World without end, Amen.

Concluding prayer: This is found on page 10 of the Book of Prayer in the pew rack.

We're glad you are worshipping with us today.

See Q&A for Visitors