What To Expect
Birthday celebrationWhen you visit us you will be noticed - and we will be happy to see you! We are a small community so we notice whoever comes through our door. We are always grateful for the chance to welcome newcomers and we’ll be curious about your experience and background. Of course, you may wish to preserve an inner quiet as a prelude to worship. You are welcome to keep quietly to yourself as you maintain awareness of your own inner experience.
If you have ever visited a mainstream Christian church, there are many elements of our service that will probably feel familiar to you. As an Episcopal Community, we use the Book of Common Prayer to guide us through a highly structured liturgy, with readings from Scripture, public prayers, and singing. You will hear a sermon centered on the readings; you will experience the “passing of the peace” where we greet one another; and you will hear (and sing, if you want) some beautiful old and new songs of worship. You will also be invited to participate in the Eucharistic mass (sharing bread and wine to celebrate our community with Jesus.)
You will also encounter a few differences.
Our choice towards radical inclusivity affects many elements of how we worship. We gather and are seated in a circle of chairs instead of in front-facing pews, and the priest reads her sermon while seated. To structure our liturgy we use Rite 3 of the Book of Common Prayer. This allows us to include in the liturgy not only Scripture but also outside readings and observances that creatively engage the themes of the week. Our worship also uses inclusive language. This means that we use multi-gendered images of God (Father, Mother, Spirit Sophia) as well as images that have no gender or human identity at all (wind, the greening of nature, creative spirit). We also don’t refer to God as “Lord” (we may substitute Creator, Beloved, Spirit, or Adonai), and instead of the Kingdom of God, we like to talk about the Kin-dom of Christian relationship. We often bring unique rituals into the service, and sometimes express ourselves with dance. After the sermon, we invite the “Response of the Community” to the readings, sermon, or liturgy. And all of us, priest and participants, sing the Eucharistic mass. It is important to know that you are always free to participate in whichever pieces feel comfortable to you. After the service, there are community announcements where we will greet you, and if you do wish to share anything about your experience or background we will be delighted.
We also invite you to join us for our regular sharing of refreshments and each other’s company as we build our community through forging new friendships and strengthening old ones.
