Worship

We Love God – through worship, sacraments, prayer, attention to the scriptures, and how we live.

My Lord and My God

Above our altar, you will read Dominus Meus Et Deus Meus. These words, “My Lord and My God,” were spoken by St. Thomas to the risen Christ after a period of doubt. Worship in the Episcopal Church seeks to create the same experience of wonder and awe. We give our best efforts to liturgy and music. This is our thankful response to the creating love of God, the saving life of Jesus, and the empowering presence of the Holy Spirit. Our worship is shaped by the traditions of the Episcopal church. Our guide is the Book of Common Prayer.

Worship Services

Most of our liturgies are drawn from the Book of Common Prayer, the book used by Episcopalians worldwide, as well as supplemental materials approved for use by the Episcopal Church.

Watch Live Online

St. Thomas offers livestreams of both Sunday services and several seasonal worship services throughout the year.

Sunday Morning

8:30 am in the Chapel or Online

A celebration of the Holy Eucharist led by clergy with no music.

10:30 am in the Nave or Online

A celebration of the Holy Eucharist that typically includes congregational singing supported by an organ and choir. Children’s chapel is available during this service.

Wednesday Eucharist

5:30 pm in the Chapel

A brief mid-week service in the Chapel, with modified language, usually focusing on the Saint of the day and including Holy Eucharist.

Contemplative/Healing Service

5:00 pm, Third Sunday Every Month in the Chapel

The Service includes Taize chants, silence, a brief meditation, anointing for healing and the Eucharist.

Receiving Communion

Holy Communion (also called the Eucharist or the Lord’s Supper) is at the heart of our worship. In this sacred meal, we remember Christ’s love, celebrate God’s presence with us, and are nourished for the life of faith.

  • Who can receive Communion?

    At St. Thomas, all baptized Christians are welcome to receive Communion, regardless of denomination. If you prefer not to receive Communion, you are warmly invited to come forward for a blessing instead. Simply cross your arms over your chest when you come to the altar rail, and the priest or lay Eucharistic minister will offer a blessing. Whether you receive Communion, come forward for a blessing, or remain in your seat, know that you are welcome here.

  • New to the Episcopal Church or receiving Communion for the first time?

    If you’re new to the Episcopal Church or receiving Communion for the first time, don’t worry—we’ll guide you along the way. During Communion, ushers will invite each row to come forward. You may stand or kneel at the altar rail, whichever is most comfortable for you.

    If you’re new to the Episcopal Church or receiving Communion for the first time, don’t worry—we’ll guide you along the way. During Communion, ushers will invite each row to come forward. You may stand or kneel at the altar rail, whichever is most comfortable for you.

    When you come forward, you have several options for receiving Communion:

    • Receive the bread and wine separately. Hold out one hand to receive the bread. After consuming it, you may drink from the common cup or gently dip the bread into the wine yourself.
    • Receive the bread already dipped in the wine (intinction). Hold out both hands together, and the priest or lay Eucharistic minister will place the bread, already dipped in the wine, into your hands.
    • Receive only the bread. If you prefer not to receive the wine, you are welcome to receive the bread alone.
    • Request a gluten-free wafer. Gluten-free wafers are always available—just let the priest or Eucharistic minister know.

Children’s Chapel

During the 10:30 worship service, children preK to 3rd grade follow the petite cross and leaders to the chapel for Children’s Chapel.

During Children’s Chapel children continue to follow the service order and have an interactive experience with an opportunity to set their own altar, interact with scripture, pray, and ask questions.

Children return to the Nave at the Peace to take part in Eucharist with their families.

If you would like to receive more information about the current week’s chapel service, please contact our Director of Children and Family Ministries, Shayla Holloway, at  [email protected].

Music at St. Thomas

Since its beginning, the St. Thomas community has supported a vibrant music program. This includes a commitment to excellence, music education, a strong choral tradition, worship led by the organ and choir, commissioning new works, choir pilgrimages to Episcopal Cathedrals here and abroad, and most of all, meaningful worship experiences enhanced by the music we make together.

Though our services are in the Episcopal tradition, our repertoire is varied—traditional Episcopal hymns, music of living Episcopal composers, African American spirituals, as well as contemporary choral worship music and hymns.

about Music at st. Thomas

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