Worship at St. Thomas Episcopal Church
Worship
- Sunday Morning: 8:00AM
- At 8AM on Sunday morning, congregants gather in the Chapel for a service of Holy Eucharist, Rite I. Rite I uses the most traditional worship language (thee, thy, and thine) and prayers. There is no music at the 8AM service.
- Sunday Morning: 10:30AM
- The 10:30 service on Sunday morning takes place in the Nave. During this service, we worship using Holy Eucharist, Rite II. Rite II uses more contemporary language (you, your, and you’re) and prayers. Worship is augmented by the talents of the St. Thomas Choir. During part of this service, children ages 3-12 are invited to “Children’s Chapel.”
- Wednesday Evening: 5:30PM
- At 5:30 on Wednesday evenings, a service of evening prayer, healing rite, and Eucharist is offered. There is no music.
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Worship in the Episcopal Church
Over our altar, you will read Dominus Meus Et Deus Meus. These words, “My Lord and My God,” were spoken by Thomas to the risen Christ after a period of doubt. We hope our worship will lead you into the same experience of wonder and awe. We give our best efforts to liturgy and music. This is our thankful response to God’s love. Our worship is shaped by the traditions of the Episcopal church. Our guide is the red Book of Common Prayer, our music is from the blue Hymnal. Page numbers are marked in your service order. The scripture passages of each day are also found in the service order. If you need assistance finding a place in the program or the Prayer Book please ask someone near you.
Baptism
Holy Baptism is full initiation by water and the Holy Spirit into Christ’s Body the Church. The bond which God establishes in Baptism is indissoluble. Book of Common Prayer, p. 298.
Worship Leaders
Though clergy and the other vested servers tend to be the most visible, a small army is involved in orchestrating the worshiping life of our community.A Verger is the leader of the liturgical procession. He or she carries a “virge”, originally used in the Middle Ages to clear away crowds of pigs, cows, or drunks. A Thurifer follows the Verger on high holy days, swinging the thurible to produce incense. Lay readers read from the Old and New Testament and lead the Prayers of the People. Chalice Bearers serve wine at the altar during Communion. Older children and youth serve as Acolytes: Crucifer, Petite Cross, Torchbearers, Banner Bearers. Much work goes on behind the scenes. The Altar Guild prepares the worship space and altars in the chapel and nave each week. Members ensure that silver and brass are polished, candles and wine stocked, linens washed and ironed. The flowers, always so gorgeous, are are arranged by the talented volunteer parishioners of the Flower Guild. Any of the roles mentioned on this page provide you and your family with opportunities to become involved in the life and worship of the parish. Please contact the church office to volunteer or to obtain more information about any of these roles.