Worship at St. Thomas Episcopal Church

Worship

Three opportunities for worship and Holy Eucharist are offered during the week: twice on Sunday mornings, and again on Wednesday evening.

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.

Additional worship opportunities are offered throughout the liturgical year, such as on Ash Wednesday and during Holy Week.

A Simple Gathering: First Sunday of each month from 5-7 PM

WORSHIP – a shorter than usual, comfortable, evening worship service, with simple music & Eucharist

CREATE – a faith formation experience for everyone, engaging all ages in learning & doing together

CONNECT – a simple meal around tables, sharing fellowship, and sharing life

Reservations not required, but you can let us know you’re coming by clicking this link. If you’d like to help defray the cost of the meal, suggested donation is $5 per person or $20 per family.

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.

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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.

All people of all ages are invited to the waters of Baptism. Some come to Baptism as infants, sponsored by parents and Godparents, who make the vows of Baptism on their behalf. Some come as adults, marking a mature, public commitment to Christ. In Baptism we share in our Baptismal Covenant, and at every Baptism the entire congregation renews our commitment to this Covenant. Baptism is usually offered at the Easter Vigil (on the night before Easter Sunday), Day of Pentecost, All Saints’ Say, and the Feast of Baptism of our Lord (the first Sunday after January 6). Additional times may be scheduled if needed. Contact the church office or the rector if you wish to schedule Baptism for yourself or a member of your family.

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.

The Word and The Holy Communion:

A Two Part Service

The Service of the Word includes prayers, Scripture readings, and sermon. These help us focus on the many facets of God’s life in the world. The music and liturgical colors all help give focus to this service. During this part of the service, children ages 3-12 are invited to “Children’s Church,” where they will be led in activities appropriate to their age, returning to their families for the communion.

The Holy Communion is our celebration at the table of Christ. It is sometimes called Eucharist, which means “thanksgiving.” Our communion is open to all Christians. You may receive both the bread and the wine, or you may dip the bread in the wine. If you do not wish to receive communion, you may come to the communion rail, cross your arms over your chest, and receive a blessing.

LOCATION: 2100 Hilton Ave, Columbus GA 31906 OFFICE HOURS: 9am-2pm M-F

5SERVICES: Wednesday – 5:30 PM // Sunday – 8 AM & 10:30 AM, First Sundays at 5 PM

EMAIL: office@stthomascolumbus.org PHONE: (706)324-4264