If you’re joining us on Sunday morning for worship (or an evening event, after 5:30 p.m.), we encourage you to park in the Metro Center parking lot. There is ample space, easy access to the Historic Church, and the ushers have validated parking tickets available. Just let them know that is where you parked.
If you are coming by the parish during business hours for an appointment, group, or class, please park in our paved lot off Water Street.
Our worship service begins at 10:00 a.m. In order to get settled, we’d encourage you to be parked by 9:50 so that there is time to make your way into the Historic Church and be seated before the prelude begins.
Any where you’d like! Most people sit along the center aisle – but feel free to sit wherever you’d like. If you have little ones, there’s a soft space in the rear of the Church with a rocking chair, carpet, and books and toys.
Worship services at Christ Church are open to all; anyone may attend and participate.
There is never a cost to worship at Christ Church. Contributions to the church are entirely voluntary. We pass a collection plate, but please do not feel obligated to put anything in.
There is no dress code at Christ Church. Many parishioners wear what could be described as “business casual” attire. You may also see tee-shirts and jeans. You’ll see a few suits and a few more formal dresses. Come as you are most comfortable – and know that during the summer, it can be a little warm.
The central act of worship in the Episcopal Church is the Holy Eucharist, or Holy Communion. The liturgy (or format) for our service is found in the Book of Common Prayer (BCP) and in The Hymnal 1982 (hymnal). The weekly church bulletin will guide you to necessary sections of the BCP and the hymnal. Both books are found in the pews.
If you are new to worship in the Episcopal Church, the best way to learn the liturgy is to experience it. Don’t get frustrated trying to keep up with all that happens your first visit. Just be present. Allow the Holy Spirit to guide your thoughts and heart. It is helpful to sit with someone who is very familiar with the liturgy. Ask an usher to introduce you to someone who is willing to guide you through the service.
All baptized Christians are invited to share Holy Communion at Christ Church, regardless of denomination. However, if you are not Episcopalian, your own denomination may have instructions for you on this matter. If you have not been baptized, we invite you to come forward for a blessing.
To receive the Bread, come forward and place your outstretched hands on top of one another, palms facing up. The Priest will place a wafer on your hand for you to consume. Gluten free wafers are available – please just ask the Priest. While counter-intuitive, it is scientifically demonstrated to be more hygienic for everyone to drink from the chalice, because the Eucharist Ministers are able to wipe the interior and exterior rim of the chalice between communicants. If you accidentally dips your fingers in the wine, the Eucharistic minister is not able to “wipe” that away for the person after you. In the Anglican/Episcopal tradition, receiving one kind is considered “full participation,” so if you are not comfortable drinking from the chalice, by receiving the Bread you are fully communed.
Those who have not been baptized, or who are uncomfortable receiving, are invited to come forward for a blessing – please cross your arms over your chest to indicate this is what you would like. If you seek a deeper relationship with Christ and communion with the Church through Baptism, please speak with the priest after the service.