What if I screw it up?
What if no one talks to me?
What if everyone talks to me?
Here at St. Luke’s, we do our best to really see our visitors—to recognize if you’re an introvert and need space, or an extrovert and want some company.
Our worship booklet will walk you through every part of the service and even give a little background on some of the things we experience together. These booklets change with each liturgical season, for example, at Advent, Lent, Eastertide and Ordinary Time. Each Sunday, we provide a handout particular to that worship service, which includes the readings and songs and anything else you’ll need for worship. (Links above are samples of our worship material and may not be what we are currently using.)
We invite you to come and worship with us in whatever way brings you joy, whether that means sneaking in late and sitting in the back then sneaking out during the last song, or shaking everyone’s hand at the peace and getting to know folks at coffee hour. Come as you are.
Ancient Ritual
For the newcomer, Episcopal worship can sometimes feel a bit like stumbling into a secret society, but our hope is that you feel welcomed into the rhythm of our liturgy*, which is based on some of the oldest traditions of Christianity. The Episcopal Church is a member of the worldwide Anglican Communion whose roots are in the Church of England. The Anglican tradition embraces the Via Media, the middle way between Catholicism and Protestantism.
We also take intentional time in worship to settle ourselves by taking a few deep breaths, by marking periods of silent reflection with the ringing of a singing bowl, by attentively watching as our acolytes light the altar candles, and by listening for how God may be reaching out to us through poetry.
If you ever feel a bit lost, you are welcome to ask someone sitting nearby for guidance, or simply let the words and the music wash over you.
* “Liturgy” is just a fancy word for how worship is structured.
Inspiring Music
Every Sunday, we sing together accompanied by piano, acoustic guitars, and bass. Sometimes we are joined by a cello or a glockenspiel. You will hear traditional hymns, some contemplative chants, and songs composed by our own musicians. We find value in songs that speak to truth and beauty, so don’t be surprised if you are invited to sings songs from outside the Christian tradition – songs by John Lennon, Leonard Cohen, Sinead O’Connor, and U2. We welcome your ideas for songs to include.
St. Luke’s has been the rehearsal home to the Shared Joy BRingers handbell choir for many years. They share their beautiful music with us a few times every year. We also gather interested voices from time to time to sing in the Pop-Up Choir. Vocalists and instrumentalists from the parish are welcome to share their gifts during the offertory.
If you find joy in making music and would like to help out with this ministry (children are welcome), please reach out to Kathy Douglass, our Music Minister. You’ll find her at the piano every Sunday.
What About My Kids?
During the school year, we offer Children’s Ministry two Sundays each month. We sing them out to their own sanctuary early in the service, and they return before communion.
On Sundays when we don’t have Children’s Ministry, we invite families to make themselves at home in our sanctuary where children are welcome to participate completely in the liturgy, including receiving communion if they want. There is a children’s area where children (and adults) have the opportunity to play and work on creative projects during the service. There is also a pack-n-play for babies.
All of our Children’s Ministry volunteers have completed Safe Church training, and we perform background checks on anyone who has regular contact with children and other vulnerable people, including the rector and anyone in leadership positions.