What to expect on a Sunday Morning at Grace Church:

At the 9:15 service:

A traditional Holy Eucharist service (Rite II for the Episcopalians out there) with hymns.  We use Books of Common Prayer and Hymnals, with readings, prayers, and a sermon.  Anyone who feels called to receive Communion (bread and wine signifying Christ's body and blood broken and shed for us) is welcome to.  An offering plate is provided on a table for your convenience, but the plate is not passed during the service.

At the 11:00 service:

A contemporary Holy Eucharist service (also Rite II).  Everything you need to follow this service is provided on a screen in the sanctuary.  There is no bulletin nor books required.  Words to songs, responses to prayers, and words to readings can all be found on the screen.  Much of the 11:00 service is sung, including the Collect for Purity, Gloria, Lord's Prayer (our tradition is to hold hands with those next to us during this prayer), and many of the Eucharistic prayers.  Offering plates are passed during the service.  During the non-summer months, children's church coincides with this service.  Kids 7-12 begin the service in the gym with children's church, and join the main congregation during the Peace, immediately before communion.  Child care for children 6 and younger is also provided at this service.  Anyone who feels called to receive Communion (bread and wine signifying Christ's body and blood broken and shed for us) is welcome to.  

About Communion at Grace Church:

Communion (or Holy Eucharist) is a sacramental meal of bread and wine that helps us remember Jesus Christ's death for our sins.  We believe that the bread and wine are primarily symbolic; however, we welcome to communion those who hold other views.  We do not believe that a person must be "worthy" to receive communion...in fact, an acknowledgement of our unworthiness is the only requirement!  To take communion, cup your hands together to receive the bread.  Then, either eat the bread before drinking from the cup, or dip the bread into the wine and consume them both together.  If you prefer not to receive communion, please do come forward and simply cross your arms across your chest as a symbol that you would like to receive a blessing instead.

Other notes:  

In the middle of the service, after the Confession and the announcement of the forgiveness of sins, we "pass the peace."  At this time, we greet one another for a few moments, and usually say "Peace" to each other, or "The Peace of the Lord be with you."  This is our way of celebrating the fact that our sins have been forgiven and that we now live in the peace of that forgiveness.

If you have any other questions about the service please contact a member of the clergy through the church office.  Any question will be happily answered.