Visiting a church for the first time can be full of the unknown and unexpected. We understand those feelings and we want you to feel welcome!
At Advent, we want to be hospitable to you and your loved ones. Below is some information that we hope will welcome you into our worship and fellowship.
How will I know what to do during a service?
At the 8:00 am service on Sunday, you will receive a leaflet that references page numbers in the Book of Common Prayer, copies of which can be found in the pew racks.
At the 10:15 am service, we print a worship booklet that contains all the texts and music used in the service. This allows us the flexibility of using supplemental liturgical materials approved for use since 1979. At the 10:15 am service, we sing several hymns and musical settings of liturgical texts.
There is a Sign language interpreter at the 10:15 service for St. Thomas Deaf Church parishioners to engage in the worship.
St. Thomas Deaf Church also provides all signed services interpreted for the hearing approximately once a month.
The Episcopal Church uses set forms of prayers for worship. We stand in the tradition of the Church of England and the Anglican Communion which finds the focus of its worship life in the Book of Common Prayer.
Where should I sit?
You may sit anywhere you wish. However, we reserve the first few rows on the right side for our deaf community to see the interpreter clearly. We also have two shortened pews in the middle of the church that fit a wheelchair, walker or stroller easily.
Are my children welcome in the sanctuary?
Yes! Bring your whole family! Children and their voices are invited into our sanctuary. We believe children are formed as Christians by participating in the life of the Body of Christ. We have children’s worship leaflets for them to play with along with bags of toys.
May I take communion?
Yes! We believe the altar is God’s table, not ours and include everyone in the feast. The Eucharist is at the heart of our life together. In the Eucharist, we receive the gift of God’s life to us; in gratitude, we offer our common life, under the signs of bread and wine; in the Eucharist, we participate in the joy of the divine life. Through our Eucharistic life together, we join in the divinization of the world. We offer wine or grape juice during communion, as well as gluten free wafers if you need them.
How should I dress to attend service?
You may dress however you are comfortable. We have some members who wear dress clothes and others who feel better in casual wear even shorts in the summer.
Is there a coffee hour after the services?
Yes! Please join us for coffee, juice, and treats while getting to know each other after either service.