FAQs about Worship at St Francis
Is Episcopal the same as Anglican?
The Episcopal Church USA is the American province of the worldwide Anglican Communion. We are happy to be a part of such a large fellowship of Christians whose history dates back to Augustine, the first Archbishop of Canterbury! You can read more about the Episcopal Church USA here and more about the Anglican Communion here.
Are your Sunday services traditional or contemporary?
Actually, services at St Francis are a little of each! We sing a range of songs during our 10 am service from ancient chants, beloved hymns, to contemporary Christian music. We typically use modern language for Morning Prayer at 8:15 am and traditional language for Holy Communion at 10 am. As we grow, we hope to further blend ancient and modern styles of worship.
Am I welcome to receive Holy Communion?
All baptized followers of Jesus are welcome to receive the sacrament of Holy Communion at St Francis. We receive Communion at St Francis with a common cup. Christians have taken Holy Communion in this fashion since the time of Christ. During Communion participants kneel or stand at the altar rail and receive the bread first. You are welcome to either eat the bread and then drink from the cup or to keep the bread and dip it into the cup. We realize that to some who are not familiar with this practice of taking Communion with a common cup, there may be a fear of germs or a general "eww" factor. But studies have shown there is negligible opportunity for illness. If it still strikes you as funny, you are also welcome to receive only the bread and forgo the cup!
What if I am not baptized, yet?
If you want to follow Jesus, we would encourage you to speak with our Pastor, Fr. Lenny to arrange for your baptism! If you are not yet baptized you are welcome to come to the altar rail, kneel and place your arms across your chest indicating that you desire to receive a blessing instead of Communion.
I've heard your service is really confusing!
St Francis does use the Book of Common Prayer, the 1982 Hymnal, as well as additional music and liturgical sources. That can be a lot of juggling even for the experts. To simplify things, we print our full order of worship for most of our services, including all congregational responses, in our service bulletin each week. The music we sing are all found either in the hymnal or are printed in the bulletin. It's not confusing at all!
Is there enough parking? Is the church handicapped accessible?
We have ample parking and are fully accessible.
What's Evensong?
Evensong is a monthly service, typically on the fourth Sunday afternoon of the month, where we have different kinds of music, Scripture readings, and prayers. We also gather for a meal at an area restaurant or in our parish hall following the service. It's an easy way to experience the variety of spiritual and musical expressions available in the Christian faith, to worship without a sermon or ritual being the high point, and to get better acquainted with the people who make up the community here at St Francis.
I can sing and/or play a musical instrument. How do I get involved?
We have a choir that rehearses most every Wednesday evening at 6:30 pm from September to May. We do not currently have a regular worship ensemble, but we always welcome those who play instruments to use their talents at various worship services based on their availability. Simply talk to our Music Director, Britta Mitchell, or our Rector, Lenny Anderson, for more details.
Is Episcopal the same as Anglican?
The Episcopal Church USA is the American province of the worldwide Anglican Communion. We are happy to be a part of such a large fellowship of Christians whose history dates back to Augustine, the first Archbishop of Canterbury! You can read more about the Episcopal Church USA here and more about the Anglican Communion here.
Are your Sunday services traditional or contemporary?
Actually, services at St Francis are a little of each! We sing a range of songs during our 10 am service from ancient chants, beloved hymns, to contemporary Christian music. We typically use modern language for Morning Prayer at 8:15 am and traditional language for Holy Communion at 10 am. As we grow, we hope to further blend ancient and modern styles of worship.
Am I welcome to receive Holy Communion?
All baptized followers of Jesus are welcome to receive the sacrament of Holy Communion at St Francis. We receive Communion at St Francis with a common cup. Christians have taken Holy Communion in this fashion since the time of Christ. During Communion participants kneel or stand at the altar rail and receive the bread first. You are welcome to either eat the bread and then drink from the cup or to keep the bread and dip it into the cup. We realize that to some who are not familiar with this practice of taking Communion with a common cup, there may be a fear of germs or a general "eww" factor. But studies have shown there is negligible opportunity for illness. If it still strikes you as funny, you are also welcome to receive only the bread and forgo the cup!
What if I am not baptized, yet?
If you want to follow Jesus, we would encourage you to speak with our Pastor, Fr. Lenny to arrange for your baptism! If you are not yet baptized you are welcome to come to the altar rail, kneel and place your arms across your chest indicating that you desire to receive a blessing instead of Communion.
I've heard your service is really confusing!
St Francis does use the Book of Common Prayer, the 1982 Hymnal, as well as additional music and liturgical sources. That can be a lot of juggling even for the experts. To simplify things, we print our full order of worship for most of our services, including all congregational responses, in our service bulletin each week. The music we sing are all found either in the hymnal or are printed in the bulletin. It's not confusing at all!
Is there enough parking? Is the church handicapped accessible?
We have ample parking and are fully accessible.
What's Evensong?
Evensong is a monthly service, typically on the fourth Sunday afternoon of the month, where we have different kinds of music, Scripture readings, and prayers. We also gather for a meal at an area restaurant or in our parish hall following the service. It's an easy way to experience the variety of spiritual and musical expressions available in the Christian faith, to worship without a sermon or ritual being the high point, and to get better acquainted with the people who make up the community here at St Francis.
I can sing and/or play a musical instrument. How do I get involved?
We have a choir that rehearses most every Wednesday evening at 6:30 pm from September to May. We do not currently have a regular worship ensemble, but we always welcome those who play instruments to use their talents at various worship services based on their availability. Simply talk to our Music Director, Britta Mitchell, or our Rector, Lenny Anderson, for more details.
