Questions people often ask:
What’s the worship service like?
The format changes somewhat depending on the season, but in general we listen to three Scripture lessons, hear a sermon connecting the Bible to our own lives, and then celebrate Holy Communion together.
If you’ve experienced Lutheran or Roman Catholic services, our worship will seem quite familiar. In any case, we invite you to come, and to simply relax with the liturgy and let the rest of the congregation carry you in worship.
How long does worship last?
Usually a little over an hour. We gather after the service for coffee hour, sometimes called the 8th sacrament in the Episcopal Church!
Who can take communion?
All Christians are welcome at the Lord’s supper; Jesus ate with everyone, particularly the outcasts and the marginalized.
How do I become a member?
Membership is a somewhat fluid thing in the Episcopal Church. If you are new to the church and want to join officially, we ask that you undertake some time of study and reflection with the priest and/or others who are also considering membership. If you are a member of another Episcopal Church, we can transfer your membership. All are welcome to participated in the life of the parish regardless of official membership status.
What do people wear to church?
Some people dress up, some wear “business casual”, some wear jeans and sneakers (or shorts in the summer). We only ask that you dress in a way that will not offend or distract others.
What do we call the pastor?
In the Episcopal Church, the pastor is called a priest. That said, we don't call people "Priest Joe" or "Priest Sue" (and we never use "priestess".) Form differs from place to place and person to person. "Father" and "Mother" are typical, as is "Pastor" and "Reverend" - though some grammar sticklers will object to the latter. All that said, the current Rector (person in charge of a congregation) usually goes by her first name. Whatever's comfortable for you is fine. Caveat: if you call males Father, then you call females Mother.
More questions?
If there’s a question you’d like answered, please email us at office@stpaulnorwalk.org
There's also a great book called "Episcopal Questions, Episcopal Answers" that we suggest for newscomers.
What’s the worship service like?
The format changes somewhat depending on the season, but in general we listen to three Scripture lessons, hear a sermon connecting the Bible to our own lives, and then celebrate Holy Communion together.
If you’ve experienced Lutheran or Roman Catholic services, our worship will seem quite familiar. In any case, we invite you to come, and to simply relax with the liturgy and let the rest of the congregation carry you in worship.
How long does worship last?
Usually a little over an hour. We gather after the service for coffee hour, sometimes called the 8th sacrament in the Episcopal Church!
Who can take communion?
All Christians are welcome at the Lord’s supper; Jesus ate with everyone, particularly the outcasts and the marginalized.
How do I become a member?
Membership is a somewhat fluid thing in the Episcopal Church. If you are new to the church and want to join officially, we ask that you undertake some time of study and reflection with the priest and/or others who are also considering membership. If you are a member of another Episcopal Church, we can transfer your membership. All are welcome to participated in the life of the parish regardless of official membership status.
What do people wear to church?
Some people dress up, some wear “business casual”, some wear jeans and sneakers (or shorts in the summer). We only ask that you dress in a way that will not offend or distract others.
What do we call the pastor?
In the Episcopal Church, the pastor is called a priest. That said, we don't call people "Priest Joe" or "Priest Sue" (and we never use "priestess".) Form differs from place to place and person to person. "Father" and "Mother" are typical, as is "Pastor" and "Reverend" - though some grammar sticklers will object to the latter. All that said, the current Rector (person in charge of a congregation) usually goes by her first name. Whatever's comfortable for you is fine. Caveat: if you call males Father, then you call females Mother.
More questions?
If there’s a question you’d like answered, please email us at office@stpaulnorwalk.org
There's also a great book called "Episcopal Questions, Episcopal Answers" that we suggest for newscomers.