The Service

You are already welcome here. Sometimes, though, going to a new church can make you feel a bit uneasy. Here is some information you can read first if you'd like to know more about us.

Where we worship

The narthex, or lobby, is the place just inside the main doors. There you will be greeted by ushers who will give you a service bulletin to guide you through the service, and who can answer any questions you may have or introduce you to someone who will sit with you and guide you through our liturgy, should you desire that. Worshippers will be gathering in the narthex, greeting one another, and will happily greet you as well. The rector is usually not far away and is always pleased to meet new worshippers and guests prior to the service.

As you enter the nave, or main worship space, you will notice an atmosphere of quiet reverence in the few minutes prior to the beginning of worship. Most of our worshippers cherish that quiet moment to make a transition from the world outside into the spirit of God's house. You will also notice some activity, as acolytes light candles, the altar party assembles, and members of the altar guild put items in place for our celebration of Holy Communion.

St. Giles contains (as do all Episcopal churches) three prominent symbols of the Christian church. As you enter the nave you will see on your immediate left the baptismal font. Baptism is the rite of Christian initiation, by which we become full members of the church, or body of Christ. The font is appropriately placed at the entrance, since that is our entry into the Christian life. At the front of the nave is a space enclosed by a rail, called the chancel. Inside the chancel on the left is the lectern, from which scripture is read, and (most of the time) the sermon is preached. In the center of the chancel is the altar, or table. Following the Liturgy of the Word, the vessels and book used in the celebration of the Eucharist are placed on the altar, and the priest stands behind it, facing the people during the Eucharistic prayer when the elements of bread and wine are consecrated, or blessed. The font and altar are symbols of the two sacraments instituted by Jesus Christ (baptism and Eucharist); the lectern symbolizes God's word proclaimed among God's people.

On each side of the altar are candles to remind us that Christ is the "Light of the world." Most of the time there are flowers at the altar; during Advent and Lent greens are used. Above the altar hangs a large cross; the cross recalls, for Christians, the death of Jesus Christ and his subsequent resurrection, leading to eternal life. You will also notice that a smaller cross is carried by the crucifer in processions, as are two torches that accompany it.

How we worship

In the Episcopal Church we refer to our worship services as liturgy, which comes from two Greek words meaning "the work of the people." Thus the congregation actively participates in the worship experience; in fact, a priest may not celebrate Eucharist without a congregation. In the pew racks, you will find the Book of Common Prayer, which enables the congregation to share fully in every service. In addition, you will also find in the pews a copy of the Hymnal 1982 and Wonder, Love, and Praise, hymn books from which most of the music we sing is taken. Page numbers and hymn numbers are located on the worship bulletin.

A word about posture: Some people joke about "Episcopal aerobics," and it's true that we do change our posture often during our liturgy. In general, we sit to listen (scripture readings -- except for the Gospel -- the sermon, announcements, and choir anthems), and stand to sing, to recite the creed (our corporate statement of belief), and during the beginning of the Eucharistic Prayer and commissioning of Lay Eucharistic Ministers. We kneel to confess our sins and receive absolution. During the Prayers of the People, and the Eucharistic Prayer, some will kneel and some will stand. The same is true for receiving communion. Kneelers are provided for comfort at the chancel rail, but some prefer to stand to receive. The choice is yours, and both are acceptable and time-honored prayer postures. Of course, those for whom the changing of positions is difficult or impossible are welcome to maintain a posture comfortable to them throughout the liturgy.

Taking the first step

What's the first step? Coming to St. Giles, perhaps. Or, if that seems too quick, perhaps giving our Rector, the Reverend Cynthia Hallas, a call. Without any pressure, without any obligation, you can ask her any questions you want. She'll also be happy to schedule time to visit with you in person, if that's what you'd prefer.

In any case, the doors of St. Giles are wide open for you. And they always will be -- whether you become a parishioner or not.