We’re glad you’re here!
When visiting for the first time, it’s nice to know what to expect. Here are the answers to some frequently asked questions.
Q: What can I expect from Sunday church services?
A: Episcopalians worship in many different styles, ranging from very formal, ancient, and multi-sensory rites with lots of singing, music, and formal robes (called vestments), to informal services with contemporary music. Yet all worship in the Episcopal Church is based in the Book of Common Prayer, which gives worship a familiar feel, no matter where you go. At Ascension, people have different preferences like standing, sitting or kneeling at different times. They may (or may not) bow their heads or bless themselves with the sign of the cross at different times. We welcome the diversity of our community. Please do what, and only what, feels comfortable to you.
Q: Is the Episcopal Church Liturgical? What does Liturgical mean?
A: Yes. Worship in the Episcopal Church is “liturgical,” meaning that the congregation follows service forms and prays from texts that don’t change greatly from week to week during a season of the year. This sameness gives worship a rhythm that becomes comforting and familiar to the worshipers. After all, life can be chaotic enough as it is. For the first-time visitor, liturgy may be exhilarating… or confusing. Stand. Sit. Kneel. Stand. Sit (or is it kneel?) Participatory elements may provide a challenge for the first-time visitor. Don’t worry. Liturgical worship can be compared with a dance: once you learn the steps, you come to appreciate the rhythm, and it becomes satisfying to dance, again and again, as the music changes.
Q: What is Holy Eucharist?
A: While Episcopal churches my have different worship styles, Holy Eucharist is always the same. It is commonly known as the part of the service where we “receive communion.”
Q: When are Services?
A: We have three services on Sunday from August to May
7:45 am – Contemplative Eucharist
9:00 am – All ages Eucharist
11:00 am – Traditional Eucharist with Choir
12:30 pm – Fellowship Reception
We have two services in June and July
7:45 am – Contemplative Eucharist
10:00 am Traditional Eucharist with hymns
11:00 am – Fellowship Reception
Q: Where do I park?
A: Our parking lot is located in the rear of the church or you can park on the street and in the court house parking lot a block away.
What are the Sacraments?
A: The Sacraments are outward and visible signs of inward and spiritual grace (God’s favor for us), given by Christ as sure and certain means by which we receive that grace. The Episcopal Church has two Sacraments, Baptism and Holy Eucharist. There are other sacramental rites that the church practices such as Holy Matrimony, Confession, Ordination, Holy Unction, and Confirmation that may be suitable for some.
Do you believe the bread and wine turn into Christ?
A: In Episcopal, we believe the ‘real presence’ of Christ’s body and blood in the sacrament of the Eucharist, though we do not define how that happens. While most do not literally believe that the elements become Christ, but through faith, we believe it is not just a symbolic act but that we receive Christ’s presence through the act of consecration by the priest. All who seek a deeper knowledge of Christ are welcome to receive Holy Eucharist.
