Worship

Sunday Worship
Holy Eucharist is celebrated at 10:00 a.m. Sunday mornings.​
-​What to Expect
When you come to St. Francis on a Sunday morning, you will meet greeters by the door of the parish hall who will welcome you, offer to make a name tag, and give you a newcomers’ pamphlet. As you make your way to the church, you’ll notice a variety of dress: some dressy, some very casual. In the church, the usher will welcome you and give you a service bulletin. In the service of Holy Eucharist, we use a bulletin that has the Scriptures of the day, and page numbers, so you can follow along in the Book of Common Prayer (the red book referred to as BCP), the Hymnal (blue book), and Lift Every Voice and Sing hymnal (LEVAS in the bulletin.) Keeping track of the service isn’t as difficult as it sounds, really! Hymnal numbers that begin S- are for service music (sung prayers) found in the front section of the hymnal. The words are usually also in the BCP without music, if you prefer to read instead of sing or can pick up a tune without reading musical notation.
 
In general, we stand to sing, sit to listen, and kneel in prayer. However, we also stand for the Gospel, Creed, and Prayers of the People -- if you cannot, or choose not to kneel or stand at any given time, you will not be alone or out of place!
 
If you have come with children, they are most welcome, too! We hope to accommodate children's needs--there are Busy Bags in the entrance-way with quiet activities, and a changing table in the parish hall bathroom. We understand that children wiggle, ask questions, and sometimes cry or complain. Don't feel you need to leave--this is the sound of life. If a little walk-about will help, have at it! We all learn by doing—it  gets easier with practice.
 
All are welcome to receive Holy Communion or a blessing. Come to the rail and stand or kneel, or tell the usher if you need communion brought to you. You may receive bread by extending your hands forward. If you would like to receive wine, you may help guide the cup to your lips, or offer the host (blessed bread) for intinction (dipped in the wine).
If you prefer no wine, you can signal by crossing your arms on your chest, or getting up from the rail. If you prefer a blessing without receiving Holy Communion, come up and stand or kneel with your arms crossed over your chest.
 
We hope you will join us for refreshments after Sunday service in Jackson-Magee Hall. Like our patron saint, St. Francis, we are known for hospitality! Come over and meet this caring community and find a place of belonging. Check out the Information Center to sign up for upcoming activities. Sign a book out of our Lending Library to learn more about the Episcopal Church, and to find other resources. Make yourself at home!
 
Please feel free to contact Rev. Maggie with any questions, or to explore membership. We hope you keep coming back, and add to this beloved community.