A traditional, Rite II, service with hymns, readings, sermon, Communion, and healing prayers. Held in the main church.
What to Expect
On Sunday we gather for worship using The Book of Common Prayer and other authorized texts. The Book of Common Prayer is a treasury of prayer and liturgy that is a particular gift of the Episcopal Church. Our service is a traditional service using contemporary language with classical Anglican hymns and anthems sung during the program year by the All Saints Choir or Schola (youth choir). All Saints is committed to using expansive (or sometimes called inclusive) language in our liturgy. Our service, while grounded in the Book of Common Prayer, seeks to expand the metaphors and images we use for God, so that all people, whatever their age, ability, race, ethnic group, sexual orientation, gender and gender expression, or religious background feel welcome in the Spirit of God’s love. Because we believe that the altar is God’s table, everyone is welcome to come forward during Communion to receive the Sacrament or a blessing.
Every Sunday service also includes prayers for healing with the laying on of hands. A minister of healing prays quietly with all who come to our side chapel seeking healing for themselves or others. Votive candles are available for prayer intentions.
We welcome the presence and full participation of children and young people in worship and seek to encourage their spiritual growth. Christian Formation for ages Pre-K through grade 12 begins at 10:15 in the lower level. A rug area is available for families and children of all ages in the main church. Children and youth are encouraged to use their time and talents to support the life of the parish by participating in the service, just as adults do. Nursery care for babies and toddlers is provided each Sunday. Please see this page for information on Children and Worship.
Some of the language you hear may be unfamiliar. When we talk about Communion, we often say we “celebrate the Eucharist.” Eucharist means “to give thanks.”
We also describe our worship services as “liturgy.” Liturgy literally translated means “the work of the people,” “work for the people,” or “public service.”
Each weekend we gather together to hear the Word of God (Liturgy of the Word), and then to respond to the Good News by offering our thanks and praise to God in the sacrament of Holy Communion (Liturgy of the Table—also called The Lord’s Supper, The Mass, The Divine Liturgy, The Great Offering, or Holy Eucharist). Being fed and strengthened by the Word and Sacrament we are sent out into the world to carry out God’s work in our own lives, what our rector sometimes refers to as the Liturgy of the Neighbor.