Worship
Worship Services
Our common life centers around our Sunday gathering for worship. Every week God invites us to put down our burdens, come into a beautiful, sacred space, and rest. In doing so, we receive the good news of God’s steadfast love for each of us personally and for the whole creation. We remember who and whose we are. And we receive bread for the journey ahead.
Livestream Sunday Service
When you can’t be here in person
Recent Sunday Service
Our worship follows the Book of Common Prayer and we modify the liturgy seasonally to keep it fresh and relevant. Our 8:00 am service is quiet and without music. At 10:30 we make a joyful noise with song and offer children’s chapel after the reading of the Gospel.
During the week, we meet on Wednesdays at Noon for a special service with a homily that invites participation from attendees. We also offer healing prayer with anointing after that service.
Opportunities to Serve on Sundays
The word liturgy, which we use as a synonym for worship, derives from a Greek word that means, “the work of the people.”
Acolytes/ Crucifer
Leads the people in procession to the altar. Illumine the altar and Gospel Book.
Altar Guild
Works behind the scenes to prepare the altar, the bread and the wine for Holy Communion.
Eucharistic Ministers / Chalice Bearers
Offers the Cup of Salvation to those coming forward for Communion.
Ushers
Greets God’s people and assist them in any way so they can worship well.
Coffee Hour Hosts
Prepares coffee and provide light snacks for our fellowship time following the service.
Provide Altar Flowers
Enhances the beauty of our worship
Music
Chime Choir
The Chime Choir practices weekly on Thursday mornings and occasionally plays offertory or prelude music during the 10:30 service on Sundays throughout the year. This friendly, fun, and caring group was established after the purchase of chimes in 2022. In addition to playing their own repertoire, the chimes accompany singing – especially chant and processions for outside services such as Palm Sunday and Rogation Day. A variety of music levels is represented among the players, and we practice well ahead of time to learn our music. No prior musical experience is needed – all are welcome!
Instruments
The church owns a digital three-manual Allen Renaissance organ, which is the main service instrument, and a 5’10” Bechendörff grand piano is also in the church for use. A Yamaha upright is in the parish hall, and a 5’ Charles M. Steff Grand Piano is in the music room.
The church owns 2+ octaves of Malmark Chimes and a Yamaha 73 key digital piano with mixer and speakers for outdoor services. The church also has a number of rhythm instruments which are occasionally played for services.
Chancel Choir
The choir at Grace is a friendly, open-minded, and dedicated group of about eighteen volunteer singers, accompanied and conducted by the Music Director. During services, the choir leads singing of service music and hymns and normally sings an anthem. Choral music from all periods of choral literature is sung – usually in 4 parts and is accompanied by piano or organ or sung a cappella or with added instruments. Traditional Episcopal black and white cassocks and surplices are worn. Regular rehearsals are Wednesdays from 6:30 – 8:00pm & the choir sings at the 10:30 a.m Sunday service year-round. In addition, the choir leads music for occasional special services, such as during Holy Week. Seasonal residents in town for only part of the year are welcome to join. No prior musical experience is needed – all are welcome!
Taizé Service Players
Once a month Grace offers a Sunday evening service in the style of the Taizé community in France. Music is sent out in advance and singers and instrumentalists practice together at 6:00 p.m. prior to the 7:00 p.m. service. The Bechendörff piano in the church is played, as well as clarinet, guitar, or other instruments, and singing is led by a cantor.
Life Passages
Recognizing that life is God’s first gift to us, the Church marks special life passages with prayer, ritual, and fellowship. This is part of how we belong to one another and commit our lives to God’s goodness.
Baptism & Confirmation
Baptism is our initiation into the Body of Christ on earth. It also marks our membership in a particular and local church. Confirmation happens when an adult confirms the promises made in their baptism at an earlier age. In both rites, the Spirit endows us with gifts for the healing of the world.
Baptisms are conducted throughout the year and confirmations occur when our bishops visits.
Funerals
As Christians, we believe that death is not the end; rather, it is a gateway to the nearer presence of God.
Our funeral liturgy is patterned on the Easter service and animates our hope in resurrection, even as we grieve the one who has died.
We encourage parishioners to plan their funerals in advance as a gift to their loved ones.
Weddings
Holy Matrimony is a sign of God’s steadfast love for the whole of creation and of Christ’s love for the church.
We are happy to celebrate a couple’s commitment to fidelity and life together through all its ups and downs.
Clergy requires pre-marital counseling for all those considering marriage.
Entering Adolescence
The transition away from dependency on one’s parents toward greater maturity and new inter-dependency is a challenge filled with joy and appropriate anxiety!
Grace offers programs for middle schoolers and parents that help families navigate this transition.
Contact the Rector for additional information.
Stay in the Loop with eNews
Subscribe to receive the latest updates from Grace in your inbox: