About Our Worship

Frequently asked questions about our worship services

When are your worship services?

Our worship services are typically on Sunday mornings. Our regular Sunday morning looks like this:

  • 8:30 a.m. – Worship with Holy Communion
  • 10:00 a.m. – Explore The Word (Christian education) classes for all ages
  • 11:00 a.m. – Worship with Holy Communion

Where do you get your worship services from?

St. Nicholas Church is a liturgical church. We use the Anglican Book of Common Prayer in our gatherings of worship. The Anglican Book of Common Prayer is a collection of ancient and modern prayers and worship services for occasions when the church community gathers. The use of a printed liturgy gives opportunity for all members to participate in worship. Scripture is the foundation of the Anglican Book of Common Prayer. Two-thirds of the Anglican Book of Common Prayer comes directly from the Old and New Testaments. The Anglican Book of Common Prayer is not meant to eliminate spontaneity or personal prayers. Every service in the book has opportunities for personal prayers and thanksgivings. The Anglican Book of Common Prayer is also a great guide for personal devotions.

Why do you say ‘Alleluia’ and ‘Hallelujah’ during your services?

Alleluia(Latin) is shout of joy and praise to the Lord. Hallelujah (Hebrew) is a shout of joy and praise to the Lord. During Lent these words are omitted. Lent is a season in which the Lord focuses on our brokenness so that we would confess our sins to receive forgiveness. Omitting words that express joy and praise stress the focus of Lent. On Easter it is particularly meaningful to add the Alleluias to our worship. This season focuses on joy and praise to the Lord. It is from the Eastern Orthodox tradition that the first words Christians speak to one another on Easter be, “Alleluia, Christ is Risen”. 

What does it mean when you “Exchange the Peace”?

The Peace is the exchange of the Peace of Christ. It follows immediately after the confession of sin and the absolution. It is fitting that this physical symbol of love, an embrace or a handshake, be given to express the peace of Christ received after confessing our sins to the Lord and receiving His forgiveness. The Peace is not merely to be a visiting time among the members. It is an outward and visible sign of Christ’s love and peace given to one another. 

Why do you sometimes stand and sometimes kneel?

It has been a customary posture since worship in the temple of David in Jerusalem that the people either stand or kneel during times of prayer and worship. This practice of standing or kneeling continues with the New Testament Christian Church and during the words the priest speaks over the bread and wine before receiving Communion. It is also fitting to receive the bread and wine either standing or kneeling. 

Can I receive Communion?

All Christians baptized in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are welcome at the Lord’s Table.

How do I receive Communion?

To receive, come to the altar rail as the ushers direct and take the next available place. Our custom is to kneel at the rail, but you may stand if it is more comfortable. After receiving communion, please return to your pew. If you are unable to come to the altar rail, tell one of the ushers and a priest will bring communion to you.

After receiving the wafer, you may immediately consume it, or you may hold it and intinct (dip) it into the wine. To take the wine directly from the chalice, gently guide it to your lips. If you are wearing lipstick, we ask that you please blot your lips before receiving.

Do I have to receive Communion?

No. If you prefer, you may receive a Blessing. If you or your children would prefer to receive a blessing rather than communion, simply come forward to the altar rail and cross your arms across your chest as a signal to the priest. 

Are children allowed to participate in Communion?

All children are welcome at the Lord’s Table! All baptized Christians – no matter their age – are encouraged to come to the altar rail for Holy Communion. Our young ones have a few options:

 

  • Some parents allow their children to receive Communion only after they have completed instruction in their third-grade year. Instruction is a series of classes taught over a few weeks.
  • Some children prefer to receive only the bread. Receiving either the bread or the wine alone is considered full Communion.
  • Those children who prefer not to receive Communion may receive a blessing instead by immediately crossing their arms across their chest. 

Have an additional question?

Please contact us and let us know! We’ll be happy to answer any questions you may have.