We gather for worship on Sundays. During the summer, services are at 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. After Labor Day we gather at 9am and 11am. Our priest (the Rector) is The Rev. Dr. Nancy Lee Jose (we just call her Nancy Lee). At St. Thomas’ the music is led by our choirmaster, Tim Hagy. We also have an Assistant Rector, John Dwyer.

What a Worship Service Will Look Like at St. Thomas’

Episcopal worship styles can range from formal rituals with fancy clothes (vestments) and incense, to informal services with contemporary music. Our worship centers on the Book of Common Prayer, which has prayers and worship forms from the early days of the church, as well as recent times.  St. Thomas’ follows traditional patterns of worship in a relaxed, informal setting.  Wear whatever is comfortable—just come and worship with reverence and joy.

Episcopal worship follows forms and prayers from texts that don’t change greatly week to week. It’s like dancing: once you learn the steps you enjoy doing them again and again. This gives worship a familiar rhythm. Like dancing it’s a participant—not a spectator—sport!  You’ll sit and stand, sing from a blue hymnal, and read from the red Prayer Book.  We print everything out for you in the worship leaflet.
The Principle Sunday Service is called Holy Eucharist

You may have known this as the Lord’s Supper or Holy Communion (Roman Catholics call it Mass).  It always has the same components and the same basic shape:

The first half is called the Service of the Word. It focuses on the words of the Bible, and the words we say in prayer and sing in songs. A short sermon (15 minutes—hopefully) interprets the Bible lessons we have heard.  Then we pray together for ourselves and for the needs of others, including thanksgivings for the blessings of life. And we greet each other in peace.

The second half is called the Holy Eucharist.  It is based on Jesus’ last meal with his friends the night before his death.  The bread and wine they ate and drank are symbolized by a cup (or chalice) containing a sweet port wine and a plate of bread or small wafers.  There are prayers said by the priest, ending in a special prayer that recalls this “last supper”. The priest then blesses the bread and wine, and the congregation comes forward to share in the symbolic hospitality of being invited to God’s table as God’s children and friends.

All people seeking a deeper knowledge and fuller love of God are welcome to receive communion.  If you want to do so, hold your hands in front of you, palms upward; a server will give you a small piece of bread to eat and then another will offer you the chalice so you can take a small sip of wine.  If you do not want to receive the bread and wine, come forward anyway, and just cross your arms across your chest to receive a blessing.