Frequently Asked Questions
We are often asked "What should I wear?" or "Can I take communion?" We want you to feel welcome and comfortable from the moment you arrive. Here are some of the things you might find helpful if you are planning to visit St. James.
What to Wear
It's up to you. Some come dressed in their "Sunday best" while others prefer more casual attire such as jeans and a nice shirt. The same goes for children. We invite you and your family to dress in whatever way you feel is comfortable and appropriate.
Receiving Communion
All baptized Christians are welcome to receive communion in the Episcopal Church. When it is time for you to go forward to the altar rail, an usher will direct your pew. Proceed to the altar rail and take the next available place. Our custom is to kneel, but standing is perfectly fine if you are more comfortable standing. Hold your right hand on top of your left, palms facing up to receive the wafer. You may either consume the wafer immediately, or dip it into the cup and receive. To sip from the cup simply guide the cup to your lips with your hand on the base of the cup. Receiving either the bread or the wine alone is considered full communion. If you are unable to come to the rail, just let an usher know and we will bring communion to you. You or your child are also welcome to a blessing if you choose not to receive communion. Simply cross your arms over your chest and the priest will give you a blessing.
Moving About during the Service
Even life-long Episcopalians will ask "When is it okay to move about the sanctuary if I need to leave?" Our general rule is that if you can wait until the hymn after the second reading or during the Passing of the Peace, those are the best times. We understand especially if you have children with you that this may not always be possible. Quietly entering or leaving the worship area can also be done while everyone is singing or standing. It is best to avoid entering or leaving the worship area during prayer so as not to disrupt others.
We are often asked "What should I wear?" or "Can I take communion?" We want you to feel welcome and comfortable from the moment you arrive. Here are some of the things you might find helpful if you are planning to visit St. James.
What to Wear
It's up to you. Some come dressed in their "Sunday best" while others prefer more casual attire such as jeans and a nice shirt. The same goes for children. We invite you and your family to dress in whatever way you feel is comfortable and appropriate.
Receiving Communion
All baptized Christians are welcome to receive communion in the Episcopal Church. When it is time for you to go forward to the altar rail, an usher will direct your pew. Proceed to the altar rail and take the next available place. Our custom is to kneel, but standing is perfectly fine if you are more comfortable standing. Hold your right hand on top of your left, palms facing up to receive the wafer. You may either consume the wafer immediately, or dip it into the cup and receive. To sip from the cup simply guide the cup to your lips with your hand on the base of the cup. Receiving either the bread or the wine alone is considered full communion. If you are unable to come to the rail, just let an usher know and we will bring communion to you. You or your child are also welcome to a blessing if you choose not to receive communion. Simply cross your arms over your chest and the priest will give you a blessing.
Moving About during the Service
Even life-long Episcopalians will ask "When is it okay to move about the sanctuary if I need to leave?" Our general rule is that if you can wait until the hymn after the second reading or during the Passing of the Peace, those are the best times. We understand especially if you have children with you that this may not always be possible. Quietly entering or leaving the worship area can also be done while everyone is singing or standing. It is best to avoid entering or leaving the worship area during prayer so as not to disrupt others.