Our Worship
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What to expect when you worship with us
When visiting St. Thomas' for a service be advised that we tend to dress casually. Attire will range from a few in suits to others in shorts. Feel free to come as you are.
Before the service begins, people are cordial and usually visit in the courtyard. During this time, be sure to introduce yourself to the ushers or the clergy or anyone for that matter. We have visitor name tags if you are comfortable wearing one. We are very glad anytime a visitor honors us.
Once in the church itself, our normal practice is to prepare ourselves for worship. We tend to bring conversations to an end and practice quietness. Many sit or kneel in prayer. Do not feel that this means we are indifferent to your needs. Any member of the congregation will be happy to help you find your way through the Prayer Book or assist you in anyway. Just gently tap someone on the shoulder or quietly whisper your question to them. If you are wearing a visitor name tag, our folks will more than likely offer assistance.
During the service we stand, sit and kneel. You are free to join in as much or as little as you are comfortable. Our motto is, "All can, some should, but none must." Also, you will never be singled out in the service and required to introduce yourself. It is not our custom to put people on the spot but it does not mean that we do not want to know about you. There is plenty of time for that over coffee in the parish hall.
All baptized people, regardless of their church affiliation, are welcome at the altar to receive communion. If you want to receive, just walk forward when others do. If you do not wish to receive remain seated and allow others to move past you. If you have questions, anyone will be happy to answer them.
The St. Thomas Visitor's Guide has been prepered to help you out before you arrive.
Worship opportunities are available
We are primarily a Rite II parish. If you are not familiar with The Book of Common Prayer, that means that we predominately use the more contemporary version of the Communion service. We do use Rite I, the thee's and thou's version, at the early service on Sunday's. At the Sunday evening service, we are currently exploring the use of the Church's authorized inclusive language liturgies. Wednesday evenings are Rite II in a very intimate setting.
If all that has confused you, don't despair. What you will find in each of our services is a variety of experience.
| Sunday Eucharist | |
| 8:00 am | Rite I Eucharist Between 20-30 regular people Music and singing but no choir |
| 10:00 am | Rite II Eucharist The primary parish Eucharist with approximately 130 people. This is where most visitors join us. Music, singing and choir Nursery is available |
| 5:30 pm | Rite II Inclusive Language Evening Prayer with Eucharist Between 10-20 people No Music or singing The congregation circles the altar for the consecration and communion |
| Weekday Eucharist | |
| Wednesday 6:30 pm |
Rite II Eucharist Between 15-30 people No Music or singing Very reflective and meditative atmosphere The congregation circles the altar for the consecration and communion |
The great festivals of Easter, Pentecost, All Saints and Christmas are all celebrated at St. Thomas. These services are usually a bit longer and much more elaborate. They are also among our best attended services.
Other opportunities for worship include occasional quiet days, as well as, morning and evening prayer. Recently, we constructed a permanent Labyrinth in our parish hall. The Labyrinth is an excellent meditative and spiritual discovery tool. It is available to be walked individually upon request to the Church Office.
