About Worship at St. Michael's

We are a committed and welcoming parish in the Anglican Episcopal tradition.  We are an active, worshipping and praying community, learning to live out our Christian faith. Everyone is welcome to join us for worship. The Bible is the center of our understanding of the Christian faith. Jesus is the head of our church.

As you enter the nave for worship you may notice the baptismal font and many dipping their fingers into the consecrated water to bless themselves (make the sign of the cross) as they enter. Once we have taken our seats we usually kneel for private prayer before the start of the service.  You may notice the sign of the cross being made at various times throughout the service, also bowing and genuflection.  For example, we bow when the cross of Christ or the Holy Gospel passes by us and when we pass the altar.  These are traditional ways we honor God; our Savior, Jesus Christ; and the Holy Spirit whom we worship as one God.

If you have never worshipped in an Episcopal church before, we use three books — the Holy Bible (scripture), the Hymnal and the Book of Common Prayer.  The Sunday bulletin includes the scriptures for the day and will guide you through the service with helpful page references to the other two books. If you find this confusing, ask or watch your neighbor or feel free just to listen. You will soon appreciate how the prayers, music, readings and activities at the altar aid us in our approach to worshipping God.