Frequently Asked Questions

When are your services?

Currently we have Holy Communion (Eucharist) at 9:00am on Sunday mornings. This service is usually streamed via Zoom; the link will be on our home page.

We also have a contemplative service at 5:00pm on Wednesday evenings. It is a time of prayer, meditation, and healing with Taizé music, followed by discussion.

Who is welcome at the services?

EVERYONE is welcome to be with us and pray with us — NO exceptions.

How do I dress for a visit?

Come as you are, we have no dress code.

Must I wear a mask?

Currently masks are optional, so the choice is yours. We have masks available if you would like one, but they are not required.  Our bishops advise us on this depending upon the current health situation. If there is a change, we will post it.

Can I take communion?

All who have been baptized, no matter the denomination, are welcome to take communion.  If you do not wish to receive communion but would like a blessing, please come forward and cross your arms in front of you to so the priest knows you would like a blessing. 

The knees are not what they used to be — do I have to kneel?

No. Standing or sitting is fine.

I use a wheelchair – is your building accessible?

Yes! Accessible parking is in front of the church, and we have a ramp. Please call the number posted if you need assistance.

How do I receive communion?

Following the usher’s directions, come forward to the altar rail. You may stand or kneel. Hold your hands out to receive the bread. We use a “common cup” for wine; the Lay Eucharistic Minister (LEM) will guide you in how to receive. If you do not wish to receive wine, you may cross you arms or ask the LEM for an individual cup of wine. We also have non-alcoholic options available. Please do not intinct (dip the wafer into the common wine cup) because this can introduce foreign objects into the cup.

Sacraments and more

Please contact our Rector, Donna Foughty, ([email protected]) to discuss any of the following: .

Baptisms

Holy Baptism is full initiation by water and the Holy Spirit into Christ’s Body in the Church. The bond which God establishes in Baptism is indissoluble.

Holy Baptism is appropriately administered within the Eucharist as the chief service on a Sunday or other feast.

Holy Baptism is especially appropriate at the Easter Vigil, on the Day of Pentecost, on All Saints’ Day or the Sunday after All Saints’ Day, and on the Feast of the Baptism of our Lord (the First Sunday after the Epiphany). It is recommended that, as is possible, Baptisms be reserved for these occasions or when a bishop is present.

Baptism at Christ Church is available to anyone – there is no age restriction. Normally, a meeting or two with the rector or a trained LEM occurs in the month or two before a baptism is scheduled. Ideally, the parents and godparents attend this meeting. Baptism is always done within the regular service of Holy Eucharist, except in an emergency situation.

There is never any charge for a baptism. If they wish, the family may provide refreshments for our post-service fellowship, use our hall after the service and fellowship for a self-catered gathering (with a small fee for cleanup), simply stay and enjoy our regular fellowship time, or go elsewhere to celebrate (we can help with names of places).

Weddings

It is a wonderful way to start your life together with the blessing of God and prayerful support of friends, family and the community of faith.

The Episcopal Church requires at least three month’s notice before a wedding takes place, though exceptions are occasionally permitted. During this time, the couple will meet with the rector and complete premarital counseling. This counseling can be with the rector, someone qualified in the parish, or an outside counselor. The last two options will need to give a report to the rector.

Yes, we do officiate at weddings for those who have been divorced. In this situation, the diocese requires that some additional paperwork be completed.

The wedding service comes from Book of Common Prayer, though there is always room to personalize the service. The rector is the chief celebrant at weddings in the church. Other clergy may participate with the approval of the rector.

Weddings at other venues are permitted.

We have a large parish hall where a reception can be held. The couple/family will need to cater it, arrange set-up and clean-up, and pay a small fee for our sexton’s time.

 Funerals

Please notify the church as soon as possible when there has been a death in the family.

It is important to discuss possible funeral dates with the rector before selecting a date with the funeral home. This ensures availability of the church and the rector.

The rector is always the chief officiant of a funeral (unless the rector designates another cleric). The rector will plan the service with the family. The service we use is from the Book of Common Prayer and there is room to personalize the service.

There are various nominal fees for weddings and funerals; please contact the church office for a list.

 

Reconciliation

Reconciliation is often called confession and we do make that sacrament available for anyone who would like it. The service can be found in our Book of Common Prayer.

 

Confirmation, reaffirmation, reception

These services occur when the bishop makes their regular visitation.  As it is not always possible for the bishop to come each year, those desiring confirmation, reaffirmation and reception can join a regional or other parish for the service under the direction of the rector.

Confirmation

In the course of their Christian development, those baptized at an early age are expected, when they are ready and have been duly prepared, to make a mature public affirmation of their faith and commitment to the responsibilities of their Baptism and to receive the laying on of hands by the bishop.

Reaffirmation

This is a time for those already baptized and/or confirmed to make a public reaffirmation of the vows made at baptism.

 

Reception

For those who wish to join the Episcopal Church from another denomination, we receive them into the Episcopal Church.

 

Ministering to the sick

In case of illness please notify the church (or rector directly) so they may visit and offer prayers.

One of the ministries that Jesus gave us through his command and example is ministry to the sick. Anyone can say prayers and lay hands on an ill person; that is what we are called to do.

There is a service in our Book of Common Prayer for special prayers for those who are ill. There is also a section in the BCP for those who are dying. We are called as people of God and followers of the way of Love to share that Love through our prayers and presence with those who are ill.

The Episcopal Church has a rich tradition of prayer for all occasions.  These prayers move our spirits to the centering of the Love of Jesus in all we do and all we say. No matter the words, it is always our presence that shows for the Good News.