What to Expect
Whether you're already familiar with the rhythms of an Episcopal service, curious and checking us out for the first time, or visiting from another tradition, welcome!
At St. Mark's, we hope to provide a worship service where anyone of any background, age, and identity can connect with faith, community, and ritual in a way that is meaningful to them.
What happens at Sunday Services?
All are welcome to participate in various ways during our worship - with song, with prayer, through hearing Scripture, and in the sacred meal of Holy Communion.
Music: Most of our songs are led by our choir and organist, with the congregation singing along. Lyrics and music are provided in our printed bulletins.
Prayer: Some of our prayers are read together, while others are spoken by the priest who is presiding over the service. We also set aside time during the service for anyone to share their own prayers of gratitude or intercession.
Scripture: Readers from our community share sections from the Bible. Then we hear a sermon from a priest or lay preacher reflecting on the readings of the day. You can see what Scripture will be read on any Sunday by checking the lectionary website.
Communion: We gather around the altar as a priest blesses the bread and wine, then receive it one at a time into cupped hands. Anyone is welcome to receive Communion. You may take both bread and wine, only one element, or opt for a blessing instead.
Fellowship: After church, we gather in our courtyard or parish hall for some shared food and coffee.
You can watch one of our recorded live-streamed services here to get a sense for the structure of our services.
How will I know what to do?
We use printed bulletins during our services, which will allow you to follow along. They include the words to all prayers and readings and music and lyrics for the songs we sing.
Words in bold are intended for the congregation to say out loud together. There are also notes in the bulletin letting you know when to sit or stand, and our celebrant (the person leading the service) will guide everyone through it as well.
If it is your first time, you are welcome to introduce yourself to one of our greeters, who can help guide you.
If you are new to the Episcopal tradition, you may find some of our practices unfamiliar. But if you look closely, you will notice that few of us worship in the exact same way, and there is no right or wrong way to worship. Know that we welcome all questions, curiosity, and diversity!
Is there music at the services?
Our 10:00 a.m. service typically includes organ and choir music. The congregation is invited to sing along, and music and lyrics are provided in the printed bulletin.
We do enjoy a variety of musical styles at St. Mark’s. At special times throughout the year, we have jazz services, handbell choirs, Peruvian drumming, acapella rounds, visiting musicians and choirs, and other fun musical elements!
How long do services last?
The 8:00 a.m. service lasts around 50 minutes, while the 10:00 a.m. usually runs about an hour and fifteen minutes.
What should I wear?
There is no dress code. Some people dress up in their Sunday best and others show up in “California casual” khakis or yoga clothing.
The only ones you’ll always see dressed up are the priests, who wear special vestments depending on the time of the year!
Where do children go during services?
We believe in full inclusion of all people in the body of Christ and the life of the church. Children are present in our services, where they are invited to pray, sing, and worship with us. We welcome their presence, in all their energy and curiosity!
We understand that children cannot always engage with the service in the same way as adults. We provide “coloring bulletins” with thought questions and coloring pages as well as finger labyrinths for use during the service. A selection of Scripture based children’s books is available in the back of the church as well.
Liturgy means “the work of the people,” and that includes young people! During our services, children and youth are invited to help light and snuff candles, carry the Eucharistic elements up, and say a short line of dismissal at the end of the service. Children are also welcome to participate as readers or share their musical talents. For more on children’s inclusion in our worship services, click here.
However your child connects best with worship, we have something for them! Contact our Children, Youth & Families Minister, Lily Dodge, for more information.
Are services accessible?
Yes! We are wheelchair accessible, with a ramp leading to the front entrance of the church. Our priests will bring communion to your seat if you let the greeter know when you come into church.
Large-print worship resources and hearing-assist devices are available from the greeters.
For any other questions about the accessibility of our worship services, contact our Associate Rector, Nancy.
What is the difference between the 8:00 and 10:00 services?
The 8:00 service is slightly shorter, and does not include music. It uses language directly from the Book of Common Prayer, which is a scripture-based book of prayers for communities in worship. It is held in our smaller Chapel of St. Mary Magdalene.
The 10:00 service is slightly longer and includes choral and organ music. It uses language from the Book of Common Prayer as well as other sources for a diverse, creative liturgy.
Who can take Communion?
Everyone is welcome to take Communion. If you do not wish to take Communion, you may simply return to your pew, or you may approach the priest and cross your arms over your chest to receive a blessing instead.