St. Christopher’s Episcopal Church

3550 SW Loop 820

Fort Worth, TX 76133

817.926.8277

Worship Services - Getting Comfortable in Worship...

The Resources You'll Use

In the pew rack in front of you, you will find:

1. •A black "Book of Common Prayer"
   

2. •The blue "Hymnal 1982"
   

3. •The "Holy Bible"
   

As you entered the church, you received a single-fold order-of-service leaflet with several inserts that tells you which of the resources or inserts you'll be using as worship progresses. In addition, during worship the priest, or lay minister will frequently announce page numbers and hymns.

Ritual Actions

You may be mystified by things you see people around you do: bowing, making the sign of the cross, going down on one knee, standing at times, kneeling on both knees at others. While we generally stand to praise, kneel to pray and sit for instruction, many actions are up to an individual's personal spirituality. If you don't understand an action or don't like it, you don't have to do it. There is no "authorized" way of doing things.

Established in 1957

Symbolism

Symbolism gives our inner spirituality a concrete expression. There are many symbols in Episcopal worship that need explanation. A few of the more important symbols:

1. •Bread and wine in Holy Communion is the real presence of Christ
   

2. •Crosses remind us of Jesus' sacrifice for us
   

3. •The candles represent the light of God's inspiration
   

4. •Colors on the altar are a reminder of the current church season
   

5. •Passing the Peace expresses the congregation's unity as we prepare for Holy Communion
   

Passing the Peace

Midway through the service, the congregation will "Pass the Peace." You might find yourself approached by other worshippers offering to shake hands (you can hug if comfortable but you don't have to) and say "God's peace be with you," or something similar. You can respond, "And also with you," or, again, something similar. If you don't want to participate, just be seated and we'll leave you alone.

Sermons

Sermons at St. Christopher are not meant to tell people What to think, but to stimulate them in their own spiritual search. If you don't agree with something you hear, you don't have to agree. You might take it as an invitation to develop your own ideas in ways that seem right for you. Our Priest will be happy to visit with you about his sermons.

Receiving Holy Communion

All visitors who have been baptized with water, in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, and who have been admitted to Communion in their own church, are welcome to share the Holy Eucharist. If you wish to receive communion, feel free to come to the altar rail at the appropriate time and take your cue from those next to you. It is also appropriate to come to the altar rail to receive the bread but not wine, or to receive only a blessing from the priest. Simply cross your arms over your chest when the minister approaches with the element you do not wish to receive.

There's a Learning Curve!

You caught us! We admit it. The learning curve in the Episcopal Church means our visitors often feel like they have two left feet while everybody else knows the dance steps. It takes time to learn the dance, but it's worth the effort. We worship as we do so that we can have access to wonderful, millennia-old ways of worshipping God. ...And all those folks who know the dance steps? Every one of them has been right where you are. They'd love to help you if you need it. Don't be afraid to ask.

Coffee Hour

Coffee Hour is held every Sunday morning from 9:15 to 10:15 in the Parish Hall and after the 10:30 service. Stop by after the 8:00 service or after the 10:30 service for the fellowship. Visitors are especially welcome!

An Invitation

In the pew rack in front of you, you will also find a visitor card. Please tell us about you and your family. We want to get to know you, and I believe that you will want to get to know us. Please drop the card in the offering plate or give it to an usher. If you want to become a member of St. Christopher, just fill out a New Communicant Card located in the narthex in the pamphlet shelf and leave it with an usher. If you are Episcopalian, we will send for your letter of transfer. If you are from another denomination, you will be registered as a baptized communicant and we will contact you when the next communicant's class begins. If you are not yet baptized, please contact Fr. Stanford regarding baptismal instruction.

Getting Comfortable in Worship