The Liturgy
The Holy Eucharist is celebrated at CHS at 10:00am every Sunday. We generally
use the Holy Eucharist, Rite II from
The Book of
Common Prayer of The Episcopal Church. In addition to the
Sunday Eucharist, we also offer special services to
mark High Holy Days throughout the year. Children
are always welcome at all our services
Order of Service
The order of service is printed in the bulletin,
which you will receive from an usher upon entering
the church. The bulletin provides an easy way to
follow the service. Portions of the liturgy may also
be found in the
Book of Common Prayer (the
red book with a cross on the front) in your pew.
The MusicThe music for our service
may be found in the blue
Hymnal 1982 and
the green paperback
Wonder, Love, and Praise.
Hymn numbers are listed in the bulletin and are
posted on the two boards at either side of the
church. During the school year, our excellent choir
leads the hymns and psalms and offers special
anthems.
Children's Programs
Childcare is offered every Sunday from
September through mid-June. The nursery is
staffed on a rotating schedule by four responsible
teenage girls from the congregation and is found on
the lower level of the Parish Building.
For children ages 3 and up, we offer Sunday School
at 10:00am most Sundays of the school year. All
visiting children are invited to participate as
well. Sunday School runs for about 45 minutes, and
children then rejoin the congregation for Communion.
When Sunday School is not offered, we often have a
short children's sermon before the adult's sermon.
Activity bags are also provided in the narthex for
little ones.
If you need to tend to a small child during the
service, you will find a bathroom with changing
table through the double doors leading to the Parish
Hall, and a small sitting room with a monitor to let
caregivers follow the service while nursing. Parents
should feel free to come and go during the service
as needed.
Kneeling vs. Standing
Where the
Book of Common Prayer
provides this option, the choice is left to you. Our
wish is for you to feel at ease and continue your
own tradition.
Prayers of the People
We use the form of the Prayers of the
People found in the
Book of Common Prayer.
There are appropriate places in the Prayers to offer
special concerns and thanksgivings aloud or in
silence, as you choose.
T
he Peace
We exchange the Peace throughout the
congregation by word and gesture. It is appropriate
to shake hands or exchange hugs with your neighbors
and pass along a greeting such as, "The peace of the
Lord be with you" or simply, "Peace."
The Offertory
Plate and pledge offerings provide financial support
for the ministry of this parish in the MetroWest
area, the Diocese of Massachusetts and the world.
Your offering will be gratefully received.
Communion
At the time of Communion all baptized Christians,
of any age or background, are welcome to
receive the bread and wine.
Children are welcome to receive Communion as
early as their parents wish. Anyone not taking
Communion may receive a blessing.
Coffee Hour
Please join us for refreshments and conversation immediately following the service. Coffee Hour is held in the Parish Hall, through the double doors on the left side of the sanctuary.
Please do not hesitate to introduce yourself if we
haven't greeted you first!
Visitors' Book
We invite you to sign our Visitors' Book in
the narthex. This helps us make sure we have greeted
all visitors and provided them an opportunity to
learn about our parish. Please tell us how to
contact you and let us know of any questions you may
have.
To Learn More
If you have questions about the Episcopal
service at CHS, feel free to contact us at any time
at 508-358-7397 or
chswayland@chswayland.org.
