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Welcome to St Thomas'
Enter through the front door on Lakeview Avenue, or at the side door by the office for wheelchair access. People are dressed casually.
A greeter will welcome you. Please let them know you are a visitor and introduce yourself. They will give you a bulletin that includes the scripture readings for the service. The service at 8:30 does not have music, while the service at 10:00 does. Sit anywhere you like. The prayers and hymns are projected on screens at the front of the church. The best way to know what to do is to do what everyone else is doing. The service begins with a hymn and a prayer, followed by readings from the bible. After the readings there is a sermon focusing on one of the readings. The Prayers of the People follow the sermon. Then we exchange the Peace with people around us. This is done by shaking hands and saying ' Peace be with you'. The bread and wine for communion are carried forward to the altar. Then the offering is taken by ushers who pass collection plates along the pews. The offering is taken to the altar and given to the priest. The Eucharist or Holy Communion is next. All baptized Christians are welcome at the Lord’s Table. The clergy and lay assistants are given bread and wine first. After the choir receives communion, the ushers let people know when they can go to receive communion. You can stand or kneel at the railing. Bread is given first, then wine. In our Diocese, we don’t dip the wafer/bread in the wine. If you don’t wish to have wine, just cross your arms in front of you. If you’d like to be blessed, rather than have communion, just cross your arms in front of you. When everyone has had communion there is a prayer and blessing given by the priest. A hymn closes the formal part of the service. The organist plays for a short while or the choir sings. You can just sit and enjoy the music. Join us after the service for coffee or tea in the hall downstairs. Please take a moment to introduce yourself to the clergy and other parishioners. Others will welcome you to St. Thomas'. We are delighted to have you with us! |
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