​​The Episcopal Church of the Nativity

How do I receive communion?

The ushers will help you know when it's time to walk forward to the altar rail, where the priest and Eucharistic Ministers are distributing the bread and wine. When it's your turn, find a place at the rail - you may stand or kneel - and hold out your hands together so that the priest may place the bread in your palm. If you need a gluten-free option, please just say so when the priest comes to you. Once you have received the bread, you may eat it, and when the chalice comes to you, help the chalice bearer guide the cup to your lips and take a sip of wine. Or, you can hold on to your bread and intinct (or dip) the bread into the wine before eating it. If you prefer not to receive wine at all, simply cross your arms over your chest when the chalice bearer comes to you. If you prefer not to receive communion, but to receive a personal blessing from the priest, simply cross your arms over your chest at the communion rail, and the priest will bless you.

What's with all the standing and kneeling?

Do I have to do the sign of the cross?​

Visitors might notice that we do a fair amount of moving around in worship - sometimes we call this "pew aerobics." What's important to know is that these are ways that individuals choose to engage themselves in worship - it's a personal choice, and you should feel free to participate in ways that feel comfortable and meaningful to you. As a rule of thumb, we stand to sing and pray, we sit to listen, and we kneel to confess. We make the sign of the cross (forehead-chest-left shoulder-right shoulder), when we speak of the resurrection in the Nicene Creed, and when we receive a blessing from the priest. If this is all new to you, feel free to observe what others do.

Who may receive communion?

Everyone is invited. We believe that Holy Communion is sacred, uniting us to Christ and to one another, and anyone who feels called to receive it may do so at Nativity. If you're unsure for any reason, please speak to the priest... they'll be happy to help!

What's the best way to know a new church?

The best way to get to know a new church is to come and  see!. Don't be afraid to ask questions of the people around you... they're all happy to be helpful. Stay late to visit with people after church. Getting to know a new community is often awkward, and sometimes even a little scary, but we're here to help, and we're looking forward to getting to know you, too!

What should I wear to church?

Wear what you want... we won't judge! Everybody is different, but generally you'll see people at Nativity dressed in comfortable "Sunday casual" clothing. Come as you are.

FAQ

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