Joining Us for Worship

Whether you are deeply familiar with Episcopal worship or simply curious about visiting St. Paul’s for the first time, we hope this page helps you feel comfortable joining us in prayer, music, reflection, and community.

From wherever you come, with whatever you bring, you are welcome here.

Worship at the Episcopal Parish of St. Paul

At the center of life at St. Paul’s is worship shaped by prayer, scripture, music, silence, and the shared rhythms of the liturgical year.

Our worship follows the traditions of the Episcopal Church while reflecting the many different backgrounds and experiences within our congregation. Some people at St. Paul’s have been Episcopalian their whole lives. Others are newer to liturgical worship or returning to church after many years away.

You are welcome to participate as much or as little as feels comfortable for you.

We value thoughtful preaching, participatory worship, contemplative prayer, and music that ranges from beloved hymns and Taizé chants to spirituals, music of the Americas, and works by living composers.

Silence and reflection are also important parts of our worship life. We strive to create space for beauty, prayer, joy, curiosity, and genuine participation.

Online & Zoom Worship

St. Paul’s offers full participation remotely online through Zoom each Sunday, allowing people to participate both in person and remotely.

Unlike a typical livestream experience, online participants at St. Paul’s are invited to participate actively in worship in real time. Remote participants may read scripture, offer prayers, and otherwise participate alongside the congregation throughout the liturgy.

Everything you need to join us online

What Happens During Worship?

Gathering & Music

Our worship begins with music, prayer, and scripture. Depending on the season, worship may include hymns, chants, choral music, instrumental music, or periods of silence and reflection.

Scripture & Sermon

Each Sunday includes readings from scripture, a sermon, and prayers for the church, the world, and one another.

The Peace

During worship, we share “The Peace,” a time of greeting and connection within the congregation. Some people exchange hugs or handshakes, while others simply wave or remain seated. All forms of participation are welcome.

The Eucharist

At the center of our worship is the Holy Eucharist, the meal Jesus taught us to share in remembrance of him.

Those who prefer not to receive communion are equally welcome to remain seated or come forward for a blessing.

Coffee Hour

After worship, many members of the congregation gather for coffee hour. This is a relaxed time for conversation, connection, and community. In the summer, we gather on the lawn.

New to Episcopal Worship?

You don't need to know the prayers, responses, or movements ahead of time.

Everything you need is provided in the bulletin, and you're welcome to participate as much or as little as feels comfortable.

Many people at St. Paul's have been Episcopalian their whole lives. Others are attending an Episcopal church for the very first time.

Children participate in worship in their "prayground" int he back of the sanctuary, at Parish of St. Paul Episcopal Church

Children & Families

People inside a church pews, some standing and some sitting, during a religious service. A priest or minister wearing purple robes stands near the podium at the front.

View of the interior of a church, looking towards the altar with a gold cross on the wall, and etchings or sculptures on either side. The photo is taken from the back of the church, showing the wooden pews and a person's legs and feet wearing sports shoes resting on the pew.

Children are welcome in every part of worship at St. Paul’s.

We offer a small “prayground” area in the back of the church with books, coloring pages, and quiet activities for children. We believe it’s important for children to hear, see, and experience the rhythms of worship in community.

To us, the sounds and movement of children are signs of life, growth, and belonging.

Your Questions, Answered

People at St. Paul’s dress in a variety of ways, from casual to more traditional Sunday attire. Please come as you are.
Not at all. Many people at St. Paul’s come from different religious backgrounds or no religious background at all.
Yes. You can find more details on our accessibility here.
There is ample free on-street parking near the church on Sundays, including Walnut Street and surrounding side streets. Check out our Viisit Us page for more parking details.
Yes. We offer fully hybrid worship each Sunday, allowing online participants to engage actively in the liturgy alongside the in-person congregation.
Whether you're traveling, homebound, immunocompromised, or simply unable to attend in person, online participants are a valued part of our worshiping community.