What to Expect When Visiting Us.

Everyone is invited to God's table.

Q. What times are the services and how long are they?

A. Service in English with choir and music is at 9:00 AM and in Spanish with music is at 10:30 AM.  Each service is approximately one hour in length.  These times of service are our regular services, however, check the front page of the website to see if there will be a special service on the Sunday you plan to attend.

Q. Will there be someone to greet me when I arrive?

A. Yes, we have members at the door who are ready to help you to a seat as well as to answer any questions you may have. You will be presented with one of our Weekly Service Bulletins so that you can follow along with the service. In the Bulletin you will find the schedule of the service, the readings for this week’s service to follow along with as it is read and also a list of upcoming events of the church. You will also be given a "Wecome Bag" that has information about St. Giles', as well as, about the Episcopal Church.  Please take time to fill out one of the Visitor sheets that you will find in the pew and after putting the name tag on, place the information half in the Offering plate when it comes around. 

Q. How do I follow along with the service?

A. Each pew, or seat, has in it a Holy Bible, Hymnal, and Book of Common Prayer (it’s black with a gold cross on the front). Our Priest will announce what page we are beginning the worship service on and it is also written in the bulletin you were given.

Q. How do I know which hymn to sing?

A. In addition to being written in the bulletin, there are “Hymn Boards” on either side of the altar area. Even if you think you cannot sing remember, God calls us to make a “joyful noise unto the Lord” He doesn’t say you have to be a professional singer to do so.

Q. When are we supposed to stand, kneel or bow?

A. Within the Book of Common Prayer instructions for what to do at what times is written in italics.

Q. Am I allowed to receive communion?

A. The Episcopal Church believes that all baptized Christians should be allowed to receive communion. Therefore, when the Usher comes to your pew, stand up, proceed to the middle aisle and bow to the altar where the Body and Blood of our Lord Jesus Christ are prepared for us. Walk up to the altar rail and kneel (or stand if you are unable to kneel) and put your hands out to receive the body of Christ. If you do not wish to drink from the shared chalice than simply leave the bread wafer in your hands and the Lay Minister will dip it in the wine and place it on your proffered tongue. Then proceed back to your pew using the outer aisles. It is customary to use this private time to thank God for the blessings He has given you and to offer up prayers for your needs and those of others.

Q. Does the church pass an offering plate?

A. Yes, we only ask that you give what you in your heart of hearts know that you can afford.

Q. What happens after the service?

A. We invite you and your family to join us for Coffee Hour after the service in Trimble Hall just across from the Church. If unsure of the direction just follow the crowds as Coffee Hour is an important part of getting to know everyone.

Q.  Is there Sunday School for the children?

A.  Yes, we have an excellent program called "Catechesis of the Good Shepherd" for ages 3-12 in the Atriums behind the white iron gate.  The program runs from from 10am until 11am and we serve snacks in Trimble Hall at 10:50.  Everyone is welcomed into our program.