Visiting a church for the first time can sometimes be intimidating, and we promise to do our best to make your first visit as comfortable as possible. When you visit St. Francis, we want you to feel welcome as you come through our doors. Many people who visit and join St. Francis come from other denominations or are trying church on for the first time. Whoever you are, wherever you find yourself on your journey of faith, you are welcome at St. Francis!
Your First Visit
Where Do I Park?
St. Francis is located on N. Main Street (741) just north of Central Ave (743). Our church has a large parking lot that extends all the way around to the back of the building. The main entrance is located around the side of the building.
What Do I Wear?
Most people dress business casual at 10:30 am, but don’t let that stop you from dressing up or dressing down.
Where Do I Take My Children?
As you come through the main doors, look to the left to see a basket of bags for your children to bring into the 10:30am service if they wish to attend. The bags have colored pencils, and a coloring page to do during the service.
Most children and youth choose to attend Sunday School during the 10:30 a.m. service. We have classes for age three through 12th grade. When you enter the front doors, go to the right hallway and you’ll see the Sunday School classroom or your left and the nursery on your right. Learn more about our children’s ministry.
The Basics of Our Service
What are the different books in the pews?
Most of the service is printed in the bulletin guide that you will receive when entering the service. The primary service book is the black book with a cross, and it is referred to in the bulletin as the BCP – Book of Common Prayer. Certain parts of the service such as the creeds or prayers may be found there. A blue book, Hymnal 1982 is referred to in the bulletin as Hymn #.
How will I know when to stand, sit, or kneel?
Generally, we stand to sing, to recite the creeds, for the reading of the Gospel, and to pray. We sit while the Bible is being read, during the sermon, during announcements, and when an anthem is sung. During the prayers and confession, people in the congregation stand or kneel – either is appropriate. Please don’t worry about doing the wrong thing at the wrong time; what matters is your communion with God.
Receiving Communion at St Francis
The center of our worship each week is the sacrament of Holy Eucharist (also known as Holy Communion or the Lord’s Supper). In the Eucharist, we share in bread and wine in remembrance of Christ’s life, death, and resurrection, just as Christ commanded at his Last Supper with his disciples.
But we also experience the mystery of Christ’s presence among us here and now.
All baptized Christians, regardless of age or denomination are welcome to participate in the Eucharist. When you come to kneel at the altar you may choose how to receive the bread and wine. First, hold out your hand to receive the bread. Either hold the bread to dip in the cup that follows, or consume the bread and drink from the cup. If you abstain from wine, you may receive the bread only. Those who are not baptized or do not feel ready to receive communion are invited to come to the altar rail and ask the priest for a blessing. Gluten-free bread is also available; just let the priest know at the rail.
If you have mobility issues, you may of course stand at the altar instead of kneeling. You may also receive communion in the pews. Please let an usher know as you enter the service.
Intercessors stand near the side chapel during Communion and offer healing prayer for yourself or a loved one.
