We are glad that you have come to worship with us!
All people are welcome at Church of the Nativity. We have people of different races, languages, educational levels and backgrounds, sexual orientations, and people of all ages with disabilities. You’ll see people dressed in casual clothes and suits worshiping side by side. Style is your choice.
When you visit us, you will be our respected guest. We will not single you out in an embarrassing way; you may worship God in solitude or engage us with conversation or questions.
The Church of the Nativity campus consists of three buildings. Worship is in the largest building; classrooms for the education of children and teens are in Curry Hall, behind the Worship building; fellowship and church offices are in Estill House, the building with the red door.
As you come in, you can pick up a bulletin, which contains the order of the service and the prayers. Large print bulletins are also available. Canvas bags with coloring pages and fidget toys are available for kids as you enter the Narthex. If you’re new, please fill out a welcome card, which can be found by scanning the QR code on the back of the bulletin.
The clergy usually call up to the front any children who wish to hear a short message before leaving for Children’s Formation. Children’s Formation happens in Curry Hall next door. They return to the nave to receive communion with their families.
We celebrate the sacrament of Holy Eucharist (a Greek word meaning Thanksgiving) every Sunday at both services.
All Christians, including children and non-Episcopalians, are welcome to come to God’s altar to receive communion, and those of other faiths are invited to come to the altar to receive a blessing. It is not necessary to kneel at the altar rail; you can stand to receive communion, and you may skip the wine if you prefer. You may receive the wine from a common cup, or you may “intinct” by dipping the bread in the chalice. Diocesan guidelines for Holy Eucharist during the pandemic does not currently allow us to use the common cup. If you wish to receive a blessing instead, simply cross your hands over your heart as a signal for the priest.
Episcopalians do move around! We stand, we kneel, we sit. (Robin Williams called this “pew aerobics”!) If standing or kneeling is difficult for you, feel free to sit. Wheelchairs are easily accommodated. If you need communion brought to you, please let an usher know when you arrive and we can easily make that happen.
Our services last about an hour. Afterwards, some people remain seated to listen to the organist’s postlude, others chat with old friends and newcomers, and clergy greet the people as they leave.
When Diocesan guidelines again allow us gather after the service, please join us for refreshments and fellowship in Estill House. We want to meet you.