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Welcome to Church of the Nativity!
All are welcome at Church of the Nativity. NO EXCEPTIONS! We have people of different races, languages, educational levels and backgrounds, sexual orientations, people of all ages and some with disabilities. You’ll see people dressed in casual clothes and dressier clothes worshiping side by side. Style is your choice.
When you visit us, you are 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 services are usually held in the largest building; classrooms for education and “formation” are in Curry Hall, behind the worship building; the parish hall and church offices are in Estill House, the building with the red door.
As you enter the church, you will be in the Narthex. There you can pick up a bulletin, which contains the order of the service, and a copy of “Nativity Star”, our weekly newsletter. Large or regular print bulletins are available. 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. You are welcome to sit anywhere in the pews in the nave. Following the processional opening of the service there is usually a welcoming announcement by the priest for those seated in the church and for those watching from home via live streaming, and then the service begins.
Early in the service 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 wafer or bread in the chalice. If you wish to receive a blessing instead, simply cross your hands over your heart as a signal for the priest. After you receive the blessing, you may return to your seat.
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 and rollators 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. Often there is coffee and fellowship in the narthex or in Estill House. Please join us as we want to meet and welcome you.