What to Expect
At Holy Innocents, Children are encouraged to be themselves—wiggles, whispers, joyful and not-so-joyful noises are all part of worship! Please don't worry if your little one makes noise or needs to move around. We are grateful they are here, and we believe children help our community experience God's love in a special way.
What to Expect in The Episcopal Church
Whether you're exploring faith for the first time, returning after time away, or looking for a new church home, you are welcome in The Episcopal Church. You do not need to have all the answers or know exactly what to do. We worship together as people of many backgrounds, perspectives, and life experiences, trusting that God welcomes us all.
Worship
Episcopal worship follows a pattern called a liturgy, which simply means "the work of the people." Each Sunday we gather to pray, sing, hear Scripture, reflect on God's Word, and celebrate Holy Communion (also called the Eucharist). While the prayers and responses may be new to you, our bulletins will provide everything you need. You are welcome to participate as much or as little as you feel comfortable.
Scripture and Sermon
Each service includes readings from the Bible, typically from the Old Testament, Psalms, New Testament, and Gospel. After the readings, the preacher offers a sermon that connects Scripture to our lives today.
Holy Communion
At the center of Episcopal worship is Holy Communion, where we remember Jesus' life, death, and resurrection through bread and wine.
All are welcome to receive Communion. If you would prefer not to receive Communion, you are warmly invited to come forward for a blessing instead. Simply cross your arms over your chest to indicate you would like a blessing.
What Should I Wear?
Come as you are. Some people dress up for church, while others come in jeans and a T-shirt. There is no dress code.
Questions Are Welcome
Faith is a journey, and it's okay to have questions. The Episcopal Church values thoughtful conversation, lifelong learning, and growing together in faith. Whether you're visiting for one Sunday or searching for a church home, we hope you'll experience God's love, a caring community, and a place where you belong.
Baptism & Confirmation
Baptism and Confirmation are important milestones in the Christian life. They are outward and visible signs of God's grace and mark our commitment to following Jesus in the community of faith. Whether you are considering baptism for yourself or your child, or wondering about confirmation, we are honored to walk alongside you.
Holy Baptism
In the Episcopal Church, Holy Baptism is the sacrament through which we become members of the Body of Christ and are welcomed into the Church. Through water and the Holy Spirit, God claims us as beloved children and begins a lifelong journey of faith.
People of any age can be baptized. Infants, children, youth, and adults are all welcome. When infants or young children are baptized, parents and sponsors (often called godparents) make promises on their behalf to help raise them in the Christian faith. As they grow, they are encouraged to embrace those promises as their own.
Baptism is celebrated during a worship service because it is the whole congregation that welcomes and promises to support the newly baptized. During the service, candidates (or their parents and sponsors) affirm the Baptismal Covenant, renouncing evil and affirming their faith in God. Water is poured over the person's head while the priest says, "I baptize you in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit."
Once baptized, a person is never baptized again. The Episcopal Church recognizes baptisms performed with water in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit by many other Christian traditions.
Confirmation
Confirmation is an opportunity for those who have been baptized to make a mature, public affirmation of their faith. It is especially meaningful for those baptized as infants or young children, though adults who were baptized later in life may also choose to be confirmed.
During the Confirmation service, the bishop lays hands on each candidate and prays for the strengthening of the Holy Spirit. Confirmation is a way of reaffirming the promises made at baptism and deepening one's commitment to life in Christ and participation in the Church.
Some people who were confirmed in another Christian tradition may be received into the Episcopal Church rather than confirmed again. Others who have already been confirmed in the Episcopal Church may choose to reaffirm their baptismal vows at significant moments in their faith journey.
Preparing for Baptism or Confirmation
Preparation is an important part of both baptism and confirmation. Classes or conversations with clergy provide an opportunity to explore the Christian faith, the meaning of these rites, and what it means to live as a disciple of Jesus.
Preparation is not about having all the answers. It is an invitation to ask questions, grow in faith, and discover how God is at work in your life.
We Would Love to Talk with You
If you are interested in baptism, confirmation, reception into the Episcopal Church, or reaffirming your baptismal vows, we invite you to speak with our priest. Wherever you are on your faith journey, you are welcome, and we would be honored to walk with you.
What to Expect at Holy Innocents
Summer Schedule
10:00 a.m. – Combined Service
Every Sunday, children are welcome to come to the altar to help bless the communion bread and wine. We alternate between gathering in a circle around the altar for communion and a more traditional style of receiving communion. However we gather, all are welcome to participate in the way that feels most comfortable.
September–May Worship Schedule
9:00 a.m. – Great Circle Family Service
A relaxed, family-friendly Eucharist where we gather in a circle around the altar for communion.
11:00 a.m. – Traditional Holy Eucharist
A traditional Episcopal service with hymns, scripture, choir, sermon, prayers, and Holy Communion.
Last Sunday of Each Month – Combined Service at 10:00 a.m.
Our whole community gathers for one worship service.
Throughout the service, the congregation will sit, stand, or kneel at various times as they are able. Please participate as you feel comfortable.
Special Services
At Holy Innocents, the Church Year is marked by meaningful services and beloved traditions that invite us to journey through the story of God's love. From the anticipation of Advent and the joy of Christmas, to the reflection of Lent and the celebration of Holy Week and Easter, our special services offer opportunities for prayer, worship, and community. Throughout the year, we also gather for events like Pride Service, Blessing of the Animals, All Saints' Sunday, Lessons & Carols, Mardi Gras, and Thanksgiving celebrations, creating space to deepen our faith while celebrating together. Whether you're joining us for a major feast day or a cherished parish tradition, you'll find a warm welcome and a place to belong.
Find more info here.
Holy Communion
Everyone is welcome to receive Holy Communion, regardless of age, church background, or denomination.
The priest will place the bread in your hand. If you would like a gluten-free wafer, simply let the priest know. Wine is offered from a common cup, and individual cups with wine or juice are also available. If you would prefer to receive a blessing instead of Communion, simply cross your arms over your chest.
Music at Holy Innocents
Music is a vital part of worship at Holy Innocents, offering beauty, reflection, and joy in every service. At our 9:00 a.m. family-focused service, choir members offer solos and duets that complement our more intimate style of worship. At our 11:00 a.m. traditional service, our full choir leads the congregation in hymns, service music, and anthems. During the summer months, we have a blend of both!
Do you love to sing? We'd love to have you join us! No audition is required, and singers of all experience levels are welcome. Simply introduce yourself to our Music Director after any service to learn more about becoming part of the choir.
Healing Prayers
During Communion, healing prayers are offered in the back of the sanctuary by trained members of our prayer ministry. You may receive prayers for yourself or someone else, with the option of anointing with blessed oil as a sign of God's healing presence, comfort, and healing.
Children/Youth Formation
We offer opportunities for all ages to grow in faith.
Godly Play (Ages 3–5th Grade): Sundays, September–May, following the 9:00 a.m. service (except the last Sunday of the month).
Children's Sermon: During the homily, September–May.
Middle & High School Youth: Sunday gatherings following the 9:00 a.m. service (except the last Sunday), special events throughout the year, and our Youth Room downstairs.
Offering
If you would like to support the ministries of Holy Innocents, offering plates are passed during the service. You may also give electronically using the QR code found in the back of the bulletin.
Stay for Coffee Hour!
Following each Sunday service, you're invited to join us for coffee, refreshments, and conversation. It's a wonderful opportunity to meet members of our community, ask questions, and get to know one another.