What to Expect
When you arrive at St. Aidan, you will be warmly welcomed by one of our members. You will be offered a bulletin that will help to guide you through the service. We are happy to assist you with seating if you need.
Processional
The service begins with the Processional, during which the clergy, choir, and lay servers enter and take their places at the front.
Children
At an early point in the service, children are dismissed to their Godly Play classes, and will rejoin their parents in time for the Eucharist. Click here to read about what St. Aidan offers for parents with children.
Service Books
In our tradition, the Book of Alternative Services (BAS) and the Book of Common Praise (CP) guide us through the service. In the bulletin, page numbers for the BAS are indicated by "p. XX" and page numbers for the CP are indicated by "p. XX (CP)". Click here to download a sample bulletin.
Eucharist/Communion
When it comes time for the Eucharist, attendants will signal guests and members row by row when they may go up to the front to receive the Eucharist or a blessing.
In the serving of the Eucharist, the reverend will offer the bread, saying, "The body of Christ." Next, the deacon and lay attendants will offer the cup of wine, saying, "The blood of Christ shed for you."
(Note: Anyone who has been baptized according to any church tradition is welcome to receive communion. If anyone has not been baptized, he or she is welcome to receive a blessing of prayer instead.)
After having received communion, you may return to your seat.
Recessional
After announcements, a recessional hymn is sung, during which the clergy, choir, and lay servers exit. The deacon offers a benediction similar to, "Go out to serve and love the Lord." At this point, the service is over.
Outreach Lunch
After the service each Sunday, all are welcome to join us downstairs for a light lunch and a time of visiting.