No matter where you are on your faith journey or what your religious background is, everyone is welcome. We have plenty of free parking and ample seating. You will be greeted at the door and given a printed leaflet, which will lead you through the service. Perhaps arrive a few minutes early and ask the ushers any questions. If you feel more comfortable with some guidance, send us an email, and we’ll have someone greet you and sit with you to guide you through the service. 

For more information on what happens during the service, here are some resources: https://www.episcopalchurch.org/what-we-believe/

https://www.episcopalchurch.org/dfms/what-to-expect-when-you-visit/

Sunday Services: We have two Sunday services:

8 am service is a short service in the church of Holy Communion without music. The traditional language used in the service dates back to Elizabethan England.

10 am service is the principal parish service with music led by our choirs and contemporary language used to celebrate Holy Communion. Children’s Chapel is offered for young people, PreK-2nd Grade. In addition, this service is livestreamed.

Holy Communion: You are welcome to partake in holy communion if you are baptized, including all children. Put your cupped hands out when you reach the front of the line. You may drink the wine from the cup, dip in your wafer, or skip the wine (it is still considered the full Eucharist if you only take one or the other). If you want to receive a blessing instead, cross your arms over your chest as you approach the front. Or you are welcome to just remain in your seat. Holy Communion, Eucharist, or Mass, is the sacrament commanded by Jesus Christ for the continual remembrance of his life, death, and resurrection, using the symbols of bread and wine. 

Is there a suggested amount to put in the offering plate? No. An offering to God of any amount is appreciated.

How to dress: We welcome people of all backgrounds and encourage you to dress in a way that feels comfortable and respectful, both to God and to fellow worshipers. You'll likely see a range of clothing styles, from business suits and dresses to jeans and sneakers. 

Directions

Have kids? We love to see little ones! There are toys, drawing supplies, and a quiet play area in the back of the church for children who need to move around. We have Children’s Chapel during every 10 am service, and Sunday School after church. Click here for more information.

For older kids, there are plenty of ways to get involved in services and outreach.

Accessibility: Our church and Parish House are handicap-accessible and equipped with an audio induction loop for the hearing impaired.

Safety: We are equipped with action plans that link with our local emergency responders, first-aid kits, and AEDs to help us create a safe and secure environment for us to worship. Children's Volunteers are all background checked and certified in Safe Church. 

What do I call the clergy? Generally, adults call members of the clergy by their first name, and children use Reverend.

Fellowship: Please join us after the 10 am service for refreshments, fellowship, and learning programs for all ages. Just walk down the hill from the church to the Parish House building. In the summer, we have Lemonade on the Lawn right outside the church.

If you’ve been baptized and want to make St. Thomas your church home, here are the next steps:

Step 1: Register your baptism with St Thomas. We accept the baptismal rites of all Christian churches as the real thing; we never “re-baptize” anyone. Let us know when you were baptized and your previous church home (if applicable).  

Step 2: Attend Newcomers Social. This course, led by St. Thomas' clergy and shepherds, is held frequently throughout the year. The goal of the class is to help you connect with the St. Thomas' community and the Episcopal Church. Get to know clergy and members of the congregation! 

Step 3: Attend the Newcomers Class. This course, led by both St. Thomas' clergy and lay members, is held frequently throughout the year. Each class begins with a tour of the church, followed by lunch and discussion, including information on the Episcopal Church, St. Thomas', and how to become a member and get involved!   

Step 4: Participate in Welcome Sunday. This is an opportunity to celebrate, recognize, and pray for those in the Newcomers Class during an upcoming Welcome Sunday.  Following the service, there will be a special reception.   

Note: If you haven’t yet been baptized, you can sign up for the Newcomers Class, during which the clergy will share more about baptism in the Episcopal Church.

Children's Youth and Adult Baptism questions? Contact Rev. Lorna Williams

Youth Confirmation questions? Contact Rev. Lorna Williams

Sign up for the next Social or Class:

Newcomers Social: Friday, May 2nd, 6:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m., Thayer Family Lounge / McCausland Chapel. Get to know clergy and members of the congregation. 

6:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.   Meet and Greet

7:00 p.m. - 8:00 pm.   Clergy-led conversation

Newcomers Class: Sunday, May 11th or 18th, 11:00 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.

11:00 a.m. - 12:15 p.m. Tour, beginning in the Church

12:15 p.m. - 1:30 p.m. Lunch and Discussion, including information on the Episcopal Church, St. Thomas’, and how to become a member and get involved. 

For any questions about these events, membership, or how to get more involved, please contact our administrative coordinator, Rev. Kristin Waskowicz Woods at admin@stthomaswhitemarsh.org.