FAQs

The Episcopal Church worships in the “liturgical style,” which means we follow an order of service found in the Book of Common Prayer. A typical Sunday usually includes an opening procession, singing, Bible readings, prayer and meditation, a sermon, and Communion (Holy Eucharist) where we share bread and wine in remembrance of Jesus Christ and the Last Supper. After service we gather downstairs for Coffee Hour with delicious refreshments.

We sing a variety of music from hymns to contemporary worship songs.

You may also wonder what to wear - that is completely up to you. Most of our members wear a blouse or button up and slacks, but others come in t-shirt and jeans. Wear whatever is most comfortable for you.

Don’t worry! At Zion, like many Episcopal churches, all participants follow along using the service bulletin that you receive when you arrive. The bulletin has all the readings, responses, prayers, and cues on when to sit, stand or kneel during the liturgy. Standing and kneeling practices vary by individual, so you can do whatever is most comfortable for you.

Once you’ve been to a few services, following along will feel like second nature. We are very relaxed, so you will never be embarrassed or singled out. Even those of us who have been here since childhood still get mixed up sometimes, but we believe there are no mistakes in God’s house!

You might notice that some members make the sign of the cross with their right hand on their forehead and chest or kneel (called genuflecting) when walking in front of the altar. This is done as a bodily reminder to ourselves of our faith. If it is meaningful to you, you are welcome to participate, but this practice is completely optional.

We believe all are welcome at God’s table! During Communion, the congregation comes forward to the altar to receive the bread and wine. You can drink the wine from the cup, dip your bread into the cup (called intinction), or simply pass by the wine and return to your seat.

If you do not wish to receive bread nor wine, you may still come forward with your arms crossed on your chest to receive a blessing. We also offer gluten free bread. If you would like the gluten free option, simply ask the priest when you come forward.

We are so glad you asked! One of our favorite aspects of worship at Zion is our community, and we love to gather together.

After the worship service, everyone is welcome to join us downstairs in the fellowship hall for coffee, tea, and refreshments. Our volunteers make sure there is always something tasty for everyone, and we have gluten free options and vegan coffee creamer.

Take a cup of coffee to go or get a plate of homemade cinnamon rolls and veggies and stay a while. Whether it is your first time or your 100th, we would love to have you join us at Coffee Hour.

We have many ministries at Zion and opportunities for members to serve as readers, greeters, Coffee Hour volunteers and more.

Visit our ministries page to learn about what is currently happening at Zion or submit an inquiry to our Contact form to learn more about getting involved.

The prayers and service are based on the Book of Common Prayer, a fundamental liturgical text used in The Episcopal Church. The book serves as a comprehensive guide for worship, containing a collection of prayers, liturgies, psalms, scripture readings, and religious ceremonies. The Book of Common Prayer also aims to provide a standardized and accessible framework for public worship

Its language is typically formal and traditional, emphasizing reverence and devotion. Over the centuries, the book has undergone revisions and adaptations to accommodate changes in language, culture, and theological perspectives.