Common Questions about Services

When are Sunday services? Are there differences between the services?

St. Thomas offers three in-person services on Sundays as well as a podcast of Morning Prayer. A service of Holy Eucharist (communion) is offered at 8:15am, 10:30am. and 5pm. There is no music at the 8:15am service. The 10:30am service includes organ or piano music and the choir (September-May). The 5pm service is a more casual service with guitar music. The parish also offers a Morning Prayer podcast each Sunday that can be accessed on this website, on our Facebook page, or wherever you like to get Podcasts. 

Are there services during the week?

Services are currently held on Sundays only.

Where do I park?

The church has a parking lot adjacent to the building, and overflow parking is available at the building next door. Handicap-accessible parking spots are available. 

What should I wear?

Please wear whatever clothing is most comfortable for you. Some parishioners will be dressed formally, some will be in casual clothes, and many will be dressed in something in between.

Where should I go when I arrive?

If you are arriving for a Sunday service, you can go directly to the nave (sanctuary) through the front doors on the upper level of the church. Nursery care, Sunday school, and special events typically take place in the lower level of the church. Greeters are available on Sundays to help you find your way.

Where should my children be during the service?

St. Thomas welcomes children of all ages in the service but realizes that some families prefer to worship without the distraction of caring for their young children. Our nursery serves children from infancy through age 4 and is located in the lower level of the church. 

Can I take communion?

Holy Communion (also known as Holy Eucharist, the Lord's Supper, or mass) is the family meal for Christians. All baptized persons are part of the extended family that is the Church and are welcome to receive the bread and wine of Holy Communion. Those who do not wish to receive Communion are invited to come to the altar for a blessing.

Common Questions about Membership

What are the requirements for membership in the Episcopal Church?

Anyone can be a member of the Episcopal Church if they have been baptized with water and in the name of God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Membership occurs when your birth date & place and baptism date & place are recorded in the congregation’s Parish Register.

How do I become a member?

After spending some time at St. Thomas, you may decide that you wish to become an official member of this parish. There are a few ways that this can happen: [1] Baptism or confirmation at St. Thomas (those baptized as adults in another Christian tradition can be “received” into the Episcopal Church by a Bishop); [2] If you are a member of another Episcopal parish, our office can contact the other parish to have your membership transferred; [3] If you are coming from another Christian tradition, our office can send a courtesy letter informing your former church and requesting your baptism information.

Do I have to become a member?

We’d be delighted for you to become a member of the parish, but please know that you are invited to worship, attend classes, participate in activities, and support the parish even if you are not a member in a formal sense.

What is required of members?

The Book of Common Prayer states that the duty of all Christians is “to follow Christ; to come together week by week for corporate worship; and to work, pray and give for the spread of the kingdom of God.” Therefore, St. Thomas expects members to follow the teachings of Jesus Christ, to regularly attend worship services, and to support the ministries of the parish with their time, talent, and financial contributions.

Have some other questions? Please email!