What To Expect

We affirm the real presence of Christ in the Eucharist, but unlike the Roman Catholic doctrine of transubstantiation, we do not attempt to define how this occurs.

We believe that baptism is the entry rite  into the New Covenant God made with humanity through Jesus Christ. As one of the seven Sacraments, it is an outward sign: water, in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit - of inward grace: new life in Christ. In Baptism, we are transferred from the lineage of Adam to that of Christ. Like circumcision in the Old Covenant, Baptism initiates us into God’s family, brings the remission of sin (both actual and original), and imparts grace to pursue holiness, along with the virtues of faith, hope, and love.

We believe that Christ will return to judge the living and the dead, and that He will establish the everlasting kingdom of God in the new heavens and the new earth. However, we avoid speculating about when Christ’s second coming will occur.

Our worship services are liturgical and traditional. We use the 1928 Book of Common Prayer and the 1940 Hymnal. Our 8 a.m. service is a spoken service. Our 10:00 a.m. service features congregational singing of hymns throughout the worship, accompanied primarily by our organist. While we do not (yet) have a choir, a cantor assists in leading portions of the liturgy. Occasionally, other instruments may be used, but the organ is our principal musical accompaniment.

We do not have a dress code. Parishioners tend to dress business casual, slacks or dress jeans, or more formal attire.

Prior to communion, our priest invites all baptized Christians to receive the sacrament of Christ’s body and blood with these words from the prayer book:

“Ye who do truly and earnestly repent you of your sins, and are in love and charity with your neighbours, and intend to lead a new life, following the commandments of God, and walking from henceforth in his holy ways; Draw near with faith, and take this holy Sacrament to your comfort; and make your humble confession to Almighty God, devoutly kneeling.”

Thank you for asking – the answer is yes!  You can give to Saint Nicholas Anglican Church safely and securely by sending us a check, or with a credit or debit card, or a draft from your bank account.  Simply click here.

Our worship services are multigenerational; rather than having children leave for part of the service to go to a separate kids’ service, we think it’s best to have the entire church family worship together.

It can be difficult to know what to say and when to stand, sit, and kneel in a liturgical service. We have booklets in the pews that make the liturgy easy to follow. The general pattern is standing to praise God, kneeling to pray, and sitting to receive instruction. However, if you are not familiar with the liturgy, don't feel obligated to participate with every physical part of the Mass, you are welcome to try to follow along but can choose to sit and quietly observe as well.