Who is Welcome to Worship at Grace Episcopal Church?
NOTE: When we say "All are welcome," we mean it. To be more specific, however, we take the liberty of quoting the following statement as published on the website of St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Newport. We couldn't have said it better . . .
We extend a special welcome to those who are single, married, divorced, gay, filthy rich, dirt poor, yo no habla Ingles. We extend a special welcome to those who are crying babies, those who are skinny as a rail or could afford to lose a few pounds.
We welcome you if you can sing like Andrea Bocelli or who can't carry a note in a bucket. You're welcome here if you're "just browsing," just woke up or just got out of jail.
We don't care if you're more Catholic than the Pope, haven't been in church since little Joey's Baptism, or since your mother forced you to come on Christmas or Easter. We extend a special welcome to those who are over 60 but not grown up yet, and to teenagers who are growing up too fast. We welcome soccer moms, single moms, NASCAR dads, starving artists, tree-huggers, latte-sippers, pole-dancers, vegetarians, junk-food eaters. We welcome those who are in recovery, still addicted, a tea-totaler, or someone who secretly has one too many when alone. Northern Kentucky hates heroin, but we love you. We welcome you if you're having problems or you're down in the dumps or if you don't like "organized religion;” we've been there too. We welcome you if you are physically or mentally far from home. We even welcome Pittsburgh Steeler fans.
If you blew all your offering money at Horseshoe Casino or Turfway Park, you're welcome here. We offer a special welcome to those who think the earth is flat, work too hard, don't work, can't spell, or because grandma is in town and wanted to go to church. We welcome those who are inked, pierced or both. We offer a special welcome to those who could use a prayer right now, had religion shoved down your throat as a kid or got lost in traffic and wound up here by mistake. We welcome tourists, seekers and doubters, bleeding hearts ... and you!
We extend a special welcome to those who are single, married, divorced, gay, filthy rich, dirt poor, yo no habla Ingles. We extend a special welcome to those who are crying babies, those who are skinny as a rail or could afford to lose a few pounds.
We welcome you if you can sing like Andrea Bocelli or who can't carry a note in a bucket. You're welcome here if you're "just browsing," just woke up or just got out of jail.
We don't care if you're more Catholic than the Pope, haven't been in church since little Joey's Baptism, or since your mother forced you to come on Christmas or Easter. We extend a special welcome to those who are over 60 but not grown up yet, and to teenagers who are growing up too fast. We welcome soccer moms, single moms, NASCAR dads, starving artists, tree-huggers, latte-sippers, pole-dancers, vegetarians, junk-food eaters. We welcome those who are in recovery, still addicted, a tea-totaler, or someone who secretly has one too many when alone. Northern Kentucky hates heroin, but we love you. We welcome you if you're having problems or you're down in the dumps or if you don't like "organized religion;” we've been there too. We welcome you if you are physically or mentally far from home. We even welcome Pittsburgh Steeler fans.
If you blew all your offering money at Horseshoe Casino or Turfway Park, you're welcome here. We offer a special welcome to those who think the earth is flat, work too hard, don't work, can't spell, or because grandma is in town and wanted to go to church. We welcome those who are inked, pierced or both. We offer a special welcome to those who could use a prayer right now, had religion shoved down your throat as a kid or got lost in traffic and wound up here by mistake. We welcome tourists, seekers and doubters, bleeding hearts ... and you!
What to Expect
Episcopalians worship in many different styles, ranging from very formal services rites with lots of singing, music, special garments (called vestments), and incense, to informal services with contemporary music and few vestments--if any. All worship in the Episcopal Church is rooted in the Book of Common Prayer, which gives worship a familiar feel, no matter where you go. At Grace, you'll find a variety of styles represented in worship. Occasionally, you'll smell incense wafting in the air as a visible reminder of our prayers being lifted toward Heaven. Often, you'll hear hymns from The Hymnal 1982 and other sacred collections. Some of the music might be familiar, some may not. You may also notice some people standing and some people kneeling. This is a matter of personal preference. Both kneeling and standing for prayer have firm roots in the Christian tradition. For some, sitting may be preferable until the service feels comfortable--so do what works best for you!
The principal worship service on Sunday mornings at Grace is the Holy Eucharist, also known as: the Lord’s Supper, the Divine Liturgy, Holy Communion, or Mass. Eucharist is simply the Greek word for 'thanksgiving'.
Parts of our worship may be somewhat confusing and it may take some time for you to find your rhythm amidst "The Episcopal Shuffle!" Feel free to ask a neighbor or an usher for help! Gretchen is always available to speak with you in more detail and answer any questions or address any concerns.
The principal worship service on Sunday mornings at Grace is the Holy Eucharist, also known as: the Lord’s Supper, the Divine Liturgy, Holy Communion, or Mass. Eucharist is simply the Greek word for 'thanksgiving'.
Parts of our worship may be somewhat confusing and it may take some time for you to find your rhythm amidst "The Episcopal Shuffle!" Feel free to ask a neighbor or an usher for help! Gretchen is always available to speak with you in more detail and answer any questions or address any concerns.