Worship

Sundays at Saint Thomas

Note: On Sunday, October 16 at 11am, we have a service of Choral Mattins along with Choral Eucharist. We do this only three times a year. The Rector speaks about why we do it in his weekly audio message.

Each Sunday, we offer three or four opportunities to worship. Most of our parishioners regularly attend one of the three morning services and some return for Evensong at 4pm. Visitors are welcome at any service, of course.

While you should utilize the worship calendar to see details for a particular Sunday you wish to attend services,  Sundays at Saint Thomas usually follow this schedule:

8am - Holy Eucharist in the Chantry Chapel

This short non-choral service usually lasts about 30 or 35 minutes. It is ideal for those who want to start off their week with a simple service in thanks and praise to God, and then to be on their way. The service includes appointed readings, a short homily, prayers and the Eucharist.

9am - Sung Eucharist at the High Altar

This service is similar to the 8am service, but includes music. The congregation sings hymns, and (except when the Choir School is on break) the singing is led by the younger members of our Choir School. For this service only, members of the congregation can choose to sit in the choir stalls in the chancel, or in the regular pews in the nave. The service typically lasts about 45 minutes and is followed by a Coffee Hour in the living and dining room of the Parish House.

11am - Choral Eucharist at the High Altar

This service, with full choir, usually has by far the largest attendance of the Sunday services. It includes appointed readings, a Psalm sung by the choir, a Sermon, prayers, a sung Eucharist, and anthems sung by the choir. Depending on the service, it might include incense and various processions. It is followed by Coffee Hour in the living and dining room of the Parish House. Also, a formal tour of the Church is usually offered following this service.

4pm - Choral Evensong at the High Altar (September – May)

Each Sunday that it is offered, Sunday Choral Evensong is typically attended by several hundred people, including many visitors. Unlike the morning services at Saint Thomas, which encourage lots of active participation by the congregation, Choral Evensong is generally a more passive way to worship, and it is therefore popular among those who are new to the Episcopal tradition of worship. You may read more about Choral Evensong here.

Please note that unlike weekday Choral Evensongs at Saint Thomas, Sunday Choral Evensongs are not followed by a celebration of the Eucharist.

Please see the detailed Worship Calendar for exact dates and times of services.