Question 1

What does worship look like at St. Jude's Anglican Church?

Accepted Answer

At St. Jude’s Anglican Church, we do worship by the book—the Holy Bible and the Book of Common Prayer. All Christians should be familiar with the Bible, but the Prayer Book might be unfamiliar. First produced in the 1500s during the Protestant Reformation in England, the Prayer Book has proven a bulwark of Christian devotion for generations of saints. It pulls from prayers, creeds, and other resources of the Christian tradition over the millennia, and it draws especially—and most importantly—on the inspired Word of God, including the entire Book of Psalms.

Question 2

Which versions of the Holy Bible and the Book of Common Prayer are used?

Accepted Answer

The language of the Prayer Book and our public Scripture readings might be described as “old-fashioned.” The Psalter is the Miles Coverdale translation of 1535, and the Scripture readings are the Authorized Version of 1611 (popularly known as the King James Version). Why do we still use these translations? For one, they are beautiful and fitting. If we come into the presence of the King of Kings, how ought we to talk? How do we address Him? With humility and honor, where the best of our language—English—is rendered up to Him in praise and forms the souls of His people. Even popular culture recognizes the dignity of “dearly beloved brethren,” “til death do us part,” and “ashes to ashes, dust to dust.” These memorable cadences and turns of phrase can mark our Christian pilgrimage from birth to death, nourishing us and building us up into a holy Temple.

For another thing, these older texts are often more honest about the gravity of our sinfulness, the abundance of God’s mercy as found in Christ, and elements of our Christian lives that can be neglected in contemporary mindsets. They give us the words to say when we don’t know what to say or how to say it.

Question 3

What types of songs are sung during the worship sevice?

Accepted Answer

We find that hymns are most fitting for our corporate worship. When we assemble together, we do not sing contemporary praise choruses. Instead, we sing hymns old and new, typically with organ or piano accompaniment. We also sing some of our prayers.

So, when you come to St. Jude’s, expect to be handling books: the prayer book, the hymnal, and the Bible. We rarely use projector screens, and never in our worship services. That might be a new experience for you. Don’t worry—it was also that way for many of us who are members here. But, in time, the rhythms become familiar, and the consistency of Prayer Book worship becomes a mainstay of our spiritual lives.

Question 4

What does St. Jude's Anglican Church believe?

Accepted Answer

We desire to adhere to and live out the truth. To that end, we regularly confess the Apostles’, Nicene, and Athanasian Creed. We believe these are accurate summaries of biblical doctrine and help provide guardrails against harmful errors. Moreover, the focus of the preaching at St. Jude’s is what the assigned Scripture texts are saying, particularly in revealing the Lord Jesus Christ. You won’t find much in terms of life-coaching, therapy, or political activism. Hopefully, you will find sin condemned, salvation proclaimed, and the Lord exalted, all without worldly compromise.

For a more detailed explanation, visit our beliefs page.

Question 5

What should I expect in terms of participation in the worship service?

Accepted Answer

We honor God with our bodies. That includes how we physically conduct ourselves in assembled worship. As Anglicans, we regularly sit, stand, and kneel during corporate worship. It’s not unusual to see bowing or crossing oneself at various points of the service.

Question 6

What do people usually wear to a worship service at St. Jude's Anglican Church?

Accepted Answer

The clergy, acolytes, and readers wear robes of various sorts. Attendees typically wear “church clothes” at Sunday services. This isn’t by any means required, but it is part of the culture of our congregation. It’s a way we try to honor God when we show up to call upon His name on His day. Weekday services, studies, and gatherings are typically much more casual.

Question 7

Are there separate services for children or youth?

Accepted Answer

The worship at St. Jude’s is also family-integrated. We do not have a separate service for little ones or youth. All ages worship together. At present, we do not provide nursery care during the service, but there is an upstairs nursery adjoining the fellowship hall where a live broadcast of the service is available. Likewise, the services—including sermons—are recorded for the convenience of parents. We believe that our faith is truly intergenerational, that God delights in the worship of little ones, that Jesus beckons children to Himself, and that young Christians quickly learn fundamentals by participating in regular worship. Even with all their wiggles, young Christians exhibit a joy and reverence for God Almighty.

Question 8

What does fellowship look like at St. Jude's Anglican Church?

Accepted Answer

St. Jude’s members are a warm and friendly bunch. If you are new here, expect to be greeted by members of the parish, especially during the time of fellowship and refreshments after the service. We come from a wide array of backgrounds, but we all seek to love God and one another. Be sure to stick around that you might get to know us and we you.

Question 9

When is Holy Communion celebrated?

Accepted Answer

On many Sundays, we celebrate Holy Communion, aka the Lord’s Supper or the Eucharist. As a parish of the Reformed Episcopal Church, anyone who is in good standing with a biblical church, has been baptized in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost, and who loves the Lord Jesus is warmly invited to partake of the sacrament. We do allow young children to receive.

As the service itself makes clear, if you have sinned against a neighbor and still need to seek reconciliation and/or restoration, please do not partake of the Lord’s Supper. For those who cannot partake for whatever reason, we would still like to pray for you. Feel free to come up to the rail with your arms crossed over your chest to receive a blessing from the presiding minister.

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