Walking into a church for the first time can feel a little daunting — especially one with a liturgical tradition you may not be familiar with. If you are thinking about visiting one of our congregations, here is a friendly guide to what a Sunday morning usually looks like across the Missionary Diocese of the South and Ozarks.
Come as you are
You will find our people dressed in everything from suits to simple Sunday clothes. There is no dress code and no expectation — only a warm welcome. Arrive a few minutes early if you can, introduce yourself, and do not worry about getting anything "right." Someone will always be glad to help you find your way.
The shape of our worship
Our services follow the historic pattern of Anglican worship set out in the 1928 Book of Common Prayer: Scripture read aloud, the great prayers of the Church prayed together, hymns sung, a sermon that opens the Word, and, on most Sundays, the celebration of Holy Communion.
If you have never followed a prayer book before, do not be concerned. Page numbers are announced, those around you will guide you, and you are always free simply to sit, listen, and pray.
A typical Sunday includes:
- Hymns and canticles drawn from the Church's long tradition of song
- Readings from the Old and New Testaments
- A sermon rooted in the Scriptures
- Holy Communion — the Lord's Supper — celebrated at the altar
Everyone is welcome
Whether you are a lifelong Anglican, a Christian from another tradition, or simply curious about the faith, you will find a home among us for an hour on Sunday morning. We would be honored to worship alongside you.