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St. Margaret's Episcopal Church - A Center of Grace
What Happens on Sunday?
Getting Here
From the I-5 freeway, take the Ortega Highway exit (CA-74 - Exit 82) and go east. At the second signal light (less than 1 mile), turn right on La Novia Avenue. St. Margaret’s is on the right-hand side of the street. Click here for MapQuest printable directions.
Parking
Parking is available in two different areas: on La Novia and on Calle Arroyo, between Rancho Viejo Road and La Novia. As you enter from the La Novia driveways, please be aware that all three driveways are one way only. The two northern most driveways (closest to Ortega Hwy) are “Entrance onlys” and the other is “Exit only.” Please be aware of the directional arrows and the handicap parking designations. On Sunday mornings, you may ignore the green time limit parking restrictions and the school permit only designations.
Please note that child care is available at the Early Childhood Development Center building. It is the building nearest La Novia and the Ortega highway (and farthest from the church building). Save yourself a walk and plan your park accordingly.
Restrooms
There are three easily accessible public restrooms: 1) adjacent to the fountain courtyard; 2) in our Parish Hall, the building opposite the church; and 3) in the church administration building (in the first classroom to the right of the administrator’s desk as you enter the lobby).
Sunday School and Youth Group
If you have elementary school aged children who will attend Sunday School, bring them to the church administration building. There is an area to make a name tag for your child. Pre-school and Kindergarten meet in the first classroom (also called atrium). Grades 1-3 meet in the second classroom. Grades 4 and 5 meet in the third classroom. You may enter all three classrooms from the church administration building. Children will be brought into church and join their families just before the distribution of bread and wine (Holy Communion).
If you have Junior or Senior High school aged children who will attend Youth Group, bring them to Highland Hall, the building located across the field in the Middle School area. The youth will be brought into church and join their families just before the distribution of bread and wine (Holy Communion).
The Church Building
As you enter the church building you will be greeted by an usher who can answer any question you may have. They will provide you with a service bulletin.
When you enter you will notice the Rose Window which reminds us of God’s presence and the beauty in the world around us. In the center aisle you will see a silver bowl. It is filled with Holy Water. This is to remind us of God’s grace, our Baptism, the forgiveness of sins, and membership into the Body of Jesus Christ. You are invited to touch the water. If you wish, you may dip your fingers in the water and make the sign of the cross by touching your forehead, chest, and shoulders.
Find a seat, anywhere. Some like to be close so they can see the “action.” Many like to be in the back so they can be the first in line for coffee. Some like to be in the middle and surrounded by people. No matter where you sit for whatever reason, know that that spot has been reserved for you.
As you enter a bench (pew), you may wish to pause and reverence the cross. It is a way to help us focus on and literally orient ourselves to Jesus Christ as we prepare for worship. Before worship begins you may notice people praying, looking around at decorations, reading the bulletin, browsing the announcement page, reading a prayer book, hymnal or Bible, simply meditating, or listening to the choir. Please do what best suits you as you get ready for the worship service.
The Service: Singing, Responding, Praying (About 1 hour)
Our worship service is about re-connecting with the presence of God in Jesus Christ. In worship we amplify this presence through prayer, singing, listening, silence, art, fellowship, alms-giving, Scripture, Bread and Wine.
The service officially begins with the opening hymn and the procession of the cross, choir, and other ministers. Traditionally we stand to sing, sit to listen and kneel to pray. While there is some variation and blending of these distinctions, the service bulletin and ministers will be clear with directions.
Our service is highly interactive and we invite you to participate in the service as you feel comfortable. You will notice that in the bulletin the people’s responses are printed in boldface type.
Posture and Gestures
There is no one right way to do anything. Be comfortable. Try something new. Let others do what they need to do as you do what you need to do.
Receiving the Bread and Wine
Please come forward to the Altar rail to receive the Bread and Wine. Otherwise, please be seated.
The bread and wine are the most powerful signs the church has to express the presence of God in the world and our lives. A special meal between friends, an everyday activity, food prepared with crushing and fermenting, Body and Blood – all add to our understanding of God’s presence. Please know that all are welcome to receive communion.
If you wish to receive the body of Christ please come to the Altar rail and hold out your hand to take the wafer of bread. You may eat the bread immediately, or you may wait and receive it with the wine. If you wish to receive the blood of Christ from the chalice please assist the chalice to your lips for a sip of wine, or you may leave the wafer in your hand and the Eucharistic Minister will dip it in the wine for you. You may also dip the wafer yourself. If you wish to receive the bread only, please know it is the historic position of the Church that receiving one of the elements is sufficient to complete communion. If you do not wish to take the bread and wine, you are invited to come to the Altar rail and receive a blessing. Indicate this by folding your arms over your chest and placing your hands near your shoulders.
For more information about the service click here
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