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St. Margaret's  Episcopal Church - A Center of Grace

Why the St. Margaret's?

We are a community centered on God’s grace.

We are a community that preaches about the Good News of Jesus Christ.

We are a community that equips families and individuals to become better spiritually.

Please scroll down to see other aspects of what makes St. Margaret’s a Center of Grace.

Worship Freely

During the service you may see people crossing themselves and doing things that are unannounced by the priest or unexplained in the bulletin. Don’t worry. People are free to practice rituals and customs they have learned from other churches, denominations, or traditions.  As for crossing themselves during the service, some do it as they enter or exit the church or a pew, at the mention of death/resurrection, during the blessing, and at any moment they feel moved. Be curious, even adventurous. Try something out and see if it works for you. Personal rituals can make a worship experience richer.

Full Body Experience

You will notice that during different parts of the service we assume different positions: standing, kneeling, and sitting. Where the body goes, the mind will follow. We use this concept in worship to help us have a full and focused experience. Although there are some minor exceptions, the tradition is that we sit to listen; we stand to sing; and we kneel to pray.

Anonymity, History, & Beauty

Ever wonder why the priests wear vestments instead of a suit or everyday clothes? The vestments are a type of uniform. We want the focus to be on God. We do not want the individual style or wardrobe of the priest to be a distraction. The design and fashion of the vestment comes from the history and tradition of the Early Church. The beauty of the vestments reminds us of God’s presence in the world.

Beyond Words: Colors

Colors affect our mood and help frame our perspective. The different colors are meant to highlight the themes of the church seasons which are patterned on the life and death of Jesus Christ, in particular his birth (Christmas) and resurrection (Easter). The basic code is Blue/Purple for Preparation, White/Red for Celebration, followed by Green for Growth.

It’s Free

Giving to the church is a result of a person’s response to God’s presence in their life. No one is required to put money in the plate. Giving is an act of thanksgiving. It is a way of honoring the role of livelihood and work in our lives. It is not an obligation or requirement.

Come as You Are

There is no dress code. Wear what is comfortable.

Be Safe and Courteous

In our parking lot, please pay attention to the Red and Blue marked parking areas.  Also be aware of which way the traffic flows. Like many parking lots with a school campus, we have a “one way” only traffic pattern. But for Sunday mornings, you may ignore the time limited Green parking areas, as well as, the “Church only” or “School permit only” designations.

Your Child is Safe with Us

Regular volunteers and paid staff who work with children are fingerprinted and have completed Justice Department background checks. For your convenience, it may be helpful to know that our day care center for little ones too young for Sunday School is located in the building closest to the Ortega Highway. Save yourself the walk back.

Call Us by Our First Names

All the priests respond to our first names. If you must you a title, please use “Father” as in “Father Robert” or “Father Rob.” In written correspondence it is customary to use the title “The Rev.” as in “The Rev. Robert Edwards.”

Community and The Common Cup

The common cup is a powerful symbol of community and a reminder of the last and very special meal Jesus shared with his friends. No one is required to drink from the cup. Some elect for the dipping of the bread wafer into the wine. (Just leave the bread wafer in your hand and the minister will do all the work.) Others abstain from the wine altogether. Communion is considered complete with only the bread.

Just Show Up

Come and be a member of St. Margaret’s. If you complete some simple paper work it will help us get information to you about upcoming events via our weekly updates and monthly newsletters. Your membership is what you make of it. Do and be as much as you want or need.

Grace & Sensibility

These are the hallmarks of an Episcopalian. We have no list of propositions that a person must ascribe to, nor a particular type of conversion experience that is common to everyone. The only “test” we have is that a person be open to the Holy Eucharist as a vehicle to experience the presence of Jesus Christ.

Community, Mystery, and Authenticity

We strive for real expressions of God’s presence in our daily lives. We believe that when we are committed to a journey centered on Jesus Christ we will become better people and healthier families. Come and join us.

Splish, Splash

Containers of Holy Water are placed at every entrance of the church to remind us that we enter the community through our Baptism. Dip your fingers or hand in it to remember community, forgiveness, and new life.

Bread and Wine

The bread and wine are the most powerful symbols the church has of the presence of God through Jesus Christ in the world, the gathered community, and our lives. Some believe they become flesh and blood; others see them as reminders. There is no one right way. All are invited.

Work of the People

The worship service represents the best we can do together as a diverse community gathered together seeking the presence of Jesus Christ.  We balance past and present; traditional and contemporary; priest and people; self and neighbor; family and visitor; young and old; speaking and singing. Most of the images and phrases we use come from the Holy Bible. Our format is shared by many others and made available to all through the Episcopal book of worship called The Book of Common Prayer.

For a list of favorite prayers click here.

Using Colors and Seasons to Grow and Learn

The colors and decorations of the church change with the Church season and remind us that our Christian life is patterned on the life of Christ (birth, growth, death, resurrection) and that the landscape on our Christian journeys are subject to change (highs and lows).

The Mystery of Symbols

v      The rose window with 12 sets of roses and lilies to remind us the 12 Apostles and the 12 Tribes of Israel.

v      The other rose window has the four Gospel represented. Lion: The Gospel of Mark since Mark begins with a roar, John the Baptist crying out in the wilderness; Man: The Gospel of  Matthew since Matthew begins with Jesus’ genealogy; Ox: The Gospel of Luke since Luke begins in the Temple where the Ox was a sacrifice, therefore, highlighting the connection between Jesus and Old Testament; and Eagle: The Gospel of John since John begins with a poem/hymn that lifts the heart and soul.

v      The light of the candles remind us of the presence of Christ – the Light of the World.

v      The white robes (called “albs” meaning white in Latin) remind us of our first Baptismal clothing. They are a sign of ministry and a way to include persons without regard to their wardrobe.