Sunday worship at St. Laurence is at 10 am and usually lasts about an hour. We are a Eucharistic community so almost every Sunday the service follows a general pattern of opening hymn and welcome, Bible readings and sermon, prayers, offertory hymn and then Eucharist and closing hymn. During the sharing of the Eucharist the congregation stands in a circle around the altar platform to receive the bread and wine.
When you arrive at St. Laurence you will be greeted and given a bulletin or hand-out that outlines the service and has all the speaking parts for the congregation written in it. It also indicates the hymns that we’ll be singing and tells you which of our two hymn books they are in. Each week there is a note in the bulletin saying that if you are unfamiliar with the rituals and customs of the Anglican Church simply relax and let the congregation carry you in worship. We really do mean this! If it takes a few weeks to get used to the way we do things don’t worry!
After the service the clergy greets people at the door and all are encouraged to come downstairs to the parish hall for coffee, tea and a social time. At about 11:30 someone usually flickers the lights indicating that those who wish can go to the adjoining “Sunshine Room” for what we call “Conversations.” “Conversations” is an opportunity for those who were in the worship service to talk with one another and with the clergy about the theme of the day or about another topic of interest. Sometimes the clergy gives a short presentation (or shows a video) before opening the floor up for discussion. Most Sundays about 15 or 20 people stay for engaging discussion of matters of faith. Drop in anytime!
If you are bringing children to the service there is nursery, Sunday school and youth group September – June. Children generally stay in the service for the first part of the service and are dismissed about 10 minutes in. They go downstairs for Sunday School or youth group (usually based on the same Gospel reading that adults hear upstairs) and then come back upstairs to take the Eucharist with their families. There are also some children who choose to stay in the whole service with their families.