Why Service Notes? A Word From Your Pastors

As an Anglican church, we know there may be some parts of services at St. Stephen's that are unfamiliar to people, newcomers and long-time members alike. We get questions like: Why do we stand for Gospel readings? Why do we say prayers together? What’s the deal with Lent? Why do the colors of your stoles change? (And what’s a stole?) And what happens in Communion? This fall, you’ll begin to see “Service Notes,” a new feature in our service sheets to answer some of these common questions. And we'll archive each week’s entry online here. Ultimately, we would love it if this little project made St. Stephen's a more accessible place. After all, we're not trying to build an exclusive worship club, where only insiders "get it." At the same time, we believe our sometimes unfamiliar traditions (which Christians have been doing for thousands of years!) are worth keeping. Hopefully, Service Notes will help you know what we're doing and why we're doing it. And if there’s something you’re curious about, let us know.