Worship: what to expect
Visiting a church for the first time can be a daunting experience. Whoever you are and wherever you are on your spiritual journey, you are welcome to explore Grace!
We are back in person and also offer Zoom!
We are once more gathering in our sanctuary for worship, in accordance with current guidelines by the CDC and the New York City Health Department (Sundays at 10:30 a.m.). However, we are also aware that there are those who prefer to worship from home, so all our worship services are streamed live on Zoom. If you’d like to participate in the Lord’s Holy Supper from home, please prepare some bread and wine or grape juice, which will be blessed during the service.

You can access our worship services here
https://zoom.us/j/7182686189?pwd=eGpMeFlrbzBBRXBTQTc4dXBzajhEUT09#success

 If you come in person, please be prepared to sign in for the purpose of potential contact tracing. Get as close to others as you feel comfortable. We don’t have a dress code – come as you are. Our worship service follows a traditional liturgy and lasts about one hour. Holy Communion is celebrated every Sunday.

We currently do not offer childcare or Sunday school; however, children are always welcome! We don’t expect children to sit still or remain quiet for an hour, and we strive to engage children in our worship experience.

This might help -
(we hope it will)
When is worship?
Our Sunday service begins at 10:30AM. Currently, people may enter our Sunday Zoom Social Time at 10:15AM prior to worship.
Greeters will help folks physically arriving check in for worship starting at 10AM.

How long does worship last?
Sunday worship last about 45 minutes to 1 hour.

What should I wear?
People of our congregation come from all walks of life and you can see it in the way we dress, so wear what makes you comfortable. Some folks dress casually, some do suit & tie; jeans, dresses, sneakers, heels are simultaneous sights. We believe God cares more about the state of our hearts than the state of our attire, and encourage you to dress the way that feels most appropriate to you; that's your "Sunday best."
What are services like?
Our Sunday worship is a traditional, yet (we think) not too formal mixture of scripture, music, preaching, prayer and communion shared. All are welcome to participate in this sacrament.
Occasionally we have special services with Baptisms; hymn sings too.
At certain times of year, Dinner Church offers a favorite mid-week worship experience. Dinner Church allows us to gather for a simple meal and conversation around a table with others; in the process we reflect on scripture and share communion together.
What can I expect on a basic Sunday? 

As you enter our worship space, a smiling greeter or usher will give you a bulletin. (These folks can also point you to the restrooms should you wish). 
  • This bulletin  includes prayers, hymns, readings we'll use - just keep turning the pages (an insert has announcements and an upcoming calendar of events). 
We strive to keep unexpected surprises to a minimum (unplanned moments happen on occasion).
  • From time to time we stand during worship; watch the folks around you.  If you don't want to stand or if you're mobility impaired, you're welcome to stay seated, and "stand in spirit."
We usually sing 3 or 4 hymns per Sunday (printed in that bulletin, or from a book in the seat racks).
  • Singing is optional as well, but there's no need to feel shy, we encourage everyone to make a joyful noise regardless of musical prowess. And our volunteer choir is open to all (come "test-drive" it Sunday at 9AM! ) 
Children are definitely welcome participants. 
  • We strive to provide age sensitive ways to explore the day's theme, including a Kid's Word time as part of worship.  
Commentary on that day's readings comes as a sermon. 
  • Most often, our pastor leads this; sometimes a group offers a dramatic presentation; from time to time we may use media.
When it's time to share communion, ushers provide guidance to help us come forward to receive communion elements; bread (gluten free option present) and wine/juice. 
  • Blessings are offered for folks choosing not to receive the sacrament or you can simply remain in your seat and check the whole thing out from there. 
When finished, we return to our places/seating area to complete that day's worship. 
  • Following worship there's usually someone who has provided something for everyone to share (drink or snack: we like to nosh while connecting with each other).
We offer worship occasions to remember dear ones (like our autumn All Saints Sunday), worship designed to help people cope (healing prayer) and life passages like first communion, confirmation, weddings and funerals.

Ash Wed, Holy Thurs, Good Fri; Easter Vigil, festival Easter worship; along with Christmas Eve, Christmas Day are here for you too. As is ice cream cake after worship on the Sunday nearest June 24. [our "beginning date"]
I could easily follow the service.
- M. LaPinto
Good Friday (Stations of the Cross) was uniquely moving because of the art pieces people crafted for each station's experience. Thanks!
- Mark R.
Thanks again for your time and hospitality during our visit to your beautiful church.
- John D.
After worship
we go into our Monday - Saturday living; blessed to be blessing for others.