We welcome you to explore the many ways we have for you to worship with us & experience St. Francis.
Episcopal worship services at St. Francis create a sacred space for us to rest and be renewed by God’s spirit. Beauty and music are sacred components of our liturgy. People of all ages are encouraged and welcome to participate in our worship.
THERE ARE THREE OPPORTUNITIES FOR SUNDAY WORSHIP AT ST. FRANCIS
8 AM: IN-PERSON AND LIVESTREAMED
The 8:00 am service in the Church is a Rite II Eucharist primarily of spoken with a blend of instrumental music to create a more contemplative environment. The goal of this service is to give space for those longing for some quiet and reflection while also participating in the sacraments.
10:15 AM: IN-PERSON AND LIVESTREAMED
The 10:15 am service in the Church is a Rite II Eucharist infused with energy and vitality. Choir/Organ/Hymnal music is blended with contemporary worship music from our Parish Song Book. Acolytes (altar servers) at this service include elementary - high school parishioners. This service uses the Book of Common Prayer and Hymnal, but an easy-to-follow worship bulletin is also provided with complete service information. A service designed for kindergartners through fifth graders occurs during this service, and then children can return to their parents to participate in Holy Communion if they wish.
CHILDREN’S WORSHIP
As part of our 10:15am Sunday service, we offer a safe, healthy, and nurturing experience for all children 0-5th grade.
Children 0-3 can attend our nursery.
Children ages 4 to 5th grade are invited to a special worship experience geared just for them. We incorporate child focused methodology into our worship experience with these littlest of our church family, telling stories and engaging in activities or crafts to highlight the message being taught that day. Children return at the Peace, allowing parents to bring their children to the Communion rail to receive communion or a blessing and be part of the larger service.
WHAT TO EXPECT IN OUR WORSHIP
IN THE CHURCH
When you arrive at the church, an usher will greet you and provide a service bulletin (the printed booklet that contains our prayers, readings, hymns–everything you need for our service).
You may choose a seat wherever you like. In the Episcopal Church, our liturgy is found in The Book of Common Prayer (BCP), which dates back to the 16th Century (and before!), though we use a contemporary version. The BCP is the red book in the pew rack. You can follow along in the BCP, although most of the congregational responses are also printed in the bulletin. We use the blue hymnal and green son book found in the pew rack and encourage you to sing along.
We have Communion at every service. Click here for common questions (and answers!) about receiving Communion in the Episcopal Church.
SOME MORE FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
WHAT SHOULD I WEAR?
We welcome all kinds of people, and their styles Many people wear a “dressy casual” look. Men are often in slacks and a button down or polo shirt. Women often wear casual dresses or business casual attire. We also have parishioners who come in jeans (especially during football season). Please wear attire that you are most comfortable in.
WHAT IS LITURGY?
Our services follow a set order of events, called a liturgy. This comes from an old Greek word meaning “work of the people.” If you’re new to this style, it may feel awkward at first. But like dancing, you’ll get used to it. It’s an ancient and biblical way to pray. It makes sure we all worship together as a community. And each week it reminds of who God is, who we are, and what God has done for us in Jesus Christ.
KNEEL? SIT? STAND?
In liturgical services like ours, we worship with our whole bodies: at different times we kneel (usually to pray), we sit (usually to listen), and we stand (to honor and show reverence). Some folks make the sign of the cross to have a physical reminder that Christ is for us. With all these things, if they help, feel free to do them. If they trouble your conscience or are physically difficult, feel free to pass. As we say in the Episcopal Church, “all may, some should, none must.”
Our goal is to provide you with everything you need to worship & be comfortable in the church.
Nursery Care for children ages 0-3 is provided during the 9:00 a.m. formation hour through the 10:15 a.m. worship service. Children ages 4-12 are invited to attend Children's Chapel during the 10:15 a.m. service. The children begin in worship and process out of the service to our designated children’s worship space in the building to the right of the Sanctuary. More information is available here.
ADA COMPLIANT LIVE CAPTIONING & ASSISTED LISTENING TECHNOLOGIES
LISTEN: EVERYWHERE
WiFi: SF Accessibility
PW: sfAV123!
You can listen to our service through your Bluetooth (hearing aid, ear bud, headphones, etc.) device if you would like. Just follow these steps:
Go to your App Store and download the “Listen Everywhere” (Wi-Fi Audio Streaming) app onto your phone.
Make sure that you are on the SF Accessibility Wi-Fi (Information above)
Open your Listen Everywhere Application
Click on the “Venue Scan” button when prompted.
Once you have successfully connected, a picture of our church will appear with two choices below it, please choose the “KMBW” channel to listen.
PLEASE NOTE: Your audio device will need to be at full volume to hear. We are working on this issue and hope to have it resolved soon.