If you're considering visiting St. C's, please do! We often welcome visitors who are vacationing on the islands, and we love to meet other people who are lucky enough to call Oahu home. Please stay for coffee and snacks after the service and say hello!
Will I be welcome at a service? Yes! We believe that when Jesus said in the book of John "And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself." he meant ALL people. Bring your self, and God will do the rest. We believe in a loving, liberating, and life-giving God who loves YOU - no exceptions!
Which service should I come to? Try them both! Our 7:15 service is simpler and quieter. Our 9:30 service includes a choir and Sunday school or nursery care for keiki.
What should I wear? Anything you're comfortable in. It is Hawaii, after all. You'll see aloha casual, dressed to the nines, and everything in between. The sanctuary is air conditioned in the summer months and open to tropical breezes the rest of the year.
Can my kids come? Yes! Excellent nursery care is available during the entire 9:30 service for younger children. We have engaging Montessori-style Sunday school classes from September to May for kids age 3+ during the 9:30 service. The children will start in their classrooms at 9:30 and join the congregation for communion. If you prefer to worship as a family, keiki bags are in the back of the sanctuary, filled with books, crayons, a stuffed animal, and a children's bulletin. Connecting with the liturgy as a family can be a powerful experience.
Can my dog come? Yes! St. C's has several well-behaved dogs that accompany their owners to services. We also bless our pets (on leashes) every year on the first Sunday of October.
How will I know what to do? A greeter will greet you outside the door and hand you a church bulletin (and a lei). All the prayers and readings are listed in the bulletin. The hymnal is blue, and the Book of Common Prayer is red. We use our bodies as part of our worship; there is a lot of standing up or kneeling and then sitting down again. It helps to sit behind someone who knows the rhythm, and then just rise and fall with the tide! You will see some people making the sign of the cross, some kneeling, some genuflecting, some bowing at the name of Jesus Christ; if a practice brings you deeper into relationship with God, do it! Often we read prayers in unison, the church body speaking with one voice. Many of these prayers have been offered by Christians for centuries, connecting us to the living Body of Christ which spans generations.
Should I put money in the offering plate? Nope. Although our members give generously to support the church and its ministries, we would like our guests to be our guests. However, please fill out one of the yellow visitor cards, found at the welcome table, and drop it in the offering plates located throughout the church. We would love to get to know you!
Can I take communion? All baptized Christians (in any tradition) are welcome at the Lord's table. To receive the Body of Christ, it is appropriate to kneel or stand, with hands outstretched, palms upward. The priest will intinct (dip) the wafer into the wine before placing it in your hands. If you prefer a gluten-free or nonintincted wafer, simply say so to the priest. If you would like a blessing rather than communion, please cross your arms over your chest and the priest will offer you God's blessing. If you prefer to be served communion at your seat, let an usher know. If you'd just like to remain seated and watch, that's ok too!
What if I have more questions? The church office is open Tuesday-Friday 9-1. Our Parish Administrator would be glad to answer any of your questions, or find the answers to them. Drop by, call, or send an email. Or just come by on Sunday morning and ask anyone with a name tag!
Will I be welcome at a service? Yes! We believe that when Jesus said in the book of John "And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself." he meant ALL people. Bring your self, and God will do the rest. We believe in a loving, liberating, and life-giving God who loves YOU - no exceptions!
Which service should I come to? Try them both! Our 7:15 service is simpler and quieter. Our 9:30 service includes a choir and Sunday school or nursery care for keiki.
What should I wear? Anything you're comfortable in. It is Hawaii, after all. You'll see aloha casual, dressed to the nines, and everything in between. The sanctuary is air conditioned in the summer months and open to tropical breezes the rest of the year.
Can my kids come? Yes! Excellent nursery care is available during the entire 9:30 service for younger children. We have engaging Montessori-style Sunday school classes from September to May for kids age 3+ during the 9:30 service. The children will start in their classrooms at 9:30 and join the congregation for communion. If you prefer to worship as a family, keiki bags are in the back of the sanctuary, filled with books, crayons, a stuffed animal, and a children's bulletin. Connecting with the liturgy as a family can be a powerful experience.
Can my dog come? Yes! St. C's has several well-behaved dogs that accompany their owners to services. We also bless our pets (on leashes) every year on the first Sunday of October.
How will I know what to do? A greeter will greet you outside the door and hand you a church bulletin (and a lei). All the prayers and readings are listed in the bulletin. The hymnal is blue, and the Book of Common Prayer is red. We use our bodies as part of our worship; there is a lot of standing up or kneeling and then sitting down again. It helps to sit behind someone who knows the rhythm, and then just rise and fall with the tide! You will see some people making the sign of the cross, some kneeling, some genuflecting, some bowing at the name of Jesus Christ; if a practice brings you deeper into relationship with God, do it! Often we read prayers in unison, the church body speaking with one voice. Many of these prayers have been offered by Christians for centuries, connecting us to the living Body of Christ which spans generations.
Should I put money in the offering plate? Nope. Although our members give generously to support the church and its ministries, we would like our guests to be our guests. However, please fill out one of the yellow visitor cards, found at the welcome table, and drop it in the offering plates located throughout the church. We would love to get to know you!
Can I take communion? All baptized Christians (in any tradition) are welcome at the Lord's table. To receive the Body of Christ, it is appropriate to kneel or stand, with hands outstretched, palms upward. The priest will intinct (dip) the wafer into the wine before placing it in your hands. If you prefer a gluten-free or nonintincted wafer, simply say so to the priest. If you would like a blessing rather than communion, please cross your arms over your chest and the priest will offer you God's blessing. If you prefer to be served communion at your seat, let an usher know. If you'd just like to remain seated and watch, that's ok too!
What if I have more questions? The church office is open Tuesday-Friday 9-1. Our Parish Administrator would be glad to answer any of your questions, or find the answers to them. Drop by, call, or send an email. Or just come by on Sunday morning and ask anyone with a name tag!
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