Worship
Regular Sunday worship at All Souls' is the Holy Eucharist, also known as the Lord's Supper or the mass. We are a liturgically traditional parish that follows the 1979 Book of Common Prayer (Rite II) and observes seasons and rituals celebrated by Christians for nearly two millennia. We offer other styles of worship and devotion at other times of the week.
The service includes readings from Scripture, a sermon, and prayers. This leads to Holy Communion, where we share bread and wine, which is the real presence of Jesus Christ among us.
You will find the Bulletin on the Home Page
Our Services
Spoken Eucharist
Sundays at 8 am
This liturgy is quiet and reflective, with no music accompanying the service. Otherwise, this service is identical to the 10:15 Eucharist and usually lasts about 50 minutes. Coffee hour and fellowship follow every week.
Eucharist with Music
Sundays at 10:15 am
This liturgy is family-oriented, featuring congregational hymns and anthems sung by the choir with organ accompaniment. Many parents and grandparents bring their little ones to this service, which typically lasts about 70 minutes. Coffee hour and fellowship follow every week.
Morning Prayer
Tuesdays at 9:30 am
This service draws attendees from our parish, across the USA, and from the United Kingdom. We gather via Zoom for psalms, Scripture, and prayers in the classic Anglican tradition. Our time together usually lasts about 30 minutes.
Praying in These Times
Saturdays at 9:00 am
The sheer volume and pace of changes taking place in our nation may be causing feelings of disorientation, uncertainty or anxiety. In times like these, there are many things we Christians may be called to do, but two of the most fundamental are to gather as family and pray.
On Saturday mornings at 9:00, we gather in the Sherman Room and on Zoom for about 45 minutes of mostly silent prayer and reflection, in communion with one another … allowing the Holy Spirit to knit us together and hold us close.
Because Prayer works, full stop.
Celtic Mass
Saturdays at 5 pm
This 50-minute Celtic service emphasizes the goodness of God and all creations, including us! We read the Sunday lessons and engage in rich conversation instead of a formal sermon. Prayers are drawn from liturgical resources in Scotland, Ireland, and England.
Evensong
Quarterly on Sundays at 5 pm
Choral Evensong, based on the 1662 English Book of Common Prayer, is a traditional Anglican service. It includes psalms, hymns, scripture readings, prayers, and music sung by a choir, and is intended to conclude the day with prayer and thanksgiving. A light reception usually follows.
Centering Prayer
Tuesdays & Saturdays at 4 pm
Centering Prayer is a method of silent prayer that prepares us to receive the gift of contemplative prayer, prayer in which we experience God's presence within us, closer than breathing, closer than thinking, closer than consciousness itself. This method of prayer is both a relationship with God and a discipline to foster that relationship.
Centering Prayer is not meant to replace other kinds of prayer. Rather, it adds depth of meaning to all prayer and facilitates the movement from more active modes of prayer — verbal, mental or affective prayer — into a receptive prayer of resting in God. Centering Prayer emphasizes prayer as a personal relationship with God and as a movement beyond conversation with Christ to communion with Him.
The source of Centering Prayer, as in all methods leading to contemplative prayer, is the Indwelling Trinity: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. The focus of Centering Prayer is the deepening of our relationship with the living Christ. The effects of Centering Prayer are ecclesial, as the prayer tends to build communities of faith and bond the members together in mutual friendship and love.
Music at All Souls'
Music is at the core of All Souls' worship life, rooted in the rich Anglican choral tradition, both ancient and modern, with an unwavering commitment to excellence. Through our musical heritage, we aim to inspire hearts and minds with God's glory. All Souls' is blessed with musical leadership by the Choir of All Souls and Chorister program, with support by the exquisite Fritts & Richards Op. 5. organ.
Kids in Worship
Children of all ages are welcome at our services.
All Souls' is dedicated to serving children, youth, and families. We have a safe and caring worship space for children of all ages called the PRAYground at the front of the church that is equipped with books, coloring pages, interactive children’s bulletins, and manipulatives to be used during the service. We also have a space for nursing mothers that allows for them and their babies to be in a comfortable place to sit, change diapers, and still enjoy the service. Children are always welcome in church. It is the philosophy of our parish that our children's spiritual formation is best served by their attendance at worship.
Children’s Chapel is an age-appropriate component of our worship at the 10:15 am service on Sundays. After the Gospel reading, the children will be escorted by the Children, Youth and Family Minister to the nearby chapel for Bible readings, a children's sermon, activities, and prayers. Your children will be brought back into the church during the announcement so that your family can take part in Holy Eucharist together. Parents are welcome to accompany their children to Children's Chapel if they wish.
Labyrinth
“My Lord God, I have no idea where I am going. I do not see the road ahead of me. I cannot know for certain where it will end. Nor do I really know myself; and the fact that I think I am following your will does not mean that I am actually doing so. But I believe that the desire to please you does in fact please you. And I hope I have that desire in all that I am doing. I hope that I will never do anything apart from that desire. And I know that if I do this, you will lead me by the right road, though I may know nothing about it. Therefore will I trust you always though I may seem to be lost and in the shadow of death. I will not fear, for you are ever with me, and you will never leave me to face my perils alone.” - Thomas Merton, Thoughts in Solitude, 1954
The Labyrinth is an ancient pattern found in many different cultures - a truly universal symbol, used by people around the world as a place of reflection and renewal. It differs from a maze in that it has only one path and there are no dead ends.
The Labyrinth is an inclusive sacred space, welcoming all faith traditions. There is no right or wrong way to walk a labyrinth. Simply find your natural pace and feel free to overtake if the need arises. It’s a two way street, so you may meet others on the path.
The Labyrinth offers an opportunity to quiet the mind and open the heart. Some people come with questions or to simply relax, and others come during times of grief or loss.
Resources:
Anne Solomon - resources
Spirituality & Health: Making Sense of a Labyrinth Walk
Sacraments
The Sacraments are outward and visible signs of the inward and spiritual grace of Christ. His grace is never absent or unavailable, but in the Sacraments we surely experience—recollect, abide in and are transformed by—God’s grace. Some Sacraments are one-time only; some are occasional; and some are frequent: But all are one and the same grace. If you have questions about the Sacraments or would like to learn how you may receive one, please contact Father Douglas.
Baptism
Baptism marks the beginning of a lifelong journey of faith in the Christian community, cleansing sin and initiating us into God's family through water and the Holy Spirit. It unites us with Christ and welcomes us into the Church, offering forgiveness and new life. Baptism is usually celebrated during the main Eucharist on Sundays, except in special circumstances. To schedule or prepare for Baptism, please contact Fr. Douglas. Whether considering baptism for yourself or your child, or simply wanting to learn more, we invite you to join our community and explore this transformative journey of faith.
Eucharist
The Eucharist, also known as Holy Communion or the Lord's Supper, is a central sacrament in the Episcopal tradition. Jesus instituted it at the Last Supper with his disciples, involving the partaking of his Body and Blood in the form of blessed bread and wine. Through the Eucharist, Episcopalians believe they participate in the real presence of Christ, receiving spiritual nourishment and unity with God and one another. All baptized Christians are invited to receive Holy Communion, as Baptism is full initiation into Christ’s Church. (If you do not eat bread or consume wine, it is considered full communion to partake of only one.) Others are welcome to come forward and receive a blessing from the priest.
Confirmation
Confirmation is a sacrament in which baptized individuals publicly affirm their commitment to Christianity and receive the Holy Spirit's presence. It strengthens their connection to the Church and marks a significant step in their spiritual journey. A bishop performs Confirmation during the annual parish visitation or at another time in the church year. Individuals confirmed in another Christian tradition can be received into the Episcopal Church by the bishop. Please speak with Fr. Douglas if you would like to learn more.
Marriage
Marriage is a sacred covenant between two individuals, witnessed by the faith community and blessed by God. It celebrates love, commitment, and mutual support, reflecting the relationship between Christ and the Church. Couples embark on a lifelong journey together, supported by their community and the Holy Spirit. In the Episcopal Church, the Sacrament of Marriage is available to all couples, regardless of sexual orientation. All Souls' is honored to be a place where couples begin this holy commitment. Due to spiritual preparation, weddings are generally scheduled at least six months in advance, though exceptions may be made. Please contact Fr. Douglas for more information.
Reconciliation (Penance)
Reconciliation is a sacrament in which individuals confess their sins to God and receive absolution through the ministry of a priest, offering spiritual healing and renewal. It provides an opportunity to reconcile with God, receive assurance and pardon, and experience His grace and forgiveness. Individuals who wish to receive Reconciliation may make an appointment with Fr. Douglas at any time.
Ministration to the Sick (Unction)
Ministration involves a priest’s laying on of hands and anointing with blessed oil for someone who is sick, whether in body, mind, or spirit. It provides God’s grace and calls upon the Holy Spirit’s healing, comforting, and sustaining powers. Ministration is appropriate for any situation where sickness (dis-ease) affects one’s life, not just when death approaches. If you would like to receive Ministration or arrange it for someone else, please contact Fr. Douglas.
Ordination
For individuals called to holy orders (as deacon, priest, or bishop) and whose calling has been confirmed by the Church, ordination is the Sacrament through which they receive authority from God. This authority is granted through prayer and the laying on of the bishop’s hands.
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