Who we are:
St John's Shaughnessy Anglican Church, Vancouver is a community of Christians dedicated to the exposition and teaching of the Word of God, to the spreading of the good news of the Gospel at home and abroad, and to the application of God's purpose in our own lives and families.
worship services > Sunday morning services > what to expect
Some people are not familiar with how a church service takes place or what to expect at a church they have not been to before. This page provides some pointers so that you won't feel awkward and can concentrate on what God might have to say to you during the service.
Our Sunday morning 9:00 and 11:00 am services consist of either a morning prayer service or a communion service, generally on alternate Sundays. The 7:30 am Sunday morning service is generally a communion service. All these services use "liturgies" – a set pattern of Bible readings, hymns, prayers, and a sermon. The liturgies that we use, from the Anglican Prayer Book, include English versions of prayers that have been prayed by the church since it was founded by Jesus in the first century AD, and we treasure them.
Often our sermons are given in series. You can catch up if you missed part of the series by listening to the sermons on our online sermons page.
Before the service:
When you arrive you will be met at the door by a person who will greet you and hand you a service sheet which will guide you through the service, and includes the prayers and hymns. Bibles and Prayer Books are in the pews.
If you have children aged 0-3, a nursery is available. Sunday School is available for children from kindergarten to grade 6 at the 9:00 and 11:00 am services, and there is a special class for grade 6 at the 11:00 am service. Please ask an usher for details.
During the service:
The service sheet will guide you through the service, and includes directions when sitting, standing and kneeling are appropriate.
Usually the service starts with an organ piece during which we prepare our hearts for worship. Children sit with their parents at the beginning of the service, but are free to go to Sunday School after a short talk and prayer at the front of the church. Of course, you can choose to have your children sit with you throughout the service.
During a Communion Service, communion is offered for any baptized Christians. Communion is provided at the front of the church, and you may kneel, sit or stand to participate. If you do not wish to receive communion you can either come to the front with the others for prayer (cross your hands over your chest to indicate that you wish prayer only) or simply remain seated during this time in the service. If you are unable to come to the front for any reason, but still wish to partake in communion, please let a greeter know before the service begins so that we can accommodate you.
Communion for children is at their parents' discretion. Children will receive a blessing from the minister unless parents indicate otherwise.
During communion, two prayer stations are provided at either side of the church near the front.
If you have crying children, we invite you to move to the back of the church beyond the glass doors, so as not to disturb others during the service.
After the service:
Take a moment to fill out a blue welcome card that you will find in a pocket at the end of the pew. This will tell us a little about yourself so that we can keep in touch. You can get more information about St. John's and our weekly activities here on our website, at our information table, or one of our greeters will be happy to answer any questions you have.
Please introduce yourself to the people around you, check for the date of upcoming newcomers lunches where you can learn more about St. John's, and look for other ways to connect in our connect with us pages.
