Worship
Sundays at 9:30 AM
(June through Labor Day)
Sundays at 8:30 AM and 10:00 AM
(Early-September to May)
Morning Prayer
Monday-Thursday 9:00 AM
St. Augustine's Worship
St. Augustine's Worship
St. Augustine's Worship
St. Augustine's Worship
Whoever you are and wherever you are on your journey of faith, you are welcome here. At St. A’s worship is not a performance to observe — it is something we do together. We gather week by week to listen, to pray, to sing, to confess, to give thanks, and to share in the holy meal that has bound Christians together for two thousand years. We hope you’ll join us.
We absolutely love having people of all ages and stages in worship. We love the joyful, fidgety — and even the lamenting and protesting — sounds of children in the church.
FAQs
What are Sundays like?
Both Sunday services of Holy Eucharist follow the Episcopal Book of Common Prayer and share the same basic shape, though each has its own character. The 10:00 AM service includes hymns sung by the choir and congregation accompanied by the organ and piano; the 8:30 AM service is quieter without music with a more intimate and meditative feel. During the summer months, we have a single service at 9:30 am with music.
Every service has two parts. In the first, we hear readings from the Old Testament, the New Testament, and the Gospel, followed by a sermon and prayers for the needs of the world. We then greet one another in peace. In the second part, we share in Holy Communion — the bread and wine — in remembrance of Jesus Christ’s life and sacrifice.
Coffee Hour takes place between the two services at 9:15 am, giving the whole Sunday morning community a chance to gather together each week. In the summer, Coffee Hour takes place after the 9:30 am service.
How will I know what to do during the service?
There is a lot of information in our worship bulletins so you know what is happening. While it is indicated at different moments to sit, stand or kneel, people should feel free to do with their bodies what they are able to do in church as you are able. Postures indicated in our bulletins are suggestions and also a matter of individual preference.
As a general guide: we sit to hear the Word of God, stand to hear the Gospel, kneel to confess our sins, and stand to sing. Follow whatever feels right to you.
Who can receive Communion?
All who seek the love of God — including children — are welcome to receive Communion at St. A’s. You do not need to be a member, confirmed, or Episcopalian.
Are children welcome in worship?
Absolutely and wholeheartedly, yes.
If you’re bringing little ones, you might find it helpful to sit toward the front – where it’s easier for children to see and hear what’s happening – or where you feel most comfortable! Children learn worship by watching and imitating — so sing the hymns, pray aloud, voice the responses. If your child needs a moment outside, feel free to step out and come back when you can. You are always welcome to return.
Do not feel shy about bringing snacks and other things that will help your family have a good experience in church. We also have activity and coloring pages along with some books other quiet fidgets near the door to the church.
Is there Sunday School, childcare or a Youth Group?
Sunday School is offered at 9:30 AM in the Parish House throughout the academic year for grades Pre-K – 6th Grade. We use a curriculum that coincides with the lessons that Sunday in church so whole families are hearing the same readings. Children return to their families in church around 10:15 AM.
At this time, our families with infants and toddlers prefer to have their children with them in church, so we do not have childcare. However, this is something we are always discussing so we meet the needs of our community!
For our youth in grades 7-12, we have Confirmation Classes every couple of years to prepare our youth to make a mature affirmation of their faith. We also arrange other activities like movie discussions, service opportunities and fellowship with our youth throughout the year.
Does the church have a choir?
Yes! Our St. A’s choir meets after church on Sundays (11:15am) and helps lead our congregation in song every Sunday. As a choir, we perform a variety of repertoire including traditional hymns from the 1982 Hymnal, moving spirituals from Lift Every Voice And Sing II, additional music from Wonder Love and Praise, as well as contemporary anthems by composers such as Ana Hernandez, Mark Miller, and more. Please reach out to our Director of Music Ministries, Malin Carta, at music@stacroton.org for more information on how to be involved. All voices are welcome!
Do I need to bring anything with me to church?
Everything you need is in the pew rack or printed in the bulletin. We use two books in worship: the Book of Common Prayer (the red book) and The Hymnal 1982 (the blue book). Additional materials and hymns are printed in the weekly bulletin, so you can easily follow along.
What should I wear? Is there a dress code?
There is no dress code at St. A’s — come as you are. That means you wear what you want to church! If you like to get dressed up, go for it! If you and your family are making it to church before running out for team sports, it’s ok to come to church ready to head straight to your game.
Need information on baptisms, weddings, funeral & other sacraments?
Holy Baptism is the sacrament by which we are adopted as God’s children and become members of the Church. At St. A’s people of all ages get baptized, including infants. You do not need to be a member of St. A’s or an Episcopalian to be baptized here. If you are interested in baptism at St. A’s, please fill out the Baptism Form and a member of the clergy will be in touch with you.
St. A’s is a wonderful church for a small wedding with our sanctuary seating just over 100 people. Holy Matrimony is Christian marriage in which two people enter into a life-long union, make their vows before God and receive the grace and blessing of God to help them fulfill their vows to each other. At St. A’s and in the Episcopal Church we are inclusive and bless unions of LGBT+ people. For more information, please call our office at 914-271-3501 or email our clergy at rector@stacroton.org.
At St. A’s we make it a priority to bear witness to God’s love and compassion to all people, especially when they are in the midst of loss and grief. You do not need to be a member of St. A’s or an Episcopalian to have a funeral for a loved one in our church. For more information, please call our office at 914-271-3501 or email our clergy at rector@stacroton.org.
In the Episcopal Church there are other sacramental rites such as Confirmation, Reconciliation (Confession) and Unction (or anointing) of the Sick and Dying. You can find out about Confirmation on our Education page. If you are seeking a member of the clergy for the rite of Reconciliation or for anointing or the sick or dying, please call our office at 914-271-3501 or email our clergy at rector@stacroton.org.
