What to expect when you visit

The Episcopal church is a liturgical church;
​which means we follow a prescribed order of worship at each service,
as has been done for hundreds of years.
We like to say that our worship is ancient while our attitude is quite modern.
The basis for worship is the Book of Common Prayer (aka the BCP). These are the red books in the pews.
The blue books are the hymnals and the grey books, at the end of each pew, contain praise songs.
We are a family and do our best to make you feel welcome.
If you have a question, please ask someone nearby.

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The Episcopal Church is a spiritual home free of judgment and inclusive for all.

​Where is Epiphany?

That is a very good question and can be confusing at times! Don't try to use GPS or you'll end up on Church Hill Road in Newton. Our physical location is 25 Church Hill in Glenburn Township (but the sign on 6&11 says "Church Hill Road"). We are right off 6&11 north of Clarks Summit and south of Dalton.

Where should I park?

The main lot is on the level of the church building. There are several handicap spots right in front (the sidewalk slopes gently up to the door). Follow the drive around the curve to the right to get to the upper parking lot. Stairs connect the two levels. Traffic is one way; please exit only from the upper lot. The community Trolley Trail runs through our property, so keep a sharp eye out for walkers, runners, and cyclists.

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What should I wear?

​You will see folks dressed in a variety of apparel. You may see someone in a suit and tie seated next to a person in shorts and sandals. Some dress a little more formally, others tend toward casual dress. No judgment.
​Clergy, acolytes, choir, and others serving at the altar will be wearing robes  (aka vestments) and such, as is traditional in the Episcopal church.

Choir members receiving Holy Communion

What time are services?

​Saturday at 5 PM - Holy Communion, no music
Sunday at 11 AM - Holy Communion with music
5th Sundays - Joint worship with
​St. Peter's Episcopal Church, Tunkhannock
(check church calendar for time and place)
2nd and 4th Wednesdays at 11:30 AM - morning prayer (without communion) or Eucharist (with communion) - ​followed by a light meal

What do I do when I get there?

Here is a floor plan of the church. Before and after Sunday and Wednesday services, there are coffee and light snacks available in the fellowship hall outside the kitchen. Restrooms are located off the lobby on each floor. We're a very friendly lot, so just ask if you're lost or confused.

In the church, you may sit where you please.  If you need some help, simply ask an usher or a neighbor. If you're not familiar with the Episcopal liturgy, there's a learning curve. Just remember that most of us were new to this at some point and are glad to lend a hand. 

We request that you mute your cell phone. (At a service a few years back, a priest's phone rang, so don't think it doesn't happen to the best of us.) You will see electronic devices used in church. Some folks have the Bible, prayer book apps, or the bulletin on their phones or tablets. Others lead the congregation in lessons and prayers from their devices. Sermons are filmed for sharing online. Again, we are a balance of ancient and modern.

We've all grown to love this worship tradition and hope that you will as well.

Who can receive Communion?

All baptized Christians are welcome to receive the sacrament of Holy Communion (also called Eucharist or The Lord's Supper). The usher will direct you to follow the line to the communion rail. You may stand or kneel. To receive the bread (actually a wafer), place your right hand in your left hand, palms up. The priest will place the wafer in your hand and you may say, "Amen." You can either eat the wafer from your hand then take a sip of wine from the chalice or dip the wafer in the chalice then consume it. (If you choose not to have wine, simply fold your arms across your chest.) Children are invited to participate fully at the discretion of their parents. Some take wine, some do not. It's all good. Also, gluten-free wafers are available - just tell Mother Lou at the rail if you need one.

What about children?

At Epiphany, children and youth are welcome everywhere. We believe that children ARE a part of the body of Christ, not just the future of the church. On most Sunday mornings at 9:30, there is Workshop Rotation Sunday school for K - 6 (check the church calendar) and The Group for grades 7 - 12. During 11 AM worship, ages 3 - 10 are invited to start out with junior worship in the Hyde Memorial Chapel (we call this Bird Church). This worship service is geared for kids. There is a shortened order of worship, with music and the Gospel reading in kid-friendly language. Children rejoin their families in the Sanctuary at the Sharing of the Peace, to participate in Holy Communion and the remainder of the service. 

Infants to age 3 are welcome in worship (as are older children who wish to stay with their parents instead of participating in Bird Church). There are soft toys for toddlers and up as well as activity books for older children. There's nothing sweeter than an "Amen" or "Alleluia" from a little voice. We believe that children grow into the Episcopal tradition by participating from a very early age. And don't worry if your wee one joyfully hops down the steps from the altar after receiving communion or a blessing, they all do at some point; this brings smiles to our faces.

Sunday school

The group and Acolytes