About St. Helena's

At St. Helena’s, we have three distinct worship services on Sunday mornings designed to engage people in worship in different ways.

The 7:45 service, held in the Historic Sanctuary, is a traditional Episcopal Rite I worship service with no music. The worship is simple and formal with room for silence. While the liturgy at this service is formal, the people are not. There is much joy and laughter in this group. Without music, the service tends to be shorter, and there is no childcare provided during this time. The feel of this service is contemplative. 

The 9:00 service, held in the Great Room in Wendler Hall is a contemporary Episcopal Rite II worship service with a band, contemporary music, and no vestments. The distinct lack of formality is purposeful and designed to make anyone feel at home. The entire order of worship is projected on the two screens up front. This worship service has a ton of young families. Expect to see kids running around and teenagers in the band. There are "busy bags" for children to play with during worship, but there is also childcare in the nursery next to the Parish Hall. The feel of this service is contemporary. There is nursery care available during this service. 

The 11:00 service, held in the Historic Sanctuary, is a full-on traditional Episcopal Rite II worship service with organ, choir, and acolytes. This is what most people think of when they think of Episcopal worship. There are "busy bags" for children to play with during worship, but you won't see kids running around here. This group is a great mix of ages, families, and backgrounds. The feel of this service is traditional. There is nursery care available during this service. 

Dress is casual at each of these worship services. Some people wear suits or dresses; others will be seen in jeans and boots. Kids wear whatever their parents could get on them. Dress however you choose and you'll fit right in.

In the Episcopal Church, we celebrate communion every Sunday, and any baptized Christian is invited to share in the Lord’s Table. You are invited to participate in worship to whatever degree you are comfortable, and you do not need to worry about doing something wrong or offending anyone.

Also, we love kids! During worship, they are all invited to come forward after the gospel reading for the children’s sermon. And if they make a little noise or ruckus, don’t worry about it. We’ve all been there as parents. If they throw a wall-eyed hissy fit and you need to give them the opportunity to experience worship outside, that is okay, too. Again, we’ve all been there. When you worship with us, we consider you part of our family.

Please be sure to check out our active children's and youth ministries, as well as other ministries in which you are welcome to be involved if you so choose. Our hope is that you experience the love of God in Christ whenever you worship at St. Helena's. We welcome you, whoever you are and wherever you're from, and invite you to connect with our community.

If you are new to St. Helena’s, our Rector, Father Jay, would love the opportunity to buy you coffee and hear your story. You can reach him via email at jay@sthelenas.net.