You are welcome here.

When you arrive, you will pick up a service bulletin as you walk in that makes it easier for you to follow. When you sit down, you’ll see books in front of you: the red book with a cross on the cover is The Book of Common Prayer. The words used in our worship service (the liturgy) are taken from this book. 

The larger blue book is The Hymnal 1982 which contains the majority of the songs we sing in our worship service. If you see a song listed in the bulletin with the letter S in front of it, that song is found in the service music section at the front of the hymnal if you’d like to follow along.  

During the service, the general rule is that we stand to sing, sit to listen, and kneel or stand to pray. Of course if you’re not able to stand or kneel, please stay seated. You’re welcome just as you are. We will read prayers together and listen to scripture and a sermon. We will sing hymns with an organ and choir. Then we will celebrate Holy Communion together. You’re welcome to join others at the altar rail to receive communion or come up with your arms folded across you to receive a blessing.

It is the normal practice of our church to celebrate Holy Communion almost every Sunday. If you’re wondering if you are permitted to receive communion the answer is not only “YES,” but we hope you will. This part of worship is open to all baptized Christians, regardless of your faith tradition, background, or church membership. If you don’t feel comfortable receiving communion we still invite you to come up to the altar rail and receive a blessing from the priest. Just cross your arms over your chest so the priest knows to give you a blessing.

Holy Communion is received by first eating the bread and then drinking from the cup. The custom for receiving the bread is to place one hand, palm up, into the palm of the other hand and lift them both to the priest to receive the wafer. After receiving the bread simply raise your hands to your mouth and eat the wafer or bread. Next comes the wine. Be mindful that it is real wine, not grape juice. 

When the chalice (cup) bearer comes to you, help guide the cup to your lips and take a small sip. A second option is that the chalice-bearer will dip a portion of the bread into the wine as it is offered to you rather than drinking from the cup. After it is dipped for you, the chalice-bearer will put the bread on your tongue. A third option is to cross your arms over your chest and that signifies to the chalice bearer that you don’t wish to receive the wine.

If you are unable to come forward to receive communion, please stay seated. The priest and ministers will keep an eye out and you can gesture to them or to an usher to indicate you would like communion to be brought to you at your pew. 

Absolutely! Kids are very welcome at St. Paul’s. At this time, we do not have a nursery or children’s church, but we love seeing wiggly little ones in pews. Kids worship in their own way, and we understand that way usually involves snacks! If you’re at the 8:30 service, the quiet might feel intimidating, but you are so welcome! Children bring life, humor, and curiosity to our faith community. 

3 CHURCH ST

BERLIN, MD 21811

On Sundays we offer two services on Sunday with coffee after each service.

At 8:30am, we offer a simple, spoken communion service using traditional language (“thees and thous”) from Rite I of the Book of Common Prayer. This service typically lasts under an hour.

At 10:30am, we celebrate the Rite II of the Holy Eucharist (communion) with contemporary language and beautiful hymns from our choir and organist. This service typically lasts about an hour.

On the 5th Sunday of every month, we have one service at 9:30am with a shared meal to follow.