What to expect on sundays

We know that it can be hard to know what to expect when you enter into a church for the first time. Here you will find information about what our typical service looks like so that you can better anticipate what the service will be like. We look forward to seeing you at St. Alban's!

We are downtown at 1410 Bishop McLean Crescent, just outside the Gateway Mall. The easiest place to park is in the Gateway Mall lot to our West. Once you've found a spot you can cross the street and enter through our west doors. There is a wheelchair accessible ramp out front. Plans are in motion to add wheelchair accessible bathrooms, but currently these are not available. We apologize for any inconvenience.

Once you enter the front door you will be greeted by an usher. They will give you a bulletin that will help you follow along in the service. You are then welcome to find a seat anywhere in the pews. There is a space in the pews about halfway up where a wheelchair can be parked.

Our worship service usually follows the red Book of Common Prayer, (BCP) however we have one Sunday once a month that is from the green Book of Alternative Services (BAS) at our 10:30 service. Don't fret it! The bulletin will let you know which service we are using.

The words and music to our hymns are found in the blue Hymn Book. If they are not in the hymn book then they will be printed along with the bulletin. The hymn numbers will be printed in the bulletin but can also be found on the hymn boards hanging on either side of the Cathedral.

The service begins with a processional. At the 8:00 AM service this is a Psalm called an "Introit", contained in a coil-bound book which will be given to you along with the bulletin. At the 10:30 AM service this is a hymn and the number will be announced as well as printed in the bulletin and on the hymn boards. During the processional the congregation stands and the ministers enter the church.

Immediately following the processional hymn at the 10:30 AM service the children are invited forward for a short children's sermon, after which they are sent downstairs for Sunday school. The children will be called back just in time for communion later in the service.

The service will continue with the reading of scripture, another psalm or hymn, the reading of the Gospel and then a sermon preached by one of the ministers. Afterwards there will be several prayers including the prayers of the people, where we remember all those whom we are asked to pray for. Especially those who are sick or suffering.

If the service includes Holy Communion as it does most Sundays, then people will be invited forward to receive. At St. Alban's we invite all baptized Christians to come forward and receive communion. 

If you do not wish to receive communion or are not baptized, we invite you to come forward for a prayer of blessing. This can be indicated to the ministers by crossing your arms over your chest. 

Having received either communion or a prayer of blessing, the congregation returns to their seats for the conclusion of the service.

Following a few more prayers there will be a time for any announcements to be made from the community. These can range from upcoming events to announcing births. Following the announcements the processional hymn is sung and the congregation is dismissed.

After the service there will sometimes be a potluck, meal, or coffee hour to which everyone is invited. COVID has made these events fewer and further between, but we hope to have more frequent coffee hours in the near future.