What can I expect when I visit?
We realize that visiting a new church can be bewildering for even the most seasoned church-goer. Recognizing that you can never really get a feel for a place until you experience it in person, we hope this will make your first visit a bit more comfortable.
Where are you located?
The corner of 6th and Oak Streets, near the square in historic downtown Baraboo.
What time is your Sunday worship service?
9 a.m.
How long is the service?
Between an hour and fifteen minutes and an hour and a half.
What happens during the service?
When you enter the sanctuary you will be handed the day’s bulletin which details each step of the service. The portions in bold indicate parts for members of the congregation to read aloud, and there are notes that indicate when standing or kneeling may be appropriate. Remember, nobody will mind if you don’t know when to stand, sit, sing or speak out loud. Everything is an invitation as you are able. Nothing is required.
What should I wear?
We do not have a dress code. You’ll see a wide variety of clothing choices in our church.
What does “liturgy” mean?
Worship in the Episcopal Church is said to be “liturgical,” meaning that the congregation follows service forms and prays from texts that don’t change greatly from week to week during a season of the year. This sameness from week to week gives worship a rhythm that becomes comforting and familiar to the worshipers.
For the first-time visitor, liturgy may be exhilarating… or confusing. Services may involve standing, sitting, kneeling, sung or spoken responses, and other participatory elements that may provide a challenge for the first-time visitor. However, liturgical worship can be compared with a dance: once you learn the steps, you come to appreciate the rhythm, and it becomes satisfying to dance, again and again, as the music changes.
The service of Holy Eucharist always has the same two major components: The Liturgy of the Word and the Liturgy of the Table. Learn more about the liturgy here.
Where do my kids go?
Children are an important, valued, and welcomed part of our worshiping community. While Trinity offers free nursery care for children ages 0 to 5 (located downstairs—please ask an usher or any member of our congregation if you are uncertain about where to go), please know that children of all ages are always welcome to worship with you in church.
There are coloring sheets that correlate to the week’s readings along with colors and other “busy bags” in the back of the sanctuary. Please help yourself or ask an usher for one. And please know that these resources are for the enjoyment and interest of the children in our midst, and are not meant to keep your child quiet. There is never an expectation that your children be silent or still in our service. We recognize that the sounds and movements of children in the church are a lovely indicator of God’s presence in a lively church.
Can I participate in communion?
All baptized Christians, regardless of age or denomination, are welcome to receive communion. Episcopalians invite all baptized people to receive, not because we take the Eucharist lightly, but because we take our baptism so seriously.
Visitors who are not baptized Christians are welcome to come forward during the Communion to receive a blessing. You can indicate this by crossing your arms across your chest as the priest approaches.
Can young children receive communion?
In the Episcopal Church, in keeping with the practices of the ancient church, the emphasis is placed upon Baptism. Once an individual is baptized they are viewed as full members of the Body of Christ with access to the sacraments. Learn more about young children in the church.
Do I have to give a donation?
No. The ushers will take up an offering during the service, but that is not a request for money. Our regular attendees see this act of giving back to God as worship. If you feel moved to donate, we thank you.