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Frequently Asked Questions
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We are honored to have you as a visitor at Advent, and want your time with us to be warm and inviting. Entering a church for the first time can be somewhat daunting. If you have a question, please ask! Greeters and ushers are found at the front door and are happy to help you in any way possible.
We hope this concise information will be helpful to you. We welcome your questions and look forward to having an opportunity to meet with you and share more about our church.
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What should I expect when I come to a service?
Are the 3 Sunday services identical or are they different?
What is the Holy Eucharist?
Do I have to be baptized or confirmed to participate in Holy Eucharist?
How do I receive communion?
Do I have to receive communion?
How old do children have to be to receive bread and wine at Holy Eucharist?
When and where is Sunday School?
Is there an alternative program for children to attend during the service?
Where do I find out more about Sunday School?
Is there a dress code or dress expectation?
Where is the room to take crying babies or children?
What are the colors of the altar linens and stoles on the clergy?
When do we sit and when do we kneel?
What is the difference between the red book and the blue book?
Is there a suggested amount to put in the offering?
How do you arrange a wedding or funeral in the Episcopal Church?
What is the difference between a memorial service and a funeral?
Is there a class I can attend to find out more about the Episcopal Church, even if I'm not sure if I want to join?
Does the church have an Outreach program?
At my last church, I was active in the choir. Can new people join?
How is the Episcopal Church different from other Christian churches?
What should I expect when I come to a service?
As you enter the front doors, a greeter will meet you. He or she will give you a service leaflet outlining the service order. The greeter may also provide assistance and /or directions around the building. Once seated, you may want to take a moment to say a prayer before the service begins.
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Are the 3 Sunday services identical or are they different?
All three services are communion services. The 7:45am service uses the traditional language and the other two services use a more contemporary language. The 9am service is a family service. Nursery is provided at both the 9am and 11am services.
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What is the Holy Eucharist?
Holy Eucharist is another name for Holy Communion, Lord’s Supper or the Mass.
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Do I have to be baptized or confirmed to participate in Holy Eucharist?
The Episcopal Church believes that all baptized persons may receive communion. Those who have not been baptized are encouraged to come to the altar rail to receive a blessing from one of the clergy.
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How do I receive communion?
The traditional way is to place one hand over the other and receive the bread, eat it and then take a sip of wine from the cup. Some prefer to receive the bread, and then dip the bread into the cup instead of drinking from the cup. Others prefer to receive the bread directly on their tongue and omit the cup. The choice is up to you. In cases of gluten allergies, please speak to a clergy person prior to the service and we will provide a non-gluten wafer.
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Do I have to receive communion?
No. You may either remain in the pew or come to the rail for a blessing. To receive a blessing, simply cross your arms over your chest.
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How old do children have to be to receive bread and wine at Holy Eucharist?
All baptized persons are eligible to receive communion. It is up to parents to decide what age their children may receive. Advent offers a First Communion class each September for children to learn how to receive and why they are receiving. If a child or adult only wants a blessing, they cross their arms over their chest at the rail.
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When and where is Sunday School?
Sunday School classes for the children and youth, ages 3-18 are held in the classrooms in the lower level of the church. Signs are posted listing classroom locations. Adult education classes are also available offering discussion and interaction. Sunday School for youth and adults is held between services, beginning at 10:15am and continuing until about 5 minutes before the 11am service begins.
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Is there an alternative program for children to attend during the service?
A Children’s Chapel program for ages 4 through 1st grade takes place during the 9am service. Children join their families in the sanctuary at about 9:30am. Children are encouraged to attend church with their parents to share in worship.
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Where do I find out more about Sunday School?
Information about Sunday School can be obtained from the Church Office at 610-444-4624.
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Is there a dress code or dress expectation?
No. However, most men come in “business casual” or suits most women come in “business casual” slacks or dresses/skirts. All are welcome regardless of dress. During the summer, the dress is much more casual. The church is air-conditioned.
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Where is the room to take crying babies or children?
We do not have one in particular, but if you feel your child is causing a distraction, you may take him or her downstairs or into the Narthex, at the back of the church. We welcome parishioners of all ages in our church.
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What are the colors of the altar linens and stoles on the clergy?
The colors signify the different liturgical seasons of the Christian Church.
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When do we sit and when do we kneel?
Different parishes have different traditions for sitting, standing, and kneeling. It is important to us that you are comfortable as you worship. If you are unable to stand or kneel, you may remain seated.
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What is the difference between the red book and the blue book?
The red book is The Book of Common Prayer which contains the service material or liturgy of the Episcopal Church. The blue book and the LEVAS book are hymnals and contain service music and hymns. Hymn numbers are listed on the wall and in the service leaflet.
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Is there a suggested amount to put in the offering?
Please give as you feel called to give.
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How do you arrange a wedding or funeral in the Episcopal Church?
Please contact the Church Office at 610-444-4624 for more information.
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What is the difference between a memorial service and a funeral?
For a funeral, the ashes or casket is present. A memorial service is held without the casket or ashes. The liturgy or service used is the same at both.
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Is there a class I can attend to find out more about the Episcopal Church, even if I'm not sure if I want to join?
Each spring, an Adult Inquirers Class is held for those who want to be confirmed or received into the Episcopal Church, and for those who want to learn more about the Church and its practices. Please contact the Church Office at 610-444-4624 for more information.
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Does the church have an Outreach program?
Advent has a very active and involved Outreach program. The committee meets monthly and annual grants are awarded to Kennett area community service organizations in the spring. If you are interested, please call the church office at 610-444-4624 to find out when the next meeting will be held.
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At my last church, I was active in the choir. Can new people join?
Always! In addition to our Sunday Chancel Choir, we also have a youth choir, contemporary choir and a children’s choir. Contact the Church Office at 610-444-4624 for more information.
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How is the Episcopal Church different from other Christian churches?
The Episcopal Church is more like the Roman Catholic Church in our liturgy and theology. We emphasize the importance of the seven sacraments and the Eucharist is our main service of worship. We are more like the Protestant Churches in our government and involvement of the laity. We are often referred to as the Via Media or Middle Way between the Roman Catholic Church and the Protestant Churches.
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