How We Worship

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 particular seasons 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.  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.

When you arrive an usher will greet you and give you a bulletin which contains the printed service.
You are invited to sit anywhere in the church and join in our worship. In the Episcopal Church we stand, kneel, and sit to worship. You can follow along by looking around, following the directions in the bulletin or doing whatever is comfortable for you. All who seek God and are drawn to Christ are welcome to receive communion and an usher will let you know when it is time for Communion. Please know that we use wheat wafers and real wine for Communion. We also offer gluten free wafers as well. If you prefer not to take Communion, you are invited to come forward and cross your arms over your chest to receive a blessing.

Children
Perents with children from infancy through kindergarten are welcome to enjoy worship while your children are lovingly cared for in our nursery upstairs. Kids in 1st through 5th grade are welcome to enjoy an enriching environment in Sunday School on most Sundays. Children rejoin their parents in the church for communion.On most first Sundays children worship with their parents in a service designed to be more child friendly.  Please visit our Children's Ministries page for more information on our children’s programs

Special services
In addition to special services for Christmas Eve and other major holidays, Christ Church Riverdale is also available for weddings, baptisms, funerals, and other major events in your life. Please contact us to speak to someone about planning a special service. Additional information is found on the Sacraments page.

Dress
Some people dress casually while others dress more formally. Wear what is most comfortable for you.

Parking
Street parking is available on the streets surrounding the church. You may park on both sides of the stree in front of the church and parish hall. Plan on arriving a few minutes early to find a space.  MTA buses BX7, BX10, BMX1 and BMX2 all stop directly in front of the church.

ALL Are Welcomed!

Worship Service

All who worship at Christ Church—no matter age or faith—are welcome to “receive communion.” Currently, Episcopalians are not all of one mind when it comes to who may receive communion.  Our current Book of Common Prayer states that "all baptized Christians" may receive.  At Christ Church Riverdale, our priest welcomes all.    At the end of the Eucharist, the congregation prays once more in thanksgiving, and then is dismissed to continue the life of service to God and to the World.