Visiting Us
If you're looking for a spiritual community that will renew your faith in God's love, power and glory, nurture your spirit, forgive your human faults, and celebrate your gifts, there's a place for you at St. Luke's Episcopal Church. We invite you to give us a try and worship with us.
Where is St. Luke's?
320 Second Street (between Putnam and Scammel Streets) in downtown Marietta. We're half a block north of the Washington County Courthouse and directly across the street from Marietta Ignition. We're two blocks from the campus of Marietta College. Map
Will I Be Welcome?
Yes, but we also respect your privacy. We won't ask you to stand up and identify yourself as a visitor. We won't pounce on you as you come in the door or as you leave, but we will try to greet you and welcome you. (If we don't on your first visit, forgive us. Sometimes things get a little hectic, and some of us tend to be little introverted ourselves.) If you visit the 10:00 service, you're invited you to join us for coffee and refreshments following that service in our Parish Hall.
Where Should I Park?
You have several options:
What About My Kids?
Children are always welcome at St. Luke's. During a recent 10:00 service, there were a lot of kids in Church and it became a little noisy during Communion. One of the ladies of the Church turned to another worshiper and said with a stern face, "There's a lot of commotion in Church today." Then she quickly smiled and said, "Isn't it wonderful!"
Your kids are always welcome to sit with you in Church, or, during the 10:00 service, they may go upstairs to our Nursery / Sunday School / Youth Group programs. For more details, click on the Kids / Youth button.
There is a baby-changing table inside the first floor women's restroom.
What Should I Expect?
If you arrive early, don't be alarmed if there aren't many people in the Church. We tend to be a late-arriving crowd, many arriving just before the start of service. Also, since our parking lot is behind the Church and many of our members enter through the back door, they spend time socializing the Parish Hall before the service and enter the Church from that direction rather than through the front door.
Be sure to pick up a copy of the weekly bulletin from the ushers or the small desk by the front door. It includes the Bible readings and Psalm for the day, gives you the hymns for the 10:00 service, and serves as your "road map" for the service - giving you the page numbers from the red Book of Common Prayer for both the 8:00 Rite I and 10:00 Rite II services.
Over time, new Episcopalians become skilled book jugglers. It's really not as difficult as it seems at first. At 8:00, you simply begin on the page indicated in the bulletin and go from there. At 10:00, we begin with a hymn, usually from the blue Hymnal, then switch to the red Book of Common Prayer to begin the service on the page indicated in the bulletin. We sing another hymn after the second reading from the Bible, then return to the red book after the sermon, through Holy Communion, until the final hymn at the end of the service.
What about Kneeling?
The idea of kneeling (and not knowing when to do it) can be a little intimidating if you were raised in a church that didn't kneel, or if you have no previous church-going experience. It's nothing to worry about. Generally, the formula in our Church is: Stand to praise and sing, Sit to learn, and Kneel to pray (although we remain standing during the opening prayer of the 10:00 service). Just follow the crowd.
Don't feel uncomfortable if you're not sure what to do. No one will think you are the least bit irreverent if you just sit and listen. It is much better to come to church and be relaxed and receptive than to be worried over ritual and propriety. Also, after a few times, it will become more apparent why certain things are done, and after that, it's easy.
One hint: If you choose to sit during the prayers rather than kneel, you'll want to lean forward a little so the person kneeling in the pew behind you can rest their hands on the back of your pew.
Should I Go Up for Communion?
All of God's children are welcome at our Altar rail to receive Holy Communion or a blessing. You don't have to be a member of St. Luke's, or even an Episcopalian, to receive Communion. Baptized Christians of any tradition are welcome to receive the bread and wine. To receive a blessing rather than Communion, simply cross your arms across your chest when offered the bread or wine.
It is also perfectly acceptable to remain seated in your pew if you are not comfortable going up for Communion.
Is the Church Accessible for the Handicapped?
Yes. There are ground-level entrances next to the office on the south (right) side of the Church and on the north (left) side of the Church. A wheelchair lift has been installed just inside the office entrance which will take you up to the level of the Church. Pews have been removed on the right-hand side of the Church to provide a space for those in wheelchairs and their companions. A ramped sidewalk provides access from our parking lot and signs will lead you to the office door.
The Priest will gladly bring Communion to anyone who can't go up the steps to the Altar rail.
The second floor of the Parish Hall is not yet accessible, but we'll move classes and groups to the first floor when necessary.
Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by doing that some have entertained angels without knowing it.
- Hebrews 13:2
(New Revised Standard Version)