We’ve held to a very strong tradition of “welcoming” and “openness” here in Jefferson.  We really hope and try to make comfortable all people who visit, “try us out,” or come earnestly looking for a new church” home, regardless of their religious background, social situation, or political-philosophical orientation.  We feel there’s a warm place for anyone at St. Giles’, and we hope you will feel that way also.

Worship and Communion

We hope you will be somewhat comfortable with our Sunday worship.  Most services are found directly in the red Book of Common Prayer in the pew racks, and the Officiant and Sunday leaflet try to help the congregation find its way through them.  Occasionally, alternative liturgies or segments of a Sunday service are printed separately on a card or booklet, and we try to be as helpful as possible in directing the congregation through those changes.
    Most music is found in either the larger blue “Hymnal 1979" or in “Wonder, Love, and Praise,” a convenient green paperback also in the pew racks. Again hymn numbers are listed in the leaflet and also on the “hymn-boards” on the front wall near the altar (“WLP” refers to the green paperback book).   
    Within the Episcopal branch of the Anglican Church—that branch of the “holy Catholic Church” stemming from centuries-old English tradition—any baptized person who feels called to the Sacrament of Bread and Wine  is welcomed at the communion table. Please feel free to receive communion with us whenever you, your family, spouse, children, or friends are here.  Our practice is to come forward by the center aisle with those sitting near you.  In turn kneel or stand at an open spot along the altar rail. When the priest comes near, raise your hands (held open and flat) to receive a morsel of bread (or wafer).  When the Chalice-Bearer comes, gently take hold of the foot of the cup and guide it to your lips for a sip; alternatively, grasp your bread between two fingers and dip (only) it into the wine and then place it in your mouth. Return by the side aisle to your pew and complete your personal devotions there.

Becoming a “Member” of St. Giles’

Any baptized person is already a member of the Body of Christ--Christ’s “one, holy, catholic, and apostolic church,” as the Nicene Creed affirms. If you haven’t made a baptismal affirmation of faith within the community of (any) Christian people—whether as an adult, adolescent, or infant with godparents/parents speaking in your name—and find yourself newly called to this wondrous personal response to what God is now doing in your life… speak with our Pastor or Deacon at your convenience. We will want to work with you to help you prepare for such a personal, spiritual “high moment,” and together we will schedule, plan, and study toward your Baptism.  There is absolutely NO embarrassment or implied inferiority for “finding yourself” in such a case; it is a grace of God that your heart and spirit now be so moved. Very often it is most meaningful and wondrously appropriate for such “adult” baptisms to take place during the mystical and moving Great Vigil of Easter (the Saturday evening service before Easter morning), especially since this was the “standard” moment in which all catechumens were initiated into the mysteries of faith in the early Church and in fact was the foundation for Lent itself as a season of reflection, prayer, and preparation.  (Other Sundays are also appropriate for both adult and infant baptism: All Saints [Nov. 1], First Epiphany [early January], Pentecost [fifty days after Easter], and St. Giles’ [September 1st].)
    At some point you may find that you now desire to “become an Episcopalian” and a “member of St. Giles’ Church.”  That would mean you could vote in Parish Meetings and serve as an elected Officer or Vestry Member or Convention Delegate.  (Anything else at St. Giles’ you can already do, entirely without limitation or condition.)  If you have already been baptized in another Christian denomination, our practice is to have such aspirants “make a public profession of faith” before the Bishop of the Diocese and in the presence of the congregation.  Traditionally, this is termed “confirmation”—that is, “confirming” publicly as an adult your previous baptismal profession and declaring your desire to be an active and responsible participant in the national Episcopal Church, the Diocese of Maine, and St. Giles’ Parish (at least as long as you live nearby).  Technically, if you have been baptized/confirmed in another catholic denomination (sc. Roman, Lutheran, etc.) you are “received into this branch of Christ’s One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church.”  So formally, Episcopalians speak of Confirmation or Reception, as the liturgical process of “joining” our Church.  Generally, several adults band together “as a confirmation, or inquirers’, class” and together with the clergy and some lay members of St. Giles’ study, discuss, and pray about what all this means in their lives.  Again, speak with either of our pastors or any Vestry Member, and the process can begin.

Getting “on lists,” getting involved, etc.

• To receive our monthly newsletter Pine Hill Press and other congregational mailings, as well as (eventually) the diocesan monthly newsletter, The Northeast, speak with Carolyn Gray (563-3578).
• To be added to the St. Giles’ Telephone Tree (or Warden’s email List) for “emergency notices” speak with Sr. Warden 586-5557 (549-7452).
• To have the Pastor call on you at home, fill out a Visitor’s Card (in the pew rack) and/or sign the Guest Book (in the Narthex—entrance lobby).
• For other activity/ministry opportunities and contacts, refer to the Getting Involved page of this web-site.