Ascension & St. Mark's Church

                                                                                          Serving Wise County's Traditional Anglican Community

How to find us ~ What to expect ~ History of our church ~ How can we help you? ~ Get involved!

What to expect when you visit our church
 

Everyone is welcome to worship with us. 

Outlined below is what you'll see, hear and experience in a traditional Anglican worship service. 

It is designed to give an overview of customs that may be unfamiliar to you.

We will not embarrass you

You are our respected and welcomed guest.  You will not be pointed out as a visitor, asked to stand in front of the congregation or anything else that may make you feel uncomfortable.  You will simply worship with us. 

When you enter

You will be greeted by an usher or other church member.  They will give you the day's service bulletin and can escort you to a seat if you wish.  Pews are not reserved in our church and you are welcome to sit wherever you feel most comfortable.

The sanctuary

Like most churches, the altar is the focal point of the sanctuary.  The Host (bread and wine used in the Eucharist) are placed in the center of the altar.  Above this is the crucifix.  Anglicans use a crucifix instead of a plain cross to remind us of Christ's suffering as well as His grace.  The candles are there to remind us that Christ is the "Light of the World" (John 8:12).  There are flowers at most services which remind us of Christ's resurrection and also serve to beautify the altar.  A pulpit stands on the left of the altar where sermons are often delivered and a lectern stands on the right from whence many of the scriptures are read.  The Gospels are read in the midst of the congregation.

Before the service begins

Many people will genuflect (kneel, bow or curtsy) to the altar before entering their pew.  They do this to show reverence to God.  This is a personal gesture and is neither required nor practiced by the whole congregation.  In general, Anglicans do not talk in the sanctuary before service but kneel in prayer, quietly reflect, meditate or prepare themselves in other ways.

The worship service

In addition to the bulletin you receive when you enter, we also use the Book Of Common Prayer in our services.  This is the red book that can be found in your pew (along with a blue hymnal and bi-lingual Bible) and provides the overall structure to the service.  The congregation actively participates in the service by reading prayers, passages and creeds together and many parts of the service are repeated each week.  When to sing, chant or speak, when to sit, kneel or stand can be a little bewildering your first time; however, the Anglican service can be compared to a dance--once you learn the steps you will find comfort in their repetition.  All of the steps are clearly stated in the Book of Common Prayer.  To add to the beauty of the services, and to signify their special ministries, the clergy and other ministers wear vestments (special robes and cloths, each with their own ritual significance). 

The Holy Eucharist (communion)

All baptized Christians are welcome at the table. 

After the service

The vicar greets everyone on their way out of the sanctuary.  Many members then gather in the parish hall for coffee, snacks and fellowship.

Vicar: Rev. DeWayne Adams ~ (940) 683-6321

5094 US HWY 380 ~ Bridgeport, Texas 76426