What is the Worship Style (Churchmanship) at Saint Gabriel’s?
Saint Gabriel’s a welcoming community of people who are on all very different faith journeys. Some people you may meet have been Christians all of their lives and some are new to the faith. Our parish is made up of all kinds of people with differing pieties and spiritualities. Some parishioners come from high church backgrounds, while others come from low church backgrounds or from other denominations altogether. Saint Gabriel’s is what is commonly termed “broad church” and tries to honor and celebrate all forms of churchmanship.
Who Will I meet?
Some people you will meet at Saint Gabriel’s are former Roman Catholics, others are former Congregationalists or other denominations, and some are even former Atheists. Some parishioners are liberal and others are more moderate or conservative. Some are members of the Beverly Yacht Club, and others don’t care to know much about boats. Some are good at finding time to pray to God every day, and others are so overscheduled they pray to be able to make it to church on Sunday. Some parishioners are at the end of their lives and others have just been born, and there are many people in-between. Some are very outgoing and will ask you 100 questions, and others are shy and may only say hello to you at the peace.
What Are All the Books?
In each pew there are several books. The blue book is the 1982 Hymnal, which has traditional and beloved hymns. The black and red book is Lift Every Voice and Sing, a joyful African American hymnal. The red book is the Book of Common Prayer, which shapes every Episcopalian’s faith life through the Daily Office and liturgies of Holy Eucharist.
What is Coffee Hour?
Coffee hour is a popular gathering that follows the 10:00 service and provides a welcoming space to greet newcomers and reconnect with old friends. It is a meaningful way to build relationships and strengthen our sense of fellowship. Coffee hour is held in the Parish Hall or outside in the courtyard in warmer months.