Worship at St. Paul's
Worship is at the heart of all that we do at St. Paul’s. Whether lively or contemplative, traditional or contemporary, our services are spirited and joyful and there is something here for everyone.
Our Worship Services
Saturday at 6 p.m. - This is a casual service of Holy Eucharist, usually without music. During the summer, the service is held outdoors in St. Margaret’s Garden (and in the church, in case of rain). During the fall and spring, the service is held at beautiful and historic Old St. Luke’s in Scott Township. In winter, the service is held in St. Paul’s church. The service is Rite II (more contemporary language).
Sunday at 8 a.m. - This is a quiet service of Holy Eucharist, Rite II. The service is held in St. Paul's chapel on the parking lot level.
Sunday at 8:45 a.m. - This is a family-friendly service of Holy Eucharist, Rite II. Many families with younger children find this to be a great service because of its length, and more contemporary music that’s enjoyed by people of all ages. The service includes a musical ensemble including piano, guitar, bass, and often other musical instruments. This service always has a "pull-out" Children's Homily during the adult sermon where children leave the service for an age appropriate sermon or activity (children are also always welcome to remain with their parents in their pews).
Sunday at 10:45 a.m. - This is a traditional service of Holy Eucharist, Rite II, featuring the great hymns and music of the Church sung by the Chancel Choir and soloists, supported by our magnificent pipe organ and periodic instrumentalists. Children are welcome at this service, as they are at all St. Paul’s services. Younger children have the option of participating in a special program called Kids’ Word that begins after the opening hymn and ends in time for the Eucharist.
Summer Sundays at 9:45 a.m. - In the summer months, and several times throughout the academic year, we combine elements of the 8:45 a.m. and 10:45 a.m. services into one service at 9:45 a.m. We do this is to come together as a community, experience the styles from other worship services and to strive to live as one St. Paul's church. These services are family-friendly and always have a "pull-out" children's homily during the adult sermon where children leave the service for an age appropriate sermon or activity (children are also always welcome to remain with their parents in their pews).
Wednesday at 11 a.m. - This is a quiet service of Healing Prayer and Holy Eucharist, Rite I. The service is held in St. Paul’s chapel on the parking lot level of the building. Individuals may request healing prayer for themselves or others as part of the service.
Monthly Friendship Village Service - On the fourth Thursday of each month a member of the clergy conducts a service of Holy Eucharist, Rite II, for the residents of Friendship Village in Upper St. Clair.
Monthly Providence Point Service - On the second Thursday of each month a member of the clergy conducts a service of Holy Eucharist, Rite II, for the residents of Providence Point in Mt. Lebanon.
Worship Support
During worship, many people perform unique and specific roles. The Deacon reads the Gospel and prepares the table. The priests preach and celebrate. Yet there are many lay individuals whose ministries add to the richness and glory of our worship. Anyone interested in participating in one of these ministries may speak with a member of the clergy or someone involved in the ministry.
- Altar Guild members lovingly prepare the altar and communion elements before each service, and cleanse the altar and communion vessels after each service.
- Greeters welcome everyone who walks in our doors.
- Ushers greet worshipers, distribute bulletins, count attendance, receive the offering, and guide worshippers to and from communion.
- A Verger assures that everything is ready for the service and often guides the participants in the service.
- Acolytes, who are typically youth in 6th grade or older, carry the crosses and torches in procession and assist the clergy during the service.
- Lectors read the scripture and lead the prayers of the people.
- Lay Eucharistic Ministers administer the chalice, and, in the absence of sufficient numbers of clergy, distribute the bread.
- Lay Eucharistic Visitors take consecrated bread and wine from the church and take it to homebound parishioners.
