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F I N D I N G Y O U R W A Y
It’s always helpful to know what to expect when going to a
new place and meeting new people. We hope these questions and answers will
help you to find your way around St. Luke’s.
What do I wear?
Please feel free to wear whatever you want. Some of us come
in jeans and some of us come in suits and dresses. Feel free to wear
whatever is comfortable while still honoring God. We’re just glad you’re
here.
 What
kind of worship do you have?
As an Episcopal (or Anglican Church), St. Luke’s is a
liturgical church. Our worship is centered around the liturgy, which
means "the work of the people." We all participate in worship, being rooted
and centered in common prayer, meaning that which is common to all of us (as
opposed to private prayer and adoration). There are two parts to our
service, the Liturgy of the Word – when scripture is read and taught through
the sermon – and the Liturgy of the Table – when we receive the Body and
Blood of Jesus Christ.
We are also a sacramental church. In sacraments like Holy
Communion and Baptism, God takes the ordinary things like water and bread
and wine and helps us to see through them into a deeper spiritual reality.
The sacraments reflect God’s love and care for us through every stage of our
life.
We welcome every baptized Christian to the Lord’s Table. If
you would prefer, you may come to the altar rail for a blessing. Directions
for receiving are printed in every church bulletin.
What kind of music will I hear?
Our 7:30 service is for early risers who like to come into
the quiet to worship. At our 10:00 service, we use easy-to-sing hymns and
songs, some ancient and some more contemporary. Although the primary
instrument at the present time is our beautiful pipe organ, we also use
other instruments such as guitar, percussion, brass, and flute. We would
love to add more instruments and different style of music to our service –
do you play?
What do you have for our children?
 At
the present time, our parents have opted into having their children with
them during worship. Our beautiful Saint Emily’s Corner is a space to be
shared by parent and toddler together during worship. It contains toys and
art materials to keep little hands busy while parents sit comfortably by and
participate in the service. (For more about our Saint Emily, read the
Hoffman Glory Story on this site.) For days when that is not enough, we have
a furnished nursery where little ones can go to "settle" with their parents.
Older children receive The Sunday Paper which
contains pictures and puzzles drawn from the scripture readings of the day.
Children can pick up the week’s edition and crayons, both attached to a
clipboard, out of a basket in the back of the church.
During the school year, we offer Children’s Ministry for all
ages between 9 and 10 am each week. Adults go to the upper parish hall,
while our Children’s Ministry Center is located in the lower hall. (An usher
or greeter can show you how to get to these places.) For more about our
Saint Emily, read the Hoffman Glory Story on this site.
All of our children’s and youth workers have been trained.
Will the church ask for money?
Guests and visitors are not expected to give. The money
collected from those who call St. Luke’s their home is used to maintain the
church, pay the bills and, more importantly, bless those who need help.
How do I get to Saint
Luke’s?
Saint Luke’s is two blocks heading east of Main on William
Street in Catskill, New York. Parking is available at the front and
the back of the church, with entrances at both places.
We look forward to meeting you!
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