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St. Michael’s of the Valley Episcopal Church 2535 State Route 381 Rector, PA. 15677
Phone: 724-238-9411
Church office hrs. Monday – Friday 9 AM until 1 PM
The Episcopal Church is the American piece of a worldwide family of 100 million disciples of Jesus, called the Anglican Communion.
Some of us at St. Michael’s grew up Episcopalians. Others were Roman Catholic, other Protestants, or didn’t have a church. To learn what we believe, have a look at pages 845-862 of the Book of Common Prayer (link to the Flippable version, or you will find a hard copy in the pew) or speak to a clergyperson. We would love to share our faith. But first, you may wish to to learn a bit about our service before you join us.
About our Service
As Episcopalians, our prayer links us to centuries of Christian tradition, going back to Jesus’s disciples. This helps us hear God’s Word and forms us to trust and follow him today.
Don’t worry if you feel confused or awkward at first. We aren’t putting on a perfect show; we’re here to be nourished by God’s grace and mercy. He is the host, and we are all guests.
Everything you need is in the red Book of Common Prayer (want to look first-we have a flippable online version here) or the blue hymnal-hymn and page numbers are in your bulletin and on the boards on each wall of the church.
We sit, stand, and kneel as able. This helps us bring our whole selves, body and soul, to worship. You can find instructions in the Book of Common Prayer. Just follow your neighbor or ask if you’re unsure.
Communion
Each Sunday, we share bread and wine, which is also a sharing in the body and blood of Jesus. This is Holy Communion, also called the Eucharist or Lord’s Supper.
All baptized Christians are welcome to receive Communion by coming up and kneeling. If you have not been baptized, please speak to a clergyperson! If you would rather not receive, you may also come forward for a blessing.
At St. Michael’s, we use wafers and wine; you are welcome to receive both or only one or the other. Gluten-free wafers are available- ask when you come up to receive. We use two cups: one for those who drink directly and one for those who intinct (dip).
After the Service
We usually have adult education at 9:00 AM and coffee hour with food and fellowship after the later service. We’d love to see you. Head to the Smith House building next to the church.
During the school year, kids’ Sunday school is also every Sunday at 9:15. We start in the church sanctuary. Parents are always welcome to sit in or participate in adult ed.
We want to get to know you! Please write your name and contact info on one of the blue cards in your pew and drop it in the collection plate so that we can be in touch.
Church doesn’t just happen on Sunday mornings. We have Wednesday services at 10am, confirmation class, Holy Hikes, and more. The Holy Spirit is alive and moving at St. Michael’s, and we’re excited to follow where he leads!
“Behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will come to all people!” (Lk 2:10).
Our great joy is that God raised Jesus from the dead, so that forgiveness of sins and new, full life might come to all people-which includes you!
The Reverend Marjorie Bevans
The Very Reverend Marjorie Bevans is the kind of person you would be happy to meet and chat with at the Giant Eagle or in any other community setting.
She is approachable, personable, and clearly interested in you as a child of God.
Want to learn more about her? Here is her bio.
The Reverend Jack Brownfield
As curate, Jack leads our kids' Sunday school program, preaches and celebrates Communion regularly, teaches our Faith Seeking Understanding class, and assists the rector.
Want know more? Here is his bio.
Parish Office Hours are Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. The church is always open for prayer.
Sunday services are at 8 and 10:30. The second service is livestreamed on Facebook and available on Youtube.
Contact us at 724-238-9411 and stmichaelsligonier.org, and find more info on social media: