What to Expect at the 8:00 Service at St. Cuthbert’s
What should I wear?
Dress casually in loose-fitting clothes: the service includes a brief time of stretching, and we sit on meditation cushions on the floor (chairs are available for those who cannot sit on the floor). We also ask that you remove your shoes for this service if that doesn't pose a hardship for you.
What should I wear?
Dress casually in loose-fitting clothes: the service includes a brief time of stretching, and we sit on meditation cushions on the floor (chairs are available for those who cannot sit on the floor). We also ask that you remove your shoes for this service if that doesn't pose a hardship for you.
What actually happens?
The 8:00 service is a lay-led service. We follow the format of Morning Prayer, Rite II, from the Book of Common Prayer, in a slightly abbreviated/modified version, with some additions from the New Zealand Prayer Book.
Before we begin the actual service, we have a time of welcome, check-in, and announcements. Then we do some some gentle stretching to prepare our bodies for extended sitting. We then collect ourselves for worship with a brief moment of silence, and then start the Morning Prayer liturgy. Participants rotate officiant duties; after you come for a few times, if you'd like to sign up to officiate sometime, ask one of the other officiants about how to sign up.
We begin with a reminder that we do not always follow God's will for us (this "turning away" from God is the root of the word, sin) and yet God forgives us, and start with a period of silence to recall our sins. We then hear an assurance of absolution and forgiveness. Then we recite one of the classic songs of the church, the Venite (Psalm 95, "Come, let us sing to the Lord"), the Jubilate (Psalm 100, "Be joyful in the Lord"), or during Easter season, the Pascha Nostrum ("Alleluia, Christ our Passover is sacrificed for us," 1 Corinthians 5:7-8; Romans 6:9-11; 1 Corinthians 15:20-22). That is followed by the psalm appointed for the day, which is read in contemplative fashion, with a distinct pause at the asterisk.
We then hear a scripture reading from the Gospel appointed for the day, which is followed by a chant (a repetitive word or phrase, sometimes connected to the message of the Gospel reading, to center ourselves and focus us for silent prayer/meditation). That is followed by 20 minutes of silence. During that silence, you may observe whatever prayer or meditation practice you like. We have explored Centering Prayer from the Christian tradition, Lovingkindness (Metta) meditation from the Buddhist tradition, and are open to learning about other contemplative practices as well. (The silent time is not directed, but occasionally before the service we offer instruction in different contemplative practices to give people options who may not already have a personal meditation practice.)
After the 20 minutes of silence, we continue with one of the canticles from Morning Prayer (selections from scripture or historic songs of the church). Then we move into a time of spoken prayer, using the Lord's Prayer and one of the set of call-and-response prayers called "Suffrages" from the Morning Prayer service. We then observe 5 more minutes of silence for continued personal prayer and conclude with the General Thanksgiving
Can anyone take part in this ceremony?
Anyone is welcome to participate in our worship service, to the extent that they feel comfortable. The community that gathers is very open to a variety of belief systems, although we are grounded in Christian background ourselves. We would welcome any interfaith friends from different religious backgrounds who would like to sit with us. The words of the service include language giving glory and worship to Jesus Christ, who the church teaches is the Son of God, so if that is not part of your belief system, we encourage you to join in only on the parts you feel you can say with integrity. (In other words, don't read along just because everyone else is doing it! The words of the liturgy should mean something to the people saying them, not just be a rote repetition of something someone told you to say.)
What about the sermon?
There is no sermon at the 8:00 service; instead, we sit for 20 minutes of silent meditation or prayer in the style of your choice.
Money?
A collection plate is on a table at the back of the church for those who would like to make a donation, but we do not "pass the plate" at the 8:00 service. We expect committed members of the church to give financially to support its wellbeing; if you decide you would like to join our community, the priest or someone from the stewardship committee can talk with you about pledging (making a commitment to give a certain amount of money over the course of the year). The more people who tell us ahead of time what they plan to give by making a pledge, the better the governing board can budget our resources accurately and be good stewards of our finances.
Where do I go from here?
Newcomers are always welcome at any Episcopal church. There are no membership fees and you don't have to fill in any forms. Anyone can attend any Episcopal service and see what happens. If you want to learn more, ask any of the leaders who attend the service, or they can help you get in touch with one of the clergy who would be happy to tell you more about our church. Then keep coming back to church – get to know us, share who you are, read, pray, slow down and let yourself be loved. Most important of all – don’t be afraid to ask questions! An Episcopal ad campaign once said: “Jesus asks you to give Him your heart – not your mind…” and we pride ourselves on being a denomination where you don't have to "check your brain at the door," but can fully engage your intellect and reasoning as you wrestle with questions of faith.
What if I want to join?
Baptism is the sacrament through which a person becomes a Christian. After making a commitment to follow Jesus Christ, you will have water poured over your head three times (in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit). The Episcopal Church allows for a variety of baptismal practice, so if you would like to receive full immersion, that is a possibility, but a "sprinkling" from a small font is also a possibility for those who prefer a "drier" experience. If you have never been baptized and you are baptized at St. Cuthbert's, you are automatically a member of St. Cuthbert's and the Episcopal Church.
If you have been baptized in another Christian denomination and would like to join St. Cuthbert's, there is a process you can go through to be confirmed or received into the Episcopal Church (depending on your background -- the priest will talk with you more about those specifics before it happens) by the bishop.
If you are already an Episcopalian, you can join St. Cuthbert's by transferring your letter of membership from the last Episcopal church you attended.
What can the Church do for you?
The Church can bring you closer to God, who is Love. We believe this is the most important thing in the world. It can also help teach you to become a better person by living in a more ‘God-like’ way. The Church gives our lives a sense of meaning and helps us to be in touch with the Transcendent as well as a chance to serve others.
What can you do for the Church?
By definition, all baptized Christians are ministers, called to represent Christ and the Church in the world. Live a life of Christ-like love in the world. Discover God and be yourself – your true self. Share who you are in community, share your gifts (time, talent, treasure) and interests. The Church would not exist without its members; if you are a Christian, you are the Church!
If you also want to help with Church functions – serve the sick and homebound in the parish, read lessons, help with the Youth and Sunday School, sing, help in the office or with building and grounds or on the altar guild or hospitality committee, that’s great too. We are grateful for whatever you care to give of yourself.
Again, if you have any questions, don’t be afraid to ask someone or contact us at office@stcuthbertoakland.org.
What actually happens?
The 8:00 service is a lay-led service. We follow the format of Morning Prayer, Rite II, from the Book of Common Prayer, in a slightly abbreviated/modified version, with some additions from the New Zealand Prayer Book.
Before we begin the actual service, we have a time of welcome, check-in, and announcements. Then we do some some gentle stretching to prepare our bodies for extended sitting. We then collect ourselves for worship with a brief moment of silence, and then start the Morning Prayer liturgy. Participants rotate officiant duties; after you come for a few times, if you'd like to sign up to officiate sometime, ask one of the other officiants about how to sign up.
We begin with a reminder that we do not always follow God's will for us (this "turning away" from God is the root of the word, sin) and yet God forgives us, and start with a period of silence to recall our sins. We then hear an assurance of absolution and forgiveness. Then we recite one of the classic songs of the church, the Venite (Psalm 95, "Come, let us sing to the Lord"), the Jubilate (Psalm 100, "Be joyful in the Lord"), or during Easter season, the Pascha Nostrum ("Alleluia, Christ our Passover is sacrificed for us," 1 Corinthians 5:7-8; Romans 6:9-11; 1 Corinthians 15:20-22). That is followed by the psalm appointed for the day, which is read in contemplative fashion, with a distinct pause at the asterisk.
We then hear a scripture reading from the Gospel appointed for the day, which is followed by a chant (a repetitive word or phrase, sometimes connected to the message of the Gospel reading, to center ourselves and focus us for silent prayer/meditation). That is followed by 20 minutes of silence. During that silence, you may observe whatever prayer or meditation practice you like. We have explored Centering Prayer from the Christian tradition, Lovingkindness (Metta) meditation from the Buddhist tradition, and are open to learning about other contemplative practices as well. (The silent time is not directed, but occasionally before the service we offer instruction in different contemplative practices to give people options who may not already have a personal meditation practice.)
After the 20 minutes of silence, we continue with one of the canticles from Morning Prayer (selections from scripture or historic songs of the church). Then we move into a time of spoken prayer, using the Lord's Prayer and one of the set of call-and-response prayers called "Suffrages" from the Morning Prayer service. We then observe 5 more minutes of silence for continued personal prayer and conclude with the General Thanksgiving
Can anyone take part in this ceremony?
Anyone is welcome to participate in our worship service, to the extent that they feel comfortable. The community that gathers is very open to a variety of belief systems, although we are grounded in Christian background ourselves. We would welcome any interfaith friends from different religious backgrounds who would like to sit with us. The words of the service include language giving glory and worship to Jesus Christ, who the church teaches is the Son of God, so if that is not part of your belief system, we encourage you to join in only on the parts you feel you can say with integrity. (In other words, don't read along just because everyone else is doing it! The words of the liturgy should mean something to the people saying them, not just be a rote repetition of something someone told you to say.)
What about the sermon?
There is no sermon at the 8:00 service; instead, we sit for 20 minutes of silent meditation or prayer in the style of your choice.
Money?
A collection plate is on a table at the back of the church for those who would like to make a donation, but we do not "pass the plate" at the 8:00 service. We expect committed members of the church to give financially to support its wellbeing; if you decide you would like to join our community, the priest or someone from the stewardship committee can talk with you about pledging (making a commitment to give a certain amount of money over the course of the year). The more people who tell us ahead of time what they plan to give by making a pledge, the better the governing board can budget our resources accurately and be good stewards of our finances.
Where do I go from here?
Newcomers are always welcome at any Episcopal church. There are no membership fees and you don't have to fill in any forms. Anyone can attend any Episcopal service and see what happens. If you want to learn more, ask any of the leaders who attend the service, or they can help you get in touch with one of the clergy who would be happy to tell you more about our church. Then keep coming back to church – get to know us, share who you are, read, pray, slow down and let yourself be loved. Most important of all – don’t be afraid to ask questions! An Episcopal ad campaign once said: “Jesus asks you to give Him your heart – not your mind…” and we pride ourselves on being a denomination where you don't have to "check your brain at the door," but can fully engage your intellect and reasoning as you wrestle with questions of faith.
What if I want to join?
Baptism is the sacrament through which a person becomes a Christian. After making a commitment to follow Jesus Christ, you will have water poured over your head three times (in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit). The Episcopal Church allows for a variety of baptismal practice, so if you would like to receive full immersion, that is a possibility, but a "sprinkling" from a small font is also a possibility for those who prefer a "drier" experience. If you have never been baptized and you are baptized at St. Cuthbert's, you are automatically a member of St. Cuthbert's and the Episcopal Church.
If you have been baptized in another Christian denomination and would like to join St. Cuthbert's, there is a process you can go through to be confirmed or received into the Episcopal Church (depending on your background -- the priest will talk with you more about those specifics before it happens) by the bishop.
If you are already an Episcopalian, you can join St. Cuthbert's by transferring your letter of membership from the last Episcopal church you attended.
What can the Church do for you?
The Church can bring you closer to God, who is Love. We believe this is the most important thing in the world. It can also help teach you to become a better person by living in a more ‘God-like’ way. The Church gives our lives a sense of meaning and helps us to be in touch with the Transcendent as well as a chance to serve others.
What can you do for the Church?
By definition, all baptized Christians are ministers, called to represent Christ and the Church in the world. Live a life of Christ-like love in the world. Discover God and be yourself – your true self. Share who you are in community, share your gifts (time, talent, treasure) and interests. The Church would not exist without its members; if you are a Christian, you are the Church!
If you also want to help with Church functions – serve the sick and homebound in the parish, read lessons, help with the Youth and Sunday School, sing, help in the office or with building and grounds or on the altar guild or hospitality committee, that’s great too. We are grateful for whatever you care to give of yourself.
Again, if you have any questions, don’t be afraid to ask someone or contact us at office@stcuthbertoakland.org.
What to Expect at the 10:00 Service St. Cuthbert’s
Above all, we want you to feel relaxed and comfortable beginning with your first visit.
Dress casually and you'll fit right in! We believe Church should be enjoyable, intriguing and, gee, maybe even fun! During our Sunday morning gathering we spend time worshipping God through music. If you want to sing - great; if not, you may choose to just watch and listen. St. Cuthbert's has no pews but comfortable chairs, set around the central altar. Afterward, we’ll have coffee and food in the parish hall.
What actually happens?
The first half of the service is called the Liturgy of the Word. We sing songs, hear lessons from the Scriptures read aloud and then hear a sermon preached on them, to analyze their historical context and their relevance for modern life. We then affirm the historic faith of the Church in the words of the Nicene Creed, pray together for our concerns and joys. We recall that we do not always follow God's will for us, this "turning away" from God is the root of the word, sin, and we read together a confession. The priest reminds us of God's forgiveness through a pronouncement of absolution, and then we share the Peace with our neighbors as a sign of being reconciled to God and one another before receiving communion. After the Peace, we take a short break for some announcements, and then continue with the second half of the service, Holy Eucharist.
Holy Eucharist (or Communion) involves the giving out of bread and wine which has been consecrated, or made Holy, by the prayers of the priest and the community asking the Holy Spirit to come dwell in the gifts of bread and wine. At St. Cuthbert's, we use real bread, homemade by one of our parishioners, for communion. At communion time, the congregation gathers around the altar and holds hands in a circle and sings the Lord’s Prayer. After the Bread is broken by the priest, we sing again, while standing in a circle and then receive the bread from the priest in cupped hands. There are two chalices, one with wine and one with grape juice, which are usually taken around by lay assistants.
Above all, we want you to feel relaxed and comfortable beginning with your first visit.
Dress casually and you'll fit right in! We believe Church should be enjoyable, intriguing and, gee, maybe even fun! During our Sunday morning gathering we spend time worshipping God through music. If you want to sing - great; if not, you may choose to just watch and listen. St. Cuthbert's has no pews but comfortable chairs, set around the central altar. Afterward, we’ll have coffee and food in the parish hall.
What actually happens?
The first half of the service is called the Liturgy of the Word. We sing songs, hear lessons from the Scriptures read aloud and then hear a sermon preached on them, to analyze their historical context and their relevance for modern life. We then affirm the historic faith of the Church in the words of the Nicene Creed, pray together for our concerns and joys. We recall that we do not always follow God's will for us, this "turning away" from God is the root of the word, sin, and we read together a confession. The priest reminds us of God's forgiveness through a pronouncement of absolution, and then we share the Peace with our neighbors as a sign of being reconciled to God and one another before receiving communion. After the Peace, we take a short break for some announcements, and then continue with the second half of the service, Holy Eucharist.
Holy Eucharist (or Communion) involves the giving out of bread and wine which has been consecrated, or made Holy, by the prayers of the priest and the community asking the Holy Spirit to come dwell in the gifts of bread and wine. At St. Cuthbert's, we use real bread, homemade by one of our parishioners, for communion. At communion time, the congregation gathers around the altar and holds hands in a circle and sings the Lord’s Prayer. After the Bread is broken by the priest, we sing again, while standing in a circle and then receive the bread from the priest in cupped hands. There are two chalices, one with wine and one with grape juice, which are usually taken around by lay assistants.
Communion circle around the altar
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Won't I catch horrible diseases from sharing a common cup?
If you receive the wine, probably not, since alcohol is a disinfectant and the rim of the chalice is wiped between uses. If you're receiving the grape juice, you should probably be more careful. It's generally a good idea to refrain from receiving the wine or grape juice if you have a cold, just to be on the safe side and not risk sharing your germs with others. (We affirm that Christ is fully present in just one of the elements, so receiving the bread only when you are sick is entirely appropriate.) To "pass" on the wine or grape juice, you can cross your arms silently across your chest as a sign you do not want to receive when the chalice comes around.
Does anything weird happen when you receive Communion?
Mostly, no – at least outwardly. Some people do have mystical experiences during these services, or later, but they are not a normal part of the Lord's Supper in most churches. A psychologist once remarked that: “Episcopalians are most likely to have mystical experiences but the least likely to talk about them.”
Can anyone take part in this ceremony?
Anyone is welcome to participate in our worship service, to the extent that they feel comfortable. The service is an act of worship of Jesus Christ, who we believe to be the Son of God, so if that is not part of your belief system, we encourage you to join in only on the parts you feel you can say with integrity. (In other words, don't read along just because everyone else is doing it! The words of the liturgy should mean something to the people saying them, not just be a rote repetition of something someone told you to say.)
Confirmation (a deliberate reaffirmation of the vows of baptism, made when we're old enough to know what we're doing) still exists in the Episcopal Church, but it's no longer necessary to go through this process before you can receive Communion, because the church affirms that Baptism is "full initiation into Christ's body, the church" -- nothing more than baptism is necessary to make one a Christian. This means that children of any age are welcome to receive communion, if they have been baptized.
Why is communion restricted to baptized Christians, officially?
Because by receiving the Eucharist, we are expressing a commitment to Christ, and are renewing the vows we made to him at our baptism. Receiving communion before being baptized is somewhat akin to having a “renewal of vows” ceremony with someone you have not yet married.
Ultimately, though, the decision to receive or not to receive is yours alone. If you have not been baptized, or are not a Christian, but feel drawn to receive communion, you may. We do not turn anyone away from the table. But you might consider whether through your desire to receive communion, God could be calling you to follow Christ. The clergy are always available to speak with you about baptism and becoming a Christian. (If you follow the traditional practice and do not receive communion before you are baptized, you would be baptized and receive your first communion on the same day, which can be a deeply meaningful spiritual experience.)
What about the sermon?
The sermon is not as central to Episcopal worship as it is to some Protestant denominations. The service is split equally between the Liturgy of the Word and the Liturgy of the Table (Communion), so the sermon is one part of the worship experience rather than the primary focal point. It's rarely more than 10-15 minutes long, and tries to connect the ancient scriptures to modern living in a way that is meaningful for people and encourages thoughtful reflection without pointing fingers or judging. (You won't hear any "fire & brimstone" sermons here!)
Money?
We take a collection midway through the service, right before the celebration of the Holy Eucharist. This is part of our offering to God in the Eucharist in addition to bread, wine, and most importantly, ourselves and our hearts. You are welcome to contribute however much you feel led to contribute, or to pass on contributing if you are not moved to share. We do ask that committed members of the church give financially to support its wellbeing; if you decide you would like to join our community, the priest or someone from the stewardship committee can talk with you about pledging -- making a commitment to give a certain amount of money over the course of the year. This helps the governing board to budget our resources accurately and be good stewards of our finances, if we know how much to expect to receive over the course of the year.
Where do I go from here?
Newcomers are always welcome at any Episcopal church. There are no membership fees and you don't have to fill in any forms. Anyone can attend any Episcopal service and see what happens. If you want to learn more, ask to meet with one of the clergy who would be happy to tell you more about our church. Then keep coming back to church – get to know us, share who you are, read, pray, slow down and let yourself be loved. Most important of all – don’t be afraid to ask questions! An Episcopal ad campaign once said: “Jesus asks you to give Him your heart – not your mind…” and we pride ourselves on being a denomination where you don't have to "check your brain at the door," but can fully engage your intellect and reasoning as you wrestle with questions of faith.
What if I want to join?
Baptism is the sacrament through which a person becomes a Christian. After making a commitment to follow Jesus Christ, you will have water poured over your head three times (in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit). The Episcopal Church allows for a variety of baptismal practice, so if you would like to receive full immersion, that is a possibility, but a "sprinkling" from a small font is also a possibility for those who prefer a "drier" experience. If you have never been baptized and you are baptized at St. Cuthbert's, you are then automatically a member of St. Cuthbert's and the Episcopal Church.
If you have been baptized in another Christian denomination and would like to join St. Cuthbert's, there is a process you can go through to be confirmed or received into the Episcopal Church (depending on your background -- the priest will talk with you more about those specifics before it happens) by the bishop.
If you are already an Episcopalian, you can join St. Cuthbert's by transferring your letter of membership from the last Episcopal church you attended.
What can the Church do for you?
The Church can bring you closer to God, who is Love. We believe this is the most important thing in the world. It can also help teach you to become a better person by living in a more "God-like" way. The Church gives our lives a sense of meaning and helps us to be in touch with the Transcendent as well as a chance to serve others.
What can you do for the Church?
By definition, all baptized Christians as Lay Ministers, called to represent Christ and the Church in the world. Live a life of Christ-like love in the world. Discover God and be yourself – your true self. Share who you are in community, share your gifts (time, talent, treasure) and interests. The Church would not exist without its members; if you are a Christian, you, with the rest of the Christians in the community, are "the Church"!
If you also want to help with Church functions – serve the sick and homebound in the parish, read lessons, help with the Youth and Sunday School, sing, help in the office or with building and grounds or on the altar guild or hospitality committee, that’s great too. We are grateful for whatever you care to give of yourself.
Again, if you have any questions, don’t be afraid to ask someone or contact us at office@stcuthbertoakland.org.
If you receive the wine, probably not, since alcohol is a disinfectant and the rim of the chalice is wiped between uses. If you're receiving the grape juice, you should probably be more careful. It's generally a good idea to refrain from receiving the wine or grape juice if you have a cold, just to be on the safe side and not risk sharing your germs with others. (We affirm that Christ is fully present in just one of the elements, so receiving the bread only when you are sick is entirely appropriate.) To "pass" on the wine or grape juice, you can cross your arms silently across your chest as a sign you do not want to receive when the chalice comes around.
Does anything weird happen when you receive Communion?
Mostly, no – at least outwardly. Some people do have mystical experiences during these services, or later, but they are not a normal part of the Lord's Supper in most churches. A psychologist once remarked that: “Episcopalians are most likely to have mystical experiences but the least likely to talk about them.”
Can anyone take part in this ceremony?
Anyone is welcome to participate in our worship service, to the extent that they feel comfortable. The service is an act of worship of Jesus Christ, who we believe to be the Son of God, so if that is not part of your belief system, we encourage you to join in only on the parts you feel you can say with integrity. (In other words, don't read along just because everyone else is doing it! The words of the liturgy should mean something to the people saying them, not just be a rote repetition of something someone told you to say.)
Confirmation (a deliberate reaffirmation of the vows of baptism, made when we're old enough to know what we're doing) still exists in the Episcopal Church, but it's no longer necessary to go through this process before you can receive Communion, because the church affirms that Baptism is "full initiation into Christ's body, the church" -- nothing more than baptism is necessary to make one a Christian. This means that children of any age are welcome to receive communion, if they have been baptized.
Why is communion restricted to baptized Christians, officially?
Because by receiving the Eucharist, we are expressing a commitment to Christ, and are renewing the vows we made to him at our baptism. Receiving communion before being baptized is somewhat akin to having a “renewal of vows” ceremony with someone you have not yet married.
Ultimately, though, the decision to receive or not to receive is yours alone. If you have not been baptized, or are not a Christian, but feel drawn to receive communion, you may. We do not turn anyone away from the table. But you might consider whether through your desire to receive communion, God could be calling you to follow Christ. The clergy are always available to speak with you about baptism and becoming a Christian. (If you follow the traditional practice and do not receive communion before you are baptized, you would be baptized and receive your first communion on the same day, which can be a deeply meaningful spiritual experience.)
What about the sermon?
The sermon is not as central to Episcopal worship as it is to some Protestant denominations. The service is split equally between the Liturgy of the Word and the Liturgy of the Table (Communion), so the sermon is one part of the worship experience rather than the primary focal point. It's rarely more than 10-15 minutes long, and tries to connect the ancient scriptures to modern living in a way that is meaningful for people and encourages thoughtful reflection without pointing fingers or judging. (You won't hear any "fire & brimstone" sermons here!)
Money?
We take a collection midway through the service, right before the celebration of the Holy Eucharist. This is part of our offering to God in the Eucharist in addition to bread, wine, and most importantly, ourselves and our hearts. You are welcome to contribute however much you feel led to contribute, or to pass on contributing if you are not moved to share. We do ask that committed members of the church give financially to support its wellbeing; if you decide you would like to join our community, the priest or someone from the stewardship committee can talk with you about pledging -- making a commitment to give a certain amount of money over the course of the year. This helps the governing board to budget our resources accurately and be good stewards of our finances, if we know how much to expect to receive over the course of the year.
Where do I go from here?
Newcomers are always welcome at any Episcopal church. There are no membership fees and you don't have to fill in any forms. Anyone can attend any Episcopal service and see what happens. If you want to learn more, ask to meet with one of the clergy who would be happy to tell you more about our church. Then keep coming back to church – get to know us, share who you are, read, pray, slow down and let yourself be loved. Most important of all – don’t be afraid to ask questions! An Episcopal ad campaign once said: “Jesus asks you to give Him your heart – not your mind…” and we pride ourselves on being a denomination where you don't have to "check your brain at the door," but can fully engage your intellect and reasoning as you wrestle with questions of faith.
What if I want to join?
Baptism is the sacrament through which a person becomes a Christian. After making a commitment to follow Jesus Christ, you will have water poured over your head three times (in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit). The Episcopal Church allows for a variety of baptismal practice, so if you would like to receive full immersion, that is a possibility, but a "sprinkling" from a small font is also a possibility for those who prefer a "drier" experience. If you have never been baptized and you are baptized at St. Cuthbert's, you are then automatically a member of St. Cuthbert's and the Episcopal Church.
If you have been baptized in another Christian denomination and would like to join St. Cuthbert's, there is a process you can go through to be confirmed or received into the Episcopal Church (depending on your background -- the priest will talk with you more about those specifics before it happens) by the bishop.
If you are already an Episcopalian, you can join St. Cuthbert's by transferring your letter of membership from the last Episcopal church you attended.
What can the Church do for you?
The Church can bring you closer to God, who is Love. We believe this is the most important thing in the world. It can also help teach you to become a better person by living in a more "God-like" way. The Church gives our lives a sense of meaning and helps us to be in touch with the Transcendent as well as a chance to serve others.
What can you do for the Church?
By definition, all baptized Christians as Lay Ministers, called to represent Christ and the Church in the world. Live a life of Christ-like love in the world. Discover God and be yourself – your true self. Share who you are in community, share your gifts (time, talent, treasure) and interests. The Church would not exist without its members; if you are a Christian, you, with the rest of the Christians in the community, are "the Church"!
If you also want to help with Church functions – serve the sick and homebound in the parish, read lessons, help with the Youth and Sunday School, sing, help in the office or with building and grounds or on the altar guild or hospitality committee, that’s great too. We are grateful for whatever you care to give of yourself.
Again, if you have any questions, don’t be afraid to ask someone or contact us at office@stcuthbertoakland.org.
St. Cuthbert's is exploring new ways to deliver our sermons online.
Please stay tuned for further updates!
Please stay tuned for further updates!
Seasonal Events |
Sacraments & Life Events |
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Joint Services With Church Without Walls on Good Friday and Easter
During Holy Week, we join with Church Without Walls, the American Baptist congregation that meets in our sanctuary on Sunday afternoons, for joint Good Friday and Easter Day services. Juneteenth Service Each year, we hold a joint service with Church Without Walls to commemorate Juneteenth, the holiday marking the emancipation of African-Americans from slavery on June 19, 1865. Outdoor Services We hold outdoor services at the Marina Park in San Leandro on July 4th weekend and on St. Cuthbert's Day. Watch the News & Events page for details about other outdoor services. 
July 3, 2016 service at San Leandro Marina Park
St. Cuthbert's Day On the Sunday closest to the feast day of St. Cuthbert (August 31 in the Episcopal Church), we honor our patron saint with a Celtic service. We often have a Celtic harpist join us a guest musician and have a meal together afterwards during coffee hour time. Blessing of the Animals On a Sunday close to the feast day of St. Francis of Assisi (October 4), we hold a Blessing of the Animals service. People are invited and encouraged to bring their companion animals to church and to receive a blessing from the priest. We also often have visitors from the nearby Oakland Zoo who come for their blessings as well -- and to interact with inquisitive kids and adults! (Below are a hedgehog and a tortoise from the Oakland Zoo.) 
Dia de Los Muertos We observe All Saints' Sunday in the style of the Mexican tradition of Dia de Los Muertos (Day of the Dead). We set up an offrenda in front of the altar and people bring photos of their beloved departed and other items associated with them to church that day to cover the altar and invoke their presence among us (see image below). Every time we celebrate the Eucharist, all our beloved departed are with us, as we join with "saints and angels" in the great song of the church -- but on this day, their presence is felt particularly strongly. 
Virgen de Guadelupe On the Sunday closest to December 12, we observe the Feast Day of the Virgen de Guadelupe (Our Lady of Guadelupe), an apparition of the Virgin Mary to an indigenous Mexican peasant named Juan Diego in 1531. The Rev. John Rawlinson, a retired priest in our congregation who served a bilingual congregation in Oakland for many years, has done much to educate us about the legends surrounding the Virgen de Guadelupe and her importance in Mexican culture. We often sing hymns in Spanish at this service. |
Baptisms, Weddings, Funerals
Baptism Becoming a Christian through vowing to follow Jesus Christ and being joined with him in his death and resurrection 
Baptisms are always appropriate on a Sunday. There are certain times during the liturgical calendar that are particularly appropriate for baptism. These are: Easter, The Day of Pentecost, All Saints Day (or the Sunday closest to All Saints Day), and the First Sunday After the Epiphany: The Baptism of Our Lord. If you or someone in your family is interested in being baptized, please contact the church office to inquire. A period of preparation with the priest is required. The Episcopal Church allows people to be baptized at any age, from infant to adult, and no specific age is the "required" time to be baptized. Marriage Making a life-long commitment to your partner (of any gender) in front of God and the Church and asking God's blessing on that commitment 
Contrary to popular belief, the church does not "marry" people; the two people in the couple marry each other and the church blesses their union and commitment. Marriage is the only sacrament of the church in which the minister of the sacrament is not the clergy person; the two members of the couple are the ministers of the sacrament, which is the sacred vow they make to one another, and the church's role is to bless that commitment. If you are interested in holding your marriage ceremony at St. Cuthbert's, please contact the church office to inquire further. To be married in the Episcopal Church, at least one of the two people in the couple must be a baptized Christian. Burial of the Dead Committing a loved one who has died to God, confident of the promise of eternal life in the Resurrection of Jesus Christ The Book of Common Prayer, the worship book of the Episcopal Church, says it best regarding the Episcopal approach to funerals in a note at the end of the burial service: "The liturgy for the dead is an Easter liturgy. It finds all meaning in the resurrection. Because Jesus was raised from the dead, we too, shall be raised. The liturgy, therefore, is characterized by joy, in the certainty that "neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord" (Romans 8:28). This joy, however, does not make human grief unchristian. The very love we have for each other in Christ brings deep sorrow when we are parted by death. Jesus himself wept at the grave of his friend. So, while we rejoice that one we love has entered into the nearer presence of our Lord, we sorrow in sympathy with those who mourn." (BCP 507) If you would like to hold a funeral for a loved one at St. Cuthbert's, please contact the church office to inquire further. We also can talk with you in advance about your own funeral plans so that when the time comes, your loved ones will know your wishes and things will already be pre-planned and on file with the church. |