New to GBTS?
What to Expect
Holy Communion Service
Sundays, 10:00 am
Both services are held at Grace by the Sea Church at
540 SE Pioneer Way in Oak Harbor, Wa.
When you arrive…
Parking is available in the front of the church, on the street, and behind our building off of SE Barrington Drive. Follow the signs and you’re here!
Upon entering…
We are taking all the necessary precautions to keep you and your loved ones safe. Our greeters will welcome you with a smile and a list of readings for the service. You’ll enter our sanctuary from the front and find a seat.
During the service…
We follow the Ancient Church’s practice of worship and prayer through the use of what is called Liturgy. Liturgy literally means “the work of the people.” When you worship with us, there will be a lot of standing, sitting, and call and responses. This is designed purposefully so that we all have an opportunity to participate in worship together. Instead of consuming worship as if it were a concert, we create worship as if we are a part of the band! If you’re unfamiliar with the way we worship, don’t worry about it. There will be a liturgy bulletin in the seat pocket in front of you that is easy to follow.
Holy Communion
We celebrate holy communion weekly. We see this is as the pinnacle of our worship, reminding us each Sunday that Christ is the center of our worship and our reason for never ceasing to gather together. It’s our practice at Grace by the Sea to allow all Christians who have been baptized in the Name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. If that describes you, then we welcome you to receive!
If you’ve never received Holy Communion before in an Anglican context, there’s a couple things you should know. First, don’t be afraid. It’s a fun experience and it’s okay if we don’t do it perfectly. Second, when you come forward you can extend your open hands towards the priest who will give you the bread saying, “The Body of Christ, the bread of heaven.” After which, it’s traditional that you would respond, “Amen!”
During Covid, we have special procedures during Communion to ensure our safety. The priest will give any special directions prior to serving Communion.
After the service…
Each week, we gather for light refreshments in our fellowship hall. We would love you to join us for coffee and snacks to better get to know you and answer any questions you may have about the service or Grace by the Sea.
If you’d like to learn more about Holy Communion and our church’s practices, Fr. Kyle would love to meet with you.
Need prayer?
Our team gathers weekly to pray, and would be happy to pray for you.
Still have questions?
Email us if you have questions about the service or want to meet with a priest. If you’re new to Anglicanism, check out our “Exploring Anglicanism” page!