What to Expect on Sunday Morning
Visiting a church for the first time can feel like a big step, and we’re glad you’re taking it with us. At St. Wilfrid’s, Sunday mornings are centered around community, scripture, prayer, and welcome. Whether you’re a regular churchgoer or just curious, you’re invited to come as you are and make yourself at home. We offer two distinct services on Sunday mornings (with a handful of exceptions).
A Warm Welcome
When you arrive on Sunday morning, greeters will be there to welcome you and help you get settled, whether that means finding the restrooms, a seat, or just a friendly face. After the service, you are invited to stay for coffee, tea, and a few treats. It’s a casual time to connect, ask questions, or simply enjoy a moment of conversation.
Participating in Worship
Our worship services are designed for everyone to participate as they feel comfortable. Our bulletins guide you through the service and include hymns, prayers, responses, and notes about when to sit or stand. If you’d like to preview a bulletin ahead of time, you can find last week's bulletin on our Online Services page here.
Scripture Readings
At each service, volunteers from the congregation, called Lectors, read passages from the Old and New Testaments and lead the Intercessory Prayers, offering their voices as part of our shared worship. We also read a Gospel passage, words from the life and teachings of Jesus that shape our worship. A sermon is given by our Rector, Associate, or special guest, helping us apply the words of the early prophets and Christ to our lives today.
Holy Eucharist - Communion
All are welcome to receive Communion at St. Wilfrid’s. As our bulletin says:
“Christ our Lord invites to his table all who love him and who seek to live in peace with one another.”
At the appropriate time, you’ll be invited forward by an usher to receive Communion from the Communion rail. You may stand or kneel, and the bread will be placed in your hand (gluten-free wafers are available on request). You can receive the wine in one of three ways:
You’re welcome to take a moment for prayer before returning to your seat.
If you do not wish to take Communion, you are also able to receive a blessing at this time by going up to the rail and crossing your arms.
Frequently Asked Questions
Our campus is conveniently located on Chapel Lane, next to the intersection of Beach Blvd. and Ellis Ave. Our parking lot is adjacent to our sanctuary, with a convenient separate entrance for the preschool. There is also a drop off point for those needing a shorter walk to the sanctuary.
18631 Chapel Lane
Huntington Beach, CA 92646
Yes! Childcare is available year-round during both Sunday services through our Little Lambs program, designed for toddlers through age 4. For children ages 4 through 5th grade, our Sunday School program, Godly Play, is offered during the school year on a rotating schedule between services. In both programs, children rejoin their families in time for Communion. Click here to learn more.
Wheelchair Accessibility
Yes! Our parking lot is ADA compliant, and there are three wheelchair ramps leading from our parking lot to the campus: near the drop off point by the sanctuary, near the preschool, and near Room 11/12. There are accessible stalls in the restrooms in the sanctuary and Sacquety Hall, and single-use restrooms in the church office.
Hearing Devices
If you would like a hearing device to better hear our service, please ask an usher. These devices are linked directly to our sound system.
Service Animals
Service animals trained to do a task are welcome at St. Wilfrid's.
Yes, Christ our Lord invites to his table all who love him and who seek to live in peace with one another.
St. Wilfrid's is an inclusive parish. We believe that all who walk through our doors or onto our campus are beloved children of God. We have a thriving Episcopal PRIDE Alliance Ministry that meets monthly with additional events throughout the year. You can learn more about the Episcopal Church's statement of inclusion here.
