Worship In Person
Welcome to Christ Church, Frederica, an inclusive Episcopal community on Saint Simons Island. Whether you’re looking for a church home, a place of peace, or simply a visit, we’re glad you’re here and invite you to join us on the way.
Locations
We have two locations on St. Simons Island.
Christ Church & Parish Hall
6329 Frederica Rd., St. Simons Island, GA 31522
St. Ignatius Chapel
2609 Demere Rd., St. Simons Island, GA 31522.
Schedule
Christ Church offers daily, weekly, and seasonal opportunities for worship:
Holy Communion
Christ Church
Sundays
In-person worship
In-person worship
Worship livestreamed on Facebook & You Tube
In-person worship
Daily
Online
St. Ignatius Chapel
Saturdays
In-person worship
Sundays
In-person worship
Get Involved
What to expect
Christ Church has a gravel parking lot that runs the length of our property. When driving in the parking lot, ignore the painted lines from the old road. Each side of our railing is one way; closest to the brick church yard wall, traffic flows north to south. The other side of the chain line flows south to north. Cars should "nose in" to the chain at an angle. Parallel parking along the brick wall is permitted.
Kids of all ages are welcome to worship with their parents. We have a professionally staffed nursery for children 5 and under in the parish house. Don’t worry about noise—children are a natural part of our church family, and we encourage their presence. We also offer Children's Chapel during the first part of the 9:15 am service. Parents are welcome to step out with their child if needed, but we believe it’s important for kids to experience church and learn the value of worship.
Please wear whatever is comfortable! At Christ Church you’re liable to see just about anything. Because this is a beach community it is not uncommon to see people dressed very casually. It is also not uncommon to see men wearing a jacket and tie. Ultimately, we want our worshippers to wear what makes them comfortable and allows them to worship fully.
At Christ Church, you’ll find two buildings. The historic church is in the churchyard, with a brick sidewalk leading from the Lychgate to the front door for services. The other building, closer to the road, is where we gather for Coffee Hour, Sunday School, and our nursery. Restrooms and water are available in both buildings.
All you ultimately need is a desire to meet God. If you want to bring a prayer book or a bible, you are welcome to, however, everything you need for the service will be provided for you.
We offer a coffee hour between the 9:15 am and 11:15 am Sunday services. There are snack foods for all ages in addition to coffee. Coffee hour takes place in the parish hall, which is the building next to the church in the churchyard. As you face the church the Parish Hall is on the right.
St. Ignatius has a parking lot right next to the chapel.
At Christ Church you’re liable to see just about anything! Because this is a beach community it is not uncommon to see people dressed very casually. It is also not uncommon to see men wearing a jacket and tie. Ultimately, we want our worshippers to wear what makes them comfortable and allows them to worship fully.
Episcopal Service FAQs
We understand that not everyone comes from a church or Episcopal background, and you may have questions about our rites, services, or where you’d like to attend. We're here to help guide you through it all.
What Are 1928, Rite I, and Rite II?
Rite I and Rite II refer to the style of worship services in the Episcopal Church, based on the liturgy outlined in the Book of Common Prayer.
- 1928 and Rite I: Uses “Elizabethan English” (similar to the King James Bible).
- Rite II: Uses modern English, but follows the same structure as Rite I. Most of our services are Rite II services.
History of the Prayer Book
The original Book of Common Prayer was published in 1549, and it has undergone several revisions over time. The Rite I and Rite II liturgies were introduced in the 1970s to introduce modern language alongside the traditional language of the prayer book. The 1928 Book of Common Prayer, used at the 8:00 am service only, was the penultimate prayer book before the current 1979 Book of Common Prayer which is used for almost all of our other services.
How Does This Look and Sound in Practice?
Here’s an example of how you might hear the service:
- The priest says: "The Lord be with you."
- In 1928 and Rite I, the people respond: “And with thy Spirit.”
- In Rite II, the people respond: “And also with you.”
Structure of the Service: Word and Sacrament
All of our services are divided into two main parts:
- Word: This includes prayers, readings from the Bible, and the sermon.
- Sacrament: This refers to the part of the service when we receive Holy Communion.
8:00 am | Most Traditional
This service is simple and unchanging from week to week, with only the readings and sermon varying. If you've attended other Episcopal services, this one may feel a bit different due to its more traditional format. It is a reflective and reverent time for those who appreciate the historical and formal aspects of the liturgy.
- 1928 Book of Common Prayer (BCP)
The 1928 BCP uses traditional language and phrasing. It is the most formal service in our tradition. - Most Traditional
The language is very traditional, often similar to what you might find in the King James Bible. The service is quiet, with no music, and features only two scripture readings instead of the usual four.
9:15 am | Most Popular and Family Friendly
This service is the most popular and often the busiest, particularly enjoyed by families. Afterward, join us for Coffee Hour and Sunday School in the parish hall.
- Rite II
This service used Rite II on a weekly basis. - Lively and Engaging
The service includes music from our choir, ranging from soulful gospel to centuries-old sacred hymns. It is lively and engaging, appealing to a wide range of worshippers.
11:15 am | Second Largest Service
This service is the second largest, blending tradition and music. It's a beautiful option for those seeking a more reflective worship experience who also want music.
- Rite II
This service uses Rite II on a weekly basis. - Traditional with Music
The service features music every week, typically with a small ensemble of singers, and occasionally the full choir or visiting musicians.
5:30 pm Saturday - St. Ignatius Chapel | Relaxed and Intimate
These laid back services are typically quiet, without music, and attract a comfortable crowd on Saturdays.
- Rite II
This service uses Rite II on a weekly basis - Small, Comfortable, Music once per month, on average
The service will be quiet and peaceful, with no music, creating a reflective and intimate atmosphere. You'll hear traditional prayers and scripture readings, with a focus on communion and fellowship.
5:00 pm Sunday - St. Ignatius Chapel | Contemplative and Quiet
These services are typically very quiet, with dimmed lights, lots of candles, and chanted music. It alternates between a communion service and a non-communion evening service called Compline.
- Contemplative
This service leaves spaces of silence in between liturgical sections. It is a calming liturgy to help us recenter in the midst of a busy week - Poetry, Chant, and Candles
The service always contains a short reading of poetry at the beginning of each service. Music is simply and often repeats short refrains. Candles are lit throughout the church and may be lit by worshippers during the service as well.
Don’t worry, you won’t be singled out. Every service includes a full text bulletin that guides you through the service with instructions for participation, and the Book of Common Prayer (BCP) is there to help you follow along with our liturgy. Most services also include hymns, which are listed in the bulletin and found in the hymnals in the pews.
