What to expect
Welcome to Leeds Church! Whether you are spiritual, cynical, or somewhere in between, we are so glad you’re here. Walking into a new church can feel a bit like walking into a party where you don't know anyone, so we want to take the guesswork out of your first visit.
Here is everything you need to know before you step through our doors.
What’s the vibe?
We like to think of ourselves as reverent but relaxed. Our worship is rooted in beautiful, ancient traditions, but our community is very much alive in the present. You’ll hear a mix of classic hymns, and hymns you won’t know, thoughtful sermons, and the occasional sound of a baby babbling—and we love it all. We don't take ourselves too seriously, but we take our faith and our love for one another very seriously.
What do I wear?
Come as you are. You will see people in everything from "Sunday best" suits and dresses to jeans, t-shirts, and sneakers. If you’re comfortable, we’re happy. God cares about your heart, not your wardrobe, and so do we.
What do I do when I arrive?
Parking & Entry: You can park in our main lot. As you head toward the entrance of the Church building, you'll be greeted by some friendly faces at the door.
The Bulletin: An usher will hand you a bulletin (a mini-magazine guide for the service). This has everything you need to follow along—when to stand, when to sit, and the words to the prayers. Our priest announces all hymns numbers, where to find them, and when to sit and stand. No insider secret handshakes required!
Find a Seat: Sit wherever you are most comfortable.
What to do during worship: Some will stand, kneel, and make the sign of the cross - but it’s ok if you do not. All may, some should, none must.
Who can receive communion?
We believe that the Communion table belongs to God, not to the Episcopal Church. If you are drawn to receive the bread and wine, you are welcome to come forward. All baptized Christians, regardless of denomination, are welcome to receive communion in The Episcopal Church.
Prefer a blessing instead? Just cross your arms over your chest when you come up, and the priest will say a blessing for you.
What about parents and kids?
Kids are not the future of the church; they are the church right now!
Prayer-ground: Children of all ages are completely welcome in the main service. If they make noise, please don't stress—it means our church has a future. “If a baby ain’t cryin’, the church is dyin’.”
Sunday School & Childcare: We offer nursery care for children 0-5 years old. Sunday School is offered during the school year during the first half of service on the 2nd and 4th Sunday of the month. A greeter can show you where to drop your children off!
What happens after worship?
We don't just run for our cars! Right after the service ends, we head over to our Parish House, our gathering space, for Coffee Hour.
The Golden Rule of Coffee Hour: There is always coffee, tea, and plenty of snacks. It’s a casual time to chat, meet neighbors, and decompress. You can stay for five minutes or an hour—we’d love to grab a cup with you and say a proper hello.
We can’t wait to meet you this Sunday! If you have any questions before you visit, feel free to reach out to our church office.
You are welcome here.
We welcome you exactly as you are. Whether you are single, married, divorced, partnered, or part of the LGBTQ+ community. Whether you come from a long line of believers, are feeling disillusioned, or are questioning everything. It does not matter to us if you are wealthy or just scraping by, or if you are struggling to speak English. You belong here.
We offer a special, gentle welcome to those who have experienced religion as a source of persecution or judgment in the past, and to anyone currently suffering in mind, body, or spirit.
Come, you who have much faith and you who have little; you who have been here often, and you who have not been here long. You who have tried to follow and you who have failed.
Bleeding hearts, hardened hearts, questioning hearts, brimming hearts: come on in. Come, because it is Jesus who invites you, and it is God’s will that those who wish would meet God here.
Come and meet us!
Discover the warmth of our community firsthand as we gather in fellowship and worship together.