Welcome!

If you are new to St. Anne’s, or just church shopping, please click on the video below to hear a message from our Rector, the Rev. Garrett Yates.

Tell us about the name of your church, St. Anne’s in-the-Fields Episcopal Church:

St. Anne’s: We are named after St. Anne, the mother of Mary, who is the patron saint of grandmothers, women in labor, and educators. We too see our community as belonging to all generations, open to the new life God is birthing in each of us, and growing and maturing in our understanding of the Love this God has for all people.

In-the-Fields: We are a church surrounded by fields, farms, and wonders of creation within Lincoln, Massachusetts. Fun fact: there are many St. Anne’s churches (both Catholic and Episcopal) around the world and there are many other-named churches with “in-the-fields” monikers, but we are the only known “St. Anne’s in-the-Fields” that connects both!

Episcopal: This is a word coming to us from the Greek (episcopos) which just means “bishop” and relates to church governance. The Episcopal Church traces its lineage through the historic apostolate going back to St. Peter, the first bishop of Rome. Translation: we are rooted in history. And yet, we are not bound by history. The Great Faith handed down to us is meant to liberate and orient our lives, not bind and conform them. To learn more about own denomination, click here.

What time is church?

During the school year we hold two services every Sunday at 8 am and 10 am. The earlier gathering is a spoken Eucharist (no music) and more contemplative in feel, while our 10 am Holy Eucharist features the music of our church choir and, when Sunday School is in session, invites the children of the congregation to join the service after the Sign of the Peace.

What time should I arrive?

It is usually recommended to arrive 5 to 10 minutes before the service to have a moment to collect yourself; but, if you are hustling up the stairs (or taking the elevator) 4 minutes past start time, you likely won’t be the only one! Our ushers are always at the entrance to help you settle in, whether on-time or running late.

What should I wear?

Many people often dress “business-casual,” however, many of our attendees show up in t-shirts or tennis shoes - some even come into the Sanctuary with a coffee mug! Then, others wear a suit because that’s what makes them comfortable. The emphasis isn’t on what we wear but on orienting our bodies, minds, and hearts to God.

How long does the service last?

The 10 am service runs about 1 hour, while the 8 am is slightly shorter.

Am I allowed to receive communion?

See the video above! YES! We believe that Communion (also called the Eucharist) is God’s intention to share his Love in a tactile and (literally) digestible way with each person, regardless of age, faith background, or life circumstance. The decision is yours whether to receive Communion, and we do have gluten-free and non-alcoholic option. You may also choose to receive a blessing instead of communion, which you can indicate by crossing your hands over your chest when at the rail.

Is Sunday School offered for children?

Additionally, children age 4-11 are invited to attend Sunday school beginning at 930, so just before worship begins, and concluding around 10:30, when the service transitions from readings, prayers, and a sermon to Holy Eucharist. We have other ways of engaging children between 12-18, and to learn more about these, please email Sarah Jennings, our Director of Children and Youth Formation, or Garrett Yates, our Rector.

Are children allowed in the service?

Yes! The back of our Sanctuary is open to the service and we have a special spot full of toys and room to crawl. For older kids who aren’t comfortable leaving their parents for Sunday School, our Children’s Table is stocked with coloring pages, crayons and colored pencils, and a “children’s service bulletin” during the summer. As our Sunday bulletin says, the “joyful noises” of children are always welcome in our sanctuary.

If I come to church, will anyone ask me to stand up and introduce myself and talk about my personal relationship to Jesus?

No! Though you may be greeted by someone in the congregation because we are a welcoming community. If you prefer to sit in the back or skip coffee hour after church, that’s absolutely fine!

If you’ve read this far, please know that you are warmly invited to “come and see” what St. Anne’s has to offer your journey in faith, and to join us as we dwell in the presence of an infinitely creative and loving God, in Jesus’ name.