St Michaels Church Charleston

The congregation of St. Michael’s Church welcomes visitors to every worship service. We look forward to greeting you personally, and we hope that the answers to these frequently asked questions will help you feel at home.

What kind of Church is St. Michael’s?
St. Michael’s is an Anglican Church. We are Christians in the Anglican tradition with our historic Roots in the Church of England, whose fellowship is characterized by a confidence in the authority of the Old and New Testaments, with basic beliefs summarized in the historic creeds of the Christian Church. We follow the Biblical plan for church order, with spiritual oversight provided by Bishops and local leadership shared by lay persons, Priests, and Deacons. We celebrate the sacraments of Baptism and Holy Communion in obedience to the teaching of Jesus Christ. What we stand for is most clearly evident in our forms of worship, where, through orderly services with much congregational participation, we seek to give praise and thanks to God in the name of Jesus Christ. We welcome worshippers from every Christian tradition.

May I sit anywhere?
The box pews in St. Michael’s Church are not reserved. Members of the congregation naturally have pews we prefer to use, but we always have seats for our visitors. On Sundays, our ushers will be glad to direct you to an available space. We are glad that you are here to worship with us!

How can I participate in the Service?
On Sundays, our ushers will give you a printed order of service. It will list page numbers in the blue Hymnals, and the red Prayer Books and the scripture readings in the black pew Bibles. We customarily stand when we sing, sit to hear lessons, sermons, or announcements, and stand or kneel when we pray. We follow the service in the Prayer Book and participate audibly in the people’s responses, including the “Amen” at the end of each prayer. Members of the congregation will be glad to help you find the place, and you may stand, sit, and kneel with the congregation as you feel comfortable.

May I take Communion?
Any Christian who has been Baptized with water in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, and who receives Communion in his own church is welcome to take Communion at St. Michael’s. Our custom is to come to the altar rail, kneel, or stand there, and receive the Communion Bread in our open hands. After consuming the Bread, we receive the Cup, guiding it to our lips for a small taste of Wine. Children receive Communion at St. Michael’s at about age 6 or 7, but younger visitors who take Communion in their home church are welcome to receive here. Unbaptized adults are encouraged to come to the altar rail, cross their arms over their chests, and receive a blessing. Children who do not receive Communion are encouraged to accompany their parents to the altar rail, and similarly receive a prayer of blessing. The clergy are happy to talk with any interested person about baptism.

How can I learn about Christianity?
You can begin to learn about Christianity by becoming involved in a Christian Church. As you make friends here, you will experience Christianity in action. You will also have opportunities to ask questions. The Alpha Course and Small group meetings for Bible study and prayer are particularly good ways to understand the Christian Faith. As you spend time with practicing Christians, you will realize that Christianity is more than a Spiritual way of looking at life and much more than a religious system of moral rules. Christianity is about friendship with Jesus Christ, who makes Himself known in very real ways when we invite Him to come into our lives. You can become a Christian by telling God of your need for Him; by turning from things you know are wrong; and by asking Jesus Christ to give you strength to live as He directs. Your Christian friends can help you make this request and they will support you as you begin your new life.
Try Alpha www.stmichaelschurch.net/alpha

How can I learn more about St. Michael’s Church?
When you worship with us, you will be encouraged to fill out the Connection Card in your pew and place it in the offering plate or give it to one of the ushers after the service. After each Sunday Service, there is coffee and fellowship in the Parish House, and we hope you will join us there. We want you to have a chance to meet our Clergy and some of our active members, all whom will be glad to answer your questions about our Church or try to provide other assistance you may need. The Clergy or the Ushers will also be happy to give you, on request, a Newcomer’s Information Packet. We are glad you are here!
Get Connected stmichaelschurch.net/connect

Can you tell me where…?
Parish Offices are located in the Laura Hewitt Office Building at 71 Broad Street (adjacent to the Church Yard.)
Holy Grounds Connection Center is located in the Laura Hewitt Office Building.
The Belser Building (14 St. Michael’s Alley– across the graveyard from the Church) houses most of the educational classes and social activites of the parish.
Restrooms are available in the Belser Building.
Infant and Toddler Nurseries are on the first floor of the Belser Building.
Sunday School for children and youth is held on the second floor of the Belser Building.
Adult classes meet in both buildings.

What about parking?
On-street parking is usually available within a few blocks of the Church on Sunday mornings. A parking garage is located behind the County Office Building on Meeting Street, about half a block north. If you attend the 10:30 service, save your bulletin for free parking in the parking garage. Most nearby private parking lots are off limits, but a few, not specifically posted, might be used on Sundays. For weekday services (and early Sunday arrivals) the Church leases a small parking lot off St. Michael’s Alley.