What to Expect
We Gather on Saturdays at 4pm.
1309 Franklin St Vancouver, WA 98660
Free weekend street parking
Welcome and Contemplation
Many who join us are new to ancient Christian liturgy. We consider it a joy and privilege to introduce you to the Church’s worship. Bulletins are provided at the door to help you easily participate. A greeter or pastor will be present to answer your questions.
Feel free to arrive early to connect with new friends or enter the sanctuary for a time of contemplation and prayer before worship. At 3:50PM the church bells are rung and candles are lit.
The Liturgy
We worship in the same basic pattern that most Christians have followed since the beginning of the Church in Acts 2. Namely, we gather for the apostles’ teaching (reading and preaching from Holy Scripture), prayer, fellowship, and breaking bread (Holy Communion).
Anglican liturgy places strong emphasis on the Bible, and is often called “the Bible arranged for worship.” Another common title we use for the service is Eucharist, or “thanksgiving.” Together we thank God for his many good gifts to us, especially Jesus’ death and resurrection, and for feeding us Christ through Word (Scripture) and Table (Holy Communion).
The liturgy is both reverent and relaxed. Come expecting to encounter the Triune God in the beauty of worship in a welcoming environment.
Children at Worship
Children are full participants in the life of the Church and we gladly welcome all ages to join in our worship — wiggles, noises, messiness, and all.
We offer a nursery for infants and toddlers. They may be dropped off before the 4PM service begins in the gated area directly across from the glass entryway of the sanctuary.
3-6 year olds are invited to participate in the children’s liturgy. Before the Scripture readings (about 10 minutes into worship) the whole congregation prays and sings a blessing over them as they are sent off to their classroom. This is more than just childcare. Their age-appropriate worship follows a pattern similar to the adult service, teaching them to hear God’s Word and pray in community. They return to their parents in time to participate in Holy Communion.
We hope to soon introduce another class for older children. As they mature, we also encourage them to help lead in various parts of the liturgy as readers, prayers, and by serving around the altar.
Child Safety
Your child’s safety is of utmost importance to us. Our leaders and volunteers go through a thorough child protection process, including background checks and MinistrySafe training.
Click here for more information on Safeguarding and Reporting Misconduct from the Anglican Diocese of Cascadia.
Eating Together
Everyone is welcome to join us for dinner after our 4PM worship on Saturdays. We usually gather at the church fellowship hall, though in the sunny months we schedule occasional picnics at a local park.
We hope you will join us!
If you are interested in learning more about our worship and life together at Iona, Fr. Mike would love to connect with you! You may also appreciate this sermon that he recently preached at Khesed Church in Vancouver, WA intended to introduce ancient Christian liturgy to those who are unfamiliar or uncomfortable with it. The sermon shows how the Jesus we meet in Holy Scripture is at the center of our worship.