Visitor's Questions & Answers (Note: many instructions and directions on this page were for non-COVID-19 times. For details regarding current COVID-19 protocols, please go the Home page or contact Fr. David at frdavid@duck.com).
Where are you?
St. Francis by the Lake is located at 121 Spring Mountain Drive. At the corner of FM 306 and Spring Mountain Drive, there's a blinking yellow traffic light. We're about 13 miles from I35, Exit 191. That's west of I35, and north of New Braunfels, about 1/2 mile south of Canyon Dam, Canyon Lake, Texas.
You can find our location on the graphic at the bottom of this page. For additional detail click on Get Directions. The map will open in a separate window for your convenience.
What can I expect when I come on Sunday?
We want everyone who visits to have a warm and welcoming experience: especially your first visit! One way to do that is to help you feel prepared.
What should I expect when I get inside?
As you enter our main doors, a greeter will offer you a worship bulletin. Please accept it, as it contains either the whole service (at 10:00), or guidance to the correct page in the Book of Common Prayer (the red book). At times it will guide you to the Hymnal (the blue book), or anything supplemental you might need. If you aren't sure, please don't hesitate to ask a fellow worshiper, or watch and follow others' lead.
Where may I sit?
You can sit anywhere you like within the main section of the building! [Although some of our long-time members may quarrel with this: there are no assigned seats.] If it should be crowded, an usher will help you find a seat. If you arrive after the service has begun, an usher will be happy to assist you to a seat.
How long does worship last?
We usually have two Sunday services: 8am and 10am. The earlier service is a quiet, spoken service using King James English (thee, thou, etc.), and usually is less than an hour long. The second service, with music and contemporary language, is about an hour and a half. After each service there is a time of fellowship and refreshment to which you are heartily invited and welcome.
On 5th Sundays of the month, we have one service at 9am. It follows the model of the 2nd service described in the previous paragraph. Following this "All Together Now" service we have a potluck brunch. Visitors are very much welcome and need not bring anything: it will be our honor to share with you.
What if I have children?
Children are welcome for any and all of our worship. While they may not understand what's happening during worship, there is tremendous research and long-standing experience that they will experience the rhythm and the beauty of the liturgy; they'll be very interested in seeing people participate as well as seeing the pageantry of the space and vestments; and they tend to absorb the environment or ambiance. To this end, we suggest coming forward to the front. From this vantage, your children will actually feel being part of the activities, and they'll be more attentive. Again, our experience is that when children are made to sit in the back, not only do they struggle to see, but they know themselves to be distanced from what's happening and then quickly become bored. Then someone's time is divided between trying to pay attention and entertaining their young one.
May I receive Communion?
Any person who has been baptized with water in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and the Holy Spirit, is welcome & encouraged to receive Holy Communion.
To receive the HOST (a small, wafer shaped piece of bread), extend your palms, one on top of the other, facing upward. To receive from the CUP, please assist the minister in guiding it to your lips. If you prefer a Blessing from the priest, please cross your arms over your chest while standing or kneeling at the altar rail.
Children receiving Holy Communion
All baptized children (see above) are welcome at the Lord's Table--but we respect parents' discretion.
Receiving a Blessing
If you, or your child(ren), would like to receive a blessing from the priest at the altar rail, come forward just as you would to receive Holy Communion and cross your arms across your chest, and/or instruct your child(ren) to do the same.
Finding community & getting involved
St. Francis by the Lake is community, bringing together people of different backgrounds, ages, and interests. Some of our members are only involved on Sunday mornings; others come for programs during the week; and still others choose to help plan innovative programs and direction for St. Francis to grow. Whatever your desired level of involvement, whatever your interests, we invite you to talk to members of our community, to browse the pages of this website, and ultimately to find yourself at home at St. Francis by the Lake.
Learning more
Please know that you are welcome in this community of Christians. To find out more on Sunday, feel free to visit with Fr. David, Mtr. Nancy, any of the Vestry members, or any other member of our community. You may also contact the office by phone at (830) 964-3820 or email at francis@gvtc.com.
Interested in joining our parish
You may join a parish in the Episcopal Church by way of Baptism, Confirmation, Reception, or by letter of Transfer. (Some people have never officially joined, but they know St. Francis is where they belong!) If you're an Episcopalian, and a member of another parish, and would like to belong to St. Francis, please call the office and ask the Parish Administrative Assistant or the Rector know. We accept the baptism of all Christian denominations who use water and baptize in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Those who have been so baptized are never baptized again. If you have been Confirmed in another branch of the Church in Apostolic Succession, then you may be Received into the Episcopal Church. (When in doubt, please speak with the Rector.)
Who can be baptized?
In the Episcopal Church there is no age requirement for baptism. Adults, teens, young children, and newborns are regularly baptized. What is required of us at baptism (according to the Prayer Book) is that we renounce Satan, repent of our sins, and turn to Jesus accept Him as our Lord and Savior. We baptize children and infants so that they can share membership in the Church, be benefactors of God's salvation, and so they may share in the Gifts of the Eucharist. For further information about baptism, call the parish office to make an appointment with the Rector.
Confirmation & Reception
Confirmation classes (Inquirers Classes) are offered throughout the year. These classes are open to all who wish to be confirmed, received, or who would like to take a "refresher course," or learn more about the Episcopal Church. The time and location of these classes will be announced or you can call the parish office.
Transferring to St. Francis by the Lake
If you're already a confirmed Episcopalian but would like to transfer your membership to St. Francis by the Lake from another parish, simply consult with the Rector and he will direct you in what needs to be done.
We would like to do anything we can to help you become a part of this community - both of St. Francis by the Lake and of the Episcopal Church. If there is anything we can do for you, please do not hesitate to let us know. If you have questions or concerns, please feel free to contact us via the Parish Office, (830) 964-3820. We'll be happy to set aside time to spend with you.
Where are you?
St. Francis by the Lake is located at 121 Spring Mountain Drive. At the corner of FM 306 and Spring Mountain Drive, there's a blinking yellow traffic light. We're about 13 miles from I35, Exit 191. That's west of I35, and north of New Braunfels, about 1/2 mile south of Canyon Dam, Canyon Lake, Texas.
You can find our location on the graphic at the bottom of this page. For additional detail click on Get Directions. The map will open in a separate window for your convenience.
What can I expect when I come on Sunday?
We want everyone who visits to have a warm and welcoming experience: especially your first visit! One way to do that is to help you feel prepared.
What should I expect when I get inside?
As you enter our main doors, a greeter will offer you a worship bulletin. Please accept it, as it contains either the whole service (at 10:00), or guidance to the correct page in the Book of Common Prayer (the red book). At times it will guide you to the Hymnal (the blue book), or anything supplemental you might need. If you aren't sure, please don't hesitate to ask a fellow worshiper, or watch and follow others' lead.
Where may I sit?
You can sit anywhere you like within the main section of the building! [Although some of our long-time members may quarrel with this: there are no assigned seats.] If it should be crowded, an usher will help you find a seat. If you arrive after the service has begun, an usher will be happy to assist you to a seat.
How long does worship last?
We usually have two Sunday services: 8am and 10am. The earlier service is a quiet, spoken service using King James English (thee, thou, etc.), and usually is less than an hour long. The second service, with music and contemporary language, is about an hour and a half. After each service there is a time of fellowship and refreshment to which you are heartily invited and welcome.
On 5th Sundays of the month, we have one service at 9am. It follows the model of the 2nd service described in the previous paragraph. Following this "All Together Now" service we have a potluck brunch. Visitors are very much welcome and need not bring anything: it will be our honor to share with you.
What if I have children?
Children are welcome for any and all of our worship. While they may not understand what's happening during worship, there is tremendous research and long-standing experience that they will experience the rhythm and the beauty of the liturgy; they'll be very interested in seeing people participate as well as seeing the pageantry of the space and vestments; and they tend to absorb the environment or ambiance. To this end, we suggest coming forward to the front. From this vantage, your children will actually feel being part of the activities, and they'll be more attentive. Again, our experience is that when children are made to sit in the back, not only do they struggle to see, but they know themselves to be distanced from what's happening and then quickly become bored. Then someone's time is divided between trying to pay attention and entertaining their young one.
May I receive Communion?
Any person who has been baptized with water in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and the Holy Spirit, is welcome & encouraged to receive Holy Communion.
To receive the HOST (a small, wafer shaped piece of bread), extend your palms, one on top of the other, facing upward. To receive from the CUP, please assist the minister in guiding it to your lips. If you prefer a Blessing from the priest, please cross your arms over your chest while standing or kneeling at the altar rail.
Children receiving Holy Communion
All baptized children (see above) are welcome at the Lord's Table--but we respect parents' discretion.
Receiving a Blessing
If you, or your child(ren), would like to receive a blessing from the priest at the altar rail, come forward just as you would to receive Holy Communion and cross your arms across your chest, and/or instruct your child(ren) to do the same.
Finding community & getting involved
St. Francis by the Lake is community, bringing together people of different backgrounds, ages, and interests. Some of our members are only involved on Sunday mornings; others come for programs during the week; and still others choose to help plan innovative programs and direction for St. Francis to grow. Whatever your desired level of involvement, whatever your interests, we invite you to talk to members of our community, to browse the pages of this website, and ultimately to find yourself at home at St. Francis by the Lake.
Learning more
Please know that you are welcome in this community of Christians. To find out more on Sunday, feel free to visit with Fr. David, Mtr. Nancy, any of the Vestry members, or any other member of our community. You may also contact the office by phone at (830) 964-3820 or email at francis@gvtc.com.
Interested in joining our parish
You may join a parish in the Episcopal Church by way of Baptism, Confirmation, Reception, or by letter of Transfer. (Some people have never officially joined, but they know St. Francis is where they belong!) If you're an Episcopalian, and a member of another parish, and would like to belong to St. Francis, please call the office and ask the Parish Administrative Assistant or the Rector know. We accept the baptism of all Christian denominations who use water and baptize in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Those who have been so baptized are never baptized again. If you have been Confirmed in another branch of the Church in Apostolic Succession, then you may be Received into the Episcopal Church. (When in doubt, please speak with the Rector.)
Who can be baptized?
In the Episcopal Church there is no age requirement for baptism. Adults, teens, young children, and newborns are regularly baptized. What is required of us at baptism (according to the Prayer Book) is that we renounce Satan, repent of our sins, and turn to Jesus accept Him as our Lord and Savior. We baptize children and infants so that they can share membership in the Church, be benefactors of God's salvation, and so they may share in the Gifts of the Eucharist. For further information about baptism, call the parish office to make an appointment with the Rector.
Confirmation & Reception
Confirmation classes (Inquirers Classes) are offered throughout the year. These classes are open to all who wish to be confirmed, received, or who would like to take a "refresher course," or learn more about the Episcopal Church. The time and location of these classes will be announced or you can call the parish office.
Transferring to St. Francis by the Lake
If you're already a confirmed Episcopalian but would like to transfer your membership to St. Francis by the Lake from another parish, simply consult with the Rector and he will direct you in what needs to be done.
We would like to do anything we can to help you become a part of this community - both of St. Francis by the Lake and of the Episcopal Church. If there is anything we can do for you, please do not hesitate to let us know. If you have questions or concerns, please feel free to contact us via the Parish Office, (830) 964-3820. We'll be happy to set aside time to spend with you.
