Plan Your Visit
Welcome! Whether you've been a Christian for many years, are exploring Christianity for the first time, or are simply unfamiliar with Anglican worship, we're glad you're here. If you've never attended a liturgical church, you may wonder what to expect or how to participate. Don't worry—that's completely normal, and it's an experience many members of our congregation shared when they first visited. Our hope is that you'll feel welcomed, encouraged, and free to participate as you feel comfortable.
Finding Us
991 S. Waukegan Rd, Lake Forest, IL
Grace Anglican meets in Old St. Patrick's Church in Lake Forest, Illinois. The active St. Patrick's parish now worships in the newer building immediately across the parking lot to the east. We gather in the historic church building located on the southwest corner of the property at the northeast intersection of Waukegan Road and Everett Road.
Our Sunday service begins at 10:30 a.m. and typically concludes around 12:15 p.m.
What is a Liturgical Service?
Anglican worship follows a historic pattern of prayer, Scripture reading, preaching, confession, singing, and Holy Communion. Rather than wondering what comes next, you'll receive a hymnal (look for the hymnboard up front!) and service booklet containing everything needed to follow along and participate.
The booklet includes the prayers, Scripture responses, and directions throughout the service. Words in italics indicate when the congregation typically stands, sits, bows, or kneels. A printed cross ✠ indicates an appropriate point to make the sign of the cross. These postures are expressions of reverence and prayer, but you should always feel free to participate in whatever way is most comfortable for you. Words printed in bold invite the congregation to respond together.
Our worship is intentionally participatory. Rather than watching others worship, everyone is invited to join together in prayer, singing, and the reading of Scripture.
Download our Service Booklet
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Music
Our music reflects the richness of the Church's historic worship. You'll hear traditional hymns, choral anthems, and settings of biblical texts that seek to glorify God with both reverence and joy. Some moments are celebratory, others reflective, but all are intended to draw our hearts and minds toward the beauty and majesty of God.
Holy Communion
Each Sunday we celebrate Holy Communion, also called the Eucharist. All baptized Christians who intend to live as faithful members of Christ's Church are welcome to receive Communion. As an usher dismisses each row, simply come forward to the communion rail. You may stand or kneel according to your preference.
The minister will place the consecrated bread in your hands. You may consume it immediately, or you may hold it to dip (intinct) into the common cup as it is presented. If you prefer, you are welcome to receive only the bread and simply pass by the chalice.
If you are not baptized or would prefer not to receive Communion, you are warmly invited to remain in your seat or come forward with your arms crossed over your chest to receive a blessing instead.
Why Do We Say "Catholic" in the Creed?
Visitors are often surprised to hear us confess our believe in "one holy catholic and apostolic Church" - "Aren't you Protestant?!" is the implied question. The word catholic here is used in its original meaning of universal—the one Church of Jesus Christ throughout all times and places. It does not refer to the Roman Catholic Church. As Anglicans, we joyfully affirm our place within the historic, worldwide Christian Church while remaining a Protestant church rooted in the Reformation.
Children
Children are always welcome in our worship services. During the sermon, children 2-12 are invited to attend a Sunday School lesson in the foyer with trained volunteers. They return to the sanctuary before Holy Communion so that families can participate in the Eucharist together. Of course, children are always welcome to remain in the service with their parents if that is your preference.
What Should I Wear?
You'll notice a variety of attire on Sunday mornings. Our clergy and many lay ministers wear traditional vestments because they symbolize the sacred nature of Christian worship and point attention toward Christ rather than the individual leading the service.
The congregation, however, dresses in everything from suits and dresses to business casual, polos, and jeans; so, come as you are!