Welcome

Grace Episcopal Church is part of the Diocese of Newark and is active in its wide range of church and community ministries. Grace is located in downtown Madison, a suburban town of 15,000 people, with a direct train line to New York City in Northern New Jersey. For over 150 years, we have worked to improve the lives of people, living in Madison and surrounding towns. The Grace Counseling Center, Grace Community Music series, the Episcopal Campus Ministry at Drew University and our Recycling Ministry help us to broaden our involvement in this thriving region

What to Expect

We know that visiting a church for the first time can be an intimidating or confusing experience. In order to make your visit to Grace Church as positive as possible, here is some information on what you can expect to experience at our services.

What You’ll Find in Your Pew

You are welcome to sit in any of the benches (pews) in church; there is no reserved seating! In each pew you will find two books. The red book is The Book of Common Prayer (1979) and contains the text of all of our church services along with the Psalms, the Catechism, the Church Calendar and some historical documents. The blue book is The Hymnal (1982) and contains the hymns and service music used in church.

If you come for one of our Sunday services you will also receive from an usher a bulletin containing much of the text of the service, along with the lessons (Bible readings) of the day, and information about current and upcoming church events. The ushers are always happy to welcome you and to answer any of your questions.

Holy Communion

The Eucharist (Holy Communion) is celebrated at all of our Sunday services and some of our weekday services. Episcopalians believe in the “Real Presence” of Jesus in the blessed bread and wine. All baptized Christians, regardless of denomination, are always welcome to receive both the bread and wine. The ushers will direct you to a communion station. Communion is received by either kneeling or standing at the altar rail. The priest or other minister will say, “The Body of Christ, the Bread of Heaven” and will place the bread in your hand. Then another minister will offer you the cup and say, "the Blood of Christ, the Cup of Salvation". You may either drink from the cup or dip your wafer into the wine. If for some reason you would prefer not to receive Communion, please still come to the rail, cross your arms over your chest, and receive a blessing or prayer.

Coffee Hour

After all of the Sunday morning services, everyone is invited to enjoy coffee hour, which is held just outside the kitchen or in our new parish hall. Besides coffee and simple refreshments, Coffee Hour provides a chance to meet members of the clergy and the Grace Church community. We know it can be awkward to walk into a room filled with strangers, but we’re a friendly, easygoing group and we would like to welcome you to the church we love.

If You’re Wondering What to Wear

You may be wondering what people wear to church. At Grace there is a wide range, with some “dressing up” for church and others choosing to be more casual. In general, wear what makes you comfortable.