Our Mission

Worship is the heart and soul of our faith community
Believing that corporate worship is the heart and soul of Christian faith and that “all who seek God and are drawn to Christ are welcome at Christ’s Table,” our vision is to foster a worship environment that is joyful, warm, and relaxed, yet reverent, inspiring, and uplifting; appreciative of Anglican liturgical and musical traditions, yet open to learn from other tradition and forms. We strive for a worship experience that is inviting to the newcomer and the stranger, and accessible to people of diverse backgrounds, ages, and traditions. We seek the active involvement in liturgy and music by clergy and laity, young and old.

Our Ministries

Worship Services

Currently, we offer a number of different services on different days and time, each of which has its own unique character:

5:00pm Sunday Evening (Weekly) - Holy Eucharist with Healing Prayer - Darnestown Presbyterian Church:  Our main weekly Sunday service (our gracious Presbyterians hosts hold their worship services in the morning).  Blends music and liturgy which evoke the majesty and mystery of God with a with a friendlly, informal, interpersonal sense of community. Sunday school takes place during the first half of the service. Children return for communion with their families. (Summer Service Time: 6:00pm - Memorial Day thru Labor Day).

10:00am Sunday Morning (Monthly) - Holy Eucharist for Families and Children - Seneca Academy:  Now meeting monthly, this will be our main morning service once we are in our own building. Family and child-friendly. Informal. Sunday school at 9:00am features Children's Choir and Godly Play, an interactive program that younger children love. This service also includes healing prayer.

8:30am Sunday Morning (Weekly) - Contemplative Prayer - St. Nick's Cross:  Every Sunday morning, a small group gathers for silent prayer, meditation, and contemplation around the cross at the outdoor worship area on our future building site (moves indoors during the winter).

2:30pm Sunday Afternoon (Weekly) - Nursing Home Service - Shady Grove Rehabilitation Center: A dedicated group of parishioners bring Communion from Reserve Sacrament to our "other congregation" at our local nursing home. A rewarding and well-loved experience.

Worship Server Ministries

There are many opportunities to serve during our worship services. Not only do you get to serve God and God's people, but you get to experience fun and fellowship at the same time. To find out more about any of these ministries, contact the clergy.

Acolytes. A great way for young people to become more involved in the service. Carry the cross, hold the Gospel book at the reading of Gospel, help the priest at the altar. As acolytes grow in experience and composure, they can graduate to special acolyte ministries, such as Torch Bearers, Banner Bearers, and even Thurifers (swingers of incense -- on those few extra-special ocassions when we use it). 5th grade and up.

Altar Guild. A very important behind-the-scenes ministry. Set up the altar for the service. Put it away after. It's not just for women anymore. Adults and mature teens.

Lectors. Read the appointed Scripture lessons during the service. Training is available. Adults and high school students.

Chalicists. Serve the wine at communion. Adults and mature teens, by appointment.

Choirs. St. Nick's has many opportunity to make a joyful noise to the Lord. And music director Dr. Adele Lynch helps make it not just joyful, but beautiful. Choirs include:

• Adult Choir. Sings frequently at the evening service and ocasionally at the morning service. Adults and mature teens.  
• Children's Choir. Sings primarily at the morning service. Emphasis on having fun and learning through singing. Led by Morning Music Coordinator Carolyn Deibel. Children K-6.  
• Handbell Choir. Newly formed. Plays on special ocassions. Adults and teens.

Healers. During the communion, healers annoint and pray for those who need healing. Adults, by appointment.

Ushers. Hand out the bulletins and hymnals to people as they arrive for the service. Take up the offering. Direct traffic at communion.  Open to all ages. A great ministry for families to do together.

Vergers. A special name for a master of ceremony. Shows up early, makes sure all servers are present and the service runs smoothly. Adults, by appointment.

Our Leaders

• Worship Committee Co-Chairs: David Maglott & Terri Murphy
• Vestry Ministry Liaison: Rose Mahan
• Rector: The Rev Ken Howard - celebrant & preacher
• Seminarian: Bret Hays - liturgical assistant & preacher
• Music Director: Dr. Adele Lynch - choir director & organist
• Morning Music Coordinator: Carolyn Deibel
• Altar Guild Chair: Vacant - Need Volunteer (contact the Rev. Ken Howard)