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New Here/FAQ

So, what kind of church is this?

In short, Grace Church in Nutley is a community of disciples that:

  • Holds a hopeful progressive outlook for our world, while being rooted in the traditions and faith found in the Holy Bible and expressed in the Book of Common Prayer.
  • Is woven of different races, economic statuses, cultural traditions, faith backgrounds, gender identities, and sexual orientations.
  • Honors faith and doubt as partners along our journey as a community, bringing our highest dreams and facing our deepest fears, together.

Our vision is to become a community that mirrors the radical hospitality and inclusive community of the Kingdom of Heaven proclaimed by Jesus Christ, our Lord and King.

How does the Episcopal Church meet me on my spiritual journey?

In the Episcopal Church we believe in a God that is “loving, liberating, and life-giving,” as the Most Reverend Michael B. Curry (our former Presiding Bishop) was known for saying. At Grace Church we know that a spiritual journey is lifelong, and as a church community we pray for and encourage one another as we joyfully follow Jesus Christ, with hope. Grace Church is a community where you can bring your questions, doubts, and curiosity about God and life. We strive to be a community that wherever you are on your journey, there is a place for you at Grace Church. Most importantly: We believe that God loves you – No exceptions!

Grace Church, following Jesus Christ’s instruction, seeks to be a house of prayer for all people, both in Nutley and beyond. We believe all persons are made in God’s image and are called beloved by God. Our Lord Jesus welcomed and engaged people from diverse crowds, and we aim to exemplify Jesus’ hospitality with all of our community. This means our congregation and its leadership are made up of individuals and families from all different walks of life: persons of many ethnicities, sexualities, gender expressions, ages, and/or nationalities. Folks from many faith backgrounds have found community here without feeling the need to compromise their beliefs.

The services at Grace Church are times to connect with God and with the community. The flow of our services is designed to invite those in attendance to reflect, pray, be together, and be renewed for the work of our lives. At Grace Church we have a broad and historic tradition that is liturgical – which means we use elements like vestments, incense, candles, oil, wine, and holy water during services. These items serve to engage all of our senses during worship. We love a good script, so the worship leaflet that an usher will hand you upon arrival provides all the information you need for the service. Bolded words are said by the entire congregation. The words in italics will tell you when to sit, stand, kneel, or bow. You may see additional movements, such as people crossing themselves, genuflecting before the altar, or bowing as the Processional Cross and Gospel Book pass by. These are signs of one’s own faith. They may help some people feel connected with, or show reverence to, God – but none are required or expected. If you are new to the Episcopal Church, please relax and don’t worry too much about doing the “right thing” at the “right time.” It is our hope that you feel comfortable in this community and in the presence of God.

Children are always welcome to remain with their parents in worship and are an important part of our community. For children who remain in the worship service we have ‘Praise Packs’ available from an usher which consist of coloring materials and other engagement activities. Children (Kindergarten through 8th Grade) are encouraged to attend our Sunday School during the first part of the 10AM service. Child care for infants and toddlers is also available at our 10AM service; please check with an usher or staff for directions to the nursery. Visit the children and youth ministry page for more information about what is available.

Holy Communion (or Holy Eucharist) is the time of the service when people come forward to receive Jesus in a special way via the bread and wine shared from the altar. All baptized persons are invited and encouraged to receive Communion in The Episcopal Church. Our custom is to receive the bread on extended hands while kneeling or standing at the altar rail, and for the wine, to help guide the chalice to the mouth by touching its base. Receiving in one kind, just bread or wine, is full Communion. To receive a blessing instead of the sacrament, cross your arms over your chest. If you need to have Communion brought to you at your seat, please inform an usher as they pass your row. Gluten-free bread is available upon request.

Both of the Sunday morning services follow the Book of Common Prayer. The 8AM service is mostly spoken and follows the Rite I liturgy, which uses traditional language, so you’ll hear a lot of “thee,” “thy,” and “thou.” The 10AM service follows the Rite II liturgy, which is a little more contemporary in its language. This service is a Choral Eucharist, so the choir will sing and lead the congregation in hymns. Children and families are encouraged to sit closer to the altar at this service to get a closer view of the Eucharist. Our 12Noon service on Wednesday is a unique service meant to connect the ancient and modern aspects of our faith. At this service incense is regularly used; there is intentional time for private, contemplative prayer, and the liturgy is composed from approved resources outside the Book of Common Prayer called Enriching Our Worship. There will also be time for healing prayers and anointing with sacred oil for those who desire this sacramental rite.

You’ll see people with diverse styles at Grace Church. Many people enjoy a more casual style – nice jeans, a polo shirt, and maybe even a warm layer for chilly mornings, others may wear a dress or a suit and tie – and of course Giants and Jets gear is always welcome. Whatever you wear we hope that you will feel comfortable.

Father Asa, our priest-in-charge, is normally the preacher and presider at our Holy Eucharist services. Our Director of Music, Dr. Jeeminn Lee, along with the principal accompanist Karyn Fen and our choir lead the congregation with music. We also rely on amazing lay volunteers to support the worship service, so you will also see volunteers serving as acolytes, vergers (sorta like an emcee), lectors (readers), intercessors (prayer leaders) and greeters/ushers. Our weekday services of Morning Prayer are primarily officiated by lay persons.

We hope that your time at Grace Church in Nutley will be meaningful! If you would like to continue your spiritual and community growth here, please fill out a Welcome Card in the pew and give it to an usher or staff member. Father Asa or a member of the welcome team will follow up. You are also invited to join us for Coffee Hour (a time of fellowship with refreshments) immediately following the 10AM service in our Parish Hall; just ask anyone with a name tag for directions!