We are so glad you’re here! St. David’s is a vibrant community with a lot of opportunities to worship, learn, and get involved.
What to Expect
At St. David’s, you will be warmly welcomed. Our worship service follows the Episcopal liturgy found in the Book of Common Prayer and is rooted in the ancient traditions of the Church. Liturgy is rhythmic, symbolic, and participatory, and draws us into the Story of God. Our service begins with songs, scripture readings, a sermon, prayers, and then we move into Communion.
If you are unfamiliar with the Episcopal liturgy or have never been to a liturgical church, don’t worry! Everything you need will be in the service bulletin you receive when you arrive.
We hope the beauty and depth of the liturgy will draw you closer to the Lord and that you will experience his goodness and grace in our midst. Our service is reverent, but our people are winsome – come and make yourself at home.
FAQ’s
+ What is the best way to stay up to date on things at St. David’s?
We send a weekly e-newsletter each week called the FYI. Click here to sign up! You might also enjoy reading our blog, and we would love to connect with you on social media.
+ How long will the service last?
Our Sunday worship services last about 1 hour and 15 minutes.
+ Are my children welcome?
St. David’s by the Sea is a community that celebrates children. We want children to be active members of our community of faith where they are able to belong before they believe.
Even though it could feel counter-intuitive to parents, it might help your young children to sit close to the front of the church so they can see what’s happening in the service. The Episcopal liturgy has a lot of moving parts and it often captures the attention and imagination of young children. If the liturgy doesn’t capture their attention, our Nave has glass walls, so children (and adults for that matter!) can see all sorts of wildlife right from the pews.
If your child becomes bored or restless during the service, it often helps to discuss what’s happening in the liturgy, or draw pictures of the readings or stories from the sermon to give your children something to focus on. If at any point in the service your children need to stretch their legs or run off some energy, feel free to do so and come back when you’re ready. Nursing mothers are welcome to feed their babies in the church. If your baby nurses more comfortably without distraction, feel free to come and go as you and your baby have need.
Please be at peace about your children’s behavior in church. If you have to step out because your child is having a tantrum, you won’t be the first parent to do so, and you won’t be the last. Try to set your heart on being with your children before the Lord, and not before the congregation (based on the concepts of Robbie Castleman, Parenting in the Pew).
Finally, remember that infants, toddlers and children can minister to the rest of us, sometimes without knowledge. Your baby might smile at a widow who came to church feeling lonely, your toddler might give a laugh to someone struggling with depression, and your child’s questions could captivate the heart of an adult on his or her own faith journey. This is the beauty of multi-generational worship – we are able to minister to each other and see the Kingdom of God reflected in our pews.
+ May I receive Communion if I am not a member?
The Communion Table does not belong to St. David’s, but to the Lord. All baptized Christians are welcome to receive Communion. You may also come forward and cross your arms over your chest if you would prefer to receive a blessing rather than Communion.
+ Where do I park?
We have a paved parking lot on the west side of our building. If it is full, you may drive behind the parish hall and park in the grass lot on the east side of the property. You will see cars in both places!
+ Will I know what to do in the service?
We haven’t lost anyone yet! All you will need during the service is found in the service bulletin you will receive when you arrive.
+ Will I have to stand up and introduce myself?
We hope you will find our members to be warm and welcoming, but you will not have to introduce yourself publicly. We would love to thank you for coming to visit, so be sure to fill out a Connect Card found in your pew and place it in the Offering Plate. On the Connect Card you will have the option to be added to our weekly e-newsletter, the FYI, so you can stay up to date about we’re up to.
+ What is the attire?
On Sunday mornings, you will see everything from suits and dresses to shorts and flip flops. Please come as you feel comfortable.
+ How do I become a member?
We are so glad you are interested in membership at St. David’s by the Sea. Please contact the church office for more information.
+ I’m in Cocoa Beach on vacation - may I visit St. David’s?
Of course! We are only four blocks from the beach, so come visit us for worship, stay for a free cup of coffee, and then hit the sand!
+ Is your building ADA accessible?
Our buildings are all on one-story and are easily accessible for people using wheelchairs and walkers. We also have an ADA compliant restroom.
+ May I have a wedding or funeral at St. David’s if I’m not a member?
Yes. Please call the church office for more information.