Services
Sunday Morning
8:00* am Holy Eucharist, Rite I (Traditional)
Our 8:00 am service is a quiet, meditative service using the traditional language of earlier editions of the Episcopal Prayer book. There is no music during the service, although at times we play recordings of music before the service begins. If you prefer solemnity and what some call the traditional language of the church, you may want to attend this service.
10:15* am Holy Eucharist, Rite II (Contemporary)
This service has congregational hymns and choir music and uses the contemporary language of today. During the church school year, the children spend part of their time in Sunday School and then join the congregation for communion during the second half of the service.
Saturday 4:00* pm
This service is designed for families and children but everyone is invited to join us.
*Summer Schedule - July and August one service at 9:00 am. See calendar for exact dates for changeover to summer schedule.
Thursday Evenings
7 pm Eucharist Service**
This service provides you an opportunity to take a weekday break from your busy schedule and come to a place of quiet meditation and the sharing of the Holy Meal of Eucharist. We often use this service to celebrate the lives of saints whose feast days come up sometime during the current week.
Bilbe study for those who choose to stay, begins after the Eucharist Service, approximately 7:30.
** Thursday Evening Eucharist and Bible Study are not held during July and August.
Saturday Afternoon
4:00 pm Saturday Service for Families
This service is for families who can’t for whatever reason attend church on Sunday. This is not a substitute for Sunday school which takes place every Sunday at 10.
Rhythms of Grace
Second Saturday of the Month 2 pm
“Worship for children and families with differing abilities. All are welcome.”
Rhythms of Grace is a non-profit non-denominational program that offers worship and Christian formation for children with special needs, their families, friends and caregivers from all faith traditions.
Rhythms of Grace is sensory friendly: no bright lights, no loud music, and plenty of space to move. Bible stories are told with creative activities that develop sensory integration, fine motor and communication skills. Families arrive and join a simple activity that allows them to adjust to the space, meet the staff, and welcome other families. Next, they hear a Bible story and are invited to explore activities that are related to the theme of the day. Participants may choose to explore one or all of the activities or are free to just observe other participants from a safe space. After the hands-on activities, we gather for the Eucharist of bread (non-gluten rice crackers can also be provided) and wine (juice). The priest concludes the service with a prayer and blessing. Services last less than one hour and a transition board reminds participants what is coming next. Pictures of the activities and service can be viewed on our Facebook page.
Started in the Diocese of Connecticut in 2003, Rhythms of Grace services are now held in Massachusetts, New York, Virginia, Georgia, Texas and many locations across the United States. St. Christopher’s Episcopal Church is the first location of Rhythms of Grace services in New Hampshire. Our program is supported by trained clergy and volunteers whose backgrounds include Occupational Therapy, American Sign Language and Special Education. Services are held at 2:00 p.m. on the first Saturday of the month.
The church is handicapped accessible.For additional information call the church at 603-329-4674, email nhrhytmsofgrace@gmail.com or visit our Facebook page.
Special Services
A special service of blessing of the animals takes place each October. Watch the Signpost for date and time. Bring your leashed or crated furry or feathery loved ones to receive a blessing.
Christmas Eve
4:30 pm Christmas Eve Family Service and Children's Pageant
9:00 pm Christmas Eve Late Service
Christmas Day
9:00 am Christmas Day Service
Lent and Holy Week
Ash Wednesday A 4:30 pm children's service and a later service at 7:30 pm including distribution of ashes.
Maundy Thursday We begin with a meal of soup, bread and beverages at 6:30 pm. Immediately following at 7:30 pm is our liturgy for Maundy Thursday that includes the washing of feet and stripping of the altar.
Good Friday St. Christopher’s continue Holy Week with a very moving service that reenacts the trial and death of Jesus using simple props and movement. This will be at 7:30 p.m. A children's service at 4:30 will include a simple telling of the story.
What to Expect When Visiting
When you walk through the door for either of our Sunday services you will be warmly greeted by one of our members. They will give you a bulletin, which will make it easy to follow along in the service. We use the Book of Common Prayer, the page numbers will be indicated in the bulletin.
During the Offering of Peace, you will likely be offered a handshake and a verbal “Peace be with you” by those seated near you. During the 10:15 service, this is the time that the children will return from Sunday School and join their parents for Communion and the remainder of the service.
Baptized Christians from all denominations are welcome to receive Holy Communion. If you wish to receive a blessing only, please come forward and cross your arms across your chest. Communion is received at the Communion rail, kneeling or standing, as is your preference and comfort.
We welcome all children!
Jesus said, "Let the children come to me; do not stop them. For it is to such as these that the kingdom of God belongs." Mark 10:1
We provide a small carpeted area for children to draw, look through books and play with quiet toys during the service. We understand that children move, make sounds, and find it difficult to sit like adults, yet we very much want them with us and welcome them with open arms! We realize that parents with babies or small children sometimes need to walk around in the back of the church or get up and retrieve a wayward toddler. Parents are also able to step out of the service with a wiggly child if need be, and follow the service in the vestibule or nearby nursery through the speaker system.