For Visitors and Newcomers
“Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by doing that some have entertained angels without knowing it.” –Hebrews 13:2 (NRSV)
Welcome to St. Paul’s! We are glad you are interested in worshipping with us. Below are some common questions you may have in advance of your visit. If there’s anything you want to know that isn’t listed below, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
Where is St. Paul’s?
100 Pine Hill Road, Bedford, MA 01730
From Interstate 95/128, take Exit 31B for Routes 4/225 toward Bedford. This is Bedford Street in Lexington, which becomes Great Road in Bedford. Take this street about three miles toward Bedford Center. Just past the Marshall’s/Whole Foods shopping plaza, take a right on Hillside Avenue. Take Hillside to the four-way stop and turn left on Pine Hill Road. St. Paul’s Church is on your left at 100 Pine Hill Rd.
What time are the services?
Our Sunday service of Holy Eucharist is at 10:00am, with Sunday School and nursery care beginning at 9:45. On the first Sunday of the month, we have a spoken Eucharist at 8:00am and a family-centered service at 10:00am, with a children’s homily. From late June through Labor Day, our Sunday service shifts to 9:00am. We also have Morning Prayer at 8:40am on most Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays throughout the program year.
How long does the service last?
Our Sunday service typically lasts between one hour and one hour, fifteen minutes. High holiday services, such as Easter Sunday, Christmas Eve, or baptisms, may last a little longer. Our weekday Morning Prayer service is 10-15 minutes long.
When should I arrive?
We advise arriving by 9:45am on Sundays to find parking, stow your coat, and get settled in the sanctuary. If you are bringing your children for Sunday School, please come slightly earlier, as the children begin with music in the parish hall at 9:45am.
Where should I park?
Our parking lot includes about 25 spaces in the front of the church, including two handicapped spaces. There is overflow parking behind the parish hall and along the side drive. You may also park along Dana Road or Heritage Drive. We do not advise parking on Pine Hill Road.
How do I get around the building?
From the parking lot, you’ll enter the narthex (the “lobby” of the church). The sanctuary is through the large double doors to your right. A coat rack is to the left ahead of you, just around the corner from our narthex display. Restrooms, Sunday School classrooms, and the nursery are located along the main hallway, to your left. The parish hall is at the end of the hallway.
Is there nursery care or Sunday School for my children?
- Nursery care for children ages two months to four years is in the large room at the end of the main hall, before the parish hall. The nursery is staffed by one adult and one youth member every Sunday.
- Catechesis of the Good Shepherd is a Montessori-based curriculum for children from age three to kindergarten. They meet in the two atria classrooms off the parish hall. There are two classes, each with a lead Catechist and at least one assistant: Catechesis I is for younger children, and Catechesis II for older children.
- Sunday School for children in grades one through five is held in the classrooms along the main hall. Children gather in the parish hall for music beginning at 9:45am, then proceed to their classrooms.
All children join their parents in the sanctuary for Communion. Teachers will escort the children into the sanctuary; you do not need to retrieve them yourself. For more information about Christian education at St. Paul’s, please visit our Christian Education page.
Is there coffee hour after church?
Coffee hour is served in the parish hall immediately following the service. Please join us!
What should I wear?
St. Paul’s is a casual place, and we encourage you to come as you are. On any given Sunday you’ll find parishioners in suits and dresses, casual pants and sweaters, and jeans and T-shirts. We tend to dress fancier for major holidays (on Easter Sunday, many of our female parishioners wear their finest bonnets), but in general, we value your presence and your comfort over your style.
How can I get more information?
We encourage you to explore the rest of our website to learn more about life at St. Paul’s. When you visit us, please fill out a visitor card and say hello to our rector, Chris. You can be placed on our mailing lists, to receive our weekly emails and monthly Epistles.
I have other questions.
Please feel free to call the church at 781-275-8262, contact the parish office at info@stpaulsbedford.org, or email our rector, Rev. Chris Wendell, at chris@stpaulsbedford.org.
