Newcomer FAQs

We are a Christian denomination that is part of the “one holy catholic and apostolic church.” The Episcopal Church is part of the Anglican Communion, which is made up of more than 80 million followers of Christ in 160 countries. The Episcopal Church in the USA has a wonderful website that explains who we are and what we believe in great detail. The website of the Episcopal Diocese of North Carolina is a good resource to learn about the denomination’s mission and ministry in a more local and regional context.

Yes! We have ample free parking in our lot off Salem Drive, and on Sunday mornings, cars frequently line the driveway surrounding our church as well as Salem Drive itself.

Come as you are! No suits or dresses are required. Some people prefer to wear their "Sunday best" attire, while most dress more casually.

When you enter the church, one of our Hosts will hand you a bulletin that will lead you through our worship service and reference page numbers in our Book of Common Prayer (BCP) and Hymnal – both of which are located in each pew. We encourage you to follow along and participate (or not) as the spirit leads you. Even the most seasoned Episcopalians rely on the instruction of those leading the service and details in the bulletins; of course, we hope you will ask questions if you need assistance. You may also watch a service on our homepage first to get an idea of what happens on a typical Sunday.

The heart of our worship as Episcopalians is the Eucharist, or Holy Communion. We experience the Real Presence of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ in this ancient sharing of bread and wine. All baptized Christians of every age and all denominations are invited to receive the sacrament of Holy Communion. Those of other religious traditions or of none are invited to come forward to receive God’s blessing.

Of course! Children are an essential and vibrant part of our church community and are welcome at all worship services. Their wiggles, their giggles and even their tears are integral to who they are and important to the rhythm and life of our community. A great way to harness those wiggles is to encourage kids to stand and to kneel, to help you find pages in the Book of Common Prayer and Hymnal, to ask questions – and of course, to lift their voices in praise! Clipboards with coloring pages are also available at each entrance. Children under 3 are welcome to spend worship time in our nursery. During our 10:00 a.m. Holy Eucharist and 12:30 p.m. Spanish La Misa, we offer Children’s Chapel, a time of singing, storytelling and prayer, designed specifically for children. They return in time to join their families for Communion.

Taking the first step is easy! Read through this website, visit on Sunday in person or virtually, fill out a newcomer card in person or online, and look for upcoming events of interest.

Holy Comforter is an active, hands-on church that likes to take care of each other and our community and we have ways to impact our community and our church that range from easy, one-time events to ongoing commitments. A few examples are bringing food items for our pantry, setting up coffee hour, volunteering to cook and serve dinner at the men’s shelter, assisting during worship, praying for parishioners, helping with children’s ministries and much more! Contact our Director of Parish Life, Jessica Dunlap

Fill out a Visitor Card and check the box for receiving church emails, or email our Communications Director Trish Stukbauer.

Our Membership FAQs will give you an overview of the process, but taking the first step is easy! Just fill out a Newcomer Welcome Card and Jessica Dunlap will be in touch with next steps.