Commonly Asked Questions

We’re located in the far north end of Halifax at 3751 Robie St, near the intersection of Leeds St by the Community College. You can park on Robie St. or in the church parking lot, where there are spaces for handicap parking.

Map to St. Margaret of Scotland Halifax.

Our services are normally every Sunday morning at 8:30 and 10:30.

8:30 am           Quiet Communion Service

This is a service for people who are comfortable with reverent silence. There are usually 12 to 20 people in attendance. On the second and fourth Sunday of the month we follow the Book of Common Prayer, which has been in continuous use [in the Anglican Church] for over 400 years. On the other Sundays we use the Book of Alternative Services (1985).

10:30 am         Sung Communion Service with Sunday School

The 10:30 service is St. Margaret’s largest weekly gathering. This music-filled service normally follows the Book of Alternative Services and is followed by refreshments downstairs in the hall. Members of the congregation fill many important roles, singing in the choir, serving at the altar, reading scripture, leading the prayers of the people, bringing forward bread and wine for communion, serving communion and teaching the children in Sunday school.

Don’t worry about dress. When you come to one of our services, you will find people dressed in a wide variety of styles, from jeans to jacket and tie, though most dress smart casual. Wear whatever helps you feel comfortable to worship God.

Whether you are old or young, coming as a family or on your own, whether you’re a seasoned Anglican or coming with no experience of religion whatsoever, know that you will be welcomed and accepted.

A greeter will welcome you. They will give you a hymn book and a program that includes the order of service and the weekly announcements. Feel free to identify yourself as a visitor, and ask any questions you might have.

Sit anywhere you like. Don’t worry about taking someone else’s seat. If a place is empty, it’s yours!

During the service people stand, sit and sometimes kneel, and follow along in the prayer book and hymn book. We try to make it easy by announcing the pages numbers, and saying when to stand etc. If you have difficulty standing, or are minding a baby or toddler, feel free to sit throughout. Some of our regulars do. Likewise, if you just want to sit quietly, listen and watch, that’s fine. You can participate as much or as little as you like. You won’t be singled out.

It’s up to you (and them). They’re very welcome to stay with you for the entire service. You will find that the 10:30 am service at St. Margaret’s is pretty child friendly. At that service on most Sundays we offer Sunday school for children who are old enough for it. Children begin in church with their families, and are invited to the front for a short “children’s talk” with Reverend Ed. Then, those attending Sunday school go downstairs with the Sunday school teachers. They come back up to rejoin you later in the service, shortly before communion time. We believe that children and youth are not just future members of the church; they are present with us now, and their interests and their contributions are important to us.

No. We do take up a collection part way through the service to support our ongoing mission and ministry. As our guest, you are under no obligation to contribute, though of course we are grateful if you choose to do so. If you choose not to put anything in the plate the day you visit us, just hand the plate along to your neighbour. Many regular members donate by pre-authorized payment or write a monthly cheque, so you won’t be the only one passing.

At St. Margaret’s the Lord’s Table is an open table. All who come in sincerity are invited to receive Holy Communion.

At Communion time people come up row by row and stand or kneel along the altar rail, or come to those giving communion standing on the lower level. This alternative is especially good for anyone for whom the stairs would pose a difficulty. You are welcome to take both the bread and the wine, or just the bread alone. If for any reason you would rather not take communion at all, you are still encouraged to come to the altar rail to receive a blessing. If this is what you would like, simply indicate your intention by crossing your arms over your chest. You’re also perfectly welcome to remain in your seat during this part of the service.

If you have mobility concerns and would like communion brought to you, just signal an usher and they’ll make it happen for you.

Please join us for refreshments and fellowship after the service in the church hall downstairs. We hope you will feel at home in the St. Margaret’s community, and that your time with us will be a time of spiritual refreshment and inspiration.

We make an effort to greet and welcome visitors and make them feel at home. Our goal is to make the experience for you a pleasant one. If you want to get acquainted right away, we have people who will be happy to get to know you and introduce you to others.
If you want to be anonymous for a while, we respect that.

No! Membership in the Anglican Church is pretty loosely defined. You are welcome to just drop in any time, and to find the level of participation you are comfortable with.

The Anglican Church is a catholic tradition, but separate from the Roman Catholic Church. This means we partake of the same meaningful sacraments and rituals that Christians have used from ancient times. At the same time St. Margaret’s is a progressive, inclusive and affirming congregation, where folks are encouraged to think for themselves. If you want to dig a bit deeper, here’s a useful website on Anglican beliefs, history, and worship.