Sundays Worship

here are two opportunities for Sunday worship at St. Alban’s.

7:30 AM – a quiet, reverent service of Holy Eucharist (Rite I) with no music; in the Church.

10:00 AM – a majestic, uplifting service of Holy Eucharist (Rite II), with organ and choir, in the Church.

All worship services include Holy Communion, readings from the Bible, a sermon, and prayers. Our services come from The Book of Common Prayer (1979 edition). We use Rite I in our 7:30 AM service; Rite I uses traditional language and is the classic Anglican order for Holy Communion. At our 10:00 AM service, we typically use Rite II, a modern language service. During certain seasons of the church year, we use Rite I in our 10:30 AM service.

We also invite you to come at 9:00 AM for Sunday School. We have something for all ages.

Finding Us

We are located at the corner of Waco Drive and N. 30th St. Our address is 305 N. 30th St. Parking is available behind the church. The entrance to the church is on the corner of 30th St. and Columbus Ave.

Our ushers and greeters, along with our Newcomer Coordinator, Rebekah Hughes, are happy to help you find your way around. Please let us know if we can help you find anything.

What to Expect in Our Worship

When you arrive at the church, an usher will greet you and provide a service bulletin. You may choose a seat wherever you like. In the Episcopal Church, our liturgy is found in The Book of Common Prayer (BCP), which dates back to the 16th Century (and before!), though we use a contemporary version. The BCP is the red book in the pew rack. You can follow along in the BCP, although most of the congregational responses are also printed in the bulletin. For the 10:00 AM service, you will also need a hymnal, the blue book in the pew rack. The hymn numbers are listed on the hymn boards on the wall and in the bulletin.

We have Communion at every service. Click here for common questions (and answers!) about receiving Communion in the Episcopal Church.

What to Wear

Attire at our services is varied. Some people are more formal–you will see some in ties and suits. Other people dress more casually. Come as you are.

Children

Jesus welcomed children, and so do we! If you have young children, our 10:00 am service offers a nursery and Children’s Chapel. The nursery is for children ages 0-4, but we realize some kids can be anxious about going to a new place. So of course, parents are welcome to bring their children into services with them. Kids ages 5 and up join their parents for the beginning of the service, and are then dismissed for Children’s Chapel before the Gospel reading. They return before Communion. Finally, all our staff and volunteers who work with children undergo a background check and are certified by the Episcopal Diocese of Texas’s Safeguarding God’s Children Program.

Sundays Worship Read More »

The Epistle

The St. Alban’s Epistle is our monthly newsletter, mailed to all members of the parish. It is the main source for news and information about the church’s upcoming events. If you would like to receive The Epistle, please contact the church office.

You may view the most recent edition of The Epistle, as well as prior editions, by clicking on the links below.

May 2015

Past Issues

August 2014

September 2014

October 2014

November 2014

December 2014

January 2015

February 2015

March 2015

April 2015

The Epistle Read More »

Constant Christ/Changing World

Stop by our new Adult Sunday School class, “Constant Christ/Changing World,” Sundays, April 12-May 31, 9:00 AM in the Parish Hall. We live in a rapidly changing culture and increasingly confusing world.  How do we hold fast to Christ and understand these changes?  Join us as a diverse panel of excellent speakers address “Constant Christ/Changing World.”

Class schedule and speakers:

April 12 – Carol Perry: “The Making and Meaning of Icons”

Traditionally associated with the Eastern Church, icons have gained wider acceptance throughout the West. Explore their use and meaning with Carol Perry, longtime St. Alban’s member, iconographer, and professor of journalism at Baylor.

April 19, 26 – Jerry Campbell: “Bible Basics”

Many struggle to understand the Bible. This class offers clarity & a chance for questions as we present the Scriptures in a clear, understandable format. Jerry Campbell is an attorney with Naman Howell, an adjunct professor of Law at Baylor, and is a lifelong student of the Bible. He and his wife, Paula, are longtime St. Alban’s members. Jerry’s classes are always filled with wisdom, humor, and practical insight.

May 3 – Philip Jenkins: “The Middle East and Christianity”

Professor Jenkins is a widely recognized expert on Middle Eastern events and problems both religious and geopolitical. His 2002 book, The Next Christendom was a a landmark exploration into the ways Christianity is changing and growing around the world. His most recent book is The Great and Holy War: How World War I Became a Religious Crusade. A frequent contributor to many publications and on NPR, Dr. Jenkins is a professor at Baylor and a member of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, Waco. Read more about him here. His presentation will allow some time for questions. Come early for a seat!

May 10 – Aaron Zimmerman: “Anglican Spirituality”

Eph 4:13 says we are to “grow in maturity in Christ.” What does this mean? And how do we live this out in our diverse Anglican tradition? Join us as our rector explores the many forms this takes.

May 17, 24 – Clint Capers: “The Book of Common Prayer”

Many Episcopalians are not familiar with the rich content of the BCP beyond The Holy Eucharist.  Clint Capers will lead us through the BCP, and how it offers many uses for our daily devotions. Clint Capers, a member of St. Alban’s, is a trained Spiritual Director with years of expereince in helping people on their spiritual journey towards Christian maturity, particularly along Anglican and Benedictine paths.

May 31 – Robert Miner: “St. Augustine for our Times”

Professor Miner is an authority on Augustine of Hippo, one of the Church’s early but most important theologians. St. Augustine’s writings are of major importance to our modern understanding of basic Christian beliefs and how, as disciples of Christ, we strive to live out the Gospel.

Constant Christ/Changing World Read More »

Safeguarding God’s Children Class

Any person who would like to volunteer in our children and student ministries must attend the “Safeguarding God’s Children” class. This program is part of the Diocesan “Safe Church” policy. Also, if you have already taken the class, please note that your certification must be renewed every five years.

St. Alban’s will offer the class June 2, 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM, in the Parish Hall. Contact the registration coordinator for the class at elaine@stalbanswaco.org She will process the registration through the Diocese.

Safeguarding God’s Children Class Read More »

Who We Are Our Beliefs

Our beliefs are summed up in the historic statements of faith: The Apostle’s and Nicene Creeds. Our worship is rooted in the Anglican tradition expressed in The Book of Common Prayer. We accept the 66 canonical books of the Old and New Testaments as the Word of God, containing all things necessary for salvation.

A useful summary of the history of the Episcopal Church can be found here.

Core Values
  • Worship
  • Acceptance
  • Youth and Children
  • Outreach
  • Lifelong Christian Formation
Our History
St. Alban’s began in 1946 as a church plant of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in what was then the outskirts of Waco. By September 1946, the Diocese of Texas purchased two lots at the northeast corner of Columbus Avenue and 30th Street for the sum of $2,750 to house the new church. The Rev. Charles A. Higgins, a former missionary, musician, and WWII POW, was the first Rector of the parish

Our first service was on Palm Sunday, April 21, 1946, in the Hamilton House (now a store on Austin Avenue), while plans were made for our own permanent home. We first built a parish house on our lot (where the church offices and music room are now), which also served as our first worship space. At that time, there were about 50 adult members. The building was completed at the end of 1946 with the generous support not only of St. Alban’s communicants, but also with support from St. Paul’s.

The church grew quickly and was full of families and young children. It wasn’t long until we needed more space. Three additional lots were purchased. Under Parson Higgins’ leadership, a three-room frame building was completed in September 1947 to house the newly founded St. Alban’s School. After two years of offering a pre-school, the School opened a first grade in September of 1949. Also in 1949, the first part of the church building was constructed. An impressive dedication service for the new building was conducted on January 22, 1950.

St. Alban’s became a self-supporting parish in 1951. That same year, we had to add another major addition to St. Alban’s School to house the growing number of students. In 1952 and 1953, the church was expanded to include the present-day narthex (or lobby) and the impressive bell tower. In 1953 a carillon of 36 bronze bells was imported from the Netherlands and installed in the tower. The bells range from 22 pounds to 6 tons.

Through the years, we have continued to expand and improve our facilities to expand our ministries. A major expansion was completed in 1996. In 2006 St. Alban’s School transitioned to become the St. Alban’s Outreach Center, home to organizations and ministries that serve Waco. Currently, the Central Texas String Academy, the Community Race Relations Council, and several 12-Step Programs such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) use the Outreach Center. In addition, in 2014 the church’s ministries began to use this space again, with a remodeled Student Ministry room and a new room for our Godly Kids class (Sunday School for ages 8-10).  On a daily basis, the Outreach Center enriches the cultural life of Waco, strengthens families, encourages youth, fosters artistic development, and offers real help and support to people in our community.

In 2012, then-Rector the Rt. Rev. Jeff Fisher, was elected to Suffragan Bishop of the Diocese of Texas. In 2013, we welcomed our eleventh Rector, the Rev. Aaron M.G. Zimmerman, his wife, Andrea, and their three children. Rev. Zimmerman brings experience in ministry to all ages, with a focus on outreach, cultural engagement, and family ministry—all with an emphasis on God’s grace in Jesus Christ. St. Alban’s continues to be an exciting and growing community.

Who We Are Our Beliefs Read More »

Outreach Center

Outreach Center

The St. Alban’s Outreach Center welcomes our outreach partners in ministry into the space formerly used by St. Alban’s Memorial School. For questions, please contact Elaine Karban, our Outreach Center Coordinator. From the Outreach Center, we are pleased to minister with and to:

Central Texas String Academy

Using the Suzuki method, the Central Texas String Academy (CTSA) teaches children to play stringed instruments, mainly during the afternoon hours. CTSA students and instructors contribute to the worship life at St. Alban’s by playing in our highly attended Advent Worship for the Evening, which is an annual gift to the city of Waco. CTSA students also form an orchestra for occasional worship services and individual students provide music during communion, mainly during the spring. For more information.

12 Step Programs

Numerous 12 Step Programs use the Outreach Center for their meetings, such as Al-Anon, Al-A-Teen and Overeaters Anonymous.

Outreach Center Read More »

Giving Give Now

Everything we have ultimately belongs to God. We are merely caretakers–or stewards. So when we talk about giving, we use the word stewardship: using the resources God has given us for his purposes and glory. Through our giving, we minister both inside and outside our walls. Sacrificial giving not only financially supports St. Alban’s; it opens us up to a new life of trusting God with all we have. God is the giver of every good gift–and he calls us to share in the giving.

To give to the work and ministry of St. Alban’s, you may do so with your credit card through PayPal by clicking on the link below.

Note: Did you know that if you give via PayPal, a portion of your gift goes to PayPal’s transaction fee? If you’d like to set up automatic electronic payments from your bank account (knowns as ACH payment), please contact Business Manager Karen Tanner. 100% of these gifts go to St. Alban’s.

Pledge to St. Alban’s

Members of St. Alban’s typically make an annual pledge to the Parish. In prayer, they decide on the amount they will give to the church each year (usually in monthly gifts). We conduct an annual Stewardship Campaign every fall, where we talk and pray about how God is calling us to be good stewards of the resources he has given us. At the end of the campaign, each member submits their pledge card, committing to the church whatever they’ve decided to give. If you join the church mid-year, you can still become a pledging member. Please contact our Business Manager, Karen Tanner, to receive a pledge card, or with any questions you may have about giving at St. Alban’s.

Giving Give Now Read More »

St. Alban’s Sermons

Or click the “Listen” button to hear a sermon from the list below. Right-click the word “Listen” to download individual sermons.

Soul II Soul: Life After Ascension (7th Sunday of Easter)
May 18th, 2015 | Posted by St. Alban’s

Text: John 17:6-19
Preacher: The Rev. Aaron M. G. Zimmerman

LISTEN  (Right click to download)

If You Really Love Me (6th Sunday of Easter)

May 10th, 2015 | Posted by St. Alban’s

Text: John 15:9-17
Preacher: The Rev. Aaron M. G. Zimmerman

LISTEN  (Right click to download)
Fearless (4th Sunday of Easter)
April 26th, 2015 | Posted by St. Alban’s

Text: John 10:11-18
Preacher: The Rev. Aaron M. G. Zimmerman

LISTEN  (Right click to download)
Let’s Get Physical (3rd Sunday in Easter)
April 21st, 2015 | Posted by St. Alban’s

Text: Luke 24:36b-48
Preacher: The Rev. Aaron M. G. Zimmerman

LISTEN  (Right click to download)
Getting Kansas-ed (2nd Sunday in Easter)
April 12th, 2015 | Posted by St. Alban’s

Text: John 20:19-31
Preacher: The Rev. Aaron M. G. Zimmerman

LISTEN  (Right click to download)
Hit Your Halleluia (Easter Sunday)
April 5th, 2015 | Posted by St. Alban’s

Text: John 20: 1-18
Preacher: The Rev. Aaron M. G. Zimmerman

LISTEN  (Right click to download)
Tetelestai (Good Friday)
April 3rd, 2015 | Posted by St. Alban’s

Text: John 19:30
Preacher: The Rev. Aaron M. G. Zimmerman

LISTEN  (Right click to download)
Commandments for the Fickle (Maundy Thursday)
April 2nd, 2015 | Posted by St. Alban’s

Text: John 13:1-17, 31b-35
Preacher: The Rev. Aaron M. G. Zimmerman

LISTEN  (Right click to download)
Love Runs Deeper Underground (Palm Sunday)
March 29th, 2015 | Posted by St. Alban’s

Text: Mark 15:1-39

Preacher: The Rev. Aaron M. G. Zimmerman

LISTEN  (Right click to download)
Action Figure Jesus (5th Sunday in Lent)
March 22nd, 2015 | Posted by St. Alban’s

Text: John 12:20-33

Preacher: The Rev. Aaron M. G. Zimmerman

LISTEN  (Right click to download)
Stephen King’s Big Question (3rd Sunday in Lent)
March 8th, 2015 | Posted by St. Alban’s

Text: John 2:13-22

Preacher: The Rev. Aaron M. G. Zimmerman

LISTEN  (Right click to download)
Ghostbusters & Why the Law Doesn’t Work (2nd Sunday in Lent)
March 1st, 2015 | Posted by St. Alban’s

Text: Mark 8:31-38

Preacher: The Rev. Aaron M. G. Zimmerman

LISTEN  (Right click to download)
Care Bears Were Not on the Ark (1st Sunday in Lent)
February 22nd, 2015 | Posted by St. Alban’s

Text: Mark 1:9-15

Preacher: The Rev. Aaron M. G. Zimmerman

LISTEN  (Right click to download)
You Can’t Always Get what You Want (Last Sunday After Epiphany)
February 15th, 2015 | Posted by St. Alban’s

Text: Mark 9:2-9

Preacher: The Rev. Aaron M. G. Zimmerman

LISTEN  (Right click to download)
Jesus and the antidote to people-pleasing (Fifth Sunday After Epiphany)
February 8th, 2015 | Posted by St. Albans

Text: Mark 1:29-39

Preacher: The Rev. Aaron M. G. Zimmerman

LISTEN  (Right click to download)
Jesus goes to Church (Fourth Sunday after the Epiphany)
February 1st, 2015 | Posted by St. Alban’s

Text: Mark 1:21-28

Preacher: The Rev. Aaron M. G. Zimmerman

LISTEN  (Right click to download)
First Impressions (Third Sunday After Epiphany)
January 25th, 2015 | Posted by St. Alban’s

Text: Mark 1:14-20

Preacher: The Rev. Aaron M. G. Zimmerman

LISTEN  (Right click to download)
Bob Newhart’s Baptism (First Sunday After Epiphany)
January 11th, 2015 | Posted by St. Alban’s

Text: Mark 1:4-11

Preacher: The Rev. Aaron M. G. Zimmerman

LISTEN  (Right click to download)
Keep the Change (Second Sunday after Christmas)
January 4th, 2015 | Posted by St. Alban’s

Text: Matthew 2:1-12

Preacher: The Rev. Aaron M. G. Zimmerman

LISTEN  (Right click to download)
Need a Little Excitement? (Christmas Eve)
December 24th, 2014 | Posted by St. Alban’s

Text: Luke 2:(1-7)8-20

Preacher: The Rev. Aaron M. G. Zimmerman

LISTEN  (Right click to download)
Sorely Hindered (Advent 3)
December 14th, 2014 | Posted by St. Alban’s

Text: John 1:6-8,19-28

Preacher: The Rev. Aaron M. G. Zimmerman

LISTEN  (Right click to download)

Clean Up for Christmas? (Advent 2)

December 7th, 2014 | Posted by St. Alban’s

Text: Mark 1:1-8

Preacher: The Rev. Aaron M. G. Zimmerman

LISTEN  (Right click to download)
Sheep, Goats, & Keith Green (Christ the King Sunday)
November 23rd, 2014 | Posted by St. Alban’s

Text: Matthew 25:31-46

Preacher: The Rev. Aaron M. G. Zimmerman

LISTEN  (Right click to download)
Jesus Quotes the BCP: The Greatest Commandment (22 Pentecost)
October 26th, 2014 | Posted by St. Alban’s

Text: Matthew 22:34-46

Preacher: The Rev. Aaron M. G. Zimmerman

LISTEN (Right click to download)
Don’t Do It My Way (Pentecost 17)
October 5th, 2014 | Posted by St. Alban’s

Text: Matthew 21:33-46

Preacher: The Rev. Aaron M. G. Zimmerman

LISTEN (Right click to download)
No Limits (Pentecost 14)
September 14th, 2014 | Posted by St. Alban’s

Text: Matthew 18:21-25

Preacher: The Rev. Aaron M. G. Zimmerman

LISTEN (Right click to download)
God Buries the Hatchet (Pentecost 13)
September 7th, 2014 | Posted by St. Alban’s

Text: Matthew 18:15-20

Preacher: The Rev. Aaron M. G. Zimmerman

LISTEN (Right click to download)
Sweatpants Moses (12 Pentecost)
August 31st, 2014 | Posted by St. Alban’s

Text: Exodus 3:1-15

Preacher: The Rev. Aaron M. G. Zimmerman

LISTEN   (Right click to download)
St. Alban’s Shakabuku (2 Pentecost/St. Alban’s Day)
June 22nd, 2014 | Posted by St. Alban’s

Text: Matthew 10:24-39

Preacher: The Rev. Aaron M. G. Zimmerman

LISTEN (Right click to download).

Rules, Rewards, and a Rogue Jesus (Lent 4)
March 30th, 2014 | Posted by St. Alban’s

Text: John 9:1-41

Preacher: The Rev. Aaron M. G. Zimmerman

LISTEN (Right click to download)

It’s Complicated: INXS and the Scandal of Christmas (Advent 4)
December 22nd, 2013 | Posted by St. Alban’s

Text: Matthew 1:18-25

Preacher: The Rev. Aaron M. G. Zimmerman

St. Alban’s Sermons Read More »

Children Sunday School

Sunday School

Children from pre-K to fifth grade participate in Sunday School at 9:00 AM.  For children ages 4-7, volunteer teachers lead our children in Godly Play, a wonderful child-centered curriculum designed to invite the children to learn stories and lessons from scripture in an engaging, hands-on way. This class takes place in our Godly Play Room. For children ages 8-10, we have a fun DVD-based curriculum called “What’s In the Bible?” Using laugh-out-loud videos and engaging activities, children learn what the Bible is, how we got it, what it says, and what it means for them in their lives. This class is held in our Godly Kids room, on the second floor of the Outreach Center.

Children’s Chapel

During the 10:00 AM service, all children are invited to participate in Children’s Chapel, an age-appropriate worship service that takes place in Higgins Chapel. After the Epistle reading (the reading after the Psalm), the Priest will invite all children forward for a blessing before they are dismissed for Children’s Chapel. (If you’re new or your children are nervous, parents are welcome to accompany their children forward and go to Children’s Chapel with them.) The children then follow the Children’s Chapel Leader out of the church during the hymn before the Gospel reading. This allows parents and caregivers the chance to listen to the sermon while their children receive instruction at their own level. The Children’s Chapel leaders will bring the children back to the church during the Peace, right before Communion.

Vacation Bible School

Every summer, we host a fun-filled week of songs, crafts, fun, and learning about God’s love for us in Jesus Christ. Open to all kids, from age 3 to 5th grade, regardless of membership at St. Alban’s. Click here for information and to register.

Other Events

We have other wonderful events for children throughout the year: Creche-making in Advent, family outings, our St. Alban’s Day Festival, our Easter Egg Hunt, and more. These events are listed in our monthly newsletter, The Epistle, our weekly email, and our weekly “Getting Connected” section in our worship bulletins.

Our children’s ministry is led by Jole Cromwell, Coordintor for Children’s Ministry and Parish Life, along with a dedicated team of volunteers. If you have any questions about our children’s ministry, please contact Jole.

Safe Church

Every member of our staff and vestry, and all staff and volunteers who work with youth and children, are certified by the Episcopal Diocese of Texas’s Safeguarding God’s Children program. This includes a background check and abuse prevention and awareness training.

Children Sunday School Read More »

What to Expect in Our Worship

There are two opportunities for Sunday worship at St. Alban’s.

7:30 AM – a quiet, reverent service of Holy Eucharist (Rite I) with no music; in the Church.

10:00 AM – a majestic, uplifting service of Holy Eucharist (Rite II), with organ and choir, in the Church.

All worship services include Holy Communion, readings from the Bible, a sermon, and prayers. Our services come from The Book of Common Prayer (1979 edition). We use Rite I in our 7:30 AM service; Rite I uses traditional language and is the classic Anglican order for Holy Communion. At our 10:00 AM service, we typically use Rite II, a modern language service. During certain seasons of the church year, we use Rite I in our 10:30 AM service.

We also invite you to come at 9:00 AM for Sunday School. We have something for all ages.

Finding Us

We are located at the corner of Waco Drive and N. 30th St. Our address is 305 N. 30th St. Parking is available behind the church. The entrance to the church is on the corner of 30th St. and Columbus Ave.

Our ushers and greeters, along with our Newcomer Coordinator, Rebekah Hughes, are happy to help you find your way around. Please let us know if we can help you find anything.

What to Expect in Our Worship

When you arrive at the church, an usher will greet you and provide a service bulletin. You may choose a seat wherever you like. In the Episcopal Church, our liturgy is found in The Book of Common Prayer (BCP), which dates back to the 16th Century (and before!), though we use a contemporary version. The BCP is the red book in the pew rack. You can follow along in the BCP, although most of the congregational responses are also printed in the bulletin. For the 10:00 AM service, you will also need a hymnal, the blue book in the pew rack. The hymn numbers are listed on the hymn boards on the wall and in the bulletin.

We have Communion at every service. Click here for common questions (and answers!) about receiving Communion in the Episcopal Church.

What to Wear

Attire at our services is varied. Some people are more formal–you will see some in ties and suits. Other people dress more casually. Come as you are.

Children

Jesus welcomed children, and so do we! If you have young children, our 10:00 am service offers a nursery and Children’s Chapel. The nursery is for children ages 0-4, but we realize some kids can be anxious about going to a new place. So of course, parents are welcome to bring their children into services with them. Kids ages 5 and up join their parents for the beginning of the service, and are then dismissed for Children’s Chapel before the Gospel reading. They return before Communion. Finally, all our staff and volunteers who work with children undergo a background check and are certified by the Episcopal Diocese of Texas’s Safeguarding God’s Children Program.

What to Expect in Our Worship Read More »