Connect with us
Sunday Worship
The Holy Eucharist—also called Holy Communion or the Lord’s Supper—is our church’s central celebration.
This is why we gather every Sunday to receive communion together. In the Eucharist, we remember and give thanks for the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus, the Son of God, and we receive Jesus in the bread and wine as the medicine we need to heal our relationship with God and each other. Through this meal, we are nourished, united with Jesus and one another, and sent out to love and serve God in the world.
Our celebration follows an order, sometimes called the liturgy. We begin by singing together and listening to readings from the Bible. Then there’s a short explanation of the readings that helps us reflect on what we’ve heard. We pray for the needs of our community and the world, and we end by sharing communion before we are sent out to love and serve God in the world. Liturgy means “work of the people” and so our services invite the full participation of all our members, including our children.
All are welcome to come, pray, and encounter the love of God in the Eucharist.
“And I will pray to the Father, and he shall give you another
Comforter, that he may be with you for ever…”
—JOhn 14:16, American Standard Version
Parish Community
Small groups are an important part of our community’s life as they give us a chance to share a meal, share our lives, and pray together. Next to our Sunday services, they are the best way to get to know the Holy Comforter community.
We also offer regular social and service opportunities as a way to connect with each other and our neighbors.
You can find out about our small groups and social and service opportunities by signing up for our newsletter or contacting Pastor Katie.
New Here
-
Hyattsville Mennonite Church is located at 4217 East-West Hwy, Hyattsville, MD 20782. There is a dedicated parking lot behind the church building and an access ramp at the front of the church.
-
The service will last about an hour and 15 minutes, and will follow an order of service from the Anglican Book of Common Prayer that includes prayer, songs, scripture, a short sermon, and communion. We regularly read scripture, pray, and sing in languages other than English so we are enriched by the gifts of our brothers and sisters throughout the world. Our musical worship includes hymns, spirituals, chants, contemporary praise songs, and songs contributed by our members. In all things, we value full, joyous participation over polish.
-
People tend to dress casually, but all styles are welcome.
Our pastors wear a clergy collar but otherwise dress casually. During the service they wear special garments, called vestments, that erase the distinctions between those who lead us in worship and mark the pastor (and others) as servants of God. Vestments remind us that we are a different kind of community, a distinctive culture because of our baptisms and allegiance to Jesus. If you have any questions about anything related to our worship, just ask.
-
We believe that children have a real relationship with God – they aren’t just vessels waiting to be filled with our knowledge about God. Consequently, our children join us for worship and help us to worship by reading scripture, singing, leading the prayers, and serving communion. We also have a nursery at the back of the sanctuary and worship bags available for our children.
All who are baptized, no matter their age, are welcome to receive communion at Holy Comforter.
During the school year, from 4pm to the Peace, our children ages 3-7 meet in the Good Shepherd Atrium, a space and time set aside for them to encounter God through Scripture, prayer, and worship.
From 4 to 5 pm, children ages 8 and older participate with their caregivers and other adults in Life with God, an introduction to the Creeds, Sacraments, Ten Commandments, and prayer that will help them (and all of us) to experience God's love and life in Christ with other believers.
-
Yes! The building is fully accessible. We also provide sensory items (pocket crosses, fidget items, noise-canceling headphones) to facilitate worship for those with sensory needs or who simply desire a more embodied worship. Please contact us if you need additional accommodations or assistance to participate in our worship.
-
We usually offer snacks after our service for those who can linger and a potluck dinner on the first Sunday of the month.
-
No. We do not currently record our sermons or livestream our services. You are welcome to sign up for our newsletter or to look at past worship guides to learn more about Holy Comforter.
CHILDREN
Children's programs resume on September 20, 2026
5:00 PM – Mustard Seed Atrium (Ages 0–2)
A parent-led nursery is available at the back of the sanctuary throughout the service for children ages 0–2.
4:00 PM – Good Shepherd Atrium (Ages 3–7)
Children participate in the Good Shepherd Atrium and return to their families during the Peace.
4:00 PM - Life with God (Ages 8+)
Children ages 8 and up and adults gather to learn and practice the Christian faith together before joining worship at 5:00 PM.
Children in Worship
We are a multigenerational church, and we welcome children as full participants in our worship and community. Adults grow in patience and kindness by welcoming the sounds and movements of our youngest worshipers, while children learn reverence for God and love for others through participating alongside the church. Together, we are becoming like little children in God's kingdom.
We value children in worship for several reasons:
Church is participation, not performance.
Christian faith is formed by practicing the way of Jesus together. The presence of children—even with their cries, whispers, and wiggles—invites all of us to grow in kindness, patience, and gentleness towards each other.
Every baptized Christian belongs.
God has a real relationship with people of every age and ability. Children and adults alike have gifts to offer the church, and worshiping together helps us recognize and receive those gifts.
Children connect us to the historic and global church.
For most Christians throughout history and around the world, children have been present in the church’s worship. Their presence reminds us that we are a family, where everyone is welcome to come as they are.
We keep our baptismal promises.
When we baptize children, we promise to help raise them in the faith. Worshiping together each Sunday is one of the primary ways we live out that commitment.
Children of all ages are always welcome in the sanctuary. We also offer the following opportunities for children and families during our Sunday evening gathering:
MUSTARD SEED ATRIUM (AGES 0-2)
A parent-led nursery for our youngest children is available at 5 pm in the Mustard Seed Atrium. All children are welcome to join their family for communion at the Peace.
There is also a nursery nook with books and soft toys for children to use at the front of the sanctuary before the Peace. All children are welcome to pick up a worship bag as they enter the sanctuary.
GOOD SHEPHERD ATRIUM (AGES 3-7)
Catechesis of the Good Shepherd, a Montessori-based approach to faith formation, begins at 4 pm and continues during the service until the Peace. In the Atrium, young children are invited to discover God’s love through Scripture, prayer, beauty, and hands-on exploration.
The Atrium is a sacred space where children can slow down, wonder, pray, and encounter God. With the guidance of trained catechists, children explore beautiful hands-on materials, from art supplies and tactile puzzles to dioramas that bring Scripture and the life and teachings of Jesus to life.
Rather than simply being taught about God, children are given space to listen, wonder, and respond to God’s presence. We hope to nurture their natural capacity for prayer and help them discover their relationship with the Good Shepherd.
LIFE WITH GOD (AGES 8+)
Children ages 8 and up are invited to join their caregivers and the other adults in the Fellowship Hall at 4:00 PM for Life with God, an interactive exploration of the Apostles' Creed, the Sacraments, the Ten Commandments, and the Lord's Prayer.
Older children are also encouraged to serve in worship as crucifers (carrying the cross), readers, and communion servers. They may also assist with setup and serve as Atrium assistants.
CHILD-LED SUNDAYS
Children and youth help lead the worship service on special occasions such as Christ the King and Pentecost. These services give the kids an opportunity to practice the rhythms of the liturgy and the adults an opportunity to learn from our children. Many in our congregation say these are their favorite Sundays!
PROTECTING OUR CHILDREN
We are committed to the safety and protection of our youngest members. Learn more here.