Where is the church located?

We are located at 6221 Main Street, immediately north of the Texas Medical Center and across the street from Rice University. We are bordered to the east by Hermann Park.

Where do I park?

To park on the south end of the campus, enter from Fannin Street; to park on the north end of campus, enter from Main Street.

On Sunday mornings, we have additional parking in the Hermann Professional Building which is immediately south of the church. The garage can be accessed from both Main and Fannin Streets. Upon entering the garage, go to the lower level and park in the VALET section. There will be no valet on duty. Punch the green button for a ticket. You will NOT be required to pay as you exit. Click here to view the Sunday morning parking map.

What to expect on a Sunday visit

We want your first visit to our Church to be a warm and welcoming experience, and one way to do that, is to help you feel prepared.

What should I expect when I get inside?

As you enter the main doors of Palmer church, an usher will hand you a worship leaflet. This booklet contains directions for page numbers for the Book of Common Prayer (red) and the Hymnal or song book (blue). If you aren't sure, don't hesitate to ask a fellow worshipper or watch and follow others' lead.

Where do I sit?

You can sit anywhere that you feel comfortable. If it's crowded, the ushers will help you find a seat. If you arrive once the service has begun, an usher will be happy to assist you to a seat.

How long will the service last?

The services generally last about an hour.

What if I have children?

Children are welcome at all Sunday services. While it may not seem that they understand all aspects of worship, they do experience the rhythm and beauty of the building and the liturgy. Childcare for ages 5 and under is available in the nursery during services.

How to take Communion

All baptized Christians are welcome at the Lord's Table. Come forward to the altar Rail as the ushers direct you and take the next available place. You may kneel or stand. Receive the communion bread from the priest in your open right palm. You may choose to receive the wine directly from the chalice by gently guiding it to your lips as the Chalice Bearer presents it to you, or you may "intinct," or dip, the wafer into the wine. If you choose not to receive the wine, simply cross your arms across your chest after you have received the wafer. You may then return to your pew following those around you. If it is physically difficult for you to come to the altar rail, please indicate this to an usher and a priest will bring communion to you where you are seated.

Children receiving Communion

Children are welcome at the Lord's Table at their parents' discretion.

Receiving a Blessing

If you, or your child(ren), would like to receive a blessing from a priest at the altar rail, come forward just as you would to receive communion and cross your arms across your chest, and/or instruct your child(ren) to do the same.

Education Hour & Fellowship

Every Sunday at Palmer we set aside the 10 o'clock hour for education and fellowship. During the program year (September-May) you will find classes for adults, youth, children of all ages.

Learning More

As our guest we encourage you to ask questions and seek information. Please fill out a visitor card (found in the pew) and place it in the offering plate so that a member of the staff may contact you. Please stop by our welcome table outside the main sanctuary on Main Street before and after services. There you can pick up a seasonal brochure and ask questions of our greeters. Of course, we also invite and encourage you to introduce yourself to our clergy and staff. We'll be happy to see you.

Great Wednesdays

During the program year (September-May), St. Andrew's guild cooks a wonderful dinner ($5 per person) and a variety of classes and opportunities for fellowship are provided.

Finding Community & Getting Involved

Palmer is a large and diverse community, bringing together people of different backgrounds, ages and interests. Some are simply involved on Sunday mornings, others come for programs during the week, and still others choose to envision and plan new programs and directions for Palmer to grow. Whatever your desired level of involvement, whatever your interests, we invite you to talk to members of our community, to browse the pages of this website (even to subscribe to our upcoming events e-news) and ultimately to find yourself at home at Palmer Church. We're glad you're here.