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A GUIDE TO EPISCOPAL WORSHIP
An outline of the Faith
All aspects of the service can be found in the Service Bulletin and the blue Hymnal, and the red Book of Common Prayer, located in the pew rack in front of you. In addition, hymn numbers can be found on the two large boards at either side at the front of the church. The Service Bulletin will walk you through the rest of the liturgy including all of the congregation’s responses. Announcements, weekly calendar, prayers, and worship leaders are also listed.
There are two basic elements of the traditional Episcopal worship service: The Liturgy of the Word, and the Liturgy of the Table.
In the first, we hear God’s word through readings from the Old Testament, The Psalms, The New Testament and the Gospels. Then the priest reflects on these readings and the life of the church with a homily or sermon. Lastly, the congregation responds to God’s word by taking part in the Prayers of the People.
The Liturgy of the Table is also known as the celebration of Eucharist or Communion. The Eucharist is the central act of Christian worship commanded by Christ for the continual remembrance of his life, death, and resurrection, until his coming again. The priest blesses the bread and wine and the congregation responds with prayer and hymns. Ushers will direct the congregation to the altar rail where worshippers may kneel or stand to receive the bread and wine or a blessing.
The Book of Common Prayer is our primary source and guide to worship. Our current Book of Common Prayer, revised in 1979, was originally compiled by the Archbishop of Canterbury, Thomas Cranmer, in 1549. It is a collection of ancient and modern prayers, selections from the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments, and worship occasions for use by the community gathered for worship and for individual use as well
Some things to expect, that may be new to you: To begin the service, the altar party (priest, deacon, lay assistant, cross bearer) processes up the aisle as the congregation stands to sing the first hymn. The cross is a symbol of Jesus as the head of the church. When it is time for the Gospel reading, the altar party will come forward into the center of the church to emphasize the importance of the gospel among us, the people of Christ’s church.
During the Prayers of People many congregants will kneel in the pews; however both standing and kneeling during these prayers is appropriate and you should do what feels right. If health concerns require you to sit, that is also acceptable.
During the Peace it is customary to turn to others near you saying “Peace be with you,” (and shake hands if you wish).
During the Eucharist all baptized person are encouraged to come forward to receive the bread and wine. It is appropriate either to stand or kneel at the altar rail and put forth two cupped to receive the bread (usually a wafer). You may either place the wafer directly in your mouth at that point, or wait to dunk it in the wine. If you do choose to drink directly from the cup, it is appropriate to steady it with your hand. Some people will cross themselves as they approach the Eucharist or as they leave, as a physical sign of the holiness of this act. If you have difficulty walking, please let the ushers know that you would like communion brought to you in your pew.
If you have not been baptized and would like to receive a blessing from the priest, you may cross your arms over your chest when you come to the altar rail to signify your intent. The priest will lay a hand on your head and pray over you.
Join us for worship on Saturday evening or Sunday morning and experience for yourself the love and the presence of God.
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