There are many styles of worship within the
Christian community. The Episcopal church acknowledges all forms and
styles of worship to be acceptable. Worship styles are determined by
personal taste and temperament. As the 1662 English Book of Common
Prayer (The Church of England's liturgical outline) offered in its great
wisdom in this quote:
"For we think it convenient that
every country should use such Ceremonies as they shall think best to
the setting forth of God's honour and glory, and to the reducing of
the people to a most perfect and godly living, without error or
superstition; . . . . . .And in these our doings we condemn no other
nations, nor prescribe any thing but to our own people only:"
Though in this case it was speaking of nations,
the same principle applies to different denominations.
Some Christians are "congregational"
and "free form" in their worship style. (e.g. Free Evangelical
Christians) Others are semi-liturgical in that they are "free
form" within a "set outline". (Presbyterian, etc.) Others
are "liturgical" meaning their worship service is
"set" and follows a prescribed "order of worship"
from which there is little deviation. (Roman Catholic, Anglican,
etc.) The Episcopal church is "liturgical". Our worship order
is "set" (by the Book of Common Prayer of 1979) and everyone
knows exactly what to expect at most times during the service utilizing
the Book of Common Prayer.
Click here to see a lexicon of worship
styles within the Episcopal Church
If you are new to the Episcopal Church the
Worship Services may seem a little like a juggling act. When you enter
the church you will receive a pew sheet to lead you through the service
and an insert with the Bible readings for the day. The
Book of Common Prayer and the Hymnal
for our music are available in the pew where you choose to sit. Many
Episcopalians arrive a little early in order to familiarize themselves
with the order of service for that Sunday and to say silent prayers
before worship begins. Prior to the service beginning you will notice
very little talking. Once parishioners are seated in the sanctuary, a
respectful quiet is typically maintained by all.
During the service, we stand
to sing praises to God and greet one another. We sit
for instruction and kneel
to say our prayers, confess our sins and for personal devotion. The stand-sit-kneel
exercise is sometimes comically
referred to as "Liturgical aerobics". This is a warning that
its difficult to sleep during Episcopal services!!
Some Episcopalians make the
sign of the cross, bow or genuflect, or observe other reverences during
the worship service; but many do not and they
are not required of anyone. These are
personal and optional devotional acts. If you have any questions about
the different reverences (devotional acts) please ask.
ALL
baptized Christians in good standing with their respective churches are
welcome to receive communion or "the Eucharist". This includes
ALL non-Anglicans. The Episcopal Church takes pride in and practices its
ecumenical spirit.
We walk forward to the communion rail to
receive communion (as a symbolic act of responding to our Lord's call)
and kneel where the priest is administering the bread or host.
Generally, we receive the bread with our right
hand stretched in front of us over our left hand with both hands held at
mouth level. You then lift the bread to your mouth with both hands.
Other forms include holding the "host" in your finger tips and,
when the wine chalice is offered to you, dipping the bread into the wine
chalice (this is called "tincting") prior to placing the host
on your tongue.
Another form of receiving the bread (though
rarely seen, but perfectly acceptable) is what is called the
"Roman" or "High Church" reception. This is where
the bread is taken directly onto the tongue from the priest so that the
parishioner does not "touch" the body of the Lord. If this is
your preferred method of receiving, simply fold your hands on the
communion rail and when the priest approaches you, look at his or her
face with chin slightly up so the priest understands the "non
verbal" means by which you choose to receive. ALL of the above are
acceptable. The Episcopal Church has wide arms and "choices"
of Eucharistic reception are dependent on your tradition, style,
preference and temperament.
As the priest hands you the Bread, he or she
will pronounce: "The Body of Christ; The Bread of Heaven"
(Rite II pronouncement) OR will pronounce: "The body of our Lord
Jesus Christ, which was given for thee, preserve thy body and soul unto
everlasting life. Take and eat this in remembrance that Christ died for
thee, and feed on him in thy heart by faith, with thanksgiving"
(Rite I Pronouncement). It is customary, but not required, to respond
with an "amen" after the priest's pronouncement.
The wine chalice, which
follows, may be gently guided at the base to direct it to your lips and
gently pushed away when you have received the wine. You also have the
option of dipping the host in the wine chalice (called "tincting")
if you prefer. Either method is acceptable. The priest or lay minister
will pronounce as you take the wine "The Blood of Christ. The cup
of salvation" if we are using Rite II or will pronounce "The
Blood of our Lord Jesus Christ, which was shed for thee, preserve thy
body and soul unto everlasting life. Drink this in remembrance that
Christ's Blood was shed for thee, and be thankful" if we are using
Rite I. An amen after this pronouncement is customary but not required.
After receiving the wine traditional practice dictates that you wait
until the person to your left has taken the chalice before rising to
return to your seat.
If you are not a baptized Christian or simply
choose not to partake of the "Eucharist" for personal reasons,
but would like to receive a blessing from the priest, you are welcome to
walk forward, kneel at the communion rail and cross both your arms over
your chest. The Priest will give you a blessing after which you may
return to your seat. All
persons are welcome at the Altar of Christ to either receive the Lord's
Body and Blood or to receive a blessing. However, only baptized persons
of any Christian faith and heritage are encouraged to partake of the
Eucharist.
Our services emphasize
beauty, reverence, quiet and awe for our Creator. We hope you will feel
at home as we worship our common Lord and receive the life-giving
sustenance from His Body and Blood at God's holy altar.
