how we worship

How We Worship

Sunday is traditionally when Episcopalians gather for worship.  Worship in the Episcopal Church is “liturgical” meaning that we follow the same pattern almost every week.  Liturgy, literally “the work of the people” helps us remember that the audience of worship is God and not the congregation. 

The liturgy is not something that the clergy do and the congregation watches. Liturgy is a Greek word that comes from the root words for “people” and “work,” so the Liturgy is “the work of the people.” The liturgy is something that we all do together.The liturgy is printed in the weekly worship bulletin.  If this style of worship is new to you, after a few weeks it will seem familiar.  Liturgical worship has been compared with a dance: once you learn the steps, you come to appreciate the rhythm.

During the service we stand, kneel, and sit.  We sing, pray, hear Bible readings, and a sermon. The high point of the worship is the Holy Eucharist also known as: the Lord’s Supper or Holy Communion.  Eucharist simply means thanksgiving. 

In the Eucharist, we give thanks for what God has done for us in Jesus Christ. The Eucharist brings both the past and the future to present reality as we remember Jesus’ life, death and resurrection and await his coming again.  We believe that Christ is truly present with us in the bread and wine.  

All who seek God and a deeper life in Christ are welcome to receive Holy Communion.

You will be given a piece of bread and you may either consume it and drink from the chalice or dip your bread into the chalice of wine (intinction).  You can always choose to receive communion in one-kind only by receiving the bread and then crossing your arms over your chest when offered the wine.  Please notify an usher if you wish to have Holy Communion brought to you at your seat. The sacrament of Communion is complete even when only the bread is consumed.  

All are welcome to receive Communion – no matter what age or denomination.  This is Christ’s table and he welcomes you!

At the end of the Eucharist we pray and sing, then we are blessed and sent out to continue the life of service to God and to the World.

CHILDREN’S WORSHIP

Children begin in worship with their family and then are excused for a time of Faith Formation on the first and third Sundays of the month.  The children return from “Sunday’s Cool” at the sharing of the Peace to participate in the Eucharist with their families.

On Sundays when there is no “Sunday’s Cool,” we encourage you to keep your children in the service as much as possible. Sitting closer to the front tends to keep children more focused on the liturgy and they absorb more than you might imagine.  At each service our priest invites the children to come forward for a short message that is especially for them!

In the Episcopal Church all who are baptized are welcome to receive the Lord’s Supper, and that includes children.  Please know that this is completely the decision of the parents/guardians.