worship

how we worship

We invite you to worship with us, and hope the information below is helpful.

Participation through Books and Hymnals

Please join us in the spoken responses and hymns shown in the service bulletin. You will find Prayer Books and Hymnals in the book racks in the seats. The Episcopal Church, like all branches of the worldwide Anglican Communion, uses a version of The Book of Common Prayer (BCP) for the written daily and Sunday worship service. The American version of The Book of Common Prayer contains two versions of each service: Rite I, in traditional language, and Rite II, which uses a more contemporary style.

The Hymnals contain the songs we sing. Hymns are listed in the weekly service bulletin (received as you enter the sanctuary) and on a hymn board located in the sanctuary. Hymns with an “S” in front of the number (for example S125) are located at the front of the blue Hymnal. Hymn numbers greater than 720 are located in the supplemental to the Hymnal entitled Wonder, Love and Praise.

Silence

Silence is a “Sabbath” from all the outside stimuli that prod and push us. Our silence honors this Sabbath for ourselves and our neighbors, and provides time for God to work in us. Before the service begins and within the liturgy, silence allows us all to prepare for worship and reflect on what we have heard.

The Peace

Scripture bids us to make peace with our neighbor before we make our offering to God. We stand and make peace with one another by shaking hands or embracing, and offering peace in the name of God.

Communion

We invite all to share our hospitality and receive communion. We receive communion by approaching the Eucharistic ministers with our hands cupped and out in front of us to receive the bread. Please feel free to remain standing or kneel on the kneelers provided. For the wine, use your hands to guide the cup to your lips for the wine or dip your bread into the cup. If you would prefer to receive a blessing instead of communion, please approach with your arms crossed over your chest. We understand that some may wish to stay in their pews, if so we encourage you to pray while others are receiving.

Special Note: If physical limitations make walking up for communion difficult for you, please tell an usher so that we may bring it to you. If your preference is for a gluten free wafer, please tell a Eucharistic minister your preference as you step forward to receive.