The worship of the The Episcopal Church is firmly rooted in The Book of Common Prayer.
While our prayer book is a treasure chest full of devotional and teaching resources for individuals and congregations, it is also the primary symbol of our unity.
We, who are many and diverse, come together in Christ through our worship, our common prayer. The prayer book, most recently revised in 1979, contains our liturgies, our prayers, our theological documents, and much, much more.
Some would say that we’re “Bible Catholics.”
Individuals who come from a liturgical church background — whether Roman Catholic, Lutheran or Orthodox, among others — will find similarities in how we worship.
The Holy Eucharist
All baptized Christians—no matter age or denomination—are welcome to “receive communion.”
Episcopalians invite all baptized people to receive, not because we take the Eucharist lightly, but because we take our baptism so seriously.
Visitors who are not baptized Christians are welcome to come forward during the Communion to receive a blessing.
Ushers will indicate when it is time for those in your pew to step forward. Please line up in the center aisle in two lines. Those on the right should fill in the altar rail from the right side to the center. Those in the left line should fill in at the altar rail from the center to the left. You may stand or kneel as you prefer. Return to your pew along the side aisles
To receive the bread and wine, place your hands one on top of the other with palms up to show that you wish to receive the bread. Once you have the wafer, you may eat it or pick it up and hold it to dip, or intinct, into the chalice of wine.
To drink the wine from the chalice, simply guide the cup to your lips when offered by the chalice bearer. After the chalice has passed to the person next to you, return to your pew via the side aisle.
If you do not want to receive communion for any reason, please cross your arms over your chest to let the servers know and you will receive a blessing instead.
If you would like communion brought to your pew, please tell an usher.
The 1982 Hymnal
This is the blue book found in your pew. It contains hymns and other music for the service. The hymn numbers are listed in your bulletin and on the board in the front of the church. Service music (such as a Kyrie, Gloria or certain prayers set to music) is also available in the front of the Hymnal. This music is listed in the bulletin with an “S” (service) before the number.
Bible
There are bibles in every pew. Our church uses the New Revised Standard Version in public worship. In addition, The Episcopal Church authorizes many bible translations for public worship. Sometimes we use the King James Version during select services.
“It is most invaluable part of that blessed ‘liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free,’ that in his worship different forms and usages may without offence be allowed, provided the substance of the faith be kept entire.”
The Book of Common Prayer