Worship F.A.Q.s
Daily Office Readings
Here is a link to help you with daily readings from the Book of Common Prayer for Morning and Evening Prayer - http://dailyofficelectionary.com/.
WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT WHEN I VISIT AN EPISCOPAL CHURCH?
As you enter, you will notice an atmosphere of worship and reverence. It is the custom of the Episcopal Church that before worship and during communion, silence is maintained for the love of God and for our neighbors. This is a time of prayer.
Episcopal churches vary in style, but the focus is always on the altar and the cross, directing our thoughts to Christ and to God’s presence. Candles near the altar remind us that Christ is the light of the world, and flowers often symbolize the beauty of creation and the resurrection. At the front of the church, the lectern is used for reading Scripture, while the pulpit on the opposite side is where the sermon is preached.
HOW CAN I FIND MY WAY THROUGH THE SERVICE?
The Order of Worship is found in the bulletin you receive as you enter the church. It contains page numbers where the various parts of the service may be found. As well, a description of each part of the service is found in the margins of the Sunday bulletin.
The Episcopal Church uses the Book of Common Prayer, 1979, for its worship. It contains the Service of Holy Communion as well as the offices of Morning Prayer and Evening Prayer; the Pastoral offices and other services that we use. The Book of Common Prayer is the red or black book in the pew rack. In addition, we have a Hymnal 1982, which is the blue book in the pew rack.
Hymn numbers are usually posted on the two hymn boards at the front of the church, though the priest or lay reader may occasionally announce a page number. Those seated nearby are always happy to help. We generally stand to sing, hear the gospel, offer praise, and begin the Eucharist; we sit for the lessons, sermon, and announcements; and we stand or kneel for the collects, Prayers of the People, the Consecration, and the post-communion prayer.
HOW DO I RECEIVE COMMUNION?
When you kneel or stand at the altar rail, you will be given a communion wafer host of consecrated bread and a sip of consecrated wine from the Common Cup. Intinction (dipping the wafer in the wine) is also available.
The usual way to receive the bread is to place your right hand in your left and to extend your open palms toward the server. You may choose to receive the bread alone. We believe Christ is fully present in both of the elements.
If you do not wish to receive communion, you may come to the altar rail to receive a blessing from the priest. Please indicate this by folding your arms across your chest.
WHAT ABOUT CHILDREN RECEIVING COMMUNION?
Children are encouraged to come to the altar rail with their parents. Parents are best qualified to determine if their child is ready to receive the sacrament. Those children who do not receive communion will receive a blessing.