Worship is the action of joining with others to acknowledge the holiness of God,
to hear God’s Word, to offer prayer, and to celebrate the sacraments. It is the
“work” of the people of God.
The Sacraments are outward and visible signs of inward and spiritual grace. The
two great Sacraments that Jesus gave us are Baptism and Holy Eucharist (Communion).
We also celebrate the five other sacraments (Confirmation, Holy Matrimony, Reconciliation
of a Penitent, Ministration to the Sick, and Ordination).
Jesus Christ’s presence is revealed to us in The Holy Eucharist. Jesus gives himself
to us sacramentally in consecrated bread and wine. As we recall the earthly Body
of Christ, now ascended and glorified, so too we receive Christ’s Body and Blood
in Communion that we might become the Body of Christ for God in the here and now.
Yes! All baptized Christians (from any Christian denomination) are welcome to receive
Holy Communion. This includes infants and children. You may receive both bread and
wine or bread only. If you are not a baptized Christian, we welcome you to participate
in our worship service and to come forward for a blessing or prayer during Communion.
The Holy Eucharist: Rite Two begins on page 355 in the Book of Common Prayer (BCP)
– the red Prayer Book.
(BCP, p. 355)
- The service begins with a hymn in praise of God as the choir, lay ministers, and
clergy enter.
- The Celebrant extends a greeting to call the congregation’s attention to the beginning
of worship.
- The celebrant offers a prayer (Collect for purity) that asks our hearts to be pure
for worship.
(BCP, p. 356) The Gloria in Excelsis, Kyrie Eleison, and Trisagion are songs of
praise to God that date from the 4th and 5th centuries C.E. The
Collect of the Day (BCP, p. 357) is a prayer that gathers the congregation into
the themes we are praying for today (the prayer is printed in the insert and we
all say the prayer together).
(BCP pp. 357-58) The Old Testament (Hebrew Scriptures) are read to recall our connection with Judaism
and to learn the teachings of the Jewish prophets.
A Psalm (song to God) is said or sung between the OT and NT readings.
The New Testament Epistles (Letters) and other NT books are read so that we are
connected to the actions and teachings of the early Church.
The Gospel is the record of Jesus’ life, ministry, teachings, death, resurrection,
and ascension. Because of this it is held in highest honor. A procession often precedes
the reading of the Gospel to mark its importance in our worship. A Deacon or Priest
read the Gospel as a part of their function as ordained ministers.
An illumination of God’s Word for those gathered. The preacher communicates the
Church’s understanding of God’s reconciling work and helps us understand Holy Scripture
and its implications for our lives today.
(BCP pp. 358-59) A statement of Christian faith adopted by ecumenical councils in the 4th century.
In some churches it is the custom to make a deep bow at the point where we say,
“ […] by the power of the Holy Spirit he became incarnate from the Virgin Mary,
and was made man.” This is a way that we can identify with Christ, who came down
from heaven for us and for our salvation.
(BCP, p. 359) Anglican worship is active. The people of God offer prayers to God, being especially
mindful of what is going on in our lives and the life of our communities, our nation,
and our world. The people offer their own intentions at various places in the prayers.
(BCP, p. 359) As a corporate body gathered for worship we confess
our sins to God. The Bishop or Priest pronounces words of absolution.
(BCP, p. 360) St. Paul has encouraged us to greet one another with Christian
love as brothers and sisters in Christ. We greet one another with a handshake or
hug and words such as: “Peace be with you.”
(BCP, p. 361-64 or alternative pages as announced).
This is the holiest part of our worship. Jesus comes to us in the elements of bread
and wine and we are spiritually nourished by Christ's presence.
The actions of the Holy Communion follow the actions of Jesus Christ at the Last
Supper – the first Eucharist:
- Bread & Wine are Taken -- The Offertory
- Bread & Wine are Blessed – The Great Thanksgiving (Consecration where Jesus’
presence is revealed in bread and wine)
- Bread is Broken – The Breaking of the Bread (Fraction)
- Bread & Wine are Given – Receiving Communion. Communion is received by extending
your hands out, placing your open right hand over your open left hand. The cup is
received by slightly guiding the cup toward your lips, allowing the Eucharistic
Minister to maintain control of the cup.
(BCP, p. 365 or 366) We offer our thanks to God for spiritually feeding us in Christ’s Body and Blood
in the elements of bread and wine.
The priest offers a blessing of Christ’s Church on the people.
(BCP, p.366) The Deacon or Priest offers a dismissal to end the liturgy. The brief nature emphasizes
the urgency of going forth into the world to do God’s work.