Worship

Anglicans/Episcopalians believe that how we pray is not simply a reflection of our faith, but shapes it as well.  We therefore place great emphasis on the liturgy, the form our worship takes.  All Anglican services are in conformity to the Book of Common Prayer, originally published by Archbishop Thomas Cranmer for the newly born Church of England in 1549.  Deeply rooted in the Bible and the ancient rites of the Church, the Book of Common Prayer is the “rule” for the corporate, liturgical, sacramental, and domestic life of Anglicans throughout the world. Currently the Episcopal Church uses the American revision of 1979.  Various other modern-language revisions of the Prayer Book are in use in the Anglican/Episcopal churches of other nations, consonant with Archbishop Cranmer’s insistence that the language of our worship be the language of the people.

The Holy Eucharist, sometimes called the Service of Holy Communion or the Mass, is celebrated each Sunday at both services.  In form, it is very similar to eucharistic services in a number of other denominations, including the Roman Catholic Church and the Lutheran Church.  It begins with the Liturgy of the Word, which includes opening prayers, a psalm, and readings from Scripture, followed by a sermon.  The Nicene Creed is then said, followed by the Prayers of the People, general confession, a declaration of God's forgiveness, and the passing of the Peace.  The focus then moves to the altar, where Holy Communion is celebrated.  Worshippers receive Communion at the altar rail.  Any baptized Christian, regardless of denomination, is free to partake.

Music is a very important part of our worship at the primary service at 10 AM.  Our style is eclectic, drawing from our denominational hymnal, contemporary worship and praise songs, and gospel and folk tunes, as well as classical sources.