What to expect at worship
Worship at Christ Church reflects both the history and tradition of our Anglican heritage as well as some more modern liturgical innovations. Anglicans use The Book of Common Prayer for most of our worship services. Music for all to join in may be found in The Hymnal 1982, the seasonal worship booklet, or inserted in the weekly bulletin.
The Holy Eucharist is in two parts; the Liturgy of the Word, in which we hear and reflect on the Holy Scriptures, and the Holy Communion, in which we commemorate the Last Supper of Christ, receiving the Holy Body and Blood of Christ in the consecrated bread and wine.
Episcopalians can move around quite a bit during worship. Very generally, we sit when listening to Scripture readings and the sermon, we stand when singing hymns and other service music, and we kneel when praying corporate prayers. You are encouraged to do any, all, or none of these as you are comfortable. You may also see other outward signs of worship or reverence, such as the Sign of the Cross, bowing, genuflecting, or the raising of hands heavenward in praise. These practices reflect the diversity of worship throughout our church and the personal practices of our members. Again, feel free to participate – or not – as you are comfortable.
Holy Communion
Episcopalians believe in the “real presence” of Christ in the elements of Holy Communion. The bread and wine are consecrated by the priest during the Eucharistic Prayer and sanctified by the Holy Spirit to become the Body and Blood of the Lord. If you would like to receive, please approach the altar when invited by the Ushers and kneel or stand at the altar rail as you are comfortable.
As with other aspects of worship, there is a diversity of practice in how Episcopalians consume Holy Communion. You are welcome to receive the communion wafer separately from the wine, you may dip the wafer in the chalice when it is offered, or you may ask the priest to dip the wafer in the wine for you and place it directly on your tongue. You do not have to receive the wine at all if you prefer. If you do not want to receive Holy Communion but would like a blessing from the priest, simply approach the altar rail with the other worshipers and cross your arms across your chest when the priest approaches. The priest will offer a blessing for you.