Episcopalians are defined foremost by our worship, which is based on the most ancient rites of the Christian Church. We are guided by the 1979 Book of Common Prayer and the prayerbook tradition of Anglicanism. The primary act of worship in the church is the Holy Eucharist (also known as Holy Communion, the Mass, the Divine Liturgy, and the Great Thanksgiving). The form and function of the Holy Eucharist is the basis for many other acts of worship in the church, including baptism, marriage, and burial.
YOU ARE INVITED AND WELCOME TO PARTICIPATE FULLY IN ALL ASPECTS OF OUR WORSHIP.
Sunday Morning Worship features the Rite II form of the Holy Eucharist. Ministers and people pray together both silently and aloud, and together give thanks for our creation, redemption, and sustaining by God. In doing so, there is kneeling, standing, sitting, and interacting with each other. The Rite II features modern langage. Prayers A and B are the most frequently used, fitting a traditional form but using modern language. Prayer C is an alternative form noted for its references to space and (implied) evolution. Prayer D is a prayer developed in conversation with other denominations and the Roman Catholic Church. We also make use of alternative prayers available from other churches in the Anglican Communion, as well as supplements to the prayerbook from a series called Enriching Our Worship.
We use the Bible extensively in all our services. Prayers are often either direct quotes or adaptations of passages of Holy Scripture. We also use two lectionaries (scripture reading sequences): a 2-year cycle for the Daily Office, and a 3-year cycle called the Revised Common Lectionary for Sunday worship. These lectionaries cover most of the Bible, and ensure preaching and reflection covers more than just our favorite verses and stories.
