The Episcopal Church is a liturgical church, which means that at the heart of our life is our Sunday worship. Each Sunday we celebrate the Holy Eucharist, the original and most ancient form of Christian worship, instituted by Jesus himself. In the Eucharist we don’t just “say,” we “do.” This service is also called Communion or Mass. Our worship is drawn from the Episcopal Book of Common Prayer, often called the most beautiful liturgy in the English language. You’ll find that Episcopalians value beauty in worship, and the kind of structure which allows all worshipers to feel at ease and participate. Weekly bulletins help you find your way.
The first half of the service is the “Word of God.” We hear readings from the Bible and a short sermon or homily connecting them to our daily lives. (Check out Recent Sermons for a sample.) We offer prayers for the sick, for the needs of the world, and for other concerns. Parishioners lead these prayers and read the lessons; sometimes they participate in sermons and always they are actively involved in other aspects of the service.
The second half is the “Holy Communion,” in which we consecrate bread and wine and the congregation shares these as the Body and Blood of Christ. All who are baptized (including children) are welcome to receive Communion; others may come forward for a blessing.
- Vessels prepared for the Eucharist.
The Vanderbilt Divinity Library has put together a helpful site for daily prayer and reflection using the Revised Common Lectionary. Go here to find it.