WORSHIP WITH US

At Christ Church, we typically observe the Holy Eucharist on Sundays. Holy Eucharist includes a pattern of two-movement worship, emphasizing the Word of God and Sacraments. We also worship through the service of Morning Prayer when our vicar is away. In either case, our pattern of worship, or liturgy, is rooted in Scripture and holds deep meaning; indeed, everything that we do corporately has a purpose. 

 

Our music is stylistically classical. Traditional music, including the organ, choir, hymns, and chanted Psalms, is prominent in our services. We draw upon the great wealth of Anglican music to center us in worship. 

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For those unfamiliar with Anglican worship, we think the best way to understand it is to experience it. Nevertheless, you might be curious about what to expect when visiting us. The following paragraphs provide a very high-level synopsis of our liturgical pattern. 

 

Aides in Worship

We use the Anglican Church in North America's 2019 Book of Common Prayer as our chief guide in liturgy. Our worshipers primarily use two items in worship: the bulletin and hymnal. The bulletin contains a full printed liturgy from the Prayer Book with references to the respective pages if you prefer to use it. The bulletin also contains references to the hymnal, service music, and printed scripture readings for the day. 

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First Movement | The Word of God

You will likely hear a piano or organ prelude at Christ Church when you enter the worship space. The music serves as a call to worship, a time to quiet yourself and center your heart on God. A church leader will welcome and greet those in attendance and give announcements before the liturgy begins. After the announcements, the congregants stand for the Processional Hymn, where the cross is processed to the altar area. A series of prayers and music selections are employed to highlight the Sunday, the liturgical season, and humanity's relationship to God.

 

Anglican worship services contain many Scripture readings: on a typical Sunday, you can expect to read selections from the Old Testament, the Epistles, and the Gospels. At Christ Church, we chant the Psalm selection each Sunday. A homilist will preach a sermon, followed by the recitation of the Nicene Creed, Prayers of the People, Confession & Absolution of Sin, and the Passing of the Peace. 

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Second Movement | The Holy Eucharist

In preparation for the Holy Eucharist, an offering is taken, followed by the Doxology, where we give thanks to God for all that He has provided us. The celebrant then leads us through a series of responses and prayers, called the Sursum Corda, Preface, Words of Institution, Consecration, and Lord's Prayer. All baptized Christians are welcome to receive Communion at Christ Church, regardless of age. Those who are unbaptized or who otherwise do not wish to receive Communion are invited to come forward to receive a blessing. By crossing one's arms over the chest, a worshiper can signal to the priest their wishes to receive a blessing only. After receiving Communion, worshipers will join their voices in concluding prayers and hymns, before being sent out into the world. 

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For some, the liturgy is unfamiliar, and we certainly understand that reality! Don't be afraid to ask questions before the service or to reach out to someone sitting close to you if you are lost-our church family is more than willing to assist!