WORSHIP AT RESURRECTION: An Introduction to the Episcopal Way

When you enter the church you will be given a service sheet and in the pocket of your pew you will find a red hymnal (H), and The Book of Common Prayer (BCP),  Just follow along in your service sheet and you will be directed by Father Massey as to when to stand, to knell, and to be seated.   Of the many aspects of our worship service, the Holy Eucharist is the most revered among them.

What is Holy Eucharist?

The Holy Eucharist, also known as Holy Communion or the Lord’s Table, is the central act of Christian worship. In the Episcopal tradition, it is a sacramental meal where bread and wine are shared as the body and blood of Jesus Christ.

How to Receive Holy Eucharist

All baptized Christians are welcome at the Lord’s Table. Come to the altar rail and take the next available place. Our custom is to kneel at the rail, but you may stand if it is more comfortable.  First, you will be given bread by Father Massey which will be followed with wine presented to you by one of our Lay Eucharistic Ministers.  You may consume the bread and sip the wine from the cup or dip the bread into the wine before consuming it.  After receiving communion, please return to your pew.   If you are abstaining from wine you may return to your pew after receiving the body of Christ.

Receive a Blessing

If you or your children would prefer to receive a blessing rather than communion, simply come forward to the altar rail and cross your arms across your chest. This signals to the priest to bless you.

All Children are Welcome at the Lord’s Table

All baptized Christians – no matter their age – are encouraged to come to the altar rail for Holy Communion or a blessing.  Those children who prefer not to receive communion may receive a blessing instead by immediately crossing their arms across their chest.  Some parents allow their children to receive the bread and then receive full communion once they have been confirmed in The Episcopal Church.  There is no right or wrong decision regarding your baptized Christian child receiving communion or a blessing.  Do what your family is comfortable with for your child.

Holy Baptism

In The Episcopal Church, holy baptism is the full initiation by water and the Holy Spirit into Christ’s body, the Church, marking individuals as Christ’s own forever. It is a sacrament of new birth, forgiveness of sins, and is generally performed once for all time whether for infants or adults using holy water.

Confirmation

Episcopal confirmation is a sacramental right where baptized individuals make a mature, public commitment to Christ and renew their baptismal vows receiving the laying on of hands by a bishop. It serves as a personal affirmation of faith and marks a deeper initiation into The Episcopal Church and the wider Anglican communion. Candidates usually engage in classes to explore Christian commitment and Anglican theology of scripture, traditional, and reason.

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