Episcopalians worship in many different styles, ranging from very formal, ancient, and multi-sensory rites with lots of singing, music, fancy clothes (called vestments) and incense, to informal services with contemporary music. No matter the style, all worship in the Episcopal Church comes from The Book of Common Prayer, which gives worship a familiar feel, no matter where you go.
Worship in the Episcopal Church is “liturgical,” meaning that services are organized around a set form of rites and ceremonies. Our services and prayers don’t change a lot from week to week. Over time, this sense of consistency gives worship a rhythm that becomes comforting and familiar to worshipers.
THE HOLY EUCHARIST
The Holy Eucharist, also called the Lord’s Supper or the Mass, is the central act of worship in the Episcopal Church. At Holy Spirit, the Eucharist is celebrated at least two times each week: on Sunday mornings at 8:30 and 10:30. In the Eucharist, we hear God’s Word proclaimed in Holy Scripture and participate in the sacrament of Christ’s Body and Blood, present in bread and wine. All are welcome and encouraged to fully participate in the Eucharist. If you would rather not receive Communion, you are welcome to come forward to the altar rail to receive a blessing from the priest. You may indicate your preference for a blessing by crossing your arms over your chest.
MORNING PRAYER
Morning Prayer is part of the ancient, monastic tradition of praying the Daily Office, which originated in the Jewish tradition of praying at various times throughout the day. In The Book of Common Prayer, there are four services included in the Daily Office: Morning Prayer, Noonday Prayer, Evening Prayer, and Compline (Night Prayer). Each service (or office) includes special prayers and readings from Holy Scripture. Before the current version of the Prayer Book, Morning Prayer was considered to be the primary form of worship in most Episcopal parishes on Sunday mornings. Now, it is mostly used as a daily prayer service for private prayer or as a group. At Holy Spirit, we occasionally use the office of Morning Prayer on Sunday mornings if there is no priest present.