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Weekly Schedule for Holy Eucharist Wednesdays 12:00 HE Rite II (in the Chapel) Sundays 8:00am HE Rite I 10:15am HE Rite II |
ANCIENT RITES +TIMELESS MEANING
Worship at Saint James’ Episcopal Church
Worship at Saint James is corporate. We worship God together. What does
that mean? It means we are not passive participants in the worship of God. Sure,
a person could stay seated and quiet throughout our service, but he would miss
out on a great opportunity to participate. We unite our voices to the glory of God
through Jesus Christ by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Worship at Saint James needs everyone. Why? Because everyone has a role
to play! The clergy act as masters of ceremonies, or prompts, if you prefer,
guiding everyone through prayers and singing. They teach, preach, and lead
everyone in the celebration of the Holy Eucharist (which is why they are called
“celebrants”). The choir supports us all as we sing together. Members of the
congregation, called the laity (or laypersons or laypeople) lead readings from the
Bible, and help the clergy by serving as acolytes, crucifers (cross bearers), and
chalice bearers and servers in Holy Communion. Sometimes, a layperson will
speak in place of a sermon by a member of the clergy. At all times, worship is a
corporate and cooperative experience; it is never a “one-man show.”
Worship at Saint James is sacramental. We find our identity rooted in the
sacrament of Baptism, which is full initiation by water and the Holy Spirit into Christ’
s body, the church (BCP 298). So it is we are sacramental in our worship.
Sacraments are outward and visible signs of inward and spiritual grace, given by
Christ as sure and certain means by which we receive that grace (BCP 857).
Sacraments are sure ways we can experience the presence and grace of God. To
be sacramental is to be certain that the grace of God is made present in the world,
particularly in worship and the sacraments of Baptism and Eucharist. Our
experience of these sacraments governs our worship and our worldview, since
through them we know God is not distant but present with us in these acts and in
the world.
Worship at Saint James is ancient. Our rites, contained in the 1979 Book of
Common Prayer, have their basis in the oldest rituals of the Christian Church. We
conduct Baptism and Holy Eucharist in a way very similar to how the earliest
Christians did. The creeds we recite date to the first few centuries of Christianity.
Morning and Evening Prayer, as well as other devotions, have their roots in
monastic prayer that goes back centuries.
Worship at Saint James is timeless. Even with a foundation that is ancient, our
worship seeks to meet people right where they are now. A hallmark of the Anglican
tradition is the translation of rites and Holy Scripture into the language of the
people, and that continues to this day. Ancient hymn texts are renewed regularly
with fresh musical arrangements, and take their place alongside new hymns.
Prayers said for centuries anchor us to tradition, while the Holy Spirit continues to
move us to compose new prayers, some of which are written down and others of
which are said spontaneously. All of this is for the same reason the first Christians
lifted their voices in prayer and song: to celebrate the timeless truth of the
crucified and risen Christ from generation to generation.
What You’ll Experience
The ancient rites made new. Enter the church building and you’ll discover a
unique space with a long history and a vibrant present. As people gather for
worship, some kneel and pray silently before worship. Others greet one another.
Music fills the air. Sunlight fills the space, joyfully colored by the numerous stained
glassed windows. An usher/greeter will offer you a bulletin, which includes an
insert of the Holy Scripture to be read in the service. Settling in your pew, you will
notice two other “main ingredients” of our service: the hymnal and the Book of
Common Prayer.
Book of Common Prayer. The Book of Common Prayer (BCP) is a major
characteristic of the Anglican/Episcopal tradition, dating to the sixteenth century. It
represents the determination to ensure the words of worship remain accessible to
the people as well as the clergy, and a way to easily unite voices in worship to the
glory of God. Two thirds of the Book of Common Prayer are biblical, and the
prayer book includes the entire Book of Psalms. Worship follows the forms
described in the book, and even a newcomer can follow the service with relative
ease by following along in the prayer book. Also in the book are numerous
prayers and thanksgivings, as well as several historical documents of the church.
The Book of Common Prayer is a starting point for our worship together, and
although many of our prayers are written down, we do not limit prayer simply to
that which is in the book.
Stand. Sit. Kneel. Different parts of the service call for different activities of the
people. Generally speaking, we stand for hymns and the reading of texts from one
of the four Gospels, the Peace, and certain prayers. We sit for instruction – i.e. –
other Scripture readings, Psalms and the Sermon. We kneel (knees permitting) for
prayer and times of penitence.
Call to worship. The congregation stands and sings the opening hymn as the
choir, servers, and clergy enter. A cross leads the procession, a mark of the
crucified and risen savior who leads us all. After the hymn, the celebrant greets
the people and offers a prayer to begin the Liturgy of the Word.
Biblical. The Liturgy of the Word is the first main section of a typical Sunday
service. It includes prayer, hymns and readings from Holy Scripture. Normally it
includes a reading from the Old Testament, a Psalm, and a reading from the New
Testament. The Gospel is always read, during which time the congregation is
invited to stand in reverence. A sermon usually follows.
Response to the Word. After the sermon, the congregation recites the Nicene
Creed, which is the main statement of faith in the Christian church, and is said by
Roman Catholics, Lutherans, Orthodox, Anglicans and Episcopalians, and others
the world over. After the creed normally follows Prayers of the People, during
which the congregation is invited to kneel as able.
Remaining kneeling, the congregation then says a general confession of sin
together, after which a priest stands and proclaims God’s forgiveness.
The Peace. The congregation stands after the confession/absolution, and the
priest announces “The Peace of the Lord be always with you,” to which the
congregation responds, “And also with you.” The people then greet one another
in the name of the Lord, often with a handshake or hug. This can be a noisy but
joyful time in church. Those with children in children’s church or the nursery also
use this time to gather their children for Holy Communion. Announcements are
also made at this time.
The Great Thanksgiving. We call Holy Communion the Lord’s Supper, or the
Eucharist (literally “Thanksgiving”). The Holy Eucharist is the sacrament
commanded by Christ for the continual remembrance of his life, death, and
resurrection, until his coming again. It is our sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving,
and is the way by which the sacrifice of Christ is made present, and in which he
unites us to his one offering of himself. (BCP, 859) We believe in the “Real
Presence” of Christ in the bread in the wine; we truly encounter Christ in the
sacrament of his Body and Blood. However, we do not have a specific doctrine
(like transubstantiation or consubstantiation) as to how Christ becomes truly
present.
The sacrament of the Body and Blood of Christ we share in Holy Communion are
the gifts of God for the people of God (BCP 364). Therefore, all are welcome to
receive this holy sacrament at Saint James’ Episcopal Church.
Sending Out. After communion, the priest blesses and dismisses the people. The
congregation sings a final hymn as the clergy and choir process out, again led by
the cross. Everyone now is sent out to “do the work [God] has given us to do…as
faithful witnesses of Christ our Lord” (BCP 366).
Worship at Saint James’ Episcopal Church
Worship at Saint James is corporate. We worship God together. What does
that mean? It means we are not passive participants in the worship of God. Sure,
a person could stay seated and quiet throughout our service, but he would miss
out on a great opportunity to participate. We unite our voices to the glory of God
through Jesus Christ by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Worship at Saint James needs everyone. Why? Because everyone has a role
to play! The clergy act as masters of ceremonies, or prompts, if you prefer,
guiding everyone through prayers and singing. They teach, preach, and lead
everyone in the celebration of the Holy Eucharist (which is why they are called
“celebrants”). The choir supports us all as we sing together. Members of the
congregation, called the laity (or laypersons or laypeople) lead readings from the
Bible, and help the clergy by serving as acolytes, crucifers (cross bearers), and
chalice bearers and servers in Holy Communion. Sometimes, a layperson will
speak in place of a sermon by a member of the clergy. At all times, worship is a
corporate and cooperative experience; it is never a “one-man show.”
Worship at Saint James is sacramental. We find our identity rooted in the
sacrament of Baptism, which is full initiation by water and the Holy Spirit into Christ’
s body, the church (BCP 298). So it is we are sacramental in our worship.
Sacraments are outward and visible signs of inward and spiritual grace, given by
Christ as sure and certain means by which we receive that grace (BCP 857).
Sacraments are sure ways we can experience the presence and grace of God. To
be sacramental is to be certain that the grace of God is made present in the world,
particularly in worship and the sacraments of Baptism and Eucharist. Our
experience of these sacraments governs our worship and our worldview, since
through them we know God is not distant but present with us in these acts and in
the world.
Worship at Saint James is ancient. Our rites, contained in the 1979 Book of
Common Prayer, have their basis in the oldest rituals of the Christian Church. We
conduct Baptism and Holy Eucharist in a way very similar to how the earliest
Christians did. The creeds we recite date to the first few centuries of Christianity.
Morning and Evening Prayer, as well as other devotions, have their roots in
monastic prayer that goes back centuries.
Worship at Saint James is timeless. Even with a foundation that is ancient, our
worship seeks to meet people right where they are now. A hallmark of the Anglican
tradition is the translation of rites and Holy Scripture into the language of the
people, and that continues to this day. Ancient hymn texts are renewed regularly
with fresh musical arrangements, and take their place alongside new hymns.
Prayers said for centuries anchor us to tradition, while the Holy Spirit continues to
move us to compose new prayers, some of which are written down and others of
which are said spontaneously. All of this is for the same reason the first Christians
lifted their voices in prayer and song: to celebrate the timeless truth of the
crucified and risen Christ from generation to generation.
What You’ll Experience
The ancient rites made new. Enter the church building and you’ll discover a
unique space with a long history and a vibrant present. As people gather for
worship, some kneel and pray silently before worship. Others greet one another.
Music fills the air. Sunlight fills the space, joyfully colored by the numerous stained
glassed windows. An usher/greeter will offer you a bulletin, which includes an
insert of the Holy Scripture to be read in the service. Settling in your pew, you will
notice two other “main ingredients” of our service: the hymnal and the Book of
Common Prayer.
Book of Common Prayer. The Book of Common Prayer (BCP) is a major
characteristic of the Anglican/Episcopal tradition, dating to the sixteenth century. It
represents the determination to ensure the words of worship remain accessible to
the people as well as the clergy, and a way to easily unite voices in worship to the
glory of God. Two thirds of the Book of Common Prayer are biblical, and the
prayer book includes the entire Book of Psalms. Worship follows the forms
described in the book, and even a newcomer can follow the service with relative
ease by following along in the prayer book. Also in the book are numerous
prayers and thanksgivings, as well as several historical documents of the church.
The Book of Common Prayer is a starting point for our worship together, and
although many of our prayers are written down, we do not limit prayer simply to
that which is in the book.
Stand. Sit. Kneel. Different parts of the service call for different activities of the
people. Generally speaking, we stand for hymns and the reading of texts from one
of the four Gospels, the Peace, and certain prayers. We sit for instruction – i.e. –
other Scripture readings, Psalms and the Sermon. We kneel (knees permitting) for
prayer and times of penitence.
Call to worship. The congregation stands and sings the opening hymn as the
choir, servers, and clergy enter. A cross leads the procession, a mark of the
crucified and risen savior who leads us all. After the hymn, the celebrant greets
the people and offers a prayer to begin the Liturgy of the Word.
Biblical. The Liturgy of the Word is the first main section of a typical Sunday
service. It includes prayer, hymns and readings from Holy Scripture. Normally it
includes a reading from the Old Testament, a Psalm, and a reading from the New
Testament. The Gospel is always read, during which time the congregation is
invited to stand in reverence. A sermon usually follows.
Response to the Word. After the sermon, the congregation recites the Nicene
Creed, which is the main statement of faith in the Christian church, and is said by
Roman Catholics, Lutherans, Orthodox, Anglicans and Episcopalians, and others
the world over. After the creed normally follows Prayers of the People, during
which the congregation is invited to kneel as able.
Remaining kneeling, the congregation then says a general confession of sin
together, after which a priest stands and proclaims God’s forgiveness.
The Peace. The congregation stands after the confession/absolution, and the
priest announces “The Peace of the Lord be always with you,” to which the
congregation responds, “And also with you.” The people then greet one another
in the name of the Lord, often with a handshake or hug. This can be a noisy but
joyful time in church. Those with children in children’s church or the nursery also
use this time to gather their children for Holy Communion. Announcements are
also made at this time.
The Great Thanksgiving. We call Holy Communion the Lord’s Supper, or the
Eucharist (literally “Thanksgiving”). The Holy Eucharist is the sacrament
commanded by Christ for the continual remembrance of his life, death, and
resurrection, until his coming again. It is our sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving,
and is the way by which the sacrifice of Christ is made present, and in which he
unites us to his one offering of himself. (BCP, 859) We believe in the “Real
Presence” of Christ in the bread in the wine; we truly encounter Christ in the
sacrament of his Body and Blood. However, we do not have a specific doctrine
(like transubstantiation or consubstantiation) as to how Christ becomes truly
present.
The sacrament of the Body and Blood of Christ we share in Holy Communion are
the gifts of God for the people of God (BCP 364). Therefore, all are welcome to
receive this holy sacrament at Saint James’ Episcopal Church.
Sending Out. After communion, the priest blesses and dismisses the people. The
congregation sings a final hymn as the clergy and choir process out, again led by
the cross. Everyone now is sent out to “do the work [God] has given us to do…as
faithful witnesses of Christ our Lord” (BCP 366).
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For more information please use the following links: Acolytes Altar Guild Baptism Confirmation Children’s Chapel Nursery Weddings |