The Episcopal is a Liturgical Church

Our Sunday morning begins with refreshments in Parish Hall followed by a congregational march to the Sanctuary, enjoying nature's beauty and the many blessings God bestows upon us.  Our worship is formalized.  We use candles, art, music, and prayer.  The Rev. Borrego wears seasonal vestments. We believe that the Holy Spirit is still active in our midst and may still lead us to new undertandings of God's will for the world.  

 Stand for the Gospel

 Sit to be Taught

 Kneel to Pray

 

The Liturgy of the Word


We begin by praising God through song and prayer, and this is followed by readings from the Bible. One from the Old Testament, a Psalm, something from the Epistles, and a reading from the Gospels. This is followed by a sermon interpreting the readings appointed for the day. We then recite the Nicene Creed, written in the Fourth Century and a statement of our beliefs.

 

Next, the congregation prays together—for the Church, the World, and those in need. We pray for the sick, thank God for all the good things in our lives, and finally, we pray for the dead.

 

In certain seasons of the Church year, the congregation formally confesses their sins before God and one another, followed by a pronouncement of absolution.  In pronouncing absolution, the presider assures the congregation that God is always ready to forgive our sins. We then greet one another with a sign of “peace.”

 

Peace of The Lord – Exchange of the Peace

 

This passing of the peace is a time when we all recognize we are reconciled in Christ Jesus. It is a time when we participate in the reconciling love of God.  We can’t love God if we can’t love one another.  It is an essential task of the church to help break down the walls of division and bring forgiveness, even in the toughest of times.  This is what we are enacting as we pass the peace each Sunday.  It is an act of resistance against the forces of division and hate in our world. The Peace of the Lord Be with You.

 

The Eucharist

 

In the Eucharist we offer our thanks to God for his gifts to us and the life, death and resurrection of his Son our Lord Jesus Christ. The color for this day reminds us of the season of the Church Year. Holy Communion is the Eucharist mass. This is a meal for Christians and a foretaste of the heavenly banquet. All persons who have been baptized, and are part of the extended family, are welcome to receive the bread and wine, and be in communion with God and each other. The Holy Eucharist can be found on pp. 316-399 of the Book of Common Prayer.

 

The Gathering

 

We return to Parish Hall for refreshments

 

 

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