Worship at Calvary
Sunday is traditionally when Episcopalian's gather for worship. The principal weekly worship service is the Holy Eucharist, also known as the Lord's Supper, Holy Communion, or Mass. In most Episcopal churches, worship is accompanied by the singing of hymns, and in some churches, much of the service is sung.
Worship Styles
Episcopalian's worship in many different styles ranging from very formal, ancient, multi-sensory rites with lots of singing, music, fancy clothes (called vestments) and incense, to informal services with contemporary music. Yet all worship in the Episcopal Church is based in the Book of Common Prayer, which gives worship a familiar feel, no matter where you go.
Liturgy and Ritual
Worship in the Episcopal Church is said to be "liturgical", meaning that the congregation follows service forms and prays from texts that don't change greatly from week to week during a season of the year. This sameness from week to week gives worship a rhythm that becomes comforting and familiar to the worshipers.
For the first-time visitor, liturgy may be exhilarating or confusing. Services may involve standing, sitting, kneeling, sung or spoken responses, and other participatory elements that may provide a challenge for the first-time visitor. However, liturgical worship can be compared with a dance: once you learn the steps, you come to appreciate the rhythm, and it becomes satisfying to dance, again and again, as the music changes.
The Holy Eucharist
In spite of the diversity of worship styles in the Episcopal Church, Holy Eucharist always has the same components and the same shape.
All Are Welcome
All baptized Christians - no matter age or denomination - are welcome to receive communion. Episcopalian's invite all baptized people to receive, not because we take the Eucharist lightly, but because we take our baptism so seriously.
Visitors who are not baptized Christians are welcome to come forward during Communion to receive a blessing from the presider.
At the end of the Eucharist, the congregation prays once more in thanksgiving, and then is dismissed to continue the life of service to God and to the world.
Further Reading
For further information about "What to Expect When You Visit" and the liturgy, please visit the 'Visitor's Center' at the Episcopal Church of the United States.
The Lectionary
A Liturgical calendar for the upcoming weeks with links to the Lessons from the Episcopal Lectionary (BCP) and Revised Common Lectionary (RCL) are available for your reading interests by following this link.
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