Visit St. Paul's Church
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If you are new to the Episcopal Church the following may be helpful:
The Order of Service is in the Sunday Bulletin. The order follows the Book of Common Prayer 1979 (BCP, the red book in the pews), which is the authorized prayer book of the Episcopal Church. The Principal Sunday worship service is the Holy Eucharist. It is also known as the Lord’s Supper, Holy Communion, The Divine Liturgy, and the Mass. At the Holy Eucharist the Faithful are brought into the Presence of Christ in His Life, Death, and Resurrection, until his coming again. The Peace: This is a sacred greeting of the Faithful at The Holy Eucharist, and may be exchanged by a handshake or brief hug. In cold and flu season some members exchange a bow, or (very gently) knock elbows. The greeting is assumed to be in the Name of the Lord Jesus, and may include the words, “Peace” or “Peace in the Lord.” |
Communion: All baptized Christians are welcome to receive Communion at St. Paul’s Church. If you would prefer a blessing at the Communion Rail please cross your arms over your chest to alert the Priest. Holy Communion is administered in the form of bread and wine. You may consume in one or both kinds and be assured that you have fully received Holy Communion. Some members stand to receive Communion, others kneel. Both are correct. Some people would prefer to kneel, but are no longer able, and so they stand. If you have difficulty getting to the rail, please alert an usher and Communion will be brought to you.
Sit, Stand, or Kneel? Episcopalians do a lot of all three. Normally we stand for hymns, the Gospel reading, and to affirm our faith as we say the Creed. Some members stand for prayer, and others kneel. Both are traditional positions of prayer and acceptable. |