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The worship of the Episcopal Church, part of the world-wide Anglican
Communion, is participatory. Since the first Book of Common Prayer in
1549, Anglicans the world over have joined their voices together in our
common worship. We all participate in readings, hymns and prayers. You
are encouraged to offer yourself to this experience so that you may be
spiritually nourished by it.
Participation may be confusing at
first. The Book of Common Prayer as well as a Hymnal are used each
week. Generally, the words we say are in the Prayer Book and music is
in the Hymnal. All service music, indicated by an “S” number, is in the
front portion of the Hymnal. Canticles and other songs are also in this
portion. Traditional hymns are indicated by a numeral only, and are in
the back portion of the Hymnal. If you are not an Episcopalian and the
books become overwhelming, please ask someone near you for assistance.
Ushers will provide a bulletin that includes page numbers from the
Hymnal and Prayer Book.
All baptized Christians are invited to
share with us in receiving the bread and wine of Holy Eucharist. When
you kneel or stand at the altar rail, place one hand over the other and
receive the bread in your open palm, then lift it to your mouth. Take
the chalice of wine by the base and guide it to your lips. It is also
appropriate to intinct, or dip, the wafer in the chalice.
Children are welcome at the Lord’s Table, and as soon as possible after
Baptism, are encouraged to participate in Eucharist by receiving the
bread and the wine. Persons who have not been baptized are invited to
come to the altar rail and kneel to receive a blessing from a priest if
they so desire. You may cross your arms over your chest as a sign that
you do not desire to receive Communion.
If you are baptized, you are already a member of the Church, the Body
of Christ. Transfer of membership is as easy as having the date of your
baptism recorded in our membership records. Please contact Donna in the
church office (585-9090 ext. 1229) (email)
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for instructions. However, it is expected that all adult members of The
Episcopal Church, after appropriate instruction, will have made a
mature public affirmation of their faith and commitment to the
responsibilities of their Baptism and will have been confirmed by a
Bishop of this church or by a Bishop of a Church in communion with this
church. If you are already a confirmed Episcopalian and wish to become
a confirmed communicant here, you should request a Canonical Letter of
Transfer from your former parish to The Church of the Advent. Call our
office and our secretary will write a request for a transfer for you
and members of your family.
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