We thought you might like to know what to expect to make you feel more comfortable ahead of attending. Please feel free to worship the way you like and add to the variety.
There is a weekly bulletin with a service outline in the back of the church, just inside the big double doors.
Worship
Episcopalians say they generally, sit to learn, stand to sing, and stand or kneel to pray. There is no right or wrong. But if you see people standing or kneeling here and there, you will know why. Some folks mostly sit, some mostly stand. If you can’t or don’t want to kneel at the altar rail for communion, standing is fine. Raising hands is also welcomed but not common or expected. Just be yourself.
If you are on a Zoom Service, there is no Communion. Morning Prayer Rite II can be found online on Page 75. https://www.bcponline.org. Go to the Table of Contents and under the Heading of Daily Office, scroll down to Morning Prayer.
As with all Zoom events, you can mute yourself and show or hide your video and participate in any conversation or prayers by unmuting. These Services are NOT recorded. Remember to Contact the Priest ahead of time for the link. Once you have the link, you can join the next week with the same link. Save it in your Calendar or a note.
Books in the Pews
We follow the 1979 Book of Common Prayer for the order of service and prayers. We use the 1982 Hymnal and the supplemental Hymnal, Lift Every Voice for added richness. Occasionally our priest, pianist or guitarist will introduce other suitable, inspiring music.
The priest or lay reader, will often announce the page number in the Book of Common Prayer so we can follow along. Books are in the pews: RED for most prayer books – look for the cross on the front, BLUE for Hymnals, BLACK for Bibles, and RED AND BLACK for Lift Every Voice Hymnals. Alternatively, you are welcome to just listen or get lost in your own thoughts. God is with us all.
Music
At the 8:00 am service we have recordings that our Priest Don chooses to compliment the scriptures for the day. At the 10:30 am service, Hymns and Songs of Praise are chosen by our priest or music director, to complement the readings. We have a pianist and bassist to cover live music for many of the same pieces as the early service recordings.
Words are provided in the Service Bulletin at the back of the church. if you need music, many are in the one of the two Hymnals. You are welcome to share your beautiful voice with all of us, make a joyful noise or simply listen.
Communion or Eucharist
We celebrate Communion as Holy Eucharist Rite II at both services — 8:00 and 10:30 am. Eucharist means “thanksgiving.” We come to the altar rail to receive as the bread and cup are passed. We use real wine. The liturgical assistants will hand you the cup so you can hold it comfortably to your mouth. You may choose to hold the host and dip it into the cup when it comes to you.
If you want to pass on the wine, just keep your head down or wave the cup on. If you need to stand to receive communion, that is fine also. If you are concerned about passing germs on due to a cold, the best way is to pass on receiving the cup or dipping. Since COVID, we now have pre-packaged blessed hosts with a tiny drop of wine for those who do not want to take the cup for any reason.
The Peace
At Emmanuel, we like to greet everyone robustly (i.e. “Holy Hugs!”) but we respect those who prefer a handshake or a wave and a smile. 🙂
After the Service
You are welcome to head home or find your way to the lounge for a cup of coffee, tea, or cocoa. To find the lounge, exit toward the left front of the church and turn right just past the staircase. Continue around to the right through the lounge for the restroom.
Thanks for coming! We hope you find Emmanuel an inspiring place to worship God!
Free Store
We have a Free Store in the back of the church for those who need food. You are welcome to help yourself after the service. Bags are provided. Some people bring food to share, some people take food. Help yourself from God’s Bounty. That is what it is there for!
