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Worship
WORSHIP IN THE EPISCOPAL CHURCH
In some denominations it is the Word of God that takes center stage and Communion takes a back stage, meaning we do it occasionally or even quarterly. Whenever Episcopalians gather we celebrate the Eucharist (Holy Communion) at our Sunday services. Why? First of all, we do so because we believe each time we offer the Communion we share in the good news of the Risen Lord. Second, whenever we worship by way of Holy Communion, we know it is as important as God's Word. It is our belief that both are of equal importance.
As Episcopalians, the Book of Common Prayer, which guides the worship, brings together prayers that Christians have used for quite some time. With prayer one is lifted to God with the hopes and thanks of our own lives today. We read and listen to scripture, hear a sermon, sing hymns of thanks and praise, and celebrate the mystery of our faith through communion of bread and wine. Sunday worship we call "the Eucharist" (meaning "the thanksgiving") because we come to give thanks for all God is doing in our lives and in the world.
In The Episcopal Church Sermons are also important. Sometimes we share what is called a Homily (a more brief, reflective Sermon), but normally our Sermons last somewhere between 12 and 15 minutes. But regardless of who preaches or how long it is, our hope that as people leave they feel more loved of God than when they first arrived.
WORSHIP AT ST. LUKE'S
Worship at St Luke's a welcoming and spiritual experience.
Based upon the traditions instilled from it's Founder and first Rector, Alexander Crummell.
Our worship is inviting; it is very participatory and always inclusive. It is both traditional and contemporary, and our adult choir is heavenly. It is true that we stand, sit, and kneel a lot. Because of all of these spiritual calisthenics, it is hard to fall asleep in an Episcopal Church. But whatever the case, worship should be a joyful experience. And it is such an experience that brings about change in people's lives. We hope that you will come and worship with us.
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