WORSHIP

The Service

You are always welcomed at Saint Anne. Sometimes, though, going to a new church can make you feel a bit uneasy. Here is some information you can read first if you'd like to know more about us.

Where we worship

The narthex (place just inside the main doors. )

-You will be greeted by ushers and/or a hospitality minister who will give you a service bulletin to guide you through the service, they can answer any questions you may have or introduce you to someone who will sit with you and guide you through our liturgy, should you desire that. Worshippers will be gathering in the narthex, greeting one another, and will happily greet you as well.

The Nave (main worship space)

As you enter the nave, you will notice an atmosphere of quiet reverence in the few minutes prior to the beginning of worship. Most of our worshippers cherish that quiet moment to make a transition from the world outside into the spirit of God's house. You will also notice some activity, as acolytes light candles, the altar party assembles, and members of the altar guild put items in place for our celebration of Holy Communion.

Three Prominent Symbols of the Episcopal church

1. Baptismal Font - As you enter the nave you will see in the back center the baptismal font. You will also find baptismal fonts on each entrance hanging from the wall. Baptism is the rite of Christian initiation, by which we become full members of the church, or body of Christ. The font is appropriately placed at the entrance, since that is our entry into the Christian life.

2. Chancel - At the front of the nave is a space enclosed by a rail, called the chancel. Inside the chancel on the right is the lectern, from which lay readers read the lessons. In the center of the chancel is the altar, or table. Following the Liturgy of the Word, the vessels and book used in the celebration of the Eucharist are placed on the altar, and the priest stands behind it, facing the people during the Eucharistic prayer when the elements of bread and wine are consecrated, or blessed. The font and altar are symbols of the two sacraments instituted by Jesus Christ (baptism and Eucharist); the lectern symbolizes God's word proclaimed among God's people.


3. Altar Candles - On each side of the altar are candles to remind us that Christ is the "Light of the world." Most of the time there are flowers at the altar; except for Advent and Lent. Above the altar hangs a large cross; the cross recalls, for Christians, the death of Jesus Christ and his subsequent resurrection, leading to eternal life. You will also notice that a smaller cross is carried by the crucifer in processions, as are two torches that accompany it.

How we worship

In the Episcopal Church we refer to our worship services as liturgy, which comes from two Greek words meaning "the work of the people." Thus the congregation actively participates in the worship experience; in fact, a priest may not celebrate Eucharist without a congregation. Underneath the chairs in front of you, there will be the Book of Common Prayer, which enables the congregation to share fully in every service. In addition, you will also find a Hymnal from which most of the music we sing is taken. Hymn numbers are located on the worship bulletin.
A word about posture: Some people joke about "Episcopal aerobics," and it's true that we do change our posture often during our liturgy. In general, we sit to listen (except for the Gospel), and stand to sing, to recite the creed (our corporate statement of belief), and during the beginning of the Eucharistic Prayer . We kneel to confess our sins and receive absolution. During the Prayers of the People, and the Eucharistic Prayer, some will kneel and some will stand. The same is true for receiving communion. Kneelers are provided for comfort at the chancel rail, but some prefer to stand to receive. The choice is yours, and both are acceptable and time-honored prayer postures. Of course, those for whom the changing of positions is difficult or impossible are welcome to maintain a posture comfortable to them throughout the liturgy.

Taking the first step

What's the first step? Coming to Saint Anne, perhaps. Or, if that seems too quick, perhaps giving our Rector, the Reverend Gerald Sevick a call. Without any pressure, without any obligation, you can ask him any questions you want. He’ll also be happy to schedule time to visit with you in person, if that's what you'd prefer.
In any case, the doors of Saint Anne are wide open for you. And they always will be -- whether you become a parishioner or not.