"Liturgy" means "the work of the people".

The Book of Common Prayer is the liturgical book that explains the doctrines and practices of the Episcopal Church. It contains the texts of public worship services, creeds and prayers, and private devotions. Rooted in the early history of the English Church, it made the liturgy accessible to the people and allowed a fuller participation in church services.

Together with the Bible and the authorized Hymnal, the Prayer Book is one of the foundations of the Episcopal Church. It is suited to a variety of traditional and contemporary styles of worship, gives instructions for each service, pointing out how the laity and clergy should share the liturgy, and embraces the fullness of Christian doctrine and faith through the proclamation of the Gospel and scriptural readings.

There is something for every congregation.

The Holy Eucharist is the central act of worship in the Episcopal Church. Celebrated every Sunday and on other major feasts in the Christian year, it is the holy meal of bread and wine that unites us with the risen Christ.

Instituted by Christ, the Holy Eucharist

• Recalls Jesus' words and actions at the Last Supper,
• Renews and strengthens our union with Christ and our fellow Christians,
• Allows us to express our thanks for Jesus' sacrifice,
• And enables us to share in Christ's sacrifice by receiving the holy meal of bread and wine.

The celebration of the sacrament is divided into two parts.

Part I - The Word of God

• The Introduction,
• The Collect of the Day, which summarizes the theme of the particular day,
• The Lessons (Old and New Testament, Gospel),
• The Sermon, expanding upon the theme of the Eucharist,
• The Prayers of the People,
• The Confession of Sins,
• and the Peace - an exchange or greetings among all present.

Part II - The Celebration of Holy Eucharist

• The Offertory - offerings of bread, wine, money and other gifts are brought forward,
• The Great Thanksgiving - the celebrant consecrates the bread and wine and offers a prayer of praise and thanks to God,
• The Lord's Prayer - the entire congregation joins in reciting this familiar expression of faith and praise,
• The Breaking of Bread - bread is broken as a symbol of Christ's broken body and sacrifice,
• The priest distributes the blessed Sacrament to the communicants, with words of administration,
• And the service ends with a post-communion prayer, a blessing, and a dismissal.

The Sacrament of the Holy Eucharist can enrich your life!

Join in this celebration of thanksgiving for God's love for us.

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