WORSHIP

Worship in The Episcopal Church

The Episcopal Church (as Anglicans in America are known) worship in a way that combines the liturgical tradition of the Church with scripturally based teaching and preaching. Thus, Episcopalians consider themselves to be Christians who are members of a Church that is both catholic (drawing on the worship and order of the early, undivided Church in the first five centuries) and protestant (valuing the reforms brought about by the Reformation in the 16th century).  Accordingly, the Sunday morning Service of Holy Eucharist consists of two parts, beginning with the Liturgy of the Word, followed by the Liturgy of the Table.

Worship in The Episcopal Church is liturgical; it is also sacramental.  Sacraments are "outward and visible signs of inward and spiritual grace, given by Christ as sure and certain means by which we receive that grace." (Catechism, 1979 Book of Common Prayer, p. 857)  Episcopal doctrine recognizes two main Sacraments:  Baptism and Holy Eucharist.  In addition, the five other Sacraments (or sacramental rites) are recognized:  Confirmation, Ordination, Unction (annointing with holy oil), Reconciliation, and Holy Matrimony (marriage).

Worship at St. John’s, Huntingdon is traditional, making use of the 1979 Book of Common Prayer, the 1982 Hymnal, and a book of "St. John's Favorite Hymns" drawn from Lift Every Voice and Sing, and Wonder Love and Praise.

"O Almighty God, who pourest out on all who desire it the spirit of grace and of supplication:  Deliver us, when we draw near to Thee, from coldness of heart and wanderings of mind, that with steadfast thoughts and kindled affections we may worship Thee in spirit and in truth; through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen."  

Prayer Before Worship
Book of Common Prayer, p. 833