What is Episcopal Worship?

The Episcopal Church is often referred to as a “liturgical church.” This means that all Episcopal congregations across the country follow basically the same format for worship. We listen to stories from the Bible and from a preacher who relates those stories to our lives. We speak prayers of joy and concern for ourselves and for others, and we sing songs to help express our feelings. We celebrate Holy Communion (sometimes called “Holy Eucharist”) every Sunday, so our sanctuaries tend to place the altar as their central focus.

Communion is a way in which we enter personally into the story of Jesus and his disciples. It is designed to evoke in us the memory of the last meal Jesus shared with his closest friends before he was crucified. We accept our place at the Table of the Lord, with all its privileges and responsibilities. We join together with one another as the Body of Christ. We celebrate God’s abundant love.

At St. John’s, all are invited to come to the altar at the time of communion to share in the bread and wine (or juice), or to simply receive a blessing from the priest. For those with difficulty with mobility, the priest visits them at their seats.