Worship

A typical Sunday morning, 10 A.M. at St Paul’s / Emmanuel, and it’s time for worship. The bells ring, the chimes play a hymn, and then the organist plays a prelude. Worship proceeds with the choir, acolytes and pastor processing and singing the opening hymn played by the pianist.

The opening of worship today follows the traditional Episcopal liturgy. The choir sings special music and the scriptures are read by the lay reader and someone from the congregation. A contemporary song is sung between the New Testament and the Gospel reading. The spirit is high, as this congregation loves to worship our awesome God.

The Pastor’s sermon is preached from the center aisle, right among the worshipers, and he bases his relevant messages on the scriptures. The creed follows, so that we say something of what we believe. Next the congregational liturgical prayers come and are heart felt.

The passing of the peace (greeting each other in God) is an important part of the service. This is a time to fellowship with each other. (Our peace passing usually is five minutes or more.) This closes the first half of worship. After the offering is taken, the offertory is played.

The communion service begins. This part of the worship is drawn from “enriching worship” of either the Episcopal or Lutheran resource and is changed according to the season. Worshipers are given the choice of kneeling or standing during the ritual part of communion depending on their preference. The wine and bread are served using words from both the Lutheran and the Episcopal traditions. The choir offers music during the communion and the congregations sings a hymn. The announcements come at the end of the worship, and then a final hymn is sung after the dismissal.

Our Pastor is licensed in both the Episcopal and Lutheran traditions, and this is truly a wonderful combination of the best of both with an emphasis on unity.

Worship is usually followed with coffee and fellowship in the Social Hall. During Lent, a simple soup is offered for lunch as we prepare for the passion season.

Our congregation has been described as a very warm and welcoming one. We welcome everyone from all traditions and backgrounds. This is God’s house of prayer for all people.