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What to Expect during
Worship
It’s
sometimes uncomfortable to walk into a new church for the
first time. All who enter St. John's are welcome.
Do I sit, stand or kneel?
You may notice some people standing and some kneeling during parts of the
worship, the bulletin notes when to stand, sit or kneel.
We stand when singing, affirming our faith (the Nicene Creed), and during the reading of the
Gospel. We sit during the other readings from the Bible, the sermon and the announcements.
Kneeling or standing is acceptable during prayers. Please do what you are
able and be comfortable.
Each worship offers
scripture readings, reflecting the meaning in our lives, prayer, confession and
absolution. We gather at the altar rail around God’s table,
accepting new life through the Holy Eucharist before returning to the outside world to continue
God’s work. Eucharist is the term for Holy Communion which means Thanksgiving. During the
Eucharist we express our gratitude for and remembrance of the love of God for us expressed in his
life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. We receive many spiritual benefits such as
forgiveness, strengthening of our relationship with Christ and with one another, and spiritual
nourishment.
We use wine and not grape juice. If you
wish, the chalice bearer will “intinct” (dip) the Communion wafer into a small
amount of wine, instead of drinking from the cup. Those who want to receive bread but not
wine simply cross their arms in front of their chests after they receive the bread, and may
by-pass the cup of wine altogether. When you receive the Body and Blood you should respond to
the message by saying "Amen".
The Episcopal Church practices
open communion. All baptized Christians are welcome to receive the bread and/or wine. You need
not be an Episcopalian to participate.
If you have any questions, please ask an usher or member of the
clergy.
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When is Worship