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Join us:
Sunday morning Adult Forum – 9:00 AM
Sunday Holy Eucharist – 10:30 AM
Children’s Sunday School during the 10:30 service

Wednesday Evening Cursillo Reunion Group 6:00 PM

Thursday Morning Prayer 8:00 AM

A Guide to the Holy Eucharist

An Episcopal Church service can feel structured and unfamiliar at first, but once you see the flow, it’s actually very intentional and welcoming. Most Sunday services are called the Holy Eucharist (Communion), and they follow a pattern that’s been used for centuries.

Here’s a simple, newcomer-friendly walkthrough of what happens—and what each part means:

1. The Gathering

Purpose: Bringing everyone together to prepare for worship

  • Processional Hymn – The service often begins with music while clergy and choir walk in. This symbolizes the community coming together.
  • Opening Acclamation – A short call-and-response like “Blessed be God…” sets a sacred tone.
  • Collect for Purity – A prayer asking God to prepare our hearts and minds.
  • Gloria (or another song of praise) – A joyful hymn praising God.

Meaning: This whole section is about shifting from everyday life into a sacred, shared space.

2. The Liturgy of the Word

Purpose: Hearing and reflecting on Scripture

  • Readings – Usually three:
    • Old Testament
    • Psalm (often read responsively)
    • New Testament
  • Gospel Reading – A reading from the life/teachings of Jesus (everyone often stands for this).
  • Sermon – The priest or preacher explains the readings and applies them to daily life.
  • Nicene Creed – A statement of shared Christian beliefs.
  • Prayers of the People – The congregation prays for the church, the world, and those in need.
  • Confession & Absolution – A moment to admit wrongs and receive assurance of forgiveness.
  • The Peace – People greet each other (“Peace be with you”).

    Meaning: This is about learning, reflection, and reconnecting with both God and each other.

3. The Liturgy of the Table (Holy Communion)

Purpose: Sharing in the Eucharist, the central act of worship

  • Offertory – Bread, wine, and sometimes money are brought forward.
  • Eucharistic Prayer – A long prayer of thanksgiving. It retells the story of Jesus’ last meal and asks God to bless the bread and wine.
  • Sanctus (“Holy, Holy, Holy”) – A sung response during the prayer.
  • Consecration – The priest blesses the bread and wine.
  • The Lord’s Prayer – The prayer Jesus taught.
  • Breaking of the Bread – Symbolizes Jesus’ body broken for the world.
  • Communion – People come forward to receive bread and wine (or just a blessing if they prefer).

Meaning: This is the heart of the service—remembering Jesus’ sacrifice and sharing in a symbolic meal of unity and grace.

4. The Sending Forth

Purpose: Being sent back into the world with purpose

  • Post-Communion Prayer – Giving thanks for the sacrament.
  • Blessing – The priest offers a final blessing.
  • Recessional Hymn – A closing song as clergy and choir leave.
  • Dismissal – A sending-out statement like “Go in peace to love and serve the Lord.”

Meaning: Worship doesn’t end at the church door—you’re sent out to live it.

A few helpful tips for your first visit:

Everyone is welcome to participate as they feel ready—there’s no pressure. 

You’ll sit, stand, and sometimes kneel—just follow others or do what feels comfortable.

Books like the Book of Common Prayer guide the service, but many churches print everything in a bulletin.