Demystifying Episcopal Worship

A Guide for Newcomers & Curious Souls

Welcome to worship at St. James Episcopal Church! The Episcopal Church is part of a liturgical tradition, which means our services follow a meaningful, structured rhythm—connecting us to centuries of Christian prayer and practice. If you’re new here, this guide will help make sense of what you’re seeing, hearing, and experiencing. No tests, no pressure—just a helpful companion as you worship with us.

 

🕊️ General Terms

  • Liturgy – The structured order of worship; from the Greek leitourgia, meaning “the work of the people.”

  • Book of Common Prayer (BCP) – Our primary worship book, full of prayers, services, and sacraments.

  • Lectionary – A scheduled set of Scripture readings assigned for each Sunday and season.

  • Liturgical Calendar – The Church’s cycle of seasons (Advent, Lent, Easter, etc.) that shape our worship life.

 

🙋‍♀️ People You’ll See in Worship

  • Celebrant – The priest (or bishop) who leads the service and presides at Communion.

  • Deacon – An ordained minister who assists in worship and often reads the Gospel.

  • Acolytes – Youth or adults who assist by carrying the cross, lighting candles, or helping at the altar.

  • Lector – A layperson who reads the Old and New Testament readings.

  • Chalice Bearer (Eucharistic Minister) – A layperson licensed to help distribute the wine at Communion.

  • Verger – A lay leader who helps organize the service and guide the processions (if you see a staff, that’s them!).

 

🎶 Parts of the Service

  • Processional – The opening hymn and entrance of clergy and lay leaders.

  • Collect – A short prayer that “collects” the themes of the day.

  • Lessons – Readings from the Old Testament, Psalms, and New Testament letters.

  • Gospel – A reading from Matthew, Mark, Luke, or John—usually read with reverence and procession.

  • Sermon – A reflection from the priest connecting Scripture to real life.

  • Nicene Creed – A shared statement of faith, spoken together.

  • Prayers of the People – Intercessions for the church, the world, and those in need.

  • Confession of Sin – A prayer of honest confession followed by God’s assurance of forgiveness.

  • The Peace – A moment to greet one another: “Peace be with you!”

  • Offertory – A time to offer gifts of money, bread, and wine in thanksgiving.

  • Doxology – A brief hymn of praise as the offerings are presented.

 

✝️ The Holy Eucharist (Communion)

  • Sanctus – The song “Holy, Holy, Holy” sung just before Communion begins.

  • Eucharistic Prayer – The central prayer recalls Jesus’ Last Supper and offers bread and wine to God.

  • Epiclesis – The part of the prayer where we call on the Holy Spirit to bless the bread and wine.

  • Fraction – The breaking of the bread—symbolizing Christ’s body broken for us.

  • Agnus Dei – The “Lamb of God” prayer before Communion.

  • Communion – Receiving the consecrated bread and wine, understood as Christ’s Body and Blood.

  • Post-Communion Prayer – A closing prayer of gratitude after receiving Communion.

 

🕯️ Closing Moments

  • Blessing – A final prayer for God’s grace and guidance.

  • Recessional – The final hymn as clergy and leaders exit.

  • Dismissal – The priest, deacon, or worship leader sends us out into the world:
    “Go in peace to love and serve the Lord.” Response: Thanks be to God!