Worship at Saint John's
Sunday Worship at Saint John's is a reflection of the changing seasons and Holy days throughout the year. The selection of readings, vesting colors and variation of spoken and sung prayers are all ways we use the liturgical arts to express our praises to God.
Holy Eucharist
The service of Holy Eucharist is the traditional expression of worship in the Episcopal Church. The service consists of two parts, "The Word of God" and "Holy Communion". During this service you will hear scripture read from the Old and New Testaments, a sermon provided by a member of our clergy, prayers for our community and the world, and the celebration of the Lord's Table.
Holy Eucharist Rite Two is the most common service at Saint John's during the seasons of Advent (December), Epiphany (January), and after Pentecost (June-November). It begins in the Book of Common Prayer on page 355.
A more traditional form of this service (Rite 1) is used during the season of Lent (February/March).
Morning Prayer
Even on Sundays when our clergy are unable to be present at Saint John's, we gather as a community to pray and sing. Morning Prayer has a rich history and before 1979 was the primary form of worship across most of the Anglican Communion. Many elements of this service were adapted from the rhythms of prayer found in monastic communities. During this service you will hear readings from the Old and New Testament, read responsive, sing Psalms and Canticles, and pray for the community and the world. Often, a member of the church or visiting preacher will also provide a reflection on the readings.
Morning Prayer begins in the Book of Common Prayer on page 75.
Sung Mass
Saint John's is a historic church and retains many worship traditions that many often refer to as "high church". These include the singing of the Sursum Corda and Eucharistic prayers, asperges of Holy water, the use of incense, and elaborate vestments.
On Holy days throughout the year (such as Easter and Christmas) and throughout the Season of Easter you will find some of these unique liturgical arts incorporated into the worship service.