Episcopalians worship in many different styles

SUNDAY is traditionally when Episcopalians gather for worship. The principal weekly worship service is the Holy Eucharist, also knows as: the Lord's Supper or Holy Communion. In most Episcopal churches, worship is accompanied by the singing of hymns, and in some churches, much of the service is sung. Episcopalians worship in many different styles, ranging from very formal, ancient, and multi-sensory rites with lots of singing, music, vestments, and incense, to informal services with contemporary music. Yet all worship in the Episcopal Church is based in the Book of Common Prayer, which gives worship a familiar feel, no matter where you go. Worship in the Episcopal Church is said to be "liturgical," meaning that the congregation follows service forms and prays from texts that do not change greatly from week to week during a season of the year. In spite of the diversity of worship styles in the Episcopal Church, the Holy Eucharist always has the same components and the same shape. This sameness from week to week gives worship a rhythm that becomes comforting and familiar to the worshipers.

For the first time visitor, the liturgy may be exhilarating...or confusing. Services may involve standing, sitting, kneeling, sung or spoken responses, and other participatory elements that may provide a challenge for the first time visitor. However, liturgical worship can be compared with a dance: once you learn the steps, you come to appreciate the rhythm, and it becomes satisfying to dance, again and again, as the music changes.

All baptized Christians - no matter age or denomination - are welcome to receive communion. Episcopalians invite all baptized people to receive, not because we take the Eucharist lightly, but because we take our baptism so seriously. Visitors who are not baptized Christians are welcome to come forward during the Communion to receive a blessing from the priest.