How We Worship
At Christ Church, worship is the heart of everything we do.
We believe that human beings are made for fellowship with God and find our true fulfilment in relationship with God. Our practices of worship are guided by the Book of Common Prayer. The liturgies in the Prayer Book are rooted in ancient Christian practice and thoroughly saturated by Holy Scripture. In this sense, our worship is both “catholic” and “reformed,” as we embrace the historic twofold pattern of Sunday worship: Word and Sacrament.
Because all human beings are created for worship, we believe that worship is the work of the whole people of God. Every Christian, from the oldest member to the youngest child, from the visitor in the back pew to the priest at the altar, has a vital role.
For this reason, our liturgy is highly participatory. You will see people stand, sit, kneel, bow, or make the sign of the cross. If you are unfamiliar with these practices, you can simply follow along to the extent that you are able and feel comfortable doing so. You will also hear the back-and-forth of the congregation and clergy speaking to one another and to God.
Music is especially participatory at Christ Church: mostly-volunteer musicians lead plenty of vigorous congregational singing. Again, we encourage you to join in.
Finally, our worship is participatory because, Sunday after Sunday, we receive Jesus’ own gift of his love and presence in the consecrated Bread and Wine of Holy Communion.
All followers of Jesus, who have been baptized in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, who are seeking to live in repentance of sin, and who desire to receive the Lord’s presence at his Table, are welcome to receive Communion at Christ Church. Those who are not yet baptized Christians, or for some other reason are not prepared to receive, are encouraged to come forward and cross their arms over their chest to receive a blessing.
As we encounter God through Scripture and Sacrament, we are transformed. As worship becomes the pattern of our lives, we become more truly what we are called to be: the Body of Christ. Therefore, at the end of the liturgy, we are sent out in the power of the Holy Spirit to bear God’s presence into the world and share the love of Jesus with everyone we meet.
Our liturgy of Holy Eucharist begins each Sunday at 8am and 10:45.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What should I wear? Is there a dress code?
All are welcome as they are, but it is appropriate to set this time apart by wearing our “Sunday best.” Please avoid dressing in ways that are immodest or intended to draw attention to oneself. We show honor to God when we “worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness” (Psalm 96:9).
Can I bring my cup of coffee or tea to the service?
We ask that everyone refrain from bringing open beverages into the liturgy. Instead, we invite you to join us for coffee and fellowship downstairs after the service concludes. If you need to bring a bottle or snacks for infants or young children, please use a sealable container.
What if I don’t know when to kneel, or stand, or cross myself? What if I don’t want to?
No one is required to engage in any of these physical acts of prayer, and there are no “liturgical police” watching to see whether you get them right or not! You are welcome to observe or participate as you are able, and to the extent that you feel comfortable doing so. After the service, feel free to ask someone sitting near you what they do and why. Or meet with one of our priests during the week to learn more. We are always happy to answer questions!
