Collect of the Day.  The priest concludes the Gathering by leading a prayer that summarises the spiritual theme of the day.

The Liturgy of the Word.

SCRIPTURE LESSONS:  The Anglican Church uses a lectionary that assigns the readings for each Sunday.  In the course of a three year cycle, we read through most of the biblical text.  Usually there are three readings: a text from the Old Testament, a text from the New Testament, and from the Gospels. Reading Scripture is based on  ancient forms of Jewish worship.

Old Testament reading.  What we call ‘Old Testament’ is in fact the Hebrew Scriptures referring to God’s first promise to Israel through Abraham. Jesus and his disciples would have heard and studied these writings. The New Testament refers to the new covenant or promise made by God to humanity through Jesus.  There is a response from the people after each reading – ‘Thanks be to God.’

Psalm.  Psalms are ancient Hebrew hymns Christians and Jews have sung for thousands of years

New Testament (Epistle).  These readings are mostly from letters or Epistles written by Paul and other evangelists offering comfort or instruction to the newly formed Christian churches.
 
A Gradual Hymn is usually sung after the New Testament Reading. “Gradual’ comes from the Latin word ‘step’ and the hymn is sung whilst the reader walks down to where the Gospel will be read.

Gospel (from the old English words ‘God Spell’ meaning ‘good news’). Because the Gospels provide our best picture of Jesus, we honour the Gospel reading with a procession from the altar with a book containing the four Gospels and we stand as we attend to their truth. A set of responses – as set down in the Order of Service – occurs before and after the Gospel. It is customary for all members of the congregation to face the reader, even if this means turning sideways in the pew.

Sermon.  Following the readings the priest (or other preacher) seeks to proclaim God’s love reflected in the texts, applying them as much as possible to current issues in the church and the World
. 
Prayers and Intercessions

The Creed.  After the sermon, we stand and recite the Nicene or the Apostles’ Creed.

These are creedal statements that summarise the basic beliefs of the Christian faith, these creeds were formulated early in the Church’s history. ‘Credo’ literally means to ‘place your heart’. As followers of Jesus, we place our very hearts and lives in Gospel of Jesus.

 Prayers for the People – (In the Order of Service  usually at page 8.) Prayer is an essential part of the In the Christian’s life. Our liturgy frames our prayer by reminding us of the dimensions of our existence. In our prayers, we name members of our parish who are ill, as well as parishioners who have recently died.

Confession of Sin.  Having heard the Word of God, affirmed our faith using the Creed and offered prayers for our various needs and concerns, we take a moment to prepare ourselves for Communion through confession, confident in God’s forgiveness, as we gather our thoughts about how we understand sin in our lives and take stock of that for which we are truly sorry and hope to correct. Confession has two main parts; identifying the sin and the intention to address it.
  While we recite the words together in a general form, it is intended that in our hearts, we reveal the particular intentions to God. 
The priest then stands and offers absolution (forgiveness) for our sins through Jesus Christ.  The priest reminds us of the words of scripture that assures us of God’s love for all His creatures. 

The Peace.  Following the confession, we stand and offer a sign of peace to our neighbours.  This is in line with the scriptural admonition
that  if you have a grievance with your brother or sister go settle it before you offer your gift at the Altar.  This is much more than ‘saying hello to your neighbour’, but rather is a symbol of regard for each person.

Holy communion.

A hymn is sung as we bring forward the bread and wine for our Holy Communion. Alms platters are passed among the congregation gathered for worship. This offering supports the mission and ministry of our parish and beyond. Our stewardship of God’s gifts to us is expressed in our gifts to the ministry of the Church.

Sursum Corda. Holy Communion begins with the salutation between the celebrant and the people, with the priest, (or a cantor), exhorting the people to ‘lift up your hearts’. This invitation asks people to place their hearts and minds on the kingdom of Heaven where indeed God reigns.

Sanctus and Benedictus.   This text comes from Isaiah as the prophet finds himself in the presence of God and ‘cries  holy unto the Lord’. It is a deep expression of praise that speaks to the majesty of God.

Eucharistic Prayer.  Our Eucharistic prayer expresses our profound thanksgiving to our Creator, Redeemer and Sustainer. We recall the ‘words of institution’ that scripture tells us Jesus used on his last night on earth in the meal he shared with his disciples. As Anglicans, we affirm the Real Presence of Christ in our Eucharistic celebration.

The Lord’s Prayer. When Jesus taught his disciples this prayer it was a summary of all prayers. Placed in our liturgy at this place it again becomes the summation of our prayers to God in Blessing the Bread and Wine

Agnus Dei.  Immediately following the breaking of the bread, we pray to Christ as the perfect sacrificial offering who atones for the sins of the world: ‘Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world, have mercy on us.’

Receiving the Sacrament.

We practice “Open Communion” in our Church. If you are a baptised Christian you are most welcome to receive the Blessed Sacrament with us. Opportunity is given to receive both the bread and the wine. To receive simply place your overlapped hands in front of the minister and the host (wafer) will be placed in your hands. Other ministers will follow behind with the chalices of wine, from which you may either sip or dip your wafer.  

During the taking of Communion the Choir will sing an anthem.

 

THE SENDING OUT OF GOD’S

During the taking of Communion the choir will sing an anthem.

 

The Sending Out of God’s People.  The priest will say the post-communion prayer, after which a final hymn will be sung.  This will be followed by any announcements necessary for the coming week, after which the Benediction will be sung.

 

The Blessing. The priest will give the traditional blessing, which will be followed by a minister entreating us to go into the world to love and serve the Lord.

 

At the End of the Service.  Whilst the organist plays a postlude, the choir, sacristans and priest will proceed to the back of the church, where a departure prayer will be said. People may continue to enjoy the organ music as they sit in their pews.

 

 

After the Service