Worship at the Rez
We want as many people as possible to participate in the things we do, say, and sing in worship. If you have never been to an Anglican church, you may feel bewildered by the standing, sitting and the way we all seem to know when to say what during the service. We’ve found it takes some getting used to, but that such things greatly enrich our worship experience.
We use three things to assist us in worship:
- Bulletin: This weekly sheet handed out before the service is an overview of what is happening at the Rez.
- The Bible: This is our source book. Everything we do and believe is measured against the standard of God’s word written. The Bible contains many different kinds of writing (poetry, prose, history, prophecy, letters, and more) and together we are called to learn and apply these timeless truths to our lives today. Though written by inspired people two millennia ago, we know that God still speaks to us through its stories and pages today. The pages for the Bible readings on any given Sunday are those of the Bibles found in the pews.
- The Projection Screen: Our service is projected onto a screen at the front of the church. We put all announcements, words to the songs and the different parts of our liturgy (when the leader will be saying certain things, and what we say in response) on this screen. The service order is also found in a booklet in the pews. Check the Bulletin for what type of service we’ll be celebrating each Sunday (or you can find our usual schedule here).
What is Communion? Can I take it?
Communion is a re-living of the meal that Jesus offered his followers the night before he died. He said that his followers throughout time could eat this meal and remember that he gave his life for us. Communion is also called the Holy Eucharist (“eucharist” is a Greek word meaning “thanksgiving”).
At the Church of the Resurrection, communion begins with prayers and statements throughout the service, which prepare us to remember — these are in the Service Booklet or projected onto the large screen.
When it is time for communion, the sidespeople (ushers) motion for people sitting at the front to get up first and form a single file line up the stairs on the right side of the aisle past the choir pews, where they wait for the first available spot at the communion rail. It is more orderly if we pick the first available spot to the right.
At the communion rail, we kneel with hands cupped (if we are receiving communion), or with arms folded over (like an X), if we would simply like a blessing. When we receive the bread, we may take it right away, or we may wait and dip it in the wine when it comes.
If you have been baptized, and take communion at your home church, you are welcome to take communion here. Children may receive communion when their parents feel they are old enough to understand its significance and have prepared them to come to the table. Anyone is free to come up to receive a blessing, including children and people who haven’t been to church before.
What happens at the end of the service?
After the blessing, we invite you to join us for coffee, refreshments, and socializing at the back of the church. Prayer ministry is also offered by trained volunteers at the communion rail.
