Liturgy Tour FAQ
What is liturgy?
The word “liturgy” comes from the Greek word leitourgia, which means “the work of the people.” Today, liturgy often refers to the practice and form of orderly, common worship. But more broadly, liturgy can be understood as an action by which a group of people becomes something corporately which they had not been merely as a collection of individuals. When we participate together in the liturgy, we are cooperating in the work of fulfilling the Church; of bringing Christ present and bearing witness to him and his kingdom in the world.
How should I receive communion?
In communion, you receive a gift: Christ’s gift of himself to you in his body and blood. You receive the gift of the bread (or host) by extending a palm out flat and allowing the minister to place the host in the palm of your hand.
You can receive the wine (or cup) in two ways. First, you may drink from the cup. As the Chalice Bearer holds the cup, you may touch its base, guide it to your mouth, and drink directly from it. Afterward, the Chalice Bearer will wipe the rim where you drank with a linen purificator, and rotate the chalice to prepare for the next person. Alternatively, you may dip your host into the cup (also called intinction). If you have children who receive by intinction, please have your child give the host to the Chalice Bearer, and the Chalice Bearer will dip the host into the cup for them.
Drinking from a common cup has been the historic practice. It is deeply rooted in our tradition, and it functions as a symbol that underscores important core beliefs. Among other things, drinking from a common cup symbolizes our unity in Holy Communion. If you have concerns around the hygiene of receiving from the common cup, know that studies have not found any connection between receiving from the common cup and increased risk of illness. We encourage you to come to clergy with any concerns, or to conduct your own research.
Finally, if you choose to forego either the bread or the wine for health or personal reasons, be assured that the Church has discerned that a faithful reception of one kind is likewise a faithful participation in both the Body and Blood of Christ.
What is distinctive about Anglican worship?
Anglican beliefs are derived from historic Christianity, with roots in the theology of the early church and incorporating the developments of the medieval and Reformation eras. These beliefs are summarized in our corporate creeds and confessions. Anglican worship is based in the Book of Common Prayer, and centers on the Eucharist, which is celebrated every Sunday (and on special feast days throughout the year). Worship is focused not on ourselves, but on the Triune God. It is also communal in that everyone participates. Finally, worship unites us to the larger Christian story in that we join in the worship of Christians all over the world and throughout time and history.
Why do clergy wear vestments?
In the early days of the church, there was no special dress for ministers. But we may assume that out of reverence and respect, they wore their “Sunday best” when celebrating the holy mysteries. Over time, this tradition became formalized in the practice of wearing vestments, and today wearing vestments serves both ceremonial and practical purposes. First, because they are not worn in everyday life, they help cultivate a sense of the sacred as we enter into divine worship. Second, vestments serve to deemphasize the individuality of the person who wears them, and places the focus on the One in whose name he/she serves. Third, vestments inform the congregation who is serving in which liturgical role (e.g., celebrant, deacon, acolyte).
Why and when should I make the Sign of the Cross?
The Sign of the Cross gathers up the whole Christian faith into one symbol, and in making the Sign of the Cross, you identify yourself with that whole faith, especially with the mystery of Christ. As embodied creatures, we are encouraged to worship with our entire bodies, and making the Sign of the Cross during worship allows you to participate bodily in worship. You will often see the Sign of the Cross made during worship at sacred points and/or as tradition suggests. These include: at the beginning or end of important points in the service; when invoking the Trinity; when receiving a blessing or absolution from the priest; when praying for the dead; and at moments of special importance such as the elevation of the bread/wine or before/after receiving communion.
Why are there so many Scripture readings in the service?
In every service, you will normally hear three readings from Scripture: from the Old Testament, the New Testament (epistles or Acts), and the Gospel. We also pray (or chant) a Psalm together. The readings are assigned from a Lectionary to make sure we hear from all parts of the Bible throughout the year. Hearing the Word of God has always been of central importance to the Anglican tradition, and each type of reading serves a special purpose. For instance, the Psalms, as the Israelites’ hymnal, connect us to our spiritual ancestors (including Jesus) by allowing us to sing and pray the same words that they did. We read the Gospel each week to hear directly from Jesus, and the Gospel book is processed down among the people to signify God becoming flesh and dwelling among us in the person of Jesus. All together, the readings and the way they are presented help prepare our hearts and minds to receive Eucharist.
Why are the sermons so short?
Typically, an Anglican sermon (or homily) will last between 10-15 minutes. This may be short compared to some denominations. But it reflects that, while important, the sermon is not the most important thing that happens during our service. The intent of the sermon is to help explain the Word of God, which has just been read, to the congregation, bridging the gap between the ancient words of the Bible and the specific context of the listeners. Its function is to prepare us for the real focus of the worship service: the Eucharist.
How are the Prayers of the People written?
The Prayers of the People are an important part of our Sunday liturgy. After the People have heard the Word proclaimed in the Scripture readings and sermon, the People are given an opportunity to respond by offering our prayers to the Lord. The Book of Common Prayer offers a form for the Prayers of the People, but often churches will write their own based on the need and concerns of their local context, and this has been the case at our church. We have specially crafted our Prayers in discernment with the People.
Because these are the Prayers of the People, the People are given an opportunity to add to them each week. You can write in special prayer requests--for the sick, the oppressed, and for those who have died, on a sheet found on the Welcome Table, and these will be included in the Prayers for that week. You can also make special prayer requests by emailing prayer@rezaustin.com.
Why do we have communion every Sunday?
Over the course of church history, the frequency of communion has changed. Scripture suggests a daily celebration (Acts 2:46), but at various points its celebration was much less frequent. As Anglicans, we believe that the Eucharist is the sacrament of ongoing incorporation into Christ, where Christ takes us to himself by giving us his very self. (Davison, 30). Given its importance, it is appropriate to celebrate communion at every Sunday gathering of our community.
What “happens” to the bread and wine during communion?
First off, it’s important to understand that the bread and wine cannot be isolated from the liturgy. The Eucaristic liturgy “is one transforming act and one ascending movement … [with] the very goal to take us out of ‘this world’ and to make us partakers of the world to come.” (Schmemann, 54). But this world is our same world already perfected in Christ, but not yet in us. In the Eucharist meal, we partake of the food of this new life we receive from God in his Kingdom: Christ himself. Just as in his earthly life, in the Eucharist, Christ comes to be present with us, to unite us to God and to each other.
Exactly how Christ becomes present to us is a mystery. In receiving the bread and wine we believe that we receive the body and blood of Christ and their grace, but we can leave open the means by which it happens.
Who can receive communion?
As Anglicans, we believe that the Eucharist transcends our current denominational divisions, being a gift from God. “It is a gift from that future when we are fully reconciled to God and to one another.” (Davison, 49). On this basis, all baptized Christians regardless of denomination are welcome to receive communion at our church.
What are the qualifications for a priest?
The qualifications to become a priest (or deacon) vary depending on the denomination and diocese. To become a priest in our denomination (ACNA) and diocese (C4SO), a person must go through a rigorous preparation process. First, the person must have a seminary degree, which typically requires 3-4 years minimum of academic study. Second, the person undergoes an extended process of discernment and assessment with the diocese to ensure they are theologically, vocationally, and emotionally ready to be ordained. This includes written examinations, psychological assessments, background checks, and discernment committees. All priests must first be ordained and serve as deacons, who undergo a similar, although somewhat less rigorous, process for ordination.
Recommended Resources:
The Anglican Way by Thomas McKenzie
For the Life of the World by Alexander Schmemann
Why Sacraments? by Andrew Davison
