The Episcopal Church of the Advent

At the Episcopal Church of the Advent the center of our common worship life is the Holy Eucharist.  In the Eucharist or Holy Communion or the Mass we hear the Word of God in scripture, offer our common prayers, offer our thanksgiving for the work of Christ and celebrate the presence of Christ in our midst. 

Our common worship life or liturgy is taken from the Book of Common Prayer. 

Our Episcopal or Anglican tradition is rich and varied drawing on the literary tapestry of ancient prayer, Anglican chant, and great old hymns.  Depending on the day and the season our worship will tend toward the simplicity of a said service or the majesty of one in which we sing as much as we are able.  Typically we use the modern form of language from the Prayer Book; but on some occasions we use more traditional forms that that would have been familiar to prior generations. 

On most Sundays the 8 A.M. service is said without an organ.  The 10:30 A.M. service includes the organ, congregational singing and for much of the year the ministry of our Advent Choir and the bell choir.  At the 10:30 liturgy the Sunday school children join us for communion. The Noon Thursday Holy Eucharist is a simple said service, an opportunity to reflect and pray.              

At celebrations of the Holy Eucharist it is the tradition of the Advent community to take time to offer anointing and prayers for the healing of those present and those in need of prayer. Feel free to join us in this simple but compelling sacramental experience.             

For us the communion at the Holy Eucharist is an experience of the real presence of Christ.  In our tradition the altar at which we celebrate is Christ’s table and not our own.  All who have been baptized in any part of the Christian tradition are welcome to receive the bread or the wine or both.   If you do not wish to receive, you are also welcome to join us in community simply by coming to the altar rail for a blessing.  If you desire a blessing just let the priest or deacon offering communion know.