Holy Eucharist, Rite I
This is a more traditional service with some music but no choir.
Rite I Eucharist in the Episcopal Church is a reverent and traditional celebration of Holy Communion, drawing on the beauty and depth of Elizabethan English. Rooted in the 1662 Book of Common Prayer, this liturgy emphasizes penitence, humility, and a sense of sacred mystery. Rite I incorporates traditional language such as “thee” and “thou,” and its prayers reflect a deep sense of God’s majesty and grace. While it preserves the ancient rhythms of Anglican worship, Rite I still centers on the timeless Eucharistic celebration, inviting worshipers to partake in the Body and Blood of Christ and be nourished in their spiritual journey.
Holy Eucharist, Rite II
This service is a bit more contemporary in its use of language. There is also more music and a full choir present.
Rite II Eucharist in the Episcopal Church offers a more contemporary expression of Holy Communion while remaining faithful to the rich liturgical heritage of Anglican worship. Using modern, accessible language, Rite II invites the congregation into an inclusive and participatory celebration of God’s grace and presence. This rite emphasizes community and joy, reflecting the church’s mission to love and serve God in a rapidly changing world. With prayers and responses drawn from ancient Christian traditions and adapted for today, Rite II embodies a spirit of renewal and connection while centering on the transformative gift of Christ’s Body and Blood.
Holy Eucharist with Prayers for Healing
This service is held in St. Mary’s Chapel and includes readings, prayers, a homily, litany for healing and the Holy Eucharist. Parishioners and non-parishioners alike attend this lovely and intimate service. The Healing Eucharist is not long; we usually leave by 12:45 p.m. Please know all are invited to reflect, pray, and participate in the Eucharist in our beautiful chapel.
On the first Wednesday of each month, we continue our fellowship over lunch (Dutch treat) at a neighboring restaurant. Come, taste and see that God is good.
Lessons and Carols
Lessons and Carols is a beloved tradition in the Episcopal Church that weaves together scripture and music to tell the story of God’s redemptive plan, from creation to the birth of Christ. Rooted in the Anglican heritage, this service typically features nine scripture readings interspersed with carols, hymns, and anthems that reflect on the themes of the readings. The service’s beauty lies in its simplicity and ability to inspire worshipers through word and song.
Ash Wednesday
Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of the season of Lent, a time of self-examination, repentance, prayer, fasting, and self-denial. In the Ash Wednesday liturgy, drawn from the Book of Common Prayer, we are reminded of our mortality with the solemn words, “Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return.” This day invites us to reflect on our need for God’s mercy and grace as we prepare our hearts for the joy of Easter.
Palm Sunday
Palm Sunday marks the beginning of Holy Week and commemorates Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem. The service includes the blessing of palms and a joyful procession, recalling the crowds who welcomed Jesus with shouts of “Hosanna in the highest!” It then transitions into the solemn reading of the Passion, inviting us to journey with Christ through the suffering that leads to the glory of the Resurrection.
Maundy Thursday
Maundy Thursday commemorates the institution of the Lord’s Supper and Jesus’ command to love one another as He loves us. The service includes the washing of feet, recalling Jesus’ humble act of servanthood, and the celebration of the Eucharist, remembering the gift of His body and blood. The liturgy then concludes with the solemn stripping of the altar, symbolizing the abandonment and betrayal Jesus faced before His crucifixion.
Good Friday
Good Friday is a solemn day commemorating the crucifixion and death of Jesus Christ. The service includes the reading of the Passion narrative, prayers for the Church and the world, and the veneration of the cross. It is a time for reflection on Christ’s sacrifice, the depth of His love, and the cost of our redemption, inviting us to draw near to the mystery of the cross and prepare for the hope of the Resurrection.
Easter Vigil
The Easter Vigil is the first service of Easter and marks the culmination of the Paschal Triduum. The liturgy begins in darkness, symbolizing the tomb, and moves into the light of Christ’s resurrection with the lighting of the Paschal Candle. It includes the retelling of salvation history through scripture, the renewal of baptismal vows, and the first Eucharist of Easter. The Vigil invites us to rejoice in Christ’s victory over death and the dawning of new life.
Easter Sunday
Easter Sunday is the joyous feast of the Resurrection, proclaiming Jesus’ victory over sin and death. As every Sunday is an Easter service of sorts, our Easter Sunday services include readings, a sermon, prayers, and the celebration of the Holy Eucharist, where we give thanks for the new life offered through Christ. It is a day of rejoicing and renewal, as we are reminded that through the power of the Resurrection, we are made alive in Christ.
Blessing of the Animals
Each year, on or near the feast of St. Francis of Assisi, we gather on our back lawn with our beloved furry, feathered, and even scaly companions for a special service of blessing. After joining together for Evening Prayer, clergy walk among the gathered pets and their humans, offering individual blessings for each animal. This joyful tradition celebrates the sacred bond between humans and their animal companions, reminding us of God’s love and care for all creatures great and small.
