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Like Christians around the world, we believe that Jesus Christ died on the cross for the salvation of the world and was resurrected three days later as expressed in the Apostles’ and Nicene Creeds. We believe in the Holy Scriptures, understood by faith, reason and tradition.
The Episcopal Church upholds the Bible as the inspired Word of God, containing all things necessary to salvation. The Book of Common Prayer, is a primary symbol of our unity as we, who are many and diverse, come together in Christ through our worship and our common prayer. It guides our worship together with the principle that the way we pray shapes what we believe. Approximately 70% of the Book of Common Prayer comes directly from the Bible.
Sunday Worship
Sunday Worship
"You are sealed by the Holy Spirit in Baptism and marked as Christ's own forever"
(BCP pg. 308).
Worship services at Grace Church are liturgical — following a set order of prayers. Collects, Old and New Testament lessons, Psalms, and Gospel readings are based on the church calendar. The sameness and continuity of the liturgy with music and song gives comfort and a spiritual familiarity to our worshipers, involving the whole person and all of the senses in congregational participation. At Grace Church, the Sunday Eucharist contains two liturgical focal points: The Word of God and Holy Communion, which are found in the Book of Common Prayer.
The Word of God and Creeds
The Word of God and Creeds
“The Creeds are statements of our basic beliefs about God”
Our service begins with a procession led by the Crucifer, followed by the choir, servers or acolytes and the priest. Lessons are read from the Old and New Testament, the Book of Psalms and a reading from one of the Gospels. The sermon or homily follows with a recitation of the Nicene Creed and the Confession of Sin. The Peace of the Lord is passed to our neighbors with a handshake or a warm greeting.
In the two foundational statements of faith – the Apostles’ Creed used at Baptism, and the Nicene Creed used at Communion, we join Christians throughout the ages in affirming our faith in the one God who created us, redeemed us, and sanctifies us.
The Sacraments
The Sacraments
“The sacraments are outward and visible signs of inward and spiritual grace, given by Christ as sure and certain means by which we receive that grace.” (BCP p. 857)
The two great sacraments given by Christ to his church are Holy Baptism and the Holy Eucharist.
Holy Baptism is a full initiation by water and the Holy Spirit into the Body of Christ, the Church. Baptism marks the beginning of a new life in Christ. In the waters of Baptism, we are adopted as God’s children and made members of the Body of Christ. A person may be baptized at any age. For inquires about receiving the sacrament of Holy Baptism for you or a member of your family, please contact the church office.
The Eucharist in the Episcopal Church is often referred to as Holy Communion, or the Lord’s Supper. It is considered the principal act of worship and is celebrated at Grace Church every Sunday. The elements of bread and wine are consecrated by the priest and consumed by the people of God, who feed on Christ in their hearts by faith, with thanksgiving.
Additionally we recognize these additional sacraments:
Confirmation (adult re-affirmation of Baptismal vows)
Reconciliation (private confession)
Holy Matrimony (Christian marriage)
Holy Orders (ordination of Bishops, Priests and Deacons)
Holy Unction (anointing the sick)
Holy Communion
Holy Communion
"Do this in remembrance of me" (BCP pg. 362).
The second portion of our service is the Great Thanksgiving where we unite with all of creation seen and unseen in the praise of God. This part of the service includes the offering and consecration of the bread and wine by the priest, as together we proclaim the mystery of faith: Christ has died, Christ is risen and Christ will come again.
This is followed by the Lord’s Prayer, and then the distribution of the bread and wine, or Holy Communion. All are welcome to come to the communion rail for the bread and the wine, or to receive a blessing from the priest. You may either stand or kneel at the communion rail. The service concludes with prayers and the dismissal.
In the same manner as the service began, the service ends with a recessional hymn and organ postlude.
Do you not know? Have you not heard? The LORD is the everlasting God, the creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom.
Isaiah 40:28
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