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The procession

The bell will ring and everyone stands and sings the opening hymn. 

The opening prayer or collect

Everyone stands

The Gloria

An ancient hymn of praise to God.  Everyone stands and sings.

The Old Testament Lesson

Everyone sits as a member of the congregation reads the lesson appointed.  At the end the reader says, "The word of the Lord." The people respond, "Thanks be to God."

The Psalm

After a short period of silence to reflect on the lesson we sing a selection from the Psalms.  The words are printed in the Service Order Bulletin.  We remain seated. This is the one exception to our stand to sing tradition.

The New Testament Lesson

Everyone sits as a member of the congregation reads the second appointed lesson.  At the end the reader says, "The word of the Lord." The people respond, "Thanks be to God."

A hymn

We stand to sing a hymn.  During this time the Book of Scriptures is brought, in procession, to the place from which the Gospel will be proclaimed.

The Gospel

Everyone stands for the Gospel reading.   The priest or deacon will announce the gospel and everyone responds with, "Glory to you, Lord Christ."  During the introduction of the Gospel some people will make the sign of the cross others will not.  It is a matter of personal practice.  At the end of the reading, the people will respond saying, "Praise be you, Lord Christ."

The Sermon or homily

Everyone sits to listen.  Normally, the sermon is about 10-15 minutes in length

The Nicene Creed

After the sermon, we stand and affirm our faith by saying the Creed.

Prayers of the people

Remain standing

General Confession

Kneel or stand

The Peace

This is the part that surprises most visitors who are not familiar with liturgical services.  Here we greet one another in the name of the Lord and wish each person the Lord's Peace in their lives.   At St. Thomas, we are rather demonstrative. Some shake hands and others hug.   Do whatever is comfortable.  Usually, a person will greet you saying, "The peace of the Lord be with you." The normal response is, "And with you."  Do whatever is comfortable.

Blessings and the offertory

We sit for this part.  As the altar is prepared, the ushers will walk forward and pass the offertory plates.  Once the offertory is collected, the ushers and two members of the congregation bring the money, the bread and the wine forward.  As they begin walking up the aisle, everyone stands.

The Eucharist or Great Thanksgiving

We remain standing and the liturgy of the communion service begins.  At St. Thomas, standing is the preferred action during this portion of the service but some people will kneel.  Do whatever is comfortable for you.

Communion

Once the consecration and the Lord's Prayer are finished, the communion procession begins as people move forward to receive the bread and wine.  The ushers will indicate when it is your row's time to receive.   All baptized people are welcome at God's altar in the Episcopal Church.  If you wish to receive just follow the others ahead of you.  The priest will place the blessed bread in your hand.  After you have placed it in your mouth, you follow the line to receive the cup of wine.  When the server presents it to you, take the cup in your hands and take a sip.  Then return it to the server.  After that simply return to your seat.  If you do not wish to receive, feel free to remain at your seat. No one will pressure you one way or the other.  You will notice that some people go to the back of the church after they receive.  This is so that they can receive an anointing for some special concern in their life.  This is completely optional but available to all. After people make their communion, many kneel or sit in prayer.

Communion hymn

Just before the communion is finished, a hymn will start.  We stand to sing this hymn as others finish their communion.

Prayer of Thanksgiving

Everyone stands for this prayer thanking God for the gifts we have just received.

Announcements

We sit

Closing hymn

We stand and the altar party recesses from the church behind the cross and torches.  Once the hymn ends we leave our sets and proceed to the Parish Hall for coffee.