A typical Holy Communion service has many parts that all work together to lead us on a journey. Each service takes about an hour and is made up of the acts: The Gathering, The Word of God and the Holy Communion.
The Gathering
After an opening song, we greet each other in the Lord’s name and prepare ourselves to worship.
Act OneConfession and Forgiveness
Together we confess our wrongdoing with a special prayer and are assured of God’s forgiveness. We then give sing to God's glory
Glory and Prayer
We sing or chant of God's glory which is followed by the prayer of the week (called a collect).
Listening to the Scriptures
We listen to readings from different parts of the bible. Our priest then breaks open those readings and explains them.
Act TwoThe Prayers of the People
We spend time praying for all people, paying special attention to those in need.
The Exchange of peace
Act Three starts with everyone exchanging a greeting of God's peace with each other.
Act ThreeThe Great Thanksgiving
Holy Communion starts with a prayer of Great Thanksgiving which recalls the Last Supper.
Giving Thanks
We give thanks for communion and pray that we can take its gifts into the world. And we sing another song.
The Blessing
Everyone is blessed by the priest and is dismissed to take what we have received into he world.
Coffee (or Tea)
We get tot he all important cup of coffee after the service. It's a time of friendship and encouragement.
Act Four