Service of Holy Eucharist

Sundays at 10 AM 

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What You Can Expect

On Sunday mornings, we have one service of Holy Eucharist (also known as Holy Communion or the Lord's Supper).  The Episcopal tradition of worship resembles that of the Catholic Church.  The worship service in the Book of Common Prayer is divided into two parts: the Liturgy of the Word and the Liturgy of the Table.

In an Episcopal service, the congregation will participate by standing for hymn singing, the reading of the Gospel, and recitation of the Creeds. Many Episcopalians stand for prayers while others will kneel. Typically, the congregation joins in the reading of the Psalm for that day, as well as hymns and any prayers said in unison.

During the Liturgy of the Word, there will be several readings: a selection from the Old Testament, a psalm, then readings from the New Testament.  The first New Testament selection is usually from one of the epistles and the second is from the gospels.  After the gospel reading, there is a sermon or brief homily.  Following the sermon, the congregation will be invited to recite the Nicene Creed, followed by prayers, a confession of sin, and the pronouncement of absolution.  The passing of the peace then follows.  During "the peace," we greet each other in the name of Christ, and often this takes the form of a hearty handshake or hug, with a wish of "peace" for the other person.

The second part of the service is more commonly referred to as "Holy Communion." It is at this time that people are invited to the altar rail to receive communion (bread and wine).  All are welcome to receive communion at St. Nicholas'.  After Communion, the priest offers a blessing over the congregation and the service ends. 

Click on the videos below to access short clips explaining the meaning of each step of the liturgy.