Our service of Holy Eucharist is as described in the Book of Common Prayer (www.bcponline.org) for Rite II. Our music encompasses the breadth and depth of our Anglican tradition, and you are encouraged to participate in our hymns and service music, supported by our choir and organist.
We offer the consecrated bread and wine – the Body and Blood of Christ- at the altar rail. For those for whom going up to the rail would be difficult, the priest and a lay chalice bearer will come to you in your pew to serve you. The wine is offered in two ways: by sharing a sip from the common cup, or by dipping the wafer into a shallow intinction cup. You may also choose to not consume the wine at all (just cross your hands over your chest) or to come forward not to receive the bread or the wine but to get a blessing. Again, crossing your arms over your chest is the indicator to the server that you simply wish for a blessing.
The service is usually around one hour in length, and for those with physical disabilities, the sanctuary is wheelchair accessible and there are two pews with cutouts for those in wheelchairs. There are also accessible restrooms nearby.
Our midweek service is in the style of the Book of Common Prayer, but makes use of alternative liturgies, particularly healing and Celtic liturgies. The midweek service is often only thirty minutes with no music. This service is more informal than our Sunday service, but makes use of the same lectionary in advance of the coming Sunday.
It is an intimate service held in the chancel where the choir usually sits on Sundays. It is wheelchair accessible, and communion is served to you at your seat. The wine is offered in two ways: by sharing a sip from the common cup, or by dipping the wafer into a shallow intinction cup. You may also choose to not consume the wine at all (just cross your hands over your chest) or to come forward not to receive the bread or the wine but to get a blessing. Again, crossing your arms over your chest is the indicator to the server that you simply wish for a blessing.
The Celtic Evensong and Communion Service, scheduled for Sunday, September 27 and November 8 at 5:30 pm, is a candlelight service intended to provide a peaceful and sacred space for experiencing the presence of God. Contemplative melodies – played on harp, flute, cello, piano, and guitar – float gently through the church. The liturgy offers a healing and hopeful message.
This service is our gift to the community. It is for everyone — people from all denominations and those with no affiliation. We hope through this service that Christ & Grace can become a second church home for those who are already members of other churches. We also hope it will become a haven for those who have struggled with their faith and their relationship to the institutional church.
The Celtic Candlelight and Communion Service begins with pre-service music at 5:15 p.m. Casual dress is encouraged. For more information: 804-733-7202