As is the custom in most Episcopal Churches, the worship at All Saints is both “Book” and “Table” Centered; the congregation gathers to hear and reflect on God’s Word and to share the Bread and Wine of Holy Communion.
The Church uses the ancient Greek name for the service, Eucharist, which means “Thanksgiving.” We come together to offer our thanks for all God offers us in the love and peace that comes “through Jesus Christ our Lord.”
Our foundation of faith is found in a balance of Holy Scripture, in Church Tradition, and in Human Reason. It is often referred to as the "Three-Legged Stool", a metaphor attributed to 16th century English writer, Richard Hooker, and meant to imply that balance is achieved and equally supported by all three.
Holy Scripture: Both the Old and New Testaments, contain the essence of Christian doctrine. They record a people’s experience of God, and guide our response to that experience. We read almost all of it aloud in our worship over a three-year period, and encourage one another to read scripture daily, and then listen carefully for “what the Spirit is saying” to us today, through sermons and “godly conversation.”. The Scriptures focus our attention on Jesus, in whom we find God most perfectly revealed.
Church Tradition: Our traditions include attitudes and practices that are both “Protestant” and “Catholic,” ancient and contemporary, historical traditional and innovative. These help us interpret Scripture and share the thoughts, insights and experiences of generations past. Tradition preserves hymns, prayers, and customs, and all of these help keep our faith alive; it also helps pass on the essential truths of our continually unfolding faith.
Human Reason: The Episcopal Church encourages its members to use our God-given gift of reason to explore and comprehend God’s Word and will for the “here and now.” We are encouraged to make responsible moral decisions under the guidance of Scripture, the counsel of our traditions, in conversation with fellow Christians, and through prayer.
Our worship is a shared ministry, offered to God by clergy and lay people together. Essential roles are played by Choir, Readers, Acolytes, an Altar Guild, a Flower Guild, Intercessors, Ushers and Hosts—m – ministries and services that are open to all who join our community. |
