| The Episcopal Church is a “liturgical” church, one in which the congregation is invited actively to engage in worship. The word “liturgy” comes from ancient Greek, and means, “the work of the people.” In the course of a service, many members of the congregation take active roles in leadership.
Guests from Orthodox, Roman Catholic, and Lutheran backgrounds will recognize many of the customs and practices of The Episcopal Church, all of them emerging from our shared roots, going back even before the time of Jesus.
In the course of a service, the people stand, sit, and kneel, (as they are able), joining in the prayers, and singing hymns and chants. Rarely, if ever, is a service offered that does not encourage at least some “audience participation.”
Some newcomers, whose experience may be with other Christian communities, wonder if they are “doing it right” when they first come to an Episcopal service. It is our hope that you feel welcome to “go with the flow,” and to participate as fully as you feel comfortable, or to observe and reflect on what is happening around you.
In no way does worship in The Episcopal Church require a “correct performance!”
Other members of the congregation are willing to assist you in whatever way you might find helpful, and various resources are available to help you explore what is the result of this centuries-old tradition being lived out in a 21st century style.
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