Worship Schedule
Sunday Morning Holy Eucharist 8:30 am; Holy Eucharist with Choir 10:45 am.
Wednesday evening Holy Eucharist 5:30 pm
WORSHIP IN THE EPISCOPAL CHURCH
Worship is a joyful experience. In other traditions of the Church, worship is put forth merely as a duty or an obligation. It is. But it should be more than that. It is to enter God's house bringing one's concerns, as well as all the other concerns of the world. It is an awesome thing to contemplate the majesty and wonderful nature of a God whose sole desire is to be in relationship with us.
It should come as no surprise that for Episcopalians belonging (as initiated by God in Holy Baptism) and being fed (as celebrated whenever we gather for Eucharist or Communion) stand out as primary sacraments: outward and visible signs of an inward spiritual grace, meaning that we know that we are loved and valued by God.
In some denominations it is the Word of God that takes center stage and feeding, or what we refer to as Communion, takes a back stage, meaning we do it occasionally or even quarterly. Whenever Episcopalians gather at St. Teresa's we celebrate the Eucharist at our Sunday and Wednesday evening services. Why? First of all, we do so because we believe each time we offer the Eucharist we share in the good news of the Risen Lord. Second, whenever we worship by way of the Eucharist (Holy Communion) the Word of God is as important as communion and communion is as important as God's Word. It is our belief that both are of equal importance.
In The Episcopal Church Sermons are also important. Sometimes we share what is called a Homily (a more brief, reflective Sermon), but normally our Sermons last somewhere between 12 and 15 minutes. But regardless of who preaches or how long it is our hope that as people leave they feel more loved of God than when they first arrived.
Our worship is inviting; it is very participatory and always inclusive. It is both traditional and contemporary, and our adult choir of 12-15 souls is heavenly. It is true that we stand, sit, and kneel a lot. Because of all of these spiritual calisthenics, it is hard to fall asleep in an Episcopal Church. But whatever the case, worship should be a joyful experience. And it is such an experience that brings about change in people's lives. We hope that you will come and worship with us.
- The Rev. Dr. Larry C. Williams+
Vergers Bob Brancheau and Sharon Cruser
The office of Verger has its roots in the earliest days of the Church's history where the Verger shared certain similarities with the former minor orders of porter, sexton and acolyte.
Modern Vergers carry a far ranging variety of duties which normally relieve the clergy of the burden of liturgical detail so that they can concentrate on the priestly duties to preach the Word and administer the Sacraments. While much of what they do to assist the clergy is unseen they take an active and more visible role leading processions and managing the order of service at all liturgical functions.
At St.Teresa's our Vergers will work closely with our Rector and the Worship Committee to undertake a variety of liturgical duties as well as being available to answer any questions regarding any activities at the church.
