Ministry of WorshipThe central act of Christian worship is the act of gathering at the banquet table to share in God’s gift of the life of Christ through Word (Scripture, Prayer, Preaching) and through the sacramental form of the Body and the Blood of Christ in the action known as the Eucharist, or Holy Communion, or the Lord’s Supper, or the Mass. At Christ Church this sacrament is celebrated twice on Sundays. At 8:30 a.m. the service uses the form of the Book of Common Prayer (1962), a traditional language service in a quiet, intimate setting. At 10:30 a.m. the service uses the form of the Book of Alternative Services (1985), which offers more contemporary language and theology. This service also includes the singing of hymns and songs and active involvement of the congregation in various actions throughout. There is also a Eucharist offered on Wednesdays at 10:00 a.m. This small, intimate service, held in the Baptistry Chapel (by the font in the nave of the church), uses the Book of Alternative Services. Christ Church espouses a theology of open table at the banquet of the Eucharist inviting all those who are desirous to come to the table, regardless of denomination or baptismal status. Anglican liturgy tends to include movement and changes in position for the congregation. Although there may be directions given, we hope that individuals will feel free to stand, sit or kneel according to their own needs. The action of receiving communion varies in Christian tradition. Here we come to the altar, if able, and the communion ministers move from the congregation’s right to the left. Normally, to indicate the desire to receive communion, place one hand upon the other and extend them towards the person administering the communion. If you do not wish to receive communion for any reason, but would like a blessing, this is indicated by folding the hands to the chest. For Anglicans, the image of the One Cup has always been important. To receive the wine, it is preferable if you assist by taking the cup in your hands and taking a small sip from the cup. If, for personal reasons you do not wish to receive the wine, it is quite acceptable to withdraw after receiving the bread. A full communion is made in receiving either bread or wine. With recent health concerns, many people have taken to the practice of intinction — holding the bread between thumb and index finger and dipping the edge of the bread, being careful not to touch the wine with the fingers, into the wine. While some may find this a preferable method, health workers and experts are telling us that the risk of germs being passed from fingertips is far greater than the use of the common cup, which is made of precious metal and is wiped and turned after each person. After receiving communion or a blessing individuals return to their seats for a time of personal quiet  The other form of worship at Christ Church is Taizé prayer on Wednesdays at 6:15 p.m. This 45 minute prayer service includes the singing of chants in the style of the Taizé ecumenical community in France. These are simple scripture texts chanted in repeated melody by the community. It also includes an extended period of silence for contemplation.
Worship CommitteeThe ministry of worship is a group of people from the parish with an interest in the worship life of the church. They provide ideas and advice to parish leadership in planning the liturgies and involvement for worship at regular meetings throughout the year. Contact: Maureen Campbell Intercessors Intercessors lead the people of God in the weekly intercessions (prayers of the people) offered at the Sunday 10:30 a.m. eucharist. They spend some time in preparation using either one of the forms provided in the Book of Alternative Services or writing prayerful biddings of their own. Resources are available. An intercession book is available at the church entrance for people to write their own biddings, which are then included in the intercessions.
Contact: Maureen Campbell or Katharine Timmins Cantors The responsorial psalm used each week at the 10:0 a.m. eucharist requires the leadership of a cantor to lead the congregation in singing. Sometimes there are other responses in the liturgy requiring a cantor’s leadership as well. Our organist is always willing to coach someone along in order to gain confidence for this role.
Contact: Bruce Marrier or Katharine Timmins Altar GuildTeams of people work each week to prepare the sanctuary for Sunday worship. This includes setting out the eucharistic vessels and hangings and touching up the brass, as well as cleaning up following the service. Usually each team is on duty once a month.
Contact: Jan Gannon or Jane Moffat ServersIndividuals, usually young people over 10 year’s of age but sometimes adults, assist the clergy in the weekly liturgies acting as crucifer (cross bearer) or server (helping set the eucharistic table). Training is provided and a quarterly schedule organizes the roles.
Contact: Father Greg Communion/Chalice AssistantsMembers of the congregation assist with the distribution of communion by administering a chalice alongside the clergy distributing bread. Normally there are two communion assistants scheduled each week at the 10:30 a.m. service. Training is provided so people will feel comfortable in this role.
Contact: Father Greg
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