We come together weekly to worship God in a way that speaks to our hearts and challenges our minds. As Episcopalians, we follow a traditional form of worship that includes a set of seasons called the Liturgical Calendar. These seasons are Advent, Christmas, Epiphany, Lent, Easter, and Pentecost. This calendar helps us tell the story of our faith in a way that is easy to understand and experience. Our worship services are full of variety, color, energy, and respect for God and each other.
A typical service at St. Monica’s will include music, scripture, prayer, a sermon, and the Holy Eucharist. As you enter our beautiful church, an Usher will greet you and give you a bulletin. This pamphlet will help guide you through the service if you are unfamiliar with the Episcopal Church. Additionally, please feel free to ask for help if you have any questions. We are a loving family and want to make church a safe and comfortable space for all. Children are absolutely welcome, as we are all the same in God’s eyes. At St. Monica’s, we have found that fussy children will rarely bother anyone other than their parents. For your convenience, we do offer a nursery that can be found in the front of the Church.
The “Rector” leads the service. We encourage everyone who attends the service in the Episcopal Church to participate, not just watch. The Book of Common Prayer helps with this. We also use The 1982 Hymnal, and a Contemporary Song Book, Alleluia III. These books allow everyone to participate fully in every service.
After the service, we invite you to join us for coffee and some light refreshments in the Narthex (the lobby). You will find a guest register in the Narthex as well. Please take a moment to sign the register with your name, the city and state where you are from, your email address, and the name of your church to let us know that you visited.
Book of Common Prayer
The Book of Common Prayer (BCP) is our guide to worship and devotion. Scripture is the foundation of our worship and two-thirds of the Book of Common Prayer comes directly from the Old and New Testaments.
Our current Book of Common Prayer, revised in 1979, was originally compiled by the Archbishop of Canterbury, Thomas Cranmer, in 1549. There are more than 70 million Anglicans (Episcopalians) in 163 countries worldwide, using a Book of Common Prayer in their own language, reflecting our diversity and ethnic backgrounds.
The Book of Common Prayer is a collection of ancient and modern prayers and worship services for occasions when the community gathers and for individual use as well. It allows everyone to participate, reminding us that each person is an important part of the worship experience, whether the service is a celebration or a solemn occasion. It is a guidebook for daily Christian living.
Why call it “Common” Prayer?
Common does not mean ordinary. We say these prayers together or “in common” when we worship as a community.
Can the Book of Common Prayer be used in personal devotions?
Yes, in private daily prayers or with family, prayers in the morning and evening, special prayers of praise or thanksgiving, requests for others, and special occasions. All 150 Psalms, or poems from the Old Testament are contained in the Book of Common Prayer and can be read at any time. A calendar for reading through the entire Bible every two years and an outline of the Episcopal faith and Church history is also included.
Can I make up my own prayers?
The Book of Common Prayer complements daily individual prayers, not replaces them. Every service in the book includes time for personal prayer requests, either silent or aloud. Prayers from your heart and mind and of your own words and thoughts are the most important prayers.
The Book of Common Prayer has been a source of comfort, joy, and inspiration, a unique treasure in Christian worship for more than 400 years.