Other worship opportunities
Prayers for Peace (quiet meditation)
Mondays and Fridays -- noon to 1 p.m. |
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How we worship
If you attend a worship services at any Episcopal Church, you'll begin to be aware of a pattern to the order of worship. Each Sunday the details change — scripture readings, hymns, music, prayers, and sermon—but the pattern of the service is the same. What you are experiencing is the "liturgical" character of our worship. Our services, or liturgies, follow set forms, found in the Book of Common Prayer (or BCP, as it might be listed in the bulletin). The prayer book is called "common" because through it we have worship in common—this is part of the basis of "community" as well. The prayer book unites us with all the other churches in the Episcopal Church in the US and the Anglican Communion worldwide. And it gives words and actions to each of us as members of this broad community.
Our liturgies guide us through and help us act out a story. For instance, at every Eucharist, the Gospel story of Jesus at his last supper with his disciples is retold, and the people eat a morsel of bread and drink a sip of wine because Jesus told us to do this in remembrance of him.
The liturgy is the work of all the people. In fact, the word "liturgy" comes from two Greek words meaning "peoples' work." The whole community (here and elsewhere) unites in worship through the liturgy.
Because the liturgy draws us into the story through the use of all our senses, services are beautiful, dignified, and yet invariably human. Do not be afraid of "making a mistake;" God is most forgiving, and it may be that no one else will notice! A service leaflet helps you find pages in the prayer book. The prayer book provides the words you will need, and the small print (rubrics) gives instructions about standing and kneeling. You will see some people standing, some sitting, and some kneeling during prayer. All of these choices are correct and welcome. Do not feel that you must participate in every action of the worship. Watch and listen with attention as if you are at a drama until you feel comfortable taking a part.
Our liturgies guide us through and help us act out a story. For instance, at every Eucharist, the Gospel story of Jesus at his last supper with his disciples is retold, and the people eat a morsel of bread and drink a sip of wine because Jesus told us to do this in remembrance of him.
The liturgy is the work of all the people. In fact, the word "liturgy" comes from two Greek words meaning "peoples' work." The whole community (here and elsewhere) unites in worship through the liturgy.
Because the liturgy draws us into the story through the use of all our senses, services are beautiful, dignified, and yet invariably human. Do not be afraid of "making a mistake;" God is most forgiving, and it may be that no one else will notice! A service leaflet helps you find pages in the prayer book. The prayer book provides the words you will need, and the small print (rubrics) gives instructions about standing and kneeling. You will see some people standing, some sitting, and some kneeling during prayer. All of these choices are correct and welcome. Do not feel that you must participate in every action of the worship. Watch and listen with attention as if you are at a drama until you feel comfortable taking a part.
The table at which we gather is The Lord’s Table, not the church’s. You are most welcome to join in and find a place awaiting you. It does not matter whether you are a life-long Christian, a newcomer to the faith, or simply a curious “inquirer”, everyone is welcome as they explore one of the many ways there are to draw closer to God.
The Episcopal Church is a member of the world-wide Anglican Communion of churches on every continent that have emerged out of the Church of England. As such, they share with one another traditions of faith and order as set forth in The Book of Common Prayer; while reflecting the diversity of cultures in which each church worships and serves God. More than any other aspect of its shared life, The Episcopal Church is shaped and defined by its worship.
Being an Episcopalian means actively participating in the world through Christ in the Church. We listen to God’s call to follow, seek, and serve Christ, both within the church and in the world. Whether you are a “cradle Episcopalian” or a seeker looking for the first time at the Christian faith as expressed in the “Anglican” tradition, All Saints’ doors are always open.
“The duty of all Christians is to follow Christ; to come together week by week for corporate worship; and to work, pray and give for the spread of the kingdom of God.” (The Book of Common Prayer; An Outline of the Faith)
(humbly borrowed from www.allsaintsgreensboro.dionc.org and www.trinity-episcopal-parish.com)
The Episcopal Church is a member of the world-wide Anglican Communion of churches on every continent that have emerged out of the Church of England. As such, they share with one another traditions of faith and order as set forth in The Book of Common Prayer; while reflecting the diversity of cultures in which each church worships and serves God. More than any other aspect of its shared life, The Episcopal Church is shaped and defined by its worship.
Being an Episcopalian means actively participating in the world through Christ in the Church. We listen to God’s call to follow, seek, and serve Christ, both within the church and in the world. Whether you are a “cradle Episcopalian” or a seeker looking for the first time at the Christian faith as expressed in the “Anglican” tradition, All Saints’ doors are always open.
“The duty of all Christians is to follow Christ; to come together week by week for corporate worship; and to work, pray and give for the spread of the kingdom of God.” (The Book of Common Prayer; An Outline of the Faith)
(humbly borrowed from www.allsaintsgreensboro.dionc.org and www.trinity-episcopal-parish.com)
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Worship Services Holy Eucharist (Mass) Sundays at 10 a.m. Prayers for Peace (quiet meditation) Mondays and Fridays -- noon to 1 p.m. Click for worship information. Community Closet Free clothing to anyone in need Fridays -- 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. (Come to select clothing or leave donations.) Click for Community Closet information. |
Good Shepherd Episcopal Church
Address: 101 N Walnut St, Allegan, MI 49010 Phone: (269) 673-2254 Click for more information about our community. 
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