Worshiping as Our Forebears Did
Hello my friends in Christ,
This is going to be an exciting weekend! I hope you all can enjoy the Semiquincentennial (250th) anniversary of the creation of our country. I am sure the firework displays are going to be extra special!
We will be honoring this special occasion at church on Sunday. Bishop Fisher has inspired me to use the 1662 Book of Common Prayer, which was in use at the time of our country’s birth. I will be attempting to conduct the service as closely as possible to the manner of the Colonial Anglican Church of the time.
Here is what to expect. There will be only two Bible readings, the Epistle and the Gospel. I will be speaking most of the service. The development of the role of the Laity in worship happened long after this time. The components of the service were much the same then as now, however they are in a different order. There was a stronger emphasis on being prepared to receive the Holy Communion. (I will have to channel my inner fire and brimstone.)
The aesthetics of the service changed greatly in the 19th Century with the Oxford Movement. In the 1770’s things were very simple. I will use a small table as the altar with only two candles on it. No flowers were allowed in the worship space. I will not be making the sign of the cross, since that was only permitted during Baptism. There won’t be any Sanctus bells, processions, or closing sentence. I will be vested in a black cassock, surplice, and stole. There will only be the frontal and fair linen on the altar. Finally, the language will be that of the 18th Century.
Between the services, in the Parish Hall (which will be decked out in red, white and blue) there will coffee, juice and cupcakes. Please wear red, white, and blue.
Bishop Fisher is delighted that we are going to honor our past in this way. We are a church of tradition, but we are not frozen in time. Come and see how worship has transformed over the last 250 years. This should be both interesting and fun.
Many blessings for a safe and happy weekend.
Yours in Christ,
Mother Catherine+