How Do We Eucharist?


In our Anglican Tradition, worship or liturgy (the work of the people) is our central act, which we offer most usually on a Sunday morning.  Since the 1979 Book of Common Prayer (BCP) reclaimed the Eucharist [i.e. The Great Thanksgiving] as the primary form of communal worship in the Episcopal Church, most congregations offer Eucharist every week. For me, who grew up with the 1979 BCP, attending a worship service without Eucharist feels like something has been left undone. For many, it is the primary way we interact with and learn our faith, and yet we don’t spend much time actually teaching why we do what we do in worship in order to pass along the tradition in a meaningful way.

The Church owes The Rev. Callie Swanlund a huge debit of gratitude for creating the “How2charist” videos that bring together the best of our tradition and graphic design in a digital Instructed Eucharist.  These videos offer a “layered” approach to participating in a Eucharist by having elements defined and traditions explained.  After watching one part, there is an opportunity to consider the greater meaning behind each action and consider what it means to us today.

We have done an Instructed Eucharist at St. Barnabas several years ago and many people said the service was too long.  Indeed, when you try to do two things at once – worship and active reflection – it takes time. While I do believe the activity is valuable, it is difficult to find a good day to offer such a liturgy.  So, I am delighted to offer the “How2charist” program during 2 consecutive “First Sunday School” Forums.  This class will be opened to everyone – all ages – especially our youth and those preparing for Confirmation.

This coming Sunday, February 3rd, we will watch and reflect on the “Liturgy of the Word” portion of the Eucharist.  On Sunday, March 3rd, we will watch and reflect on the “Liturgy of the Table.”  We will show the videos in the Sanctuary after the 10:30 am service. If you cannot attend, please let me know and I can share the material with you. 

Worship is a unique human activity and should be regarded as a special time in a special place. “Going through the motions” just because it is what we do is a waste of energy. I do hope that as we learn more about how we Eucharist, our worship will move us in deeper ways, offering us a more intimate relationship with God and each other. 

Our theology of the Eucharist is that “we pray what we believe.”  This is a great opportunity to learn how our traditions were created and how they influence our belief today.  In light of the recent discussion about creating a new Book of Common Prayer, it is the right time to make sure we really understand how we currently pray to critique if it really reflects what and how we believe.

I do hope you will join me on this wonderful journey of exploring our worship.

In Christ,
Rev. Valerie+

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