Welcome!
Visitors are welcome at any of our services or events. If you have children, feel free to bring them. When you visit, please introduce yourself to those around you and to the clergy and ask any questions you may have about anything. We hope that you
enjoy the service and perhaps may find a new church home with us. You are
always invited to join us for light refreshments and friendly conversation after the service in the adjoining church hall.
Worship
at Christ Church
Sunday
Worship at Christ Church is principally a celebration of the Holy Eucharist
Rite II of the Book of Common Prayer. The 9:00 AM Sunday morning liturgy
includes a variety of sacred, classical and contemporary music. We
include both ancient and modern traditions in our worship, mixing the old and
new as we affirm our faith and worship God. All ages are encouraged to
take part by being an usher, or a reader, or lead prayers, or ring the Sanctus
bell. We are a family-centered parish and celebrate the presence of all who come to
participate in our service – from the youngest, most energetic, enthusiastic
and curious child to the faithful elders in our midst – and everyone in
between.
COVID-19 Practices
On April 1, 2022, the Episcopal Diocese of Massachusetts released updated guidance for in-person worship, acknowledging that while COVID-19 is till a risk for many people, at least, for now, the general risk has been reduced. The Diocese also offered these practice guidelines:
- Wearing a face mask during the service is strongly encouraged, but not required.
- Social distancing should be continued, as possible. The physical exchange of peace should be limited to family members.
- Holy Communion will be distributed in the form of both bread and wine. If you wish, you may drink from the common cup, though individuals at higher from COVID infection are discouraged from doing so. There will be no intinction (dipping the bread/wafer into the chalice and then consuming it).
More Service Information
We hope that the following information about the service at Christ Church will help enrich your experience.
Bulletin and books of worship and song: You will find three service books in your pew -- The Book of Common Prayer (red with a cross), The Hymnal 1982 (blue), and Lift Every Voice and Sing II (black with red spine).Bulletins to be picked up at the back of the church outline the order of service for that day, along with the printed readings, the page numbers to follow along in the Book of Common Prayer (red), and the page numbers for the hymns. The number of the hymn being sung is also listed on the hymn board to the right of the altar. Most hymns we sing are found The Hymnal 1982 (blue). If a hymn number starts with S, then it is found in the front section of the Hymnal 1982. Hymn numbers starting with LEVAS are found in Lift Every Voice and Sing.
Children: Children are encouraged to participate in the service. There are tags at the back of the church for each "job" that can be done in the service. Children are encouraged to take a tag, which includes a description on the back. There is also a bookcase of toys, books, and activities for your child to enjoy during the service. We know that children often find it easier to listen when their hands are busy, so please feel free to take as many items as you like.
Holy Communion:
At Christ Church, we believe that our altar is God’s family table. All who are seekers after Christ are welcome to share in communion. A few helpful notes:
You may choose to stand or kneel at the altar. Either is appropriate.
The bread will be placed in the palm of your hand. You may either eat it or dip (intinct) your bread and then eat it.
The chalice of wine will be offered to you. You may either drink from it or dip (intinct) your bread and eat it.
Children of all ages are welcome to receive communion. There is no "special" age for a child to begin receiving communion and many do so from baptism on.
Anyone may come to the altar to receive a blessing from the priest. This can be indicated by crossing their arms across the chest.
14 School St., Medway, MA 02053
508-533-7171
info@cecmedway.org