Worship
Please join us for worship! As our name implies, our common life at Christ Episcopal Church flows from the worship of God revealed in Jesus Christ. In our worship, we seek to share our vision of God’s reign with one another and the wider community. Our vision is shaped by the Holy Scriptures, the Episcopal Church’s Book of Common Prayer and the gracious traditions of Anglicanism.
The celebration of the Holy Eucharist is at the center of the expression of our faith and a sense of joy permeates our worship. On Sundays, there are two celebrations of the Holy Eucharist, at 8:00 and 10:00 a.m.
Sunday Worship
Our 8:00 a.m. celebration is “said” according to Rite I of The Book of Common Prayer for a typically small and faithful congregation. It is distinguished by the use of more traditional language and is offered without music or hymnody.
The 10:00 a.m. Holy Eucharist is celebrated with the contemporary vocabulary of Rite II. Our celebration is enriched with the singing of hymns and service music. During the academic year, Sunday School is offered during the first part of the service; the wave of children re-joining their families during the exchange of Peace never fails to delight us.
Lay liturgical assistants play important roles in both celebrations as lectors, chalice bearers, acolytes, intercessors, ushers, greeters, and as presenters at the Offertory. Members of the Altar Guild “set the table” for our worship.
Baptisms
Baptisms are celebrated during Sunday services at Christ Church. The entire community celebrates the initiation of new members into the Christian faith and receives them into “the household of God.” There are no age restrictions on Baptism.
The five Prayer Book occasions for Baptisms are:
Baptism of our Lord: First Sunday after January 6
Easter Vigil: The Eve of Easter Sunday
Pentecost: The Seventh Sunday after Easter
All Saints’ Day: Sunday on or after November 1
Whenever a Bishop visits
Other Sundays are possible by special arrangement
For more information about the Sacrament of Holy Baptism, please telephone our office at 203-453-2279 to speak with our rector or send email to cecsec@snet.net.
Weddings
Given its location on Guilford’s Town Green, and its architectural charm, Christ Church is a beautiful setting for the Celebration and Blessing of a Marriage. Weddings of parishioners, and friends of the parish, are celebrated according to The Book of Common Prayer, the teachings of The Episcopal Church, and the expectations of the Bishops of Connecticut.
Our Altar Guild will assist with preparations and flowers. Our Music Director will help with planning and performing music for the service. Planning the service itself is part of the preparatory conversations about marriage each couple has with the rector.
Capacity: The Church seats 220 worshippers.
Receptions: The Parish Hall can accommodate receptions.
For more information about weddings, and the blessing of civil marriages, please telephone our office at 203-453-2279 or send email to cecsec@snet.net.
Funerals
Christ Church is a dignified and sacred setting for funerals. The Book of Common Prayer offers a hope-filled service for commending our beloved to God’s never-failing care and love. The Parish feels a solemn responsibility to share Christ Church with any who desire a Prayer Book funeral.
Capacity: The Church seats 220 worshippers.
Receptions: The parish hall can accommodate receptions.
Assistance with the service:
The Rector will meet with family members to provide pastoral support, and to plan and lead the funeral and committal.
Altar Guild volunteers will assist with preparations and flowers for the service.
Our Music Director will help with planning and performing music for the service.
For more information about using our facilities for a funeral service, phone our office at 203-453-2279 or send email to cecsec@snet.net.
Opportunities to Serve
Acolytes: Acolytes serve on the altar during worship services as crucifers, torch and book bearers. At Christ Church, young people in the 4th grade and older are welcome to serve as acolytes. The Acolyte Director happily helps with training and supervision.
Altar Guild: The Altar Guild prepares the altar for worship services as well as overseeing the maintenance and refurbishment of materials used. The ministry also arranges for flowers for Sunday services as well as special floral offerings for Christmas, Easter and other special occasions. The Altar Guild may work “behind the scenes,” but their work is very important. New members are always welcome. Training is ongoing and provided at convenient times.
Chalice Bearers: Chalice Bearers assist at the altar and administer the cup during Holy Communion. Training is provided for anyone interested in this ministry. Please contact the rector.
Lectors & Intercessors: A large group of parishioners take turns reading the Old Testament, Psalm, and Epistle, and leading the Prayers of the People. They serve at the 8:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. Sunday services, as well as other special services during the year. Training is provided for anyone interested in this ministry.