Worship

SERVICES

• Sunday, 8:30 AM Holy Eucharist
• Sunday, 10:00 AM Holy Eucharist

Worship services at Church of the Servant use the Book of Common Prayer, the 1984 Hymnal, and supplemental books such as Wonder Love and Praise and the Book of Occasional Services, all published by the Episcopal Church US.  Sometimes materials from other sources, such as Taize, Celtic prayer, and Intercessions for Christian People are included.

Our liturgy draws on the rich resources of our tradition, providing a beauty and dignity appropriate for the worship of God so there is a certain formality in structure and language which may be familiar to you from other liturgical churches. 

But Church of the Servant is decidedly informal and welcoming in spirit, dress, and furnishings.  People wear whatever clothes they wish, from shorts to suits.  Children are always welcome and encouraged to participate fully in the service.  The worship space is accessible to all persons, and there are no fixed pews.  There are rocking chairs for parents with infants, older folks, and anyone who doesn’t want to sit too still.  The lively acoustic of the room encourages singing, and sometimes there are liturgical dances.

The primary weekly service is Eucharist, or Holy Communion, celebrated on Sundays at 8:30 and 11:00 am (10:00 am in the summer). All services use Bible readings from the Revised Common Lectionary and prayers appointed for the day.  The 10:00 or 11:00 service has music, including organ selections, congregational hymns, and choral anthems or special instrumental music.  There is usually no music at the 8:30 service.

We also celebrate Eucharist on Wednesdays at 6:00 pm during the school year (August - April). It is informal, often using Taize chant and a "dialogue" instead of a sermon. The Episcopal Campus Ministry has dinner and a program following the Eucharist.

Special services occur throughout the year, as part of the liturgical calendar. Christmas and Easter (right) particularly offer opportunities for glorious celebrations, including the Great Easter Vigil at Wrightsville Beach.  The Episcopal Church recognizes all Christian baptisms of any denomination.  Persons desiring baptism for themselves or their children are invited to speak with the rector.  The Bishop usually makes a visitation annually to confirm and receive new members into the Episcopal Church.  

The rector is the officiant at Sunday services, assisted by deacons and other service ministers. There are also many opportunities for laypersons to be involved in the liturgical life of the parish.  These include:  Lay Readers and Lay Eucharistic Ministers, Choir for various ages, Altar Guild, Flower Guild, Vergers, Acolytes, and Lay Eucharistic Visitors.  The Liturgy Committee meets periodically. Questions and comments should be addressed to the rector.

The Reverend Catherine Powell, Rector, Church of the Servant

Sunday, July 6th

Photos by John Bauerlein