In summary, Anglican worship tends to be Protestant in doctrine and Catholic in appearance and flavor, with rituals and readings, bishops and priests, vestments and ornately decorated churches. Liturgy is a rite or system of rites prescribed for public worship; a customary repertoire or repetition of ideas, phrases, or observances. The Book of Common Prayer, Scripture from Old and New Testaments in the Bible are used, as well as the 1985 Hymnal and (alternate grey hymnal) are all provided in the pews.
Anglican practices and rituals are primarily found in the Book of Common Prayer, a compilation of liturgy developed by Thomas Cranmer in the 16th century. As with other areas in Anglican practice, much diversity in worship has recently developed around the world, and many different Prayer Books have been issued.
St. Paul’s offers three types of services on Sunday mornings. The early service at 8:00 am follows the Holy Eucharist Rite I. The mid-morning service at 9:15 am offers a more contemporary family-oriented atmosphere, usually with a choir, more musical diversity and follows the Holy Eucharist Rite II in the Book of Common Prayer. The late morning service, at 11 am offers a more traditional service. In the summer, later services are combined, starting at 10:00 am. A healing service is offered on Wednesdays at 11:30 am, with lunch following.
A Rich Tradition of Music
St. Paul’s enjoys great diversity in its music program. The 9:15 family service is a tasteful blend of both traditional and more contemporary hymns and responses, and typically combines use of the pipe organ, piano, and guitar. Music for the 11:00 traditional service is taken from the 1984 Hymnal, and generally is accompanied by organ. Services are often enriched with choral music from one of three choirs, tapping the talents of pre-schoolers through adults. There are also plenty of opportunities for those with various musical talents to share their skills in solo and small group ensemble performances throughout the year. We especially encourage our young musicians to share their talents with the congregation.
The Organ and Chimes: The parish is blessed to have a 15 rank pipe organ that leads congregational singing, that was updated by the Muller Pipe Organ Company in 1965. A highly prized Deagan tubular chime system installed in the 1930’s, one of less than 500 left in the world, rings out from the bell tower to welcome the community each Sunday for worship. The Staff: The music program is led by Michael Becker, MM, Director of Choirs, and Jane Weber, BM, Organist. Additional information about the music program can be accessed by clicking here.