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Pease see our calendar for the schedule of 2008 Holy Week Services.
WORSHIP SERVICES
| Sunday | 8:00am | Rite I (traditional language) service without music. |
| Sunday | 10:15am | Rite II service with hymns accompanied by a choir and music. |
| Wednesday | 12:00pm | Rite II service without music. |
We worship using the 1979 American edition of the Book of Common Prayer using
both the contemporary and traditional language forms, the latter form only at
the 8:00 Sunday morning service and occasionally during the the 10:15 service.
We celebrate the Holy Eucharist at all Sunday services, except when ordained
clergy are not available. Then the Morning Prayer service, conducted by a
commissioned lay leader, is used.
OTHER SERVICES
In addition to our regular Sunday schedule noted above, we also observe major
feast days and Holy Days, the schedules for which are posted in the service
bulletins and in the monthly newsletter, The Grapevine. During the year, we
offer these additional opportunities for commitment and spiritual renewal:
The sacrament of Holy Baptism. We usually conduct baptisms in the presence of
the full congregation, usually on Sundays. While we practice infant baptism,
we provide the same rite for adults who wish to be initiated into this branch
of Christ's Church.
The Rite of Confirmation is conducted either in the local parish during the
Bishop's visitation or at a regional service held at St. Paul's Cathedral,
Syracuse, on the evening of Ascension Day. At this service, young and older
adults reaffirm their baptismal vows and receive the laying on of hands by the
Bishop.
The service of Reception is conducted by the Bishop during the same service as
Confirmation. In his presence, persons originally baptized and confirmed in
other traditions reaffirm their baptismal vows as adults, and are received into
the Episcopal Church. In addition, persons who have been confirmed or received
may reaffirm their baptismal vows at this same service.
We encourage you to address inquiries about Baptism, Confirmation, Reception,
and the Reaffirmation of Vows to the Rector well in advance of the desired time.
We require the education and preparation of individuals for these rites, as we
consider each of them to be significant Rites of Passage (transitions) and not
to be entered upon lightly. Classes are held annually for those being confirmed
and for those to be received. Additionally, classes are held for those planning
to be Godparents or sponsors in baptism.
We also provide the services of:
Holy Matrimony
We strongly suggest that those wishing to be married contact the Rector at least
6 months in advance of the desired date. This is necessary to allow time for the
required pre-marriage counseling and to ensure the availability of the church.
Christian Burial
Funerals obviously cannot be scheduled; the Rector or other pre-designated
clergyperson is always available on short notice as needed. However, it is
critical for the family to discuss details with the Rector prior to making other
arrangements, as there are particular guidelines to be followed in all Episcopal
churches. We can help you to minimize the stress at such a difficult time; before
a loved one dies, we can provide counseling, special forms, and plans which you may
complete and have ready before death occurs. And you may also choose to do this
for yourself; not only will this spare your survivors some grief, it will ensure
that your own wishes will be known and respected.
WORSHIP-RELATED PROGRAMS
St. Matthew's Church in Liverpool provides opportunities for individuals who wish
to learn, grow in faith, and serve the needs of others. We encourage you to consider
participating in one or more of these programs. Contact the Rector, Deacon or
worship commissioner listed within this website (commissions)
or within the Grapevine.
Acolytes
Acolytes are trained to assist the priest and deacon during the service and to
lead the processions into and out of the church. Periodic refresher training
sessions ensure that everyone is comfortable with his or her responsibilities.
Altar Guild
The Altar Guild prepares and maintains all the altar linens and vessels before and
after each service. They manage the funds and schedules for all the memorial flowers,
etc. They are always looking to add new members and appreciate the extra hands that
will be available to help with the housekeeping of our beautiful sanctuary. Even
though the work of setting up the altar and taking down after each service is routine,
it can be a very spiritual and rewarding time.
Eucharistic Ministers
Eucharistic Ministers are licensed to assist with the liturgy and the chalice in
the administration of the Holy Communion.
Congregational Lectors
Congregational Lectors are trained to read the Old and New Testament readings
during the worship service. New members interested in serving as lectors are
asked to make their desires known to the Rector.
Music
The Music program provides the opportunity for volunteers to share their gifts and
talents in worship. We are lucky to have a talented musical director (Sue Parsons)
who is always looking for people to volunteer for the choir or to add to the service
with instrumental performances or accompaniment.
Nursery
Children not old enough for the service are cared for by adults in a nursery
located in the parish hall. The children are brought into the service just
prior to the start of communion. Parents with babies have the alternative of
caring for their infants in rocking chairs provided in a room at the rear of the
Church. In addition, "Pew Friends" (stuffed animals and dolls) are available to
accompany children during the service along with children's bulletins.
Ushers and Welcomers
Ushers and Welcomers are lay persons with the responsibility of meeting the
congregation and visitors at the church entry. Ushers help newcomers understand
the Episcopal service if necessary, arrange for participants to carry the
sacramental elements to the Altar, collect the offerings, and direct the
congregation to the Altar rail during Communion. Welcomers give a friendly
welcome to newcomers and visitors. It is their role to establish who are
potential members and arrange to have them sign the guest book in the Narthex,
and arrange for initial lay visitation and other follow-up measures.
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