Ware Episcopal Church

Sunday worship - 9:30 a.m.

A Familiar Pattern

Our worship service on Sunday follows the order of service from the Book of Common Prayer. There are hymns, scripture readings, an inspiring message, and prayers for ourselves, our community, and our world.

The Heart of Worship

The culmination of our worship is experienced in the practice of the Holy Eucharist. Known in other Christian traditions as Holy Communion, the Lord's Supper, or the Mass -- it is the invocation of God's blessing over Bread and Wine, that for us reveals the mystery of God in Jesus Christ.

Socially Distant during COVID-19

Our community's health and safety is at the forefront of our minds as we gather. Everyone is required to wear a mask for the duration of our outdoor worship service.

Worship Support Ministries

Altar Guild - Contact Elizabeth Roane

The Altar Guild helps prepare for worship every week. Guild members are divided into teams, who then further assign responsibilities. They also help prepare the Historic Church for Holy Days.

Ushers - Contact Paul Joyce

Ushers are often the first point of contact a visitor to a Sunday morning worship service will have. In addition to passing out bulletins and seating service attendees, ushers help facilitate distribution of the Eucharist.

Lay Readers - Contact Diana Joyce

Lay Readers participate in the public proclamation of scripture. This is a trained and licensed lay ministry.

Lay Eucharistic Ministers - Contact Diana Joyce

Lay Eucharistic Ministers support the distribution of the Eucharist by serving the chalice on Sunday mornings. They also can be commissioned to take the Eucharist to shut-ins or those who for whatever reason are unable to be present for the celebration of the Holy Eucharist.

Adult Choir - Not Meeting at this Time

The Adult Choir leads the congregation in singing and offers a weekly anthem during the setting of the Table. They also sing at special services throughout the year. The Choir meets weekly for rehearsal.

During the season of COVID-19, the choir is unable to meet due to diocesan guidelines.

Handbell Choir - Contact Virginia Roane

The Handbell Choir periodically presents music for worship. They rehearse Sundays after the worship service.

Special Services and Holy Days

Monthly Healing Service

On the first Wednesday of every month, a service for healing is held in junction with our Prayer Chain meeting. At this service, you can expect special prayers for healing -- heart, mind, and body.

The Prayer Chain is a group of parishioners who faithfully pray for members of our community. They gather prior to our healing service to provide updates and to assign check-ins for the next month.

Due to the COVID-19 guidelines, this service and meeting takes place outdoors. In the winter, it will be under the heated pavilion.

Evensong

One of the great joys of the Anglican choral tradition is in the singing of Evensong. Once restrictions surrounding COVID-19 are lifted, particularly choral singing, we will be bringing this beautiful expression of worship to the Gloucester community.

The services of Evensong will be held periodically , in conjunction with days of religious significance.

Pastoral and Sacramental Services for Life's Moments

Baptism

Baptism is the rite of initiation for all Christians. Individuals are either baptized as infants (when parents and godparents make vows on behalf of the child), or as a mature expression of faith later in life. The sacrament of Baptism is traditionally celebrated on major feast days (Epiphany, Easter, Pentecost, and All Saint's Day), before the entire congregation.

Confirmation, Reception, and Reaffirmation

Confirmation is the public profession of faith, made as an adult, before the Bishop. The profession includes a statement of faith and vows of holy living. If you have been confirmed in another Christian denomination, it might be appropriate for you to be received into the Episcopal Church. Some may choose in life to reaffirm their baptismal vows. A confirmation service is held usually once every other year, in conjunction with the Bishop's visitation.

Pastoral Counseling and Reconciliation

Sometimes life happens, and talking through an experience with a priest can be helpful tool in reflection and in deriving understanding. Likewise, there are moments in life when we recognize the need to make a confession and receive absolution -- above and beyond the general confession on Sundays. All of this can be arrange with the Priest, and will always be held in the strictest confidence.

Marriage

The family is the primary icon of God, and marriage is the sacrament where God's grace is conveyed to a couple as they pledge a lifetime of mutual love to one another. If you are interested in getting married, it is appropriate to notify the Priest and schedule an appointment. To be married in the Episcopal Church, couples are required to undergo premarital counseling, which can be facilitated at the Church.

End of Life: Last Rites and Funerals

As parishioners near the end of life, the Priest may be called upon to complete the last rites (a series of prayers, confessions, and administration of the Holy Eucharist) before death occurs. After death, the Priest is available to assist in planning the funeral and Celebration of Life. It is also possible to discuss your own funeral, and plan arrangements prior to death, this can relieve an enormous burden off your family. These records will be kept at the parish for when they are needed.