St. Mary's in the Hills

Worship

The central activity that unites us at Incarnation is the worship of God through prayer, music, Scripture, and sharing of the Holy Eucharist. All persons, of whatever faith, are invited to our public services. All baptized Christians are welcome to receive communion.

Worship services are held twice on Sunday mornings, at 8:30 am and again at 10:00 a.m. The earlier service is a simple Eucharist (Holy Communion), with a homily during the service. This service concludes by 9:30 a.m. and is followed by coffee hour in the Hamm room.

All 10:00 a.m. services includes church school for the children and nursery is also available. The 10:00 service consists of a serman, with music. Services are followed by Coffee Hour in the Hamm room.

The form of our worship, stipulated in the Book of Common Prayer, is participatory. The congregation responds with words and music at appropriate points in the Liturgy. On Sundays, the participatory elements of the Liturgy have been summarized in worship booklets in order to encourage involvement Newcomers and visitors are free to join or to abstain from participation.

In addition to Liturgical participation, members of the congregation assist in worship services in several ways:

Acolytes, selected from the junior members of our congregation, lead the procession to worship.
The Altar Guild cares for the silver and linens used in the services, prepares the altars, and secures supplies of bread, wine, and oil.
Lay Eucharistic Ministers Assist in serving the Eucharist.
Lectors Read Scripture during services.
Ushers Greet visitors, welcoming them to the Parish, help to seat worshipers, distribute worship bulletins, and collect the offering.
Leader of the Prayers Lead the parish in the Prayers for the People.
Presenters Present the Elements.