The way y’all worship seems different. Why?
If you have ever worshiped in an Episcopal, Lutheran, or Roman Catholic church, a Sunday morning in an Anglican church like St. Mark’s will look and feel very familiar. Our main service of worship on Sundays is the Holy Eucharist, also called Holy Communion, the Lord’s Supper, the Divine Liturgy, or the Mass.
The words in our worship services are written in the 1928 Book of Common Prayer, which is rooted in medieval worship structure. It provides the texts for liturgical worship. The word liturgy comes from the Greek word leitourgia meaning the “work of the people,” so you can expect to be involved in the worship service. The Early Church worshipped liturgically from her very inception because Jews worshipped liturgically. It is a modern, erroneous belief that the first Christians worshipped extemporaneously and spontaneously without a set order of worship. The basic structure of traditional Anglican worship, including hymns and the singing of Psalms, is directly modeled on synagogue worship practiced by the first followers of Our Lord.
When you visit St. Mark’s, you will be warmly greeted and welcomed as our guest. As you enter the church, you may notice an atmosphere of quiet and reverence. Many people kneel for a few moments of silent prayer to prepare their hearts for worship.
Generally, we stand to sing, sit to listen, and kneel to pray. Many people make the Sign of the Cross during various parts of the liturgy. Do not feel pressured to do anything you are not comfortable with. The first part of the service is centered around reading and preaching the Word of God (the “Liturgy of the Word”). The second part is centered around the Altar (the “Liturgy of the Table”).
Anglican hymnody (worship music) is some of the most beautiful in the world. One of the many gifts of our tradition to the rest of Christianity is our hymns. While we appreciate contemporary praise music, Anglican worship is beautified by glorious music and poetic lyrics written over the centuries that inspire and ennoble us to “worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness.”
Frequently Asked Questions
What does worship look like at your church?
Our formularies of ‘the Faith once delivered’ compel us to be faithful witnesses of a traditionally historic, Anglican theology, liturgy, & piety. We worship in accordance with the 1928 Book of Common Prayer & the 2017 Book of Common Praise, with a particular focus on the ancient and reformed hymnody of the Church.
What does your church believe?
What do people usually wear to a worship service?
Are there separate services for children or youth?
When is Holy Communion celebrated?
Who may take Holy Communion at St. Mark's?
Worship with Us
Join us for Biblical worship, study, and fellowship. We currently meet in the sanctuary of Christ the King Lutheran Church in Waxahachie.
The Order of Morning Prayer
Sundays at 9:45 am
Coffee and Catechesis
Sundays at 10:30 am
Holy Communion
Sundays at 12:00 pm and Thursdays at 6:00 pm
