New Patterns for Worship (paperback) (Common Worship: Services and Prayers for the Church of England)

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Biddings might be offered, interspersed with silence. Initially these should relate to the local incident but they should also include suffering experienced throughout the world. This may be about the saint concerned or from his own writings but it should not repeat the points made in the introduction. Alternatively, it may be an Old Testament or New Testament reading. Look at the Prayer section of the service, and also the Preparation section, as both penitence and the collect may be included in the prayers. Note 4 ( here) reminds us about the need for silence. What form should the prayers take? If this Thanksgiving is used as an extended preface to a eucharistic prayer, it should follow this form

These are dealt with in the paragraphs headed ‘Preparation’ and ‘Conclusion’ in the authorized Introduction to A Service of the Word ( here), together with Notes 1, 2 and 9 ( here). Is there a balance between word, prayer, praise and action? For instance the Word section may be top heavy with long readings and long introductions, or too many short readings. This service will need to be adapted to the particular circumstance that has caused the community to lament. It might be the passing of someone significant in the community; a major incident resulting in death, which affects many people; the effects of an industrial policy; or something of that kind. inviting a grandmother to speak about what it is like to be a grandparent, including any advice she has for new parents, or any things she wishes she had done differently when her children were young. This Affirmation of Faith, or the Apostles’ Creed, or another authorized Affirmation of Faith is used

If there are deaths related to the event, the names of the deceased should be read out individually. A place for this to happen is indicated in the text. For each of the deceased a candle might be lit. A light could be taken from the Easter candle or some other large candle and a small candle lit as each of the names is read out. This public ministry of prayer may be accompanied by laying on of hands, and may also be accompanied by anointing with oil. It may be helpful to make clear in advance the form of ministry that is intended. There are a number of possibilities, such as prayer for individuals who do not explain their particular need; prayer following a brief explanation to those who will pray with them of a person’s need or concern; or prayer following an explanation to the whole congregation of a person’s need or concern. (The Laying on of Hands may be received on behalf of a third person who is not present.) The Israelites groaned under their slavery, and cried out. Out of the slavery their cry for help rose up to God. God heard their groaning, and God remembered his covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. God looked upon the Israelites, and God took notice of them. At St Ann’s the Peace is the climax to which the first half of the service moves. Today the president uses a versicle and response echoing the theme of the service. This is used for a month or more during the same teaching theme or season of the Church’s year and is printed on the notice sheet. Members of the congregation are encouraged to greet one another with it outside the church – or even over the telephone! The response ‘and also with you’ is the signal for a lot of movement in the church as people shake hands, hug or greet one another in other ways. There is some sensitivity to people who want to remain on their own, though the PCC recently rejected a suggestion that one corner of the church be set aside as a peace-free zone. It is good to see people using the time to share with others something of what God has said to them through the preaching, and to discover what the younger members of the church have been doing in their groups. People have been taught what the Peace is for and how to use it (see here). At present they are experimenting with the Peace lasting for fifteen to twenty minutes, with refreshments being served, after which some who are not yet communicants leave. This has helped to encourage enquirers and those seeking baptism for their children, for instance, to experience a freer style of service which is shorter and does not commit them to receiving communion. Some, however, say that communion feels like an afterthought rather than the climax of the service. The service begins again with some gentle music and chorus singing, during which people take their seats as they prepare for the Thanksgiving.

Praise may be said or sung. Select hymns, songs or items from the Praise section of New Patterns or elsewhere. See here for further ideas. A set of versicles and responses (see here for examples) may be used in the Preparation or elsewhere. 6 Action The introductions which follow here may be used with any form of the Lord’s Prayer. If they are used without a full printed text, care should be taken to ensure that the congregation is clear about which form of the Lord’s Prayer is to follow. Liturgical language should not be stark or empty. It is not wrong to repeat ideas or say the same thing twice in different words. Cranmer recognized that people need time and repetition to make the liturgy their own: we need to do it without a string of dependent clauses. time to get straight with other people before coming to communion (so you may need to go and make your peace, or ask forgiveness from someone at the other end of the church). This is what the Prayer Book calls being ‘in love and charity with your neighbours’; The authorized form of the Athanasian Creed is that contained in The Book of Common Prayer. ¶ Authorized Affirmations of Faith

When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you. For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Saviour. The use of ‘Go in peace …’ is designed to connect with Holy Communion services. Other options could be used instead.