We Episcopalians use a lot of strange words, like "Canticle," "Collect" and "Liturgy." Often we just assume that everyone knows what they mean, but that isn't always true. Each week, we'll take a word out of our Order of Service and explore what it means, both the definition, and in the wider spiritual sense.

This week's word is "Liturgy." It comes from Greek and means the work of the people. Liturgy encompasses everything that we do in worship and praise in our services.

It includes the Ministry of the Word: scripture readings, preaching the word; prayers of the people and if there is confession -- everything up to and including the Peace. 

It then includes the Holy Eucharist: It begins with the offertory, includes The Great Thanksgiving, the Lord's Prayer, Holy Communion, the prayer after Communion and the Dismissal. 

So Liturgy is truly the work of the church. It is the work that binds us together in our common prayer whenever we come together to actually BE the church. Our common prayer is one of the unique qualities of being an Episcopalian.

Reference: A Dictionary for Episcopalians, Wall  

Some of you may know that there are several folks at the rehabilitation center next door to ECR, who would like to attend the 10:30 Eucharist Service regularly. That requires that someone walk over and push their wheelchair over to the church. We need more volunteers to help our ushers and others. Please see Fr. Billy Tweedie and Mr. Joe Page to assist these lovely people who want to join us in Holy Communion.   

Those of you who have reports due for the annual meeting, and you know who you are, coming up on Jan. 17th, please e-mail your report to the church office no later than Monday, Jan. 11th. Please be prepared to give an oral report at the annual meeting on Sunday. 

Dine Out survived the holidays, and is back in January with a seafood dinner for everyone who is tired of turkey and ham. It will be at Red Lobster Seafood Restaurant 109 West Anderson Lane on Saturday, January 16th at 5:30 pm. 

Everyone is invited for good food and fellowship. There is a signup sheet in the Narthex, but for any questions, just ask 

Mr. Joe Page at 512-459-3077. He has all the answers.

 

Wednesday morning Bible Study continues from 8:30 am to 9:30 am at Genuine Joe's Coffee House at 2001 W. Anderson Lane.  The Bible students have studied a lot of the scripture so far, and will continue on. They have begun their study of the Gospel According to St. Luke.

Sunday is the Annual Meeting, so no Hospitality will be served in the Narthex. Everyone will go to the Parish Hall for a delicious lunch served by the ECW as a Fundraiser.

The new Hospitality Roster will soon  be up. Please Check It.