428 Pee Dee Avenue, Albemarle, NC 28001 (704) 982-1428
The Rev. Dr. James B. Bernacki, Rector

			Worship at Christ Church
			Worship is open to people of all ages, children through adults. Nursery care is available during Sunday worship for children who are not quite ready to attend the full service. Parents are encouraged to bring their children into the church during the celebration of Holy Communion so that they may receive a blessing from the priest during the Eucharist. For individuals unfamiliar with worship in the Episcopal tradition, we hope that the following will be helpful. The principal printed worship resources include:

The Bible (the weekly lessons are printed in the program for study and contemplation following worship)

Sitting During worship it is our custom to sit while lessons from Scripture are read and when the Psalm for the day is sung. We also sit for the sermon and during other parts of the service such as the time of the announcements, offertory and communion hymn. Standing We stand for praise expressed in singing hymns and for the reading of the Gospel. Kneeling For many parishioners, prayer is an experience reverently expressed when kneeling. In most instances The Book of Common Prayer acknowledges that either standing or kneeling is appropriate. Ultimately, how one prays is a matter of personal spiritual preference.

The Episcopal Church in general and Christ Church in particular follow a liturgical calendar of services that dates to the beginning of the Christian Church. These services, which are steeped in tradition, continue to provide meaningful experiences to today's Christians as we journey through life. In addition to regular weekly services and major events such as Christmas, Easter, Ash Wednesday, Maundy Thursday and Good Friday, Christ Church provides the following opportunities for worship.

Healing Service

On the first Wednesday of each month a healing service is held as a part of the regular mid-week Wednesday Holy Eucharist at 6:30 pm in the Church.

Sacrament of Reconciliation (Confession)

Before Christmas and Easter as announced; or any time by request or appointment with the rector.

Taizé

Taizé worship services are held every third Sunday of the month at 5:00 pm in the church. Taizé is a form of contemplative worship using prayer, song and meditative silence as a means of opening oneself to the voice of God. The thirty to forty minute worship services are open to everyone including worshippers from all denominations. To learn more about the origin and concept of Taizé visit the Additional Information section of this website.

Other Aspects of Spiritual Life

Parishioners are encouraged to participate in worship in various ways each week. Below are some of the opportunities that individuals have to serve during regular worship.

Acolytes The Crucifer leads the procession into the church at the beginning of the service and into the world at the conclusion of worship. Other individuals assist the rector during the Gospel procession by carrying torches and holding the book containing the Gospel lesson for the day. Young people and adults may serve as acolytes.

Chalice Bearers

Parishioners chosen and trained by the priest assist with the ministration of the cup during Holy Eucharist

Choir

A choir of mixed voices sings regularly at the 10:30 am Holy Eucharist on Sundays and for other services during the year. Rehearsals are held on Wednesday evenings except during the months of June, July and August when the choir takes a break from their regular service to the parish.

Greeters

Greeters are individuals designated to be of assistance to all worshipers but especially to those attending Christ Church for the first time. Greeters make Sunday morning visitors feel welcome and extend a personal invitation for them to join members of the parish at coffee hour following the 10:30 Eucharist.

Intercessors Parishioners lead the congregation in the prayers of intercession Lectors Members of the parish read the scripture lessons appointed for the day. Ushers A team of ushers distribute programs and assist in various ways during the Parish Eucharist and for special services.

Becoming a Member

If you live in the area and wish to become a member of the Christ Church parish, please make your request known to the rector.

The path to becoming a member of the parish may follow one of the following courses depending upon your current involvement in another church.

• If you are an Episcopalian and a member of another parish you may present a Letter of Transfer from your previous parish indicating that you are a baptized member and a communicant together with a statement that you have been confirmed or received by a bishop. If you wish, you may call the church office and ask our parish secretary to request a Letter of Transfer from your previous parish.
  
  
• If you are a baptized member in another denomination in the Christian Church you should secure a copy of your Certificate of Baptism and present it along with your request for membership. However, to be enrolled as a member of this parish you will be asked to take instructions and, when appropriate, to be confirmed or received into communion by a bishop of the Church.
  
  
• If you have not been baptized with water in the name of the Holy Trinity, you will be asked to take instructions leading to Baptism and Holy Communion.
  In any event, we are happy to have you worship with us, whether as a visitor or as a prospective member.