Visiting for the First Time

Service time : 10:30 AM

The Gathering of the Community

There is a Welcome, a Gathering Litany, the Processional hymn, Land Acknowledgement, followed by an opening prayer called the Collect.

The Scripture Readings

There are usually three scripture passages included in our Sunday worship service: the first reading is either from the Old Testament or another inspired writing. Next a psalm is either read or sung with congregational response. And thirdly, the last reading is a Gospel from the New Testament, and is focused specifically on Jesus, His ministry and teachings.

The Reflection / Sermon / Homily

The Reflection is the opportunity for deep, critical thinking on the readings of the day and how they relate to us now in the 21st century. The readings and Reflection are meant to inspire, question, challenge and encourage us in our journey of faith in a sceptical world. The Reflection can be independent lessons or part of a series related to a particular theme. We also encourage guest speakers.

The Creed

We rise as we are able in response to having heard God’s Word and reflected on how it applies to our lives. This is a statement of faith we make together about who we are, and what we believe using either the words of the Apostles Creed, Nicene Creed or a more modern version of the same.

Prayers of the People

Prayers are offered by a member of the parish for the church, the world, governments, the sick and any in need. We also pray for particular needs that people have asked us to remember. And for events that are happening locally or internationally.

Confession and Absolution

We confess that we don’t always live as God would want us to in our relationships with each other or those around us. We pray for forgiveness and ask for God’s help to be more faithful going forward. We then hear words of assurance that we are forgiven by God.

The Peace

God gives us peace as a gift that we are called to share with others around us. We share it with each other in the liturgy to remember that we aim to be at peace with God and each other, and to hope that we will experience peace with those we encounter in our daily lives, too. We share the exchange of peace, as we feel comfortable, usually by shaking hands with the greeting “the Peace of Christ.”

The Offertory

As we sing a hymn or musical selection is played the Altar is set for Communion.

A Greeter will pass the offering plate at this time. You are invited to give an offering that supports the ministry at St. Paul’s locally, our Diocese, across the Anglican Church of Canada and around the world, by using a visitor’s envelope in the pew. Be assured that if you’re not able to make an offering, we don’t expect it of you. We’re happy that you are worshipping with us.

The Celebration of the Eucharist

The Prayer of Great Thanksgiving (sometimes called the Eucharistic Prayer) is when the priest asks God to bless the bread and wine to be shared in community, as we are fed with the bread of life and drink from the cup of salvation.

We pray the Lord’s Prayer (sometimes called the Jesus Prayer), the prayer that Jesus taught his disciples. The prayers are said or sung in differing versions with but with the same meaning.

The Bread is broken and the congregation is invited to The Table.

At the time of communion, you’re invited to come forward to the Altar rail to receive communion if you so desire. At St. Paul the Apostle – Rexdale, all are welcome at the Lord’s table, whether you are from another church or no church. We do not judge.

Please stand or kneel at the Altar railing, whichever is most comfortable and meaningful for you. You first receive the bread by holding out your hands to the one administering, and then the person administering the wine will come to you. If you don’t wish to drink from the common cup, you may place your hand on the base of the chalice as it’s offered to you. Communion in one kind (either the bread or the wine) is considered to be complete.

If you choose not to take communion, please feel free to still come to the Altar railing, and cross your arms over your chest for a blessing.

If you have difficulty coming to the Altar railing, please let a Greeter know and the priest will come to you.

Hand sanitizer is provided on the front row of seats if you wish to use it before receiving communion.

After communion, there are prayers of thanksgiving and a blessing.

Following the closing hymn and dismissal, the worship is finished.

We hope you’ll join us for a time of coffee, tea and fellowship together following the service. We’d like to introduce ourselves to you.

We hope that this has helped you navigate in detail your worship experience at St. Paul the Apostle – Rexdale. Let us know if you have further questions.

Blessings.

Rev. Randy and the people of St. Paul.