Worship at St. George's

How Do We Worship?

Prayer for the Parish:
Almighty and everliving God, ruler of all things in heaven and earth, hear our prayers for this parish family. Strengthen the faithful, arouse the careless, and restore the penitent. Grant us all things necessary for our common life, and bring us all to be of one heart and mind within Your Holy Church; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
(Book of Common Prayer, page 817)



How Do We Worship?

If you are new to the Episcopal Church, then worship services may seem a little like a juggling contest. To help all with the service, we offer a Sunday Bulletin to lead you through the service, an insert with the Bible readings, the Book of Common Prayer, and the Hymnal for our music.
We stand to sing praises to God and greet one another. We sit for instruction and kneel to confess our sins and for personal devotion. Many Episcopalians make the sign of the cross, bow, and observe other reverences, but they are not required of anyone. If you have any questions about the different reverences, please ask a member of our clergy!
All baptized Christians in good standing with their churches are welcome to receive communion. Generally, we receive the bread with our right hand stretched in front of us over our left hand, lifting the bread into our mouth. You may gently guide the base of the communion cup to direct it to your lips and gently push it away when you have received the wine.
We hope you will feel at home as we worship our common Lord and receive life-giving sustenance from His Body and Blood at God's holy altar.

Sacraments & Sacramental Rites

Holy Eucharist
Holy Communion is open to all baptized Christians who receive the sacrament in their own churches.

The Celebration and Blessing of Marriage
The Sacrament of Marriage (Holy Matrimony) is a solemn public covenant between a man and a woman in the presence of God. At St. George's at least one of the parties is expected to be a baptized/confirmed member and/or the son/daughter or grandson/granddaughter of a baptized member in good standing. At least one of the parties is required to be baptized. Marriages should be scheduled at least six months in advance and a minimum of six hours of premarital counseling with a member of our clergy is required. If a person has been previously married, the Bishop of the Diocese must grant permission but in no event can the actual ceremony take place before a year has elapsed from when the divorce decree became final. To meet with a priest regarding marriage, contact Valorie Corley at 385-2150 or valorie.corley@stgeorgesnashville.org to schedule an appointment.

Holy Baptism
Holy Baptism is full initiation by water and the Holy Spirit into Christ's body the Church. It is administered for children or adults within the context of the Eucharist as the chief service on a Sunday or other major feast. It is especially appropriate at the Easter Vigil; Day of Pentecost in May; All Saints Day in November; and the Feast of Baptism of our Lord in January. Each candidate is to be sponsored by one or more baptized persons. Instruction in the meaning of Baptism and living the Christian life is required for all adult candidates and parents/godparents of children candidates. Please contact Valorie Corley at 385-2150 or valorie.corley@stgeorgesnashville.org if you have a candidate for Holy Baptism.

Reconciliation of a Penitent (Confession)
The Ministry of reconciliation in the Episcopal Church is exercised through the care each Christian has for others, through the common prayer of Christians assembled for public worship and through the Sacrament of Reconciliation of Penitent (often called Confession and Penance in other Christian traditions). The Sacrament can be scheduled at any time with a priest and is strictly a voluntary request on the part of a penitent.

Ministry to the Sick
In case of illness or injury, members are asked to notify Pastoral Care by calling Lynn Ragland at 385-2150 or emailing pastoralcare@stgeorgesnashville.org as soon as possible. Clergy and Lay Eucharistic Ministers set a time to visit and/or bring Holy Communion as is appropriate.

Healing
The anointing with Holy Oil and the Laying on of Hands is an ancient tradition derived from Jesus' healing ministry and the commission of the apostles who anointed and healed in the power of Jesus' name. Anointing with prayer for the sick can also be requested at any time from a priest.

Christian Burial
Members of the church are properly buried from the church. A member of the clergy should be contacted as soon as possible after a death has occurred. Although, burial is not a Sacrament in the Episcopal Church, we offer a Holy time to pay respects to the deceased.

Columbarium
The Columbarium of St. George's Episcopal Church is a consecrated burial ground, set apart for the interment of the ashes of members of the parish and their families. The Columbarium is located in a courtyard adjacent to the Jane Tompkins Weeks Chapel. Plots may be purchased at anytime. Please contact Ann Brothers, Columbarium Custodian, at 383-7719.