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A Note on Our Sunday 10a Worship
"Then their eyes were opened, and they recognized him." — Luke 24:35
The Easter season reminds us that the risen Christ keeps showing up — on the road to Emmaus, behind locked doors, in the breaking of bread — and that the church's calling has always been to be a place where people can encounter Jesus, again and for the first time.
In this moment, that calling feels especially urgent. The Episcopal Church, like many mainline traditions, is navigating a real decline in the people finding their way through our doors. We don't say that with alarm — we say it with conviction that this is exactly the moment to ask how we make room for people, perhaps unfamiliar with our particular traditions, to meet Jesus through Christ Church Parish. With that vision in mind, we're making a few intentional changes to our Sunday 10am service, effective this Easter season:
Scripture in plain language. We'll use the Common English Bible for our readings — a lively, scholarly translation approved by the Episcopal Church for use in worship and written to be understood by the widest possible range of readers.
Three Scripture readings instead of four. This allows more space for each reading to land, and a little more breathing room in the liturgy overall.
A changed ending. After the table is cleared, we'll pray the postcommunion prayer, sing a closing hymn together, and receive the blessing and dismissal from the altar. The postlude will follow, and clergy will come forward to greet the congregation — giving us a much richer opportunity to welcome people as they leave, and to make sure no one slips out without being seen. You're warmly invited to stay, listen, and linger — or to depart when you need to. Both are a blessing.
We know that change in worship is never neutral. These liturgies are where many of us have encountered God, buried loved ones, baptized children. If something about these changes gives you pause, or if you find yourself with questions or concerns — that matters, and we want to hear from you.
Please share your thoughts using this short form. Your responses go directly to Rev. Melissa, Deacons Natalie and James, and Lea, so that we can listen and respond as a team. We'll also be hosting a conversation after the 10am service on June 7th — all are welcome to come.
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