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By  on May 31, 2022

Many of the parishes in the diocese are “in transition” and do not necessarily have a priest to celebrate the Eucharist each Sunday. Additionally, parishes are rediscovering the daily office and considering ways to have lay-led weekday services. Lay-led services are an opportunity for renewal: to encourage lay people to live into the vows they made in their baptismal covenant, which reminds us that each and every one of us, lay or ordained, is called to participate in worship by virtue of our baptism. We are asked,  

“Will you continue in the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in the prayers?” We answer, “I will, with God’s help.”  

If your parish is often or occasionally without clergy and you are a lay leader who would be able and willing to lead in services, you are invited to approach your wardens or clergy about being nominated by the bishop to attend an upcoming seven-week course. Upon successful completion of the course, a conversation will be held about how and when you might help lead services of the word in your parish. 

The Diocese of Islands and Inlets is presenting a seven-part course from mid-September to mid-November 2022 designed to equip lay leaders. The course will provide the skills and resources for laity to lead worship services, morning and evening prayer and the liturgy of the word (a church service without the Eucharist). 

The seven sessions will equip lay leaders to: 

  • Understand the purpose of liturgy  
  • Follow the lectionary and examine its purpose in worship/liturgical formation 
  • Understand our Anglican, geographical, social and historical context 
  • Become familiar with the broad principals and structure of the BCP and the BAS 
  • Pray creatively and prepare intercessory prayers 
  • Access the available liturgical, lectionary, prayer and sermon resources needed to plan and lead a worship service.   

Dates, time and location: Via Zoom, Thursdays, 7 p.m., Sept. 22, Sept. 29, Oct. 13, Oct. 20, Oct. 27, Nov. 3 and Nov. 10 

Required reading: The Liturgical Year: the spiraling adventure of the spiritual life by Joan Chittister (2009, from the Ancient Practices Series) 

Registration: Participants should contact their warden, priest or archdeacon to express interest in this course.  

Read the Full Article at Faith Tides

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