Liturgical Resources and Training

Supporting Worship in the Parish

The Liturgical Commission was resurrected in 2023. The purpose is to inform and resource diocesan clergy and liturgy teams with the most current materials available and authorized for use.

Members:

Edith Allison
Rev. Dr. Valerie Bailey Fischer
Rev. Heather Blais, co-chair
John Cheek
Rev. Lora Smith
Rev. Michael Tuck
Rev. Steven Wilco, ex-officio
Rev. Dave Woessner
Rev. Anna Woofenden, co-chair

Resources for Christmas through Epiphany

Instant Christmas Pageant
‍This resource is intended as a no-prep, walk-in Christmas “pageant.” No planning and fussing, no volunteers, no rehearsals, no costumes needed (but you can give the kids costumes if you want). Created by Rev. Dave Woessner for shared use.

Children’s Books List for Christmas
‍Here is a list of children’s books for Christmas. Consider using them asa part of a sermon or story time in worship with children.

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Christmas Festival of Lessons and Carols
‍Did you know we have a Christmas Festival of Lessons and Carols? Consider using this service, either on the 1 or 2 Sunday after Christmas or as a special service. View online here or in the Book of Occasional Services 2022, pg. 37. The Church of England also has different sequence of readings featuring specific themes:

Sequence 1: Good news for the poor
Sequence 2: The Gospel of Luke
Sequence 3: Christmas Eve, Pattern from King’s College, Cambridge

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Christmas Song - A Note from Musician John Cheek:
‍Looking for a new piece of Christmas music? Here are two English language versions of Jean Sibelius’ Christmas Song I heard while singing in Helsinki in 1999 at an Anglican Lessons and Carols service. The poem was written first in Swedish and translated into Finnish where it remains very popular. One is for solo or unison singing, the other is a choral arrangement by Paul Hamill, Grace Church’s late choir director, in manuscript. Both versions are in the public domain. Want to listen to a couple of versions? Here is a video of a solo version sung in Finnish by the great Finnish baritone Jorma Hynninen who I worked with at the Met, and here is a video of a choral version.

There are several translations, here is one:

1. I seek no gold or majesty,
no pearl or shining gem,
but Lord above, I pray to Thee
for peace on earth to men.
O Lord divine, my heart is Thine!
Oh, let my thoughts to Thee incline!
I seek no pearl or shining gem
but peace on earth to men.

2. Among the children, in our home,
give blessed harmony.
The light that on the shepherds shone,
oh, let it shine on me!
O word of light, O truth and might,
oh, shed thy blessing glad and bright.
O word of grace and pardon free:
give peace and harmony.

3. Let Christmas come to rich and poor,
its brilliant light unfold
and with the wealth of God allure
to heaven's streets of gold.
I long for Thee, I wait for Thee,
O Lord, I need Thy charity!
May rich and poor alike abide
in peace at Christmastide.

Children’s Books List for Epiphany

Here is a list of children’s books for Epiphany. Consider using them as a part of a sermon or story time in worship with children.

Chalk Blessing & House Blessings

Just as the Magi came and brought blessings to the Christ-child, we pay special attention to blessing our homes in Epiphanytide. It has been a tradition to bless chalk at Epiphanytide and use the chalk for the blessing of homes for the New Year. Here is an attached prayer for use, and a handout to send home with worshippers so they may chalk their doors. This same practice could also be used as an evangelism opportunity. Prepare packets of chalk and a handout explanation for worshippers to share with others who might like to receive such a gift to pray for their homes. Did you know we also have an entire house blessing liturgy in the Book of Occasional Services? Offering a house blessing is another way to offer pastoral care and connect with members of the community. View online here or in the Book of Occasional Services 2022, pg. 200.

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Epiphany Alternative Collects of the Day - Year C

We believe that the use of fresh language provides us the opportunity to broaden and deepen our‬ relationship with God. This means there are times we may want to draw upon church resources that are intentional in use of expansive and inclusive language. To that end, the following Collects of the Day have been approved by Bishop Fisher for use during Epiphany in Year C for those worshiping communities that wish to use them. They are written by Steven Shakespeare in Prayers for an Inclusive Church, published by Church Publishing in 2009.

The Epiphany (Matthew 2:1-12)
Shepherd of Israel
and Light of all Nations,
made known in the gifts
of those who call to other names
and walk on different ways:
may unjust powers and the hatred within us
be dismayed by your friendship
and dethroned by your love;
through Jesus Christ, the open arms of grace. Amen.

Baptism of Christ (Luke 3:15-17, 21-22)
Lord of the desert river,
you search our depths
and call us by name:
may your flame-born Spirit
open the heavens
that we might recognize you
in the one born of earth,
Jesus Christ, the Gift of Peace. Amen.

Epiphany 2 (John 2:1-11)
Lord of the wedding day,
passion of joining
and spirit of festival:
take our hearts of stone
and flood them with new wine
that we might savior ordinary miracles
given to sense and taste,
through Jesus Christ, the Winemaker. Amen.

Epiphany 3 (Luke 4:14-21)
God of freedom,
you break the seals
and let the Spirit flow:
make us impatient to greet
the time fulfilled,
the poor lifted up,
the oppressed set free
and your love made manifest
in Jesus Christ, the Anointed Servant. Amen.

Epiphany 4 (Luke 2:22-40)
God of promise,
you renew your gift
to those who faces are lined
and hearts are filed
by the passage of years:
give us grace, with Simeon and Anna,
to see beyond the surface
to where the Spirit shows
the face and heart of God
in Jesus Christ, the given Child. Amen.

Epiphany 5 (Luke 5:1-11)
Lord of the deep waters,
you call us from the safety of the shore
to an adventure of the spirit:
open wide our arms
to embrace the world
you dare to serve;
through Jesus Christ, who gives life in abundance. Amen.

Epiphany 6 (Luke 6:17-26)
God of blessing and woe,
disturbing the deadly order of the world:
give us faith tested in poverty,
hunger for what really satisfies,
eyes softened by tears
and hearts ready to laugh
at all that is false and pompous
that we might be witnesses
to the dignity of life;
through Jesus Christ, who turns the world upside down. Amen.

Epiphany 7 (Luke 6:27-38)
God of kindness,
interrupting our vicious cycles
of resentment and revenge:
teach us to walk the way of forgiveness
beyond all accounting
and to love the gift
that has no measure;
through Jesus Christ, who died for all. Amen.

Last Epiphany (Luke 9:28-36 [37-43])
God unknown
and unsheltered
by our poor constructs:
open to us the moments
when heaven overshadows time
and robs us of empty words;
in the moment of silence
help us to listen
to the Chosen One
who goes to die that we might live,
Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.‍

Prayers of the People

Set 1: Prayers of the People for the Epiphany

Written by The Rev. Deacon Lora Smith, of the Diocese of Western Massachusetts.

Creator God, you spoke in hope, and light came forth from the darkness.
We pray for your church, our diocese, bishops, clergy, and all of your people.

Light of abundant love, be our beacon in proclaiming your love.
We pray for those who have lost their way. May your light lead them back to you.

Illuminator of the world, guide us to see and to meet the needs of those around us.
We pray for those in need of shelter, clothing and food. We pray for those suffering from mental afflictions, physical illnesses, and spiritual vacancy. We pray especially for: (healing lists and petitions)

Light that brings warmth; warm our hearts and hands to your service.
We pray for our world. Light the way for us to serve.

Glowing ember of light; fuel our passion to stand up against injustice and help us to pursue peace and reconciliation.
We pray for this land upon which we stand. We pray for the preservation of the created world, its vegetation, creatures, waters, and people.

As the magi followed the star that led them to the Christ child, illumine our hopes before we know them and our needs before we ask.
Star which blazes in glory, lead us to the Christ child, from whom our salvation comes.

Light of Christ which could not be dimmed by earthly death.
We pray for those who have gone before us to your eternal light, especially (names). May light perpetual shine upon them. Amen.

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Set 2: Prayers of the People for the Epiphany

From the Church of England Times and Seasons.

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Let us worship the Saviour with joy
and make our prayer to our heavenly Father.

The magi came from the east to worship your Son:
Father, grant to Christians everywhere
the spirit of adoration …
Lord of glory,
‍hear our prayer.

The infant Christ received gifts of gold, incense and myrrh:
Father, accept the offering of our hearts and minds
[at the beginning of this year] …
Lord of glory,
‍hear our prayer.

The kingdoms of this world have become
the kingdom of our Lord and of his Christ:
Father, grant an abundance of peace to your world …
Lord of glory,
‍hear our prayer.

The Holy Family lived in exile and in the shadow of death:
Father, look in mercy on all who are poor and powerless,
and all who suffer …
Lord of glory,
‍hear our prayer.

Your Son shared the life of his home and family at Nazareth:
Father, protect in your love our neighbours,
our families and this community of which we are a part …
Lord of glory,
‍hear our prayer.

Father, we rejoice in our fellowship
with the shepherds, the angels, the magi,
the Virgin Mary, Saint Joseph,
and all the faithful departed.
In your unfailing love for us and for all people,
hear and answer our prayers through your Son,
our Saviour Jesus Christ.
‍Amen.‍

Resources for the End of Ordinary Season through Advent

All authorized prayers are available for free online

Visit episcopalcommonprayer.org to discover the many liturgical resources that have been approved for use within the Episcopal Church by General Convention, above and beyond our beloved 1979 Book of Common Prayer.

See resolution here:https://www.episcopalarchives.org/cgi-bin/acts/acts_resolution.pl?resolution=2018-D078

See forms suitable for use in bulletins here: https://www.episcopalcommonprayer.org/

These revisions were done in 2018 for Eucharistic Prayers A, B, and D afterwork by the Standing Commission on Liturgy and Music following resolutions authorizing their work at the previous convention in2015. Eucharistic prayer C was referred to the next convention for additional revision by the SCLM and due to the COVID shortened 2022convention the improved version was not approved until 2024. All versions are authorized for use until a new Prayer Book is approved.

Here is the resolution Passed in 2024 for Prayer C which has two versions, Dialogic with rubrics and Fixed response with Rubrics. Bishop Fisher has authorized use until a new Prayer Book is approved.

This passed with no debate in the House of Deputies on the consent calendar.

The following link explains the process for liturgical revision. It is quite long but rich with information about our process for developing new liturgies.

Here is the resolution for the revision of hymn texts which passed with reduced funding.

And the one for a Supplement to the 1982 Hymnal.

This was rejected by the House of Bishops due to the cost, however, Bishop Doyle of Texas agreed to direct the Standing Commission on Liturgy and Music to begin work and that his diocese would provide funding.

As we approach Indigenous People’s Day, it is a fitting time to look at our congregation's use of Indigenous Land Acknowledgements, in accordance with General Conventions Resolution CO72.

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Here are some resources from the Episcopal Church that outline the call of the resolution and give guidance for educating and using land acknowledgment in your congregation.

These resources have been approved by Bishop Fisher for use on November 3, 2024.

The following prayer can be used as an additional Collect, or as an alternative Collect of the Day, for use on November 3:

A Prayer for the General Election
‍God of grace and truth,
in Jesus you embody your choice of us.
Bless all who make choices in this general election.
Clothe your people with gratitude
for the right to choose our government,
and turn that gratitude into clear choices.
Give those who vote your spirit of wisdom and understanding.
Uphold all who stand for election:
preserve their dignity, and guide them in the path of integrity.
Renew this nation in honor for the stranger,
respect for the different, and cherishing of diversity.
When all the votes are counted,
show us ways to foster the flourishing of all
and be a blessing to our neighbors.
In the name of Christ and the power of your Spirit. Amen.
‍(Source: St. Martin’s in the Field)

Prayers of the People

These prayers were written by The Rev. Deacon Lora Smith on behalf of the Diocese of Western Massachusetts for use on the Sunday prior to the general election.

"Creator God, we come before you as your beloved children, acknowledging the beauty of your creation, of which we are a part. Help us to love all your creation, as you have loved us.

Lord, hear our prayer.

All-knowing God, you know our needs even before we speak. We ask your guidance upon our country at this time of our general election. We pray for your guidance and discernment, as we choose those who will lead our country. May their leadership be in accordance with your will for all people.

Lord, hear our prayer.

Shepherding God, we pray for all those called to lead your flock. We pray for the Archbishop, our Presiding Bishop and Presiding Bishop-elect, our Bishop, Doug, and our clergy [names]. May they lead us in your love and mercy.

Lord, hear our prayer.

Empowering God, we pray for our president and all members of Congress. We pray that you will guide them as they make decisions that affect our country and the world. Send them your godly wisdom. Give our candidates for election the strength to choose integrity in their campaigns and in their terms in office.

Lord, hear our prayer.

Merciful God, we pray for the poor and for those who have no voice in our society: the homeless, the destitute, the imprisoned, and the infirm. We pray for those held captive, that your justice and mercy may prevail.

Lord, hear our prayer.

Forgiving God, forgive us for the times when we have had conversations without really listening. Help us listen to others with humble and open hearts. Help the leaders of our country to do the same. Help us, as a nation, to focus less on getting our own way and more on loving our neighbors—especially the most vulnerable among us.

Lord hear our prayer.

Healing God, we pray for the sick. We offer prayers this day for [names] and for those whose infirmity is known only to you. Bring the power of your healing love.

Lord, hear our prayer.

God of the resurrection, we pray for those who have died, and for all the departed, especially [names].

Lord, hear our prayer."‍

The two watercolors were created by Edith Adams Allison (Grace, Amherst) who serves on the Liturgical Commission. Edith gives permission for these to be used in our liturgy and worship, including printing in leaflets. Download the watercolor images here.

‍Advent Festival of Lessons and Carols

Did you know we have an Advent Festival of Lessons and Carols? Consider using this service, either as part of your Sunday worship or as a special service. View online here or in the Book of Occasional Services 2022, pg. 22.

Advent Alternative Collects of the Day - Year C

The season of Advent has traditionally included the imagery of lightness and darkness, and at times equating light with good and dark with bad. As the Church strives to engage in the ongoing work of racial reconciliation, we aim to be more intentional and expansive in our language. To that end, four Collects of the Day have been approved by Bishop Fisher for use during the four Sundays in Advent in Year C for those worshiping communities that wish to use them. They are written by Steven Shakespeare in Prayers for an Inclusive Church, published by Church Publishing in 2009.

Advent 1 (Luke 21:25-36)
Urgent God,
breaking through the static
to speak to our hearts:
disarm our love of control
and shake the silent heavens
to reveal your dawning glory
judging all in the light of love;
through Jesus Christ, the one who is to come. Amen.

Advent 2 (Luke 3:1-6)
Lord of the wilderness way,
whose word scours our smooth evasions:
take us on the unbending road
to the raw center of our world
with a cry of invitation
and the call of sudden grace;
through Jesus Christ, the one who is to come. Amen.

Advent 3 (Luke 3:7-18)
God of flood and fire,
calling us to turn
from dead halls
echoing with greed:
may the gift of your Spirit
come to us from another place,
burning with life and a hope
that will not be quenched;
through Jesus Christ, the one who is to come. Amen.

Advent 4 (Luke 1:39-45 [46-55])
God made known
in the friendship of women,
the word of greeting
and the unseen life enwombed:
give us the courage
of the teenage mother
who brings into the world
a song of joyful revolt
and a God who needs her love;
Through Jesus Christ, the one who is to come. Amen.‍

Liturgical Commission

Supporting Worship in the Parish

Members:

Resources for Christmas through Epiphany

Set 1: Prayers of the People for the Epiphany

Set 2: Prayers of the People for the Epiphany

Resources for the End of Ordinary Season through Advent

Supporting Worship in the Parish

Training Preachers

Training Worship Leaders

Training Eucharistic Visitors

Applications

General Resources

Liturgical Resources for Various Needs/Environments

Public Witness

Episcopal Liturgy

Prayers for the Nation

Ecumenical/Interfaith

Bilingual

National Emergency/Local Tragedy

National Holidays