Worship Services at Grace Episcopal Church
8am Holy Eucharist, Rite 1
There is a core group of people committed to this early service. The sense of tradition is important to participants who feel strongly about the consistent use of Rite 1. They see it as a service they can rely on as a “centering presence” in their spiritual lives. There is no music – no organ or hymns.
10:00am Holy Eucharist, Rite 2
This is the “main” service with organ, choir and full procession. The choir presents an anthem each week and healing ministry if offered after communion. There is a Liturgy Committee which works with the Rector and the Organist/Choir Director to plan services. Together they share insights, visions and plans for seasonal and special services throughout the year. Coffee hour follows the service in the Parish Hall.
Lay members of the parish participate each Sunday as acolytes, Altar Guild, Flower Guild, chalice bearers, choir, lectors, healing ministers, hospitality providers and ushers. Lay eucharistic ministers are commissioned at the close of the service to take communion to shut-ins.
Preaching
Sermons are usually inspired by the lections of the day. Parishioners greatly appreciate good preaching, often commenting on this subject at meetings and other gatherings.
Evensong
We have had occasional evensong services at Grace Church in which the choir has played an important part. For several years, the Burgess Committee was instrumental in the joining of the three Episcopal churches on the island of Martha’s Vineyard (Grace Episcopal Church, St Andrews Episcopal Church, Trinity Episcopal Church) in a service of evensong celebrating the life and contributions of Bishop John Melville Burgess. He was a retired bishop of the Diocese of Massachusetts and its first African American bishop. The music was offered by the combined choirs of Grace Church and St. Andrews under the direction of organists at Trinity and St. Andrews. Preachers for the services were priests mentored by Bishop Burgess. The goal of the Burgess Committee, as expressed by Mrs. Burgess was to bring black priests to the pulpit of Grace Church. The aim was to broaden the knowledge and experience of parishioners regarding diversity of leadership in the Episcopal Church.
Holy Baptism
At Grace Church, Holy Baptism is celebrated at one of the Sunday services, involving the whole church family as well as the immediate family and friends of the candidate(s). It’s planned at the times stated in the Book of Common Prayer. Because we are resort community, baptisms are sometimes performed for summer visitors who are not members of Grace. In these cases, our rector has coordinated with the family’s home pastor.
Confirmation
Our clergy have led classes for those seeking confirmation, reception or reaffirmation. One of the Bishops visits once a year and performs these rites.
Healing Ministry
For many years, Grace Church has been and continues to be committed to promoting and practicing the healing ministry of Jesus Christ. The Martha’s Vineyard Chapter of the Order of St. Luke International holds its monthly meetings at Grace Church. It is an ecumenical group representing many different denominations on the Cape, Islands and Southeastern Massachusetts. Those interested in the healing ministry are encouraged to join the Order of St. Luke to receive their training.
Our congregation has many parishioners trained as prayer ministers. The laity provides the core of the healing prayer offered on a regular basis at scheduled worship services.
Funerals
Grace Church adheres to the teaching of the Episcopal Church in holding funerals at the church, but we have accommodated the practice of many islanders and visitors who find a graveside ceremony more suitable. A memorial garden adjacent to the church is available for internment of ashes.
Music
Historically, music has played a major role in our worship with regular Sunday participation by the choir, special concerts and other performances.
There is a core group of people committed to this early service. The sense of tradition is important to participants who feel strongly about the consistent use of Rite 1. They see it as a service they can rely on as a “centering presence” in their spiritual lives. There is no music – no organ or hymns.
10:00am Holy Eucharist, Rite 2
This is the “main” service with organ, choir and full procession. The choir presents an anthem each week and healing ministry if offered after communion. There is a Liturgy Committee which works with the Rector and the Organist/Choir Director to plan services. Together they share insights, visions and plans for seasonal and special services throughout the year. Coffee hour follows the service in the Parish Hall.
Lay members of the parish participate each Sunday as acolytes, Altar Guild, Flower Guild, chalice bearers, choir, lectors, healing ministers, hospitality providers and ushers. Lay eucharistic ministers are commissioned at the close of the service to take communion to shut-ins.
Preaching
Sermons are usually inspired by the lections of the day. Parishioners greatly appreciate good preaching, often commenting on this subject at meetings and other gatherings.
Evensong
We have had occasional evensong services at Grace Church in which the choir has played an important part. For several years, the Burgess Committee was instrumental in the joining of the three Episcopal churches on the island of Martha’s Vineyard (Grace Episcopal Church, St Andrews Episcopal Church, Trinity Episcopal Church) in a service of evensong celebrating the life and contributions of Bishop John Melville Burgess. He was a retired bishop of the Diocese of Massachusetts and its first African American bishop. The music was offered by the combined choirs of Grace Church and St. Andrews under the direction of organists at Trinity and St. Andrews. Preachers for the services were priests mentored by Bishop Burgess. The goal of the Burgess Committee, as expressed by Mrs. Burgess was to bring black priests to the pulpit of Grace Church. The aim was to broaden the knowledge and experience of parishioners regarding diversity of leadership in the Episcopal Church.
Holy Baptism
At Grace Church, Holy Baptism is celebrated at one of the Sunday services, involving the whole church family as well as the immediate family and friends of the candidate(s). It’s planned at the times stated in the Book of Common Prayer. Because we are resort community, baptisms are sometimes performed for summer visitors who are not members of Grace. In these cases, our rector has coordinated with the family’s home pastor.
Confirmation
Our clergy have led classes for those seeking confirmation, reception or reaffirmation. One of the Bishops visits once a year and performs these rites.
Healing Ministry
For many years, Grace Church has been and continues to be committed to promoting and practicing the healing ministry of Jesus Christ. The Martha’s Vineyard Chapter of the Order of St. Luke International holds its monthly meetings at Grace Church. It is an ecumenical group representing many different denominations on the Cape, Islands and Southeastern Massachusetts. Those interested in the healing ministry are encouraged to join the Order of St. Luke to receive their training.
Our congregation has many parishioners trained as prayer ministers. The laity provides the core of the healing prayer offered on a regular basis at scheduled worship services.
Funerals
Grace Church adheres to the teaching of the Episcopal Church in holding funerals at the church, but we have accommodated the practice of many islanders and visitors who find a graveside ceremony more suitable. A memorial garden adjacent to the church is available for internment of ashes.
Music
Historically, music has played a major role in our worship with regular Sunday participation by the choir, special concerts and other performances.