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orship is central to the corporate
life of the Church of the Incarnation and we welcome
all who come. The HOLY EUCHARIST is the principal form
of Sunday worship at our church
community. Moreover,
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our services bring together the rich
gifts of the African-American worship experience and catholic
worship as contained in the Book of Common Prayer. A special
service commemorating Martin Luther King, Jr., is held annually
in January on the Sunday nearest to the national observance
of his birthday.
Baptism, Confirmation and Reception
Christian baptism makes us members of the
One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church that we speak of in
the Creed. Thus, several times during the year BAPTISM is scheduled
and administered within the context of the Sunday Eucharist
to persons who have never been baptized. Baptismal Instructions
are offered for adult candidates who are not baptized, as well
as parents and sponsors (godparents) and is the normal way to
prepare for baptism. |
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Any baptized person is
welcome to receive communion, to enter fully into the life
and activities of the congregation, and to make a financial
pledge in support of the Church. However, at such time as
they are ready, persons baptized but not yet confirmed are
expected to become a confirmed member of the church.
All baptized congregants are required to
prepare for CONFIRMATION or RECEPTION by enrolling in Confirmation
Classes, a course of preparation for those persons who have
been baptized but not yet confirmed. These series of classes
are usually held annually, well in advance of the bishop’s
visitation for confirmation.
Marriage
Premarital counseling is required in accordance
with the canons of the Church for all couples planning marriage
and diocesan regulations are followed in the case of a divorced
person who wishes to remarry. Since it is expected that the
couple will maintain a continuing relationship with the parish,
at least one member of the party must be a registered member
who is regular in attendance and supports the church. Please
call 305-633-2446 for additional information.
Burial
A Christian is properly buried from the
church as the funeral liturgy is intended to serve as an expression
of thanksgiving to God for the deceased and a source of comfort
for the bereaved. For deceased persons who were active in
the life of the church, it is desirable that the service includes
a requiem Eucharist; otherwise, the Prayer Book office for
burial without communion is the norm. In all situations, the
clergy should be informed before burial arrangements are made.
The Church of the Incarnation encourages
lay participation in all services of worship in a number of
ways:
Altar Guild
The Altar Guild or the Guild of Our Lady
is responsible for the care of the liturgical objects, linen,
and vestments used for services and the preparation of the
church for all services. No previous experience is required
as training is provided for new members. Call 305-633-2446.
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Acolytes
The Order of St. Vincent Acolyte Guild or Servers is made-up
of youth who assist with the services. Ongoing training for
these special duties is available. Please call 305-633-2446
for information.
Chalice Bearers/Lay Eucharistic Ministers
Chalice Bearers and Lay Eucharistic Ministers assist at Sunday
worship. Both ministries require licensing by the bishop
after completing a course of study and training at the Diocesan
School for Christian Studies.
Choirs
Worship services are supported by music led by ST. CECILIA’S
CHOIR, a group made-up of volunteers who are highly accomplished
singers. Under the direction
of the Rev’d Fred W. Fleischer, Organist and Choirmaster,
our choir is renown and in demand to sing at community affairs.
Moreover, our choir offers the opportunity to come into the
presence of God through music; therefore, we encourage individuals
to join the choir and lift their hearts and voices in song.
Rehearsals are held on Tuesday evenings at 7:30 p.m. The worship
services are enhanced and the congregation is always enriched
by the tones produced from a set of liturgical handbells that
are played by our HANDBELL CHOIR. This choir is made-up of
both children and adults who need not be musical to truly
make a joyful noise to the Lord.
Lectors/Lay Readers
While Lay Readers are required to be licensed by the bishop,
any lay person may
serve as a Lector and share in reading the lessons and leading
the Prayers of the
People during the services. Please call 305-633-2446 for information.
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Ushers are responsible for the maintenance of religious decorum
during worship and assist at services by greeting people,
passing out church literature, taking up the offering, directing
people during communion and by doing whatever is needed to
make worship services move smoothly. If you are interested
in assisting with this
ministry of hospitality, please call 305-633-2446 for information. |
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