Go To Main Page

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,

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.

   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.

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.





Ushers
   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.