Worship/Music

Worship is the heartbeat of our community. We gather together each Sunday morning to celebrate Holy Communion as the principal act of worship. Holy Communion Rite I using traditional language is celebrated at 8:00 a.m. throughout the year. At 10:00 we use Rite II, contemporary language, except during the seasons of Advent and Lent when Rite I is employed. The choirs sing during the 10:00 services. During the summer this service occurs at 10:00 a.m. We also have a service of Holy Eucharist on Wednesday at Noon. Morning Prayer is said in the Church at 9:00 a.m., Monday through Friday.

Anglican worship is based upon Benedict’s Rule of regular worship throughout the day. Our prayer book consolidates these seven services into two services of Morning and Evening prayer. Our Book of Common Prayer is just that, it is a book that helps us pray together and regularly. Morning and Evening prayer are designed so that all of us can read the Bible and pray regularly each day.

Healing Ministry

The Healing Rite is a vital component of our 12:00 noon Wednesday worship service. A small cadre of specially-trained parishioners serves to listen and pray with those who have personal needs from which prayer serves to comfort and heal. Our Healing Ministry offers a unique level of spiritual compassion, individual attention and closeness to God.

Music

Music is an integral part of worship at Saint Paul's. The centerpiece of the music program is the Adult Choir. The Choir of more than 25 singers offers musical leadership in the classical style, centered in the rich musical traditions of our Anglican heritage.

In addition to regular Sunday offerings, the choir provides special music offerings throughout the year. The annual Lessons & Carols service is patterned after the service begun at Kings College, Cambridge. This is typically one of the best-attended services each year. In addition, the combined choirs of Saint Paul's and Trinity

Episcopal Church, Portsmouth, offer a joint Choral Evensong each year. Saint Paul's has reestablished its children's choir, which is participating in services throughout the year.

We have recently been blessed with the gift of a new organ. This beautiful instrument has 2 manuals and pedals, 24 stops, and 27 ranks. Completed shortly before Christmas 2006, the organ has been a blessing both to our parish and the local community. More information is available at the following link: www.mander-organs.com/leader.html