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Most of the liturgy in liturgical churches (those churches that have a prescribed set of services and rituals) is derived directly from Biblical sources. From all the evidence available to us, about two thirds of the liturgy was performed in a similar fashion by the first Christians, such as the breaking of bread, the elevation of the Host and recounting of the story of the Last Supper, exchanging a token of peace (sometimes a kiss but today more often a handshake or hug), the sharing of a meal at least in symbolic form. The sequence of the liturgy has shifted over time, depending on what the church believed had been laid down by past generations. The passing of the Peace, for example, was once at the end of the service, and led directly to social time following the ritual, symbolizing a return from sacred time to everyday life. But currently it comes right before Communion, in deference to Jesus' recommendation that is any of us have difficulties with our neighbour, we resolve that before we make our offerings. |
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Since the Church of England broke away from the Roman church, readings from the Bible have been used in services. There are 3 readings as well as a recitation of one of the Psalms. The readings will always consist of a section from the Old Testament, from an Epistle, and from one of the 4 Gospels, in that order. In our time, the liturgical churches have adopted a sequence of readings called a Lectionary that allows a church to get through the entire Bible in 3 years. The Catholic and Anglican churches have used the same set of readings, known as the Common Lectionary. The Common Lectionary was revised a number of years ago, and the Lutheran and United Church in Canada have also started to follow this Revised Common Lectionary. It simplifies the priest's job in some ways, because he knows ahead of time what the readings will be. It also ensures that the congregation, many of whom may never read the Bible, are exposed to the entire Bible over time. Sermons are supposed to be linked to the readings, to prevent the preacher from inflicting their own obsessions or prejudices on the congregation. |
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