2021, like 2020, has presented unprecedented challenges in the liturgical life of our church due to the risks and uncertainties presented by the COVID-19 pandemic. In response, worshiping communities developed meaningful sacramental worship while maintaining safe conditions. In many ways, this was the perfect time to re-form and re-launch ECCT’s Liturgical Commission, originally formed in 2019.
In January 2020, Bishop Douglas and Bishop Ahrens reconvened the Commission to focus on both responses to the pandemic and to carry out the charge given by the 79th General Convention in Resolution A068. Resolution A068 offers worshipping communities the opportunity to “try on” new liturgies and prayers and share them with the Liturgical Commission for reflection and possible further dissemination across ECCT. Specifically it calls upon bishops to, “…engage worshiping communities in experimentation and the creation of alternative texts to offer to the wider church, and that each diocese be urged to create a liturgical commission to collect, reflect, teach and share these resources to the Task Force on Liturgical and Prayer Book Revision.”
Since then, the Commission has provided resources for Holy Week and September 11 memorial services.
Below you will find links to resources related to the “Creation Care” question for the Baptismal Covenant, expansive language Eucharistic Prayers (A, B, and D), and a new “Women’s Lectionary for the Whole Church.” The Commission encourages communities to explore and consider for use in the new church year. If you and when you “try on” some of these resources, please be in contact with the Commission’s co-chairs, the Rev. Tuesday Rupp and the Rev. Stephanie Johnson to share your experience.
Recently Added Liturgical Resources
- Alternative Good Friday / Viernes Santo Alternativo
- An additional question for the Baptismal Covenant concerning care of creation, originally developed by ECCT in 2014
- Expansive language to describe God in Eucharistic Prayer A, B and D, as approved by General Convention in 2018
- Dr. Wilda Gafney’s “A Women’s Lectionary for the Whole Church” which the Commission commends to worshipping communities for trial use.
- A list of links to available liturgical resources authorized and/or published by The Episcopal Church and/or Church Publishing Incorporated.
The Commission is also seeking any other liturgical materials which you may be “trying on” in your community, in particular Lenten resources. Please submit those resources on the new Music & Liturgy page. The Commission will review these resources for possible inclusion in our forth-coming “Music & Liturgy” resources page on ECCT’s website.
We also encourage you to “save the date” for an interactive conversation on “How to effect liturgical change in a congregation: Resources and Ideas.” on January 12, 2022 at 1 PM. Watch eNews for more information soon.
Please feel free to contact the Commission co-chairs with any other comments, questions, or suggestion.
