A Form for Ordering a
Service of the Word
Forms used at the discretion of the minister conducting the service on any occasion shall be neither contrary to, nor indicative of any departure from the doctrine and authority of the Anglican Church in Aotearoa, New Zealand and Polynesia in any essential matter.
GATHER
The Preparation
- Liturgical Greeting
- Prayers of Penitence (here or in The Prayers)
- Hymn, Song of Praise, or a set of responses
- Opening Prayer (Collect) (here or in The Prayers)
STORY
The Ministry of the Word
- Reading(s) from Holy Scripture
- Psalm(s), Scriptural Song(s)Psalm
- Sermon
- Creed or Affirmation of Faith
The Prayers
- Intercessions and Thanksgivings
- The Lord’s Prayer
GO
The Conclusion
- Liturgical ending
Some Notes Relating to
A Form for Ordering a Service
of the Word
INTRODUCTORY NOTES
Prayer of Penitence
Sections from Liturgies of the Word or from Liturgies of the Eucharist in ANZPB-HKMOA are useful resources. The minister may introduce the confession with suitable words.
Hymns, Canticles, Acclamations, Songs of Praise and The Peace
Possible points are indicated for some of these, but they may occur elsewhere as occasion requires.
Silence
Periods of silence may be kept at different points of the service. It may be particularly appropriate in the Liturgical Greeting, Prayer of Penitence, Reading(s) from Holy Scripture, and Intercessions and Thanksgivings.
GATHER
Liturgical Greeting
It is important for each service to have a clear beginning. It may be appropriate to have some introductory singing, or a hymn, or a sentence of scripture before the Liturgical Greeting that might be followed by a brief introduction or an opening prayer.
STORY
Readings
There may be readings from Holy Scripture and other Christian devotional material. Normally there would be at least one scriptural reading. These might be dramatised, sung or read responsively. The Lectionary published each year provides an ordered cycle of readings. This would be especially useful in the Christmas and Easter seasons, and when the service is combined with a Eucharist. Various other art forms might be considered such a liturgical dance.
Psalms
A service might include a Psalm or Psalms using either the ANZPB-HKMOA or a metrical, responsive version, or perhaps a paraphrase.
Sermon
The term sermon may include less formal exposition, the use of drama, interviews, discussions, and audiovisuals. Hymns or other sections of the service may be inserted between parts of the sermon. The sermon may come after the readings, or before or after the prayers.
Sermon & Creed
These might be omitted on a weekday but included on a Sunday or Holy Day.
GO
Conclusion
It is helpful to have a clear ending. This might include one or more of the following forms: The Peace, the Grace, or a suitable ascription or blessing. A responsive conclusion might complete this section.