Worship - The Book of Common Prayer

Overview

Worship is the core activity of Christians, who regularly gather together to offer praise and prayer to God.  The Book of Common Prayer (BCP) is so much more than a liturgical resource book. This course endeavours to provide introductory perspectives relating to the history, structure and collects as well as provide a brief overview of the daily office.  It is the intent that this course will provide a foundation for discussion between the layreader and incumbent and is not intended as an in depth study of the BCP.

Objectives

On completion of this course you should be able to:

1. Provide an outline of how the BCP is used as both a resource and in public prayer.
2. Describe how the liturgy of the BCP teaches us to hear and understand Scripture.
3. Provide a basic understanding of the history of the BCP.
4. Introduce the importance of the collects & leading worship.

Course Materials and Resources 

• Course content document
• Videos by the Rev. Bruce Glencross:
• Introductory Perspectives: History, Structure and Collects
• Leading Worship with the Book of Common Prayer
• Video: Leading Morning Prayer by the Rev. Dr. Cole Hartin
• Video: Book of Common Prayer and Book of Alternative Services - by the Rev. Peter Armstrong, NSPEI (NO LONGER AVAILABLE)
• Historic Heritage of the Book of Common Prayer - Matt Gardner, ACC
• BCP Introductory Reflections - The Rev. Dr. Ranall Ingalls
• Elements of the BCP - The Rev. Dr. Ranall Ingalls
• A Prayer Book Glossary
• The BCP Story - Prayer Book Society
• Development of the Book of Common Prayer - the Rev. David Peer
• The Collects - Origin and Structure
• Liturgies of the Primitive Church
• Praying with Understanding: Explanations of Words and Passages in the Book of
  Common Prayer -  R T Beckwith, The Latimer Trust
• Language and Liturgy -  G L Bray, S A Wilcockson & R A Leaver, The Latimer Trust

Individual / Small Group Study

Layreaders are encouraged to attend group events if possible, however, this course can be completed via self study or with a small local group.

• Complete the layreader self-study course registration form 
• Read and follow the instructions in the course content document

Course Evaluation

Once you have completed this course, either by yourself or with a group, please submit the course evaluation form, either online or send paper copy to:
Warden of Layreaders
168 Church Street,
Fredericton NB E3B 4C9