At the heart of the liturgy are two principle parts that hold everything together: the Word and the Sacrament of the Altar (Holy Communion). These two activities have guided and given shape to Christian worship since the time of the Apostles. The beginning of the service provides a time for Gathering; time to prepare our hearts and minds for the Word. After the Sacrament of the Altar, the service moves to a conclusion with a blessing and a dismissal, sending us out into the world to witness in word and action about the Good News of God's love in Christ. These four functions give the liturgy its basic shape.
