Liturgy and Music in the Diocese of Kentucky
In the Diocese of Kentucky we treasure the common prayer that unifies us as the Episcopal denomination. We also embrace the variety of expressions of how that common prayer takes shape. In this Diocese, all liturgical resources that have been approved for use by General Convention are permitted to be used. This includes, among other resources, the Enriching our Worship series and expansive language liturgies. .
It is expected that any introduction of new liturgical materials be done with care, education, and with an intentional gathering of feedback from the congregation. Below you will find examples of resources that may be helpful to clergy in planning liturgies. This includes both approved resources that are outside of the 1979 BCP, as well as bulletin examples for occasional liturgies. If you plan on using a liturgical resource that has not been approved by General Convention or listed below, please be sure to inform the Bishop beforehand, and provide feedback afterward.
The Bishop has, on occasion, convened an advisory committee for considering questions of liturgy and music in the diocese. The Bishop’s Advisory Committee on Liturgy and Music was established in response to General Convention Resolution 2018-A068. That resolution began, in earnest, the process of Prayer Book revision, which will last close to two decades. Paragraph 6 of A068 called on bishops to “engage worshiping communities in experimentation and the creation of alternative texts to offer to the wider church, and that each diocese create a liturgical commission to collect, reflect, teach, and share these resources with the Task Force on Liturgical and Prayer Book Revision.”
Expansive Language Liturgy
General Convention has authorized for Trial Use expansive language versions of Eucharistic Prayers A, B, C, and D. Our diocese has also approved expansive language versions of a number of regular liturgies. Below you will find links to these versions. If you have any questions please contact the Rev. Benjamin Hart at rector@stlukesanchorage.org.
Click Here for a PDF of the Expansive Language Eucharist
Click Here for a word doc of the Expansive Language Eucharist
Click Here for a word doc of the Expansive Language Eucharistic Prayer C – Dialogic
Click Here for a word doc of the Expansive Language Eucharistic Prayer C – Fixed Response
Click here for a Google Slides presentation introducing the expansive versions of Eucharistic Prayer C
Click Here for a PDF of the Expansive Language Burial Office
Click Here for a PDF of the Expansive Language Holy Baptism
Click Here for a PDF of the Expansive Language Ash Wednesday
Click Here for a PDF of the Expansive Language The Great Litany
Click Here for a PDF of the Expansive Language Palm Sunday
Click Here for a PDF of the Expansive Language Good Friday
Click Here for a PDF of the Expansive Language Holy Saturday
Click Here for a PDF of the Expansive Language The Great Vigil of Easter
Hymns & Service Music Approved for the Diocese
The following hymns and service music have been approved by the Bishop's Advisory Committee on Liturgy and Music for use in the Diocese. It is expected that clergy wishing to implement any new materials in corporate worship at the Principal Service will take the time to introduce the congregation to these resources ahead of time. If you plan on using a resource outside of those approved by General Convention or listed below, please inform the Bishop.
Click here for a pdf version of the table below.
Other Resources
Click Here for the Environmental Stewardship POP Amendments
Click Here for a Palm Sunday Bulletin
Click Here for an SMEC Palm Sunday Bulletin
Click Here for a Prayer in the Absence of the Great Thanksgiving
Click Here for a bulletin for a Bishop’s Visitation with Confirmation.
Click Here for a bulletin for a Bishop’s Visitation with Confirmation and Baptism
Click Here for a bulletin for a Celebration of New Ministry
Click Here for a bulletin for The Ordination of a Deacon
Click Here for a bulletin for The Ordination of a Priest
Clergy Days and Diocesan Liturgies
We have four clergy gatherings throughout each year in the Diocese of Kentucky. Gathering periodically as ordained colleagues builds up and supports our common Gospel work together in the diocese.
Spring Pre-Lent Clergy Retreat
Location: All Saints Camp and Conference Center
Date: This retreat is usually the Thursday preceding Ash Wednesday. Clergy are also welcome to stay at All Saints the night before and/or after the day of the retreat.
This is a chance for the clergy of the diocese to gather together for fellowship and prayer before the beginning of Lent.
Dress is casual and the clergy usually do not vest.
Chrism Mass and Renewal of Vows
Location: All Saints Camp and Conference Center
Date: This liturgy is usually the Thursday before Holy Week.
This annual liturgy is an important time for us to gather as colleagues in ordained ministry in the diocese. At this liturgy Oil of Chrism, Healing, and the Catechumenate are consecrated and made available to each of the churches in the diocese. This liturgy is also when we renew our ordination vows.
Vest according to order, in cassock and surplice or alb, with white stole.
Fall Clergy Day
Location: All Saints Camp and Conference Center
Date: This gathering is usually the third Thursday in October.
This is a chance for the clergy of the diocese to gather for fellowship and prayer each fall.
Dress is casual and the clergy usually do not vest.
Diocesan Convention
Location: The Kentucky Diocesan Convention changes locations each year. The 2023 convention will be hosted at Christ Church, Bowling Green.
Date: The Diocesan Convention is held on the Friday and Saturday of the second week in November.
Workshops are usually held on the Friday afternoon of convention. The convention Eucharist and reception is Friday evening. The budget hearing and business sessions are held on Saturday.
For the Convention Eucharist, clergy vest according to order, in cassock and surplice or alb, with red stole.
Days of Local Observance
Sister Emily Cooper and All Forgotten Children - April 17
Sister Emily Cooper served as the first Episcopal Deaconess in charge of the Home of the Innocents from 1880 until her retirement in 1904. She oversaw the baptisms of 284 infants and developed & administered the first kindergarten at the Home in 1888. She retired due to failing health and lived out her remaining years at Orphanage of the Good Shepherd. Due in part to Sister Emily’s faith, love, and care, the Home of the Innocents grew from a “struggling little mission” into one of the main charity organizations in Louisville. She was laid to rest in Cave Hill cemetery among the unmarked graves of 77 infants & children from the Home of the Innocents who died between 1880 and 1900.
Anne Braden - July 28 (Birthdate) or March 6 (Date of her death)
Anne McCarty Braden was a Civil Rights activist and advocate for racial equality.
Lessons
Isaiah 25:6-9
Psalm 40
James 2:14-20 [21-26]
Luke 1:46-55
Collect
God of all people, who raises up prophets in all times and places, we give you thanks for your servant Anne Braden, who helped us to see that racial injustice and social inequality must be rooted out by persistent and determined action. Kindle in us the vision to recognize the needs before us today, and give us the courage and commitment to stand against the injustices in our world. We pray in the name of Jesus Christ our Savior. Amen.
You can find a flier here to share the details of the service.
The Rev. Aaron McNeil - October 10
The Rev. A. H. (Alexander Hamilton) McNeil (aka Aaron McNeil, a name by which he is fondly remembered by his community today), was a pioneer, churchman, educator, and community leader, as the first African American Episcopal clergyman (deacon) in Hopkinsville, Kentucky. He was born October 10, 1858 and served faithfully as the first pastor (deacon in charge) of the Mission of the Good Shepherd, Hopkinsville, Kentucky, until his death in Hopkinsville, January 14, 1901.
Click here for an informational flier to share with your congregation.
