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When the Anglican Church of Canada published the Book of Alternative Services in 1985 there was a discernible difference in emphasis from the traditional liturgy of the Book of Common Prayer.  It was shot through with words like "participation," "community," and "shared action."  The very order of the service suggested that the priest and people share an equal but not identical role when the Church gathers to worship as Christ's new humanity.

One area of particular interest was "The Prayers of the People," which was seen as an analogue to the Sermon.  Not that the PotP was a "different sermon" but that both sermon and prayers were seen to be concerned with "life in the world."  It was imagined that just as sermons were varied even as they spoke to of contemporary needs and hopes, so the Prayers of the People could be representative of different voices and approaches as we brought the cares of the community and the cares of the world before Christ in our midst.

From the perspective of Anglican theology, people who volunteer to lead the congregation in these prayers are a kind of "proof of concept:" the church is truly acting as the gathered body of Christ when both the order of clergy and the order of laity take a leading role in the liturgy.

At present, we are looking for a few more people to join this important ministry.  Those who volunteer are often serving in this role more than is sustainable.  Please let me know if you're interested in learning more about this important ministry.  I can provide encouragement and training and the other people who serve in this ministry are also available for support.  

Looking forward to being the Church together in 2026!

Allen+