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Common Worship The Churchyard
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What is the Common Worship Service? Common Worship is a series of books of services and prayers, known as a liturgy, published by the Church of England. It is one of only two prayer books currently (as of 2004) authorised for use by the Church of England. The other official service book for the Church of England denomination in England is the 1662 Book of Common Prayer (BCP). It has proven very popular since its official launch in 2000 (on the first Sunday of Advent.) It provides guides to churches, ministers and individual worshippers for services and prayers. Its predecessor, the Alternative Service Book (ASB), was effectively replaced by Common Worship. However, Common Worship draws upon the ASB, the BCP and other Anglican prayer books for style and content. Unlike the 1662 Book of Common Prayer, Common Worship uses modern twentieth century language. It also includes services and prayers not found in older prayer books, such as a service of thanksgiving for a child. (In 1662, it was assumed that all children brought to church would be baptised as infants. Modern practice is more inclusive.) Why do we use this service? Quite simply, because it is the most relevant in terms of language to worshippers of today. It keeps the traditional structure of the foundations of the anglican church, but in language that people living in the 21st century can most easily relate to. It also ensures that people of all ages can worship together without division in understanding or enjoyment.
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