This course will examine the liturgical principles underlying the planning process for Episcopal Church worship, with specific emphasis on the 1979 Book of Common Prayer. This course will offer students a foundation for planning and leading worship services in the Episcopal Church. We will look at issues which influence the planning of any given service, such as the Church calendar and the liturgical space. We will look specifically at what to consider when planning and presiding at a baptism, at the Eucharist, at a marriage, and at a burial. We will also plan for special liturgies, such as those of Holy Week. This course would be beneficial to those who are wanting to know more about the liturgy of the Episcopal Church and will also offer a practical component for those who may be preparing for holy orders in both the priesthood and vocational diaconate.
Instructor: The Rev. Dr. Melissa Hartley is the Senior Associate University Chaplain at The University of the South, in Sewanee, Tennessee, where she coordinates worship for All Saints’ Chapel and leads the Catechumenate process. She teaches in the Doctor of Ministry and ACTS (Alternative Clergy Training in Sewanee) programs at the School of Theology. Melissa is an Episcopal priest from the Diocese of Atlanta and has served parishes in Georgia, New York, and New Jersey. She holds the following degrees: B.A., University of the South; M.Div., S.T.M., General Theological Seminary; Ph.D. (Liturgical Studies), Drew University.