Episcopal worship has an ancient context which is grounded in a multi-sensory experience with song, movement, and active participation. As well, there will be fancy clothes (called vestments), furnishings (called paraments), incense, and bells. Such a context grounds Episcopal worship in 2000 years of history and formation, and allows the wisdom of the ages to speak to modern life. On the other hand, Episcopal worship engages the ancient liturgy with a modern people as it allows for the inclusion of more contemporary elements. By incorporating a variety of styles and services, ranging from very formal ("high") to more informal ("low"), Episcopal worship holds the tension between the ancient and the modern. The mingling of the ancient and the contemporary helps to tell the a sacred story that is truly universal - that spans time and place.
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