Once a month at the Grand Valley Institution for Women our small group leads a celebration of Holy Eucharist that would be familiar to Anglicans, as it is simply adapted to our context.
We often sit in a round formation; sometimes participants need to be gently encouraged to sit in the circle rather than in a back row (not unlike how many in our parishes gravitate to the back pew!).
We sing a few hymns — accompanied by keyboard whenever possible. One or more readings are often offered to women in the congregation, and typically in place of a traditional sermon we have a time of lectio divina or group discussion arising from one or more of the readings.
Each person who attends is given the opportunity to add names to the intercessions list for the prayers of the people.
In the prison setting sacramental wine is authorized for use in Catholic and Anglican services, though only a small amount, which is to be consumed by the presiding priest.
Sometimes it is clear that some who participate in our liturgies come from Anglican or Lutheran backgrounds, but oftentimes our gatherings are quite ecumenical, drawing people from Roman Catholic, Protestant, or evangelical/charismatic backgrounds.
Rev. Miles Schell-Rodnick