In spite of the diversity of worship styles in the Episcopal Church, the Communion service or Eucharistic Service always has the same components and the same shape.

The Liturgy of the Word
We begin by praising God through song and prayer, and then listen to as many as four readings from the Bible. Usually one from the Old Testament  a Psalm, something from the  Epistels (letters written to the ancient church)  and (always) a reading from the Gospels. The psalm is usually sung or recited by the congregation.

Next, a  sermon interpreting the readings  appointed for the day is preached.

The congregation then recites the Nicene Creed  written in the Fourth Century and the Church’s statement of what we believe ever since.

Next, the congregation  prays together—for the  church,  the World, and those in need. We pray for the sick, thank God for all the good things in our lives, and finally, we pray for the dead. The  presider, or celebrant (usually the priest or bishop) concludes with a prayer that gathers the petitions into a communal offering of intercession. 

In certain seasons of the Church year, the congregation formally  confesses their sins before God and one another. This is a corporate statement of what we have done and what we have left undone, followed by a pronouncement of  absolution (the assurance of God's unmerited and gracious forgiveness).  In pronouncing absolution, the presider assures the congregation that God is always ready to forgive our sins.

The congregation then greets one another with a  sign of peace, usually a handshake and the words, "Peace be with you."

The Liturgy of the Table
Next, the priest stands at the table, which has been set with a cup of wine and a plate of bread or wafers, raises his or her hands, and greets the congregation again, saying “The Lord be With You.”  Now begins the Eucharistic Prayer, in which the presider tells the story of our faith, from the beginning of Creation, through the choosing of Israel to be God’s people, through our continual turning away from God, and God’s calling us to return. Finally, the presider tells the story of the coming of Jesus Christ, and about the night before his death, on which he instituted the Eucharistic meal (communion) as a continual remembrance of him.

The presider blesses the bread and wine, and the congregation recites the  Lord's Prayer. Finally, the presider  breaks the bread and offers it to the congregation, as the “gifts of God for the People of God.”

The congregation then shares the bread and the wine. The people all come forward to receive the bread and wine; those not baptized or not wishing to receive the bread and wine come forward and receive a blessing.  This is indicated by crossing your arms over your chest.

All Are Welcome
Everyone is welcome at our service, and all baptized Christians—no matter age, marital status or denomination—are welcome to “receive communion.” Episcopalians invite all baptized people to receive, not because we take the Eucharist lightly, but because we take our baptism so seriously.  If you are feeling hungry for the sacrament, speak with the priest about being baptized!

Visitors who are not baptized Christians are welcome to come forward during the Communion to receive a blessing from the presider. Indicate this by crossing your arms over your chest.

At the end of the Eucharist, the congregation prays once more in thanksgiving, and then is dismissed to continue the life of  service to God and to the World.

Thanks to the Episcopal Church USA's visitors center for providing the above instruction and information on "What to expect" when visiting an Episcopal church.