What does it mean to be an Episcopalian?

It means actively participating through Christ's Church in the work of God
           
    In  Church Services and parish programs
    In acts of charity and social justice
    In spreading the Good News of Christ to
    other people
    In learning more about God and how He
    shares His love with us
    By giving of our means and talents to the
    greater purpose of God's work

The mission of an Episcopalian is not simply a matter of "saving souls." Neither
 is it simply a matter of "feeding the hungry." Christian mission is seen as
 involving both the spiritual and the physical welfare of mankind, for
 Christ's love must extend to all of life. The mission of the Church is to restore
 all people to unity with God and each other in Christ.

"The Episcopal Church" is one branch of the world-wide Anglican Communion
numbering 70 million members in over 100 countries. It is often described as
the "bridge church" because it includes both Catholic and Protestant traditions.
It preserves the ancient Catholic faith and sacraments and the historic ministry
with Bishops as its chief pastors. ("Episcopal" comes from the Greek word for
"bishop.") It is at the same time Protestant, focusing on the basic authority of
Holy Scripture and the proclamation of the Word of God.

Episcopalians promise to follow Jesus Christ as
their Savior and Lord.
Episcopalians believe in One God,
     the Father who creates us and all things,
     the Son who redeems us from sin and death,
     the Holy Spirit who renews us as the Children
     of God.

Episcopalians believe the Holy Scriptures to be
the Word of God and to contain all things
necessary for salvation. We believe God
inspired human authors and continues to
speak to us through the Bible.

Episcopalians affirm that salvation is the end
of our separation from God and the beginning
of a new relationship with God and with one
another. The Apostles' and Nicene Creeds are
basic statements of our beliefs in God.

The Episcopal Church offers a thoughtful approach to religion. It believes faith involves
reason as well as emotion. Its doctrine is designed to point out, not dictate, the response
to God's continuing revelation. The focus is on God's love and the invitation to respond
in mature freedom, in thanksgiving, and in loving devotion. Basic beliefs are expressed
in the Book of Common Prayer and especially the Catechism.

The Episcopal Church teaches us that the approach to morality is positive rather than
Negative. It is rooted in Jesus" summary of the law to love God with heart, mind,
and soul and to love one's neighbor as oneself. Its focus is not on laws and
restrictions but on free and mature response to God's love and in responsibility for
our neighbors.
        

Sacraments are the "outward and visible signs of inward and
spiritual grace." Grace is God's love freely given to us for
forgiveness and spiritual renewal.

The two sacraments of the Gospel, instituted and ordained by
Christ Himself as essential for every Christian's salvation, are:
1.  Holy Baptism
     Administered once as a pledge of repentance and trust in
     Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. It is the means by which
     God adopts us as His Children and makes us members of
     Christ's Body, the Church.
2.  Holy Eucharist
     In it we share bread and wine for the continual
     remembrance of Christ's life, death, and resurrection
     until His coming again. Through it we receive the
     forgiveness of our sins and the strengthening of our
     union with Christ and one another.

 There are five other sacramental rites:
  1.  Confirmation: the rite in which we express mature
       commitment to Christ and receive strength from the
       Holy Spirit through prayer and the laying on of hands
       by a bishop.
  2.  Holy Matrimony: the sacrament of marriage, in which
       a man and woman commit their lives to one another
       and receive God's blessing.
  3.  Reconciliation of a Penitent: the confession of one's
       sins to God in the presence of a priest and the receiving
       of the assurance of God'sforgiveness and the grace of
       absolution.
  4.  Ministration to the Sick: the anointing of the sick
       with oil, or the laying on of hands, by which God's
       grace is given for the healing of spirit, mind, and body.
  5.  Ordination: the sacrament consecrating Christians
       in service to God as bishops, priests, and deacons.

In worship we unite ourselves with others to
acknowledge the holiness of God, to hear
God's Word, to offer prayer and praise, and to
celebrate the sacraments. The Celebration of
the Holy Eucharist is the central act of worship in
accordance with Jesus' command to His disciples.
Three books are used: at every service lessons
are read from the Holy Bible, the service follows
the Book of Common Prayer, which is composed
of both ancient and modern liturgies and prayers;
the Hymnal includes both traditional and
contemporary Church music.

Episcopal services preserve the rich worship and
tradition of the historic Church. All present
participate actively in this joyous response
to God's love.

The Episcopal Church is a democratic church with a
a government much like the government of the
United States and with Bishops giving pastoral
care and oversight. In each congregation the
ministry is shared by Lay People and ordained
clergy -- priests and deacons.
   Lay Persons represent Christ and His Church
   and bear witness to Him wherever they may
   be according to the gifts given them.
   Deacons assist in the proclamation of the
   Gospel, in the administration of the
   Sacraments, and as servantsto those in need.
   Priests serve as pastors, proclaim the Gospel,
   and administer the Sacraments.
   Bishops serve as chief priests and pastors of
   dioceses and ordain others to continue
   Christ's ministry.
   

1.  Speak to the Rector and register your baptism
     and/or your confirmation date.
2.  Attend the "Come & See" classes, which are
     discussion times to learn about the beliefs,
     practices, history, and ministry of this parish.
3.  Participate in a New Parishioner ceremony
     and/or be received before our Bishop
     at his next visit.

For more information, please contact Father Richard.