Who can take Communion in The Episcopal Church?

All baptized persons are welcome to receive Communion at The Episcopal Church. It does not matter where you were baptized (Catholic, Baptist, or Non-Denominational), as long as you were baptized in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, you are welcome to receive the Body and Blood of Christ at our Altar.

What do you believe about the Eucharist?

We believe that sacraments are visible signs of an invisible grace. In the case of the Holy Eucharist, the visible signs are the bread and the wine, and the invisible graces are the most precious Body and Blood of our Lord Jesus Christ. Episcopalians believe in the Real Presence of Christ in the Sacrament. We do not think that the Gospels explain how this miracle happens, and hence we try not to explain it too much (transubstantiation, consubstantiation, and other doctrines are all possible explanations, but we do not affirm any over the others). We simply follow the Gospel and believe it, for us, Christ is truly present and that is all that matters.

How do I get baptized or become a member?

Start attending the Eucharist! Please get to know us! Reach out to the priest and he will guide you. Suppose you have been baptized in another denomination, but are not Confirmed by a bishop. In that case, you will be invited to take a preparation course for Confirmation, that will teach you the foundations of the Christian faith and how Anglicans worship, serve, and live out our calling. If you were already confirmed by a bishop, you will probably still be asked to attend the Confirmation class but will be “received” by the bishop rather than confirmed (the bishop will recognize your Confirmation as valid and welcome you into the Episcopal Church).

What do you believe about LGBTQ+ people?

We believe all persons are loved by God - and we mean it! We believe that LGBTQ+ people are loved by God as they are. The Episcopal Church marries same-sex couples, affirms everyone’s identity, and invites all to serve in varied lay and ordained ministries. We believe that everyone is a beloved child of God, deserving of dignity and respect. Everyone is welcome and included in our church because we believe that the Kingdom of God contains a vast multitude and diversity of persons, identities, and orientations. LGBTQ+ individuals and families are welcomed into the full sacramental life and worship of the church and encouraged to participate in leadership, ministry, and service at all levels. We affirm the gifts, presence, and leadership that LGBTQ+ people bring to the Church and the Kingdom of God.

What is the Anglican Communion?

The Anglican Communion consists of all the churches in this relationship. It includes more than 85 million people in more than 600 dioceses. The Anglican Communion is global with members in 165 countries.

The Archbishop of Canterbury, considered the first among equals, leads the Church of England and therefore the Anglican Communion. As the member churches are in communion, the Archbishop does not have the same authority over Anglican churches that the Pope has over the Roman Catholic Church.

How do Episcopalians worship?

Worship is liturgical, literally meaning the work of the people. We participate in creative, energizing worship that:

• engages all the senses

• provides rhythm and balance throughout the church year

• is formed by ancient rites that include communal prayers, music, responses and actions

• prepares us to be Christ’s hands in the world.

The Book of Common Prayer (B.C.P. or Prayer Book) outlines the liturgy. If you are familiar with Roman Catholic or Lutheran services, you will find Episcopal services remarkably similar.

Does the Episcopal Church have sacraments?

Yes! Baptism and Eucharist (Communion), as well as Confirmation, Reconciliation, Holy Matrimony, Holy Orders (Ordination), Anointing of the Sick (Unction).

The central rite is the Service of Holy Eucharist (a.k.a. Communion or The Lord’s Supper). Eucharist is a Greek word meaning thanksgiving.

Is the Episcopal Church Protestant or Catholic?

Yes… both… neither… either… Anglicanism is often referred to as a bridge tradition. When the Church of England separated from Rome, it did not consider itself to be Protestant. As the church evolved in England, certain elements of the Reformation surfaced. In an attempt to reconcile the views of the Reformers with those of the Roman Catholic Church, the Anglican tradition became a home for both. Most worshiping communities fall somewhere in the middle.

Is the Episcopal Church conservative or liberal?

The Episcopal Church is made up of individual people, so you will experience a wide range of viewpoints, theologically, liturgically, socially, and politically. That rings true also for St John’s as a congregation.